Couch Comparisons

Amazon vs Hem: Who Has Better Couches?

September 27, 2024

Who will reign supreme in the battle of sofas: Amazon or Hem? Jump in to find out which brand crafts the comfiest and most stylish couches!

Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder

Get ready to explore a sofa showdown like no other, featuring heavyweights Amazon and Hem. In a clash of style, durability, and value, which brand will emerge as the ultimate couch champion? Let's find out!

Side By Side

Features	Amazon	Hem
Made to Order Lead Times	4-6 weeks	1-7 Weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option	Varies	$299
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option	Multiple	Affirm
Assembly Required		Varies
Large Fabric Selection	Varies
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin	Import	Europe
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price	$-$$$	$$$$

Hem and Amazon tackle the couch market from different angles. Hem shines in style and durability, offering modern designs with premium materials that withstand the test of time. When it comes to sustainability, Hem takes the lead with a strong emphasis on responsible practices. Amazon, on the other hand, stands out in variety and overall value, catering to diverse budgets and providing excellent customer focus. In the end, Hem's blend of style, durability, and sustainability may edge it out as the top pick for design-conscious buyers.

BRAND #1: Amazon

From its humble beginnings as an online bookstore, Amazon has evolved into a global e-commerce giant, offering everything from books and electronics to groceries and furniture. Their focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and convenience has made them a household name. In the furniture market, Amazon's vast selection of sofas, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, caters to a diverse range of needs and preferences. Their commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through initiatives like renewable energy investments and waste reduction programs, further solidifies their position as a leader in the industry.

Amazon | Brand Summary

Amazon is a marktplace that houses likely thousands of different furniture retailers and millions of couch product skus so it's hard to generalize. It is fair to say, however, that Amazon sofas showcase a great mix of affordability and quality. The wide variety of styles ensures that everyone can find a sofa that fits their unique taste and home decor. Their strong emphasis on customer service makes the shopping experience smooth and enjoyable.

Amazon also has a few private label furniture brands, including Amazon Basics, Stone and Beam, and Rivet. These were introduced in recent years to try and really take a step forward in the furniture space.

Whether you're looking for a basic, budget-friendly option or a luxurious centerpiece, Amazon has you covered. They kind of have, well... everything. But it's their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction that truly sets them apart in the competitive furniture marketplace game.

Amazon | PotatoMeter Rating:

Online Shopping Experience Score	93%
Durability and Quality Score	91%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	94%
Vibe Check Score	94%
Customer Focus Score	92%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	93%

Read Our Amazon Brand Review

Amazon | Pros & Cons

Pros

Wide variety of styles and prices
Fast shipping for in-stock items
Multiple delivery options including in-home
90-day return window with no restocking fees
Commitment to sustainability through various initiatives
Clear cleaning instructions for sofas

Cons

Varying quality between brands
Standard warranty only covers 1 year
No assembly service offered
Limited in-house customization
Fabric swatches not always available online

Amazon’s sofa selection stands out due to its sheer variety and affordability. Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly piece or a luxury item, Amazon’s extensive catalog has something to offer. Their strong focus on customer service ensures a smooth shopping experience, with numerous financing options making it easier to find the perfect sofa within your budget.

However, it's important to note that the quality of sofas can vary. While Amazon’s private labels like Stone and Beam and Rivet offer consistent quality, products from third-party sellers might not always meet the same standards. Assembly is often required, which can be inconvenient for some customers. Additionally, the absence of a consistent in-store experience means you can’t always view the product before purchase.

Despite these potential drawbacks, Amazon’s generous return policy and quick delivery times provide significant advantages. The ability to customize many sofas with various fabrics and configurations adds to their appeal, allowing you to find a piece that truly fits your home.

Overall, Amazon’s blend of affordability, variety, and customer-focused services makes it a compelling option for anyone in the market for a new sofa. While it’s essential to do your homework and read reviews, Amazon’s commitment to quality and satisfaction shines through, making it a reliable choice in the competitive furniture market.

Shop Amazon Now

BRAND #2: Hem

Hem is a design-forward furniture company that partners with renowned designers to create modern pieces with a Scandinavian aesthetic. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of premium materials and focus on durable construction. Founded by Petrus Palmer, Hem aims to be a driving force in the design community, offering stylish and functional furniture that stands the test of time. Their emphasis on sustainability is also noteworthy, with a focus on responsible materials and minimizing waste in production and packaging.

Hem | Brand Summary

Hem nails the balance between playful design and grown-up craftsmanship. Their sofas won't fall apart after a month, and the fabrics feel surprisingly luxurious for the price point. While I have a few nitpicks (which we'll get into shortly!), I was pleasantly surprised by how well the brand walks the line between trendy and timeless. If you're looking for furniture with personality but don't want to compromise on quality, Hem is absolutely worth checking out.

Hem | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score	93%
Durability and Quality Score	92%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	93%
Vibe Check Score	95%
Customer Focus Score	90%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	93%

Read Our Hem Brand Review

Hem | Pros & Cons

Pros

Stylish, modern designs with a Scandinavian twist
Durable construction with quality materials
Transparent shipping information and multiple shipping methods
Financing options available through Affirm
Free fabric swatches
Strong emphasis on sustainability

Cons

Limited return window
Expensive return shipping and repackaging fees
No free shipping
Limited customization options
Limited information on cushion construction and support systems

Hem offers stylish, Scandinavian-inspired sofas that boast quality craftsmanship and durable materials. Their dedication to transparency is evident in their clear shipping information and detailed care instructions. However, the limited return window and hefty return fees could be a dealbreaker for some, and the lack of free shipping adds to the overall cost. While their customizable options are decent, they might not satisfy those seeking extensive personalization.

Overall, Hem is a strong contender for design-conscious buyers willing to invest in quality, but potential customers should weigh the costs and limitations before committing.

Shop Hem Now

And the winner is...

In the battle of sofas, Hem takes the crown as the ultimate victor, thanks to its exceptional style, durability, and sustainability practices. For those seeking a blend of design-forward furniture and long-lasting quality, Hem stands out as the top choice.

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Alex Back

Couch.com CEO & Founder

Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.

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