Which brand, Apt2B or Outer, dominates the realm of couches? Join us in this comparison adventure to uncover the master of comfort and style!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Strap in for a rollercoaster comparison ride between Apt2B and Outer! Are you curious to discover which sofa brand will steal the show? Let's uncover the winner together!
Side By Side
Features
Apt2B
Outer
Made to Order Lead Times
2-4 weeks
8-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$149
$275-$475
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Bread Pay
Affirm
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA + Import
China
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$
$$$$
In the showdown between Apt2B and Outer, Apt2B boasts a wide range of styles and customization options. However, Outer takes the lead in sustainability and durable materials, albeit at a premium price. While Apt2B caters to varied tastes and budgets, Outer's eco-friendly focus and exceptional quality may sway environmentally conscious buyers seeking long-lasting furniture.
BRAND #1: Apt2B
Apt2B was founded in 2010 with the goal of providing customizable, USA made apartment size sofas at an affordable price. They've since expanded their offering to include sectionals, sofa beds, and more. Apt2B was recently acquired by The RoomPlace.
Apt2B | Brand Summary
Apt2B is a really fantastic option if you’re looking for a couch, sleeper sofa, or sectional that’s made in the USA, customizable, is made from quality materials, and ships quick. The delivery process is smooth and stress-free, highlighting the convenience from order placement to receiving the product.
But Apt2B furniture also offers “exclusive import” products that are manufactured overseas and don’t match the rest of their quality. This leads to a bit of an identity crisis on the website and weakens their overall rating. For the sake of this review I will mostly be focusing on their collection of Made in the USA couches, which is also what you should do when shopping at Apt2B.
Couch Potato Note: Like Joybird, I’d recommend that you only order Apt2B couches when they’re on sale (and they’re almost always on sale).
Apt2B has a bit of a split personality when it comes to their couch offerings. They have high-quality, made-in-the-USA sofas, but they also sell cheaper, lower-quality, imported couches. It can be hard to tell which is which when shopping on their website. Their imported couches do not have a warranty, and their USA-made couches essentially have a 1-year warranty despite language promoting a lifetime warranty. A lack of brick-and-mortar locations makes it difficult to judge Apt2B’s quality and comfort in person.
However, they have an excellent range of USA-made couch sizes and styles available in dozens of fabrics. They sell large 2-piece sectional sofas, sectional sleeper sofas, apartment-size sofas, and big modular couches. If you want mid-century modern couches or modern couches you’ll have plenty to choose from at Apt2B furniture. Apt2B also has some of the fastest lead times for custom-built, USA-made sofas we’ve ever seen. The icing on the cake? Apt2B uses high-quality materials, especially at their competitive, mid-tier price point. Plus, every upholstery fabric option is the same price, so you can customize to your heart’s content.
Outer is a California-based brand that's revolutionizing the outdoor furniture industry with its innovative designs and commitment to sustainability. Founded by former Casper executive Jiake Liu, Outer is known for its unique Neighborhood Showroom program, which allows customers to experience their furniture in real-life settings. Their commitment to using recycled materials and responsible sourcing practices sets them apart from competitors. Outer's sofas are not just furniture; they're a statement of style, sustainability, and community engagement.
Outer | Brand Summary
Exploring the world of Outer's outdoor furniture, I'm struck by the brand's unwavering dedication to creating pieces as durable as they are stylish. Integrating innovative features like the OuterShell cover system exemplifies their commitment to product longevity and user convenience. Amazingly, Outer manages to blend form with function seamlessly, offering a range that appeals to the discerning customer looking for that perfect mix of aesthetic appeal and practicality. Their focus on sustainability further enhances their brand appeal, positioning Outer as a leader in the outdoor furniture market, deeply attuned to the desires and concerns of today's consumers.
Innovative designs with integrated OuterShell cover system
High-quality, durable materials (OuterWeave™, Grade A teak, powder-coated aluminum)
Exceptional 10-year warranty on teak and aluminum frames
365-day return policy
Free shipping for specific items ordered with larger purchases
Commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices
Cons
Relatively expensive
20% restocking fee for returns (plus return shipping cost)
Limited customization options beyond fabric and configuration
Some negative customer reviews regarding customer service and delivery
No expedited shipping option
Outer is a brand that excels in creating stylish and durable outdoor furniture, particularly their innovative sofas with the unique OuterShell cover system. However, their premium price point and limited customization options might not suit every budget or taste.
While the generous warranties and lengthy return policy provide peace of mind, the 20% restocking fee for returns could be a deterrent. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with customer service and delivery, which could impact the overall experience.
If you prioritize quality, durability, and sustainable practices, and are willing to invest in premium outdoor furniture, Outer is a compelling option. But if you're looking for a more budget-friendly choice with extensive customization options, you might want to explore other brands.
In the showdown between Apt2B and Outer, the clear winner is Outer. With its exceptional sustainability practices, top-notch durability, and commitment to eco-friendly materials, Outer stands out as the premium choice for those seeking long-lasting, environmentally conscious furniture.
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.