Couch Comparisons

Inside Weather vs Outer: Who Has Better Couches?

Looking for the perfect blend of design and durability in a couch? Inside Weather and Outer are ready to impress, but who will take the throne? Delve into our comparison to discover which brand will transform your living space!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Inside Weather vs Outer

We independently select everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

    Let's unravel the cozy clash between Inside Weather and Outer! Get ready to witness a sofa-off of epic proportions! Brace yourself for a couch comparison that will leave you eager to pick your winner!

    Side By Side

    Features
    Inside Weather
    Outer
    Made to Order Lead Times 5-6 weeks 8-10 weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option $175 $275-$475
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option Shop Pay Affirm
    Assembly Required
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin USA China
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$$ $$$$

    For style and sustainability, Inside Weather offers a premium experience with robust customization and sustainably sourced materials. In terms of durability and value, Outer stands out with its innovative design and high-quality materials, placing it in the luxury range. While Inside Weather focuses on sustainability and style, Outer excels in durability and design, providing a strong value proposition.


    BRAND #1: Inside Weather

    The image displays the words "Inside Weather" in a bold, black font on a plain white background.

    Inside Weather was founded in 2018 with the goal of bringing sustainable, eco-friendly, modular sofas to the masses. Their Bondi Sofa is extremely stylish and has become an incredibly popular option for families.

    Inside Weather | Brand Summary

    Inside Weather has a gorgeous website and an incredible emphasis on sustainability. They only offer two couches, including the versatile and comfortable Bondi sectional, which is particularly well-suited for households with pets and children.

    The Bondi sectional is praised for its durability, modern aesthetics, ease of maintenance, and flexible modular design that enhances living space functionality. In fact, the Modular Bondi 3-Seater Sectional is Couch.com's top choice when it comes to Best Overall Sofa for Dogs in our 2024 Couch Awards.

    However, the questionable material quality for the price, the farce of a 365-day trial period, and the lack of customer review transparency undermine an otherwise nice offering.

    Inside Weather | PotatoMeter Rating:

    Online Shopping Experience Score 89%
    Durability and Quality Score 88%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 86%
    Vibe Check Score 87%
    Customer Focus Score 83%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 87%
    Read Our Inside Weather Brand Review

    Inside Weather | Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • Robust customization options
    • All couches are made in the USA
    • Massive emphasis on sustainability (sustainably-sourced hardwood frames)
    • Free shipping (orders over $1,500)
    • High quality, eco-friendly fabric options (some machine washable!)
    Cons
    • Misleading and pricey 365-day home trial return option
    • Only a 1-year warranty
    • No spring support system
    • Assembly can be challenging
    • Only 2 in-person showrooms

    You might love the way Inside Weather’s Bondi Sofa looks, but here are a few things to consider before you buy it. The return policy of Insider Weather can be misleading and pricey. The 10-25% return fee is based on pre-discounted pricing. And with such large discounts (sometimes 50% off), you could spend thousands to return your Bondi Sofa.

    While we love the style of the Bondi Inside Weather couch and its hardwood frame, the support system is elastic webbing, which isn’t super durable and it isn’t great at this price point.

    If you don’t pony up for the white glove delivery, you could face a challenging assembly process.

    But don’t let the cons spook you. Inside Weather’s Bondi has plenty of pros. There are tons of ways to configure and customize your Bondi Sofa. Inside Weather also has tremendous, eco-friendly fabric options to choose from. They’re super cleanable and many are machine washable.

    Their hardwood frames are sustainably sourced, and many of their materials have eco-friendly benefits, too.

    Any order over $1,500 ships free, and you can add on white glove delivery (including assembly) for only $175. That’s a budget-friendly white glove option, especially with the amount of assembly required.

    The Bondi is also made in the USA using high-quality craftsmanship. This majorly cuts down on Inside Weather’s carbon footprint. 

    Shop Inside Weather Now

    BRAND #2: Outer

    A geometric logo with blue intersecting lines forming an abstract pattern is centered above the word "outer" in bold blue lowercase letters, all set against a white background.

    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.

    Outer | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 91%
    Durability and Quality Score 90%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 89%
    Vibe Check Score 91%
    Customer Focus Score 90%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 90%
    Read Our Outer Brand Review

    Outer | Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • 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.

    Shop Outer Now

    And the winner is...

    In the battle of couch supremacy, Inside Weather emerges victorious with its sustainable practices and robust customization options. The brand's dedication to eco-friendly materials and personalized design places it at the top as the ideal pick for style and sustainability enthusiasts.

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    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.
    Expand