The 5 Best Sleeper Sofas of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

Our top pick for the best sleeper sofa is the Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa, because it’s luxuriously comfortable and has lots of customization options. For something more budget-friendly, we recommend the Article Nordby Sofa Bed, which isn’t as comfortable but makes up for it in durability and ease of use.

Our Testing Process

To determine the best sleeper sofas, we put six sofas to the test in our own living rooms. First, we took note of how long it took for each sofa to arrive and what the setup process was like, including how many boxes it arrived in and how long it took to build. We then did a thorough examination of each sofa, evaluating the feel and quality of the frame and upholstery. We also took note of whether the upholstery was made of a performance fabric, and whether the sofa was available in a range of colors and fabrics.

Next, we assessed comfort and ease of use. We sat on the couch for at least one hour a day for four weeks, taking note of how firm or soft the seat was and how comfortable it felt to sit for a longer period of time. We then timed how long it took to convert the sofa into a bed and add a fitted sheet, and assessed how challenging the process was for one person to manage. We also measured the mattress and compared it to the manufacturer’s specs. 

Then, we slept on the sleeper overnight at least once a week during the four-week testing period. We evaluated our sleep quality and the comfort of the mattress, including its firmness and overall support. When the night was over, we timed how long it took to convert the bed back into a sofa. If any spills or stains happened during the testing period, we assessed how easy the sofa was to clean and whether the cleaning resulted in any wear and tear. Once the testing period ended, we scored each sleeper sofa on its comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and overall value.

How to Shop for Sleeper Sofas Like a Pro

Dimensions 

“Sleeper sofa dimensions change depending on if they are folded in or extended out, and also depend on the bed size within as well as the sofa’s overall size,” says Jessica Harris, interior designer and manager of production design at Living Spaces. “Whether you opt for a queen- or full-size mattress and if you choose a small sofa or a large sectional will all factor into the size of the sleeper sofa.” 

According to Harris, sleeper sofas have different sizing compared to beds. For example, small sleeper sofas are under 80 inches wide, while large sleeper sofas are over 90 inches wide. In comparison, standard queen-size mattresses are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Also, bed mattresses tend to be thicker, and won’t fit in a typical sleeper sofa.

Mattress Type

When it comes to sleeper sofas, there are two mattress types: innerspring and memory foam. “An innerspring sleeper may offer a bit more ‘bounce’ and feelings of support, while a memory foam sleeper may feel a bit more contouring,” Harris explains. “Test out each type for yourself in the store and go with the one that feels most comfortable to you—if you like it, chances are high that your guests will too!”

Upholstery

“Fabric sofas require a bit more maintenance than leather but are still easy to clean, and are many people’s favorite upholstery choice for comfort reasons,” says Harris. But, for anyone who is looking for a sleeper sofa that goes the distance, she says pure leather is always a good option. You can also choose upholstery made from performance fabrics that are spill-resistant, pet-friendly, or have low-chemical emissions.

Frame

When choosing a sleeper sofa, you want to look for sturdy frames made out of hardwoods such as oak or maple. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, you can go with pine, which is not as durable but still strong enough to support your couch. “For the best quality, look for frames made of kiln-dried hardwoods and engineered woods,” Harris says.

Pull-Out Mechanism

It’s important to assess how easy it is to pull out the mattress when shopping for a sleeper sofa. Most sleeper sofas will have a fabric handle on the sofa to help pull the bed part out. According to, “it is often very easy to pull out the mattress; however, if your mattress is heavy, it may be more challenging.” If you don’t want a pull-out mattress, you can go with a futon-style sleeper, like the Article Nordby Sofa Bed.

More Sleeper Sofas to Consider

Pottery Barn Cameron Roll Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa with Memory Foam Mattress: This sleeper sofa converts from sofa to bed in about three minutes. While it makes a great family couch because of the slipcover design, it is expensive and took around six months to arrive.

Questions You Might Ask

What’s the difference between a sleeper sofa and a futon?

The big difference between a sleeper sofa and a futon is that a futon’s mattress is part of the sofa’s design. “In a futon, the cushions for sleeping and the cushions for sitting are the same,” says Harris. “Because the seat cushion of a futon is the same as the mattress, futons tend to have a distinct look—they are flatter, firmer, and tufted in grids like a traditional mattress.”

 On a sofa bed, “the mattress usually rests on a separate frame, often built under the sofa seats. To convert a sofa bed into a nighttime mattress for sleeping, the bed frame must be pulled out from under the sofa design.”

How much should you expect to spend on a sleeper sofa?

Sleeper sofas typically range in price depending on features and quality. According to Harris, prices can range from below $500 to above $5,000 for a high-end couch. When it comes to sleepers, you get what you pay for, with less expensive sofas typically having less comfort and lower-quality frames than more expensive options.

What is the lifespan of a sleeper sofa?

“If you notice fraying, hear creaking, and/or get an uncomfortable ‘sinking in’ feeling every time you sit on your sofa, then it’s probably time for a new one,” Harris says. “On average, a quality fabric sofa can last seven to fifteen years; quality leather sofas can last up to three times as long as fabric sofas.”

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To put together this list, we tested the best sleeper sofas in the real world, evaluating them on comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and overall value. Nor’adila also received tips from Jessica Harris, interior designer and manager of production design at Living Spaces.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.