Couch Comparisons

Outer vs Apt2B: Who Has Better Couches?

Curious about which brand creates the snuggest seating spot for your lounge area? Explore the epic couch duel between Outer and Apt2B to crown the champion of comfort and style!
Outer vs Apt2B

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Step into the ring as we pit Outer against Apt2B in the ultimate couch clash! Struggling to choose between the two for your living room upgrade? Join us on this sofa expedition to unveil the ideal fit for your comfort and style needs.

Side By Side

Features
Outer
Apt2B
Made to Order Lead Times 8-10 weeks 2-4 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option $275-$475 $149
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option Affirm Bread Pay
Assembly Required Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin China USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$$ $$$

Exploring Outer and Apt2B reveals unique strengths in both brands. Outer boasts premium pricing with durable, stylish designs and a sustainability focus. In contrast, Apt2B targets the mid-range market offering customizable, made-in-USA sofas with varied styles. While Outer shines in innovation and sustainability, Apt2B impresses with its customer-centric approach and breadth of fabric options, making the choice between the brands a balance of style preference and budget consideration.


BRAND #1: 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 96%
Durability and Quality Score 95%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 94%
Vibe Check Score 96%
Customer Focus Score 95%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 95%
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

BRAND #2: Apt2B

A black and white logo consists of two sections: the left side reads "APT 2B" and the right side reads "Modern Furniture." The text is enclosed in a rectangular border.

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 | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score 93%
Durability and Quality Score 90%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 96%
Vibe Check Score 86%
Customer Focus Score 88%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 91%
Read Our Apt2B Brand Review

Apt2B | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Most couches made in the USA
  • Exceptionally fast lead times
  • Huge fabric selection
  • Tons of couch styles and sizes
  • High quality materials for the price
  • Fabrics are all the same price

Cons

  • Some couches imported from overseas
  • Essentially only offers a 1-year warranty
  • Returns can be costly
  • No brick-and-mortar locations

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.

Shop Apt2B Now

And the winner is...

In the battle of the couch titans, Outer claims victory with its premium pricing, innovative designs, and sustainable practices. Standout features like the OuterShell cover system and commitment to durability make Outer an appealing choice for those valuing high-end quality and style.

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.
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