Wondering which brand, EQ3 or Joybird, offers the best couch options for you? Let's compare their features and help you make the right choice.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Get ready to discover which couch brand reigns supreme - EQ3 or Joybird. Buckle up for a fun comparison ride!
Side By Side
Features
EQ3
Joybird
Made to Order Lead Times
5-7 weeks
4-8 Weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$199
$129-$299
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
Canada
Mexico
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$-$$$$
$$$
If you're deciding between EQ3 and Joybird, consider your priorities. EQ3 offers customization options and a 25-year warranty on custom upholstery frames and springs, emphasizing quality and personalization. On the other hand, Joybird stands out with its fast lead times, a lifetime warranty on sofa frames, a bigger fabric selection, and brick-and-mortar locations for in-person testing. While EQ3 provides financing through Affirm and a return option, Joybird offers customers a variety of stylish couch sizes and configurations, catering to different preferences. Both brands have their strengths, so choose based on what matters most to you.
BRAND #1: EQ3
Founded in 2001 in Winnipeg, EQ3 is a Canadian furniture company that prides itself on its commitment to design, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Their sofas are made in Canada with a focus on quality materials and construction, ensuring longevity and comfort. With a wide range of customization options and a dedication to environmental responsibility, EQ3 appeals to those who value both style and substance in their furniture choices.
EQ3 | Brand Summary
I'm always on the lookout for brands that aren't afraid to push the envelope when it comes to design and comfort. EQ3 consistently impresses me with their innovative approach, utilizing premium materials and thoughtful design elements to create sofas that are as unique as they are comfortable. From their sleek modern lines to their plush, inviting cushions, EQ3 sofas are a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
But what truly sets EQ3 apart is their dedication to creating a sofa that's not just a piece of furniture, but an extension of your personal style. Their extensive customization options allow you to tailor every detail, from the fabric and color to the leg style and configuration, ensuring your EQ3 sofa is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that perfectly reflects your individual taste.
Innovative designs with focus on comfort and larger scale
High-quality materials like kiln-dried hardwood and top-grain leather
25-year warranty on custom upholstery frames and springs
30-day return window for stocked items
Free swatches available
Made in Canada
Cons
Longer lead times for made-to-order sofas
20% restocking fee for returns or cancellations after 72 hours
Limited transparency regarding specific construction details
Curbside delivery is standard (white-glove available for a fee)
No expedited shipping options
EQ3, a Canadian brand with a passion for innovative designs, offers sofas that strike a harmonious balance between comfort, style, and functionality. Their use of premium materials like top-grain leather and kiln-dried hardwood, along with their generous 25-year warranty, demonstrates their unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. And for those who crave a personal touch, their vast selection of fabrics and customization options will make your sofa truly one-of-a-kind.
If you're the impatient type, EQ3's lead times for made-to-order sofas might feel a bit like waiting for a pot of poutine to simmer. But hey, good things take time, right? And while their free curbside delivery is a nice perk, some might prefer the convenience of white-glove service (at an additional cost, of course). And for the detail-oriented folks out there, a bit more transparency about construction methods would be appreciated.
So, if you're in search of a well-made, stylish sofa that's built to withstand the test of time (and maybe a few spilled maple syrups), EQ3 is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potential wait and decide if the customization options and Canadian craftsmanship are worth the investment.
Joybird was launched in 2013 and instantly charmed the world with their Instagram-worthy couches. They've since cemented themselves as one of the top online furniture brands. They are currently owned by La-Z-Boy.
Joybird | Brand Summary
Joybird has stood the test of time and firmly cemented themselves as one of the best online couch retailers at their price point. They have a professional-yet-fun presentation, offer great quality products for the price, and allow customers to pick from dozens of beautiful fabrics.
I have a few minor gripes with the website shopping experience and I’d encourage everyone to thoroughly examine the shipping and return policies, but overall there’s very little to criticize. Dare I say that Joybird sparks joy? I do dare.
Couch Potato Note: Joybird is almost always on sale for up to 30% off. For this review, their price point is assumed to be 30% off the listed price. You should always wait for a sale before you buy a couch from Joybird (and you won’t have to wait very long). For all intents and purposes, their sale price is their actual price.
Joybird presents itself as a fun, trendy, and flashy brand. And for the most part, their couches deliver on that promise. But there are a few aspects that might detract from their appeal. Their couches are all made in Mexico, which also means that their lead times are not quite as good as other brands. Pricey white glove delivery and potentially costly returns might make ordering online feel like a gamble. And while Joybird has a huge fabric selection for their custom couches, choosing certain fabrics can add hundreds of dollars to your order.
On the flip side, Joybird furniture has many brick-and-mortar locations in major metropolitan areas, allowing you to test out their couches in person. This is rare for an online couch company but is a major perk. Like Apt2B, Joybird has a large selection of stylish couches in a huge range of sizes and configurations. They offer loveseats all the way up through large modular sectional sofas. Joybird also has a great selection of affordable sofa beds and sleeper sectional sofas. They also back their high-quality couch frames with a lifetime warranty as well as a 1-year warranty on their top-tier upholstery craftsmanship. If you want it, Joybird has it.
For a final decision between EQ3 and Joybird, consider your priorities. If you prioritize fast lead times, a wide fabric selection, and stylish couch configurations, Joybird is the clear choice. However, if customization options, quality craftsmanship, and a 25-year warranty are more important to you, then EQ3 is the way to go. Both brands offer great features, so the best choice depends on what matters most to you.
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.
