Installing new windows can make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient, improve your home’s curb appeal and even reduce outside noise. However, window replacement typically isn’t a DIY project. It’s costly, and our research found that not all window brands are equal.
Our rating system rewards companies with outstanding customer service, a wide selection of window options, energy-efficient offerings and lengthy warranties. Based on our methodology, we rated Renewal by Andersen as the best window brand.
Renewal by Andersen specializes in selling and installing Energy Star-certified windows and has a longtime positive customer reputation.
- Our top window brand
- Glass and hardware warranty: 10–20 years
- Labor warranty: 2 years
- BBB rating: A+
- State availability: 48 states
Pros
- Offers an augmented reality tool that lets you visualize windows in your home
- Includes a transferable 20-year warranty on glass and a 10-year warranty on nonglass materials
- Sells several customizable window types
Cons
- Only carries one window frame material
- Varies warranty coverage by window line
- Can have long wait times between consultation and installation, according to customer reviews
Renewal by Andersen sells and installs Fibrex windows in the following styles:
- Awning
- Bay and bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Sliding
- Specialty windows with geometric shapes
The 7 best window brands
After analyzing product performance, reviewing product lines and services and reading customer testimonials for 14 window brands, we found that these seven window companies top the list of window companies based on our proprietary methodology:
- Renewal by Andersen: Best overall
- Castle Windows: Best warranty
- Champion Windows: Best discounts
- Pella Windows: Best tech integrations
- Harvey Windows + Doors: Best customer reputation
- Marvin Windows & Doors: Best innovative designs
- Simonton Windows: Best product selection
Compare our top window brands
The total project cost and a company’s warranties are two items you must consider when choosing a window brand. The chart below breaks down the costs and warranties offered by the brands we reviewed, as well as the rating we gave each company based on our methodology.
Our reviews on top window brands
We recommend Renewal by Andersen as our top choice for replacement windows. Castle and Champion round out our list of the top three brands based on our methodology.
Our thoughts
What we like: We have first-hand experience with this provider — our team shadowed a Renewal by Andersen installation team in June 2024. We noted how friendly and professional the three-person crew was during our ride-along. They were happy to answer all of the homeowner’s questions and walk us through the process of replacing a window.
On top of its top-notch installation teams, Renewal by Andersen holds many certifications and awards for its window performance. Its homepage displays its Energy Star Partner of the Year award, National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) certification and SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certification that signals compliance with rigorous indoor air quality emission requirements.
Aside from that, we like the company’s many window material options, including its Fibrex window frames and sashes that contain 40% reclaimed wood fiber. You can choose from many customization options for hardware, paint color and grille layout, and the company sets its quality products at a wide price range for varying budgets.
What we don’t like: We don’t like that the company has many online customer reviews citing long installation delays. Some even report missed appointment times. One of the most common customer complaints is aggressive sales tactics. Some consumers report frequent door-to-door sales visits and frequent calls after requesting a quote.
Materials and styles
Renewal by Andersen sells a proprietary Energy Star-certified material called Fibrex. You can choose from multiple window styles, including the following:
- Awning
- Bay and bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Sliding
- Specialty windows with geometric shapes
Warranty
Renewal by Andersen windows are backed by a transferable limited warranty.
- Glass warranty: Glass and Fibrex materials are covered for 20 years.
- Hardware warranty: Hardware and other nonglass components are covered for 10 years.
- Labor warranty: Workmanship is covered for two years.
Installation
The brand is a full-service installer with its own certified installers. While you can hire your own contractor, you won’t get Renewal by Andersen’s labor warranty coverage. Using a third-party installer may also void aspects of your parts and materials warranties.
During our ride-along, the Renewal by Andersen installation crew installed three windows in roughly three hours. According to the installation crew’s project manager, a typical crew can install 15 to 20 windows a day.
You can get started with the company by requesting a quote or consultation on its website or by visiting a Renewal by Andersen showroom.
Homeowner thoughts
Renewal by Andersen has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site and mixed customer reviews on this and other customer review sites. We found plenty of positive feedback, including this review from Michael on Trustpilot, pointing to great product quality, professionalism among the installation team and helpful, friendly customer service.
The homeowner we spoke with during our ride-along was pleased with how smooth the process was from start to finish. She said that the Renewal by Andersen team sent periodic emails after her initial consultation, providing updates on the project’s status. After the crew installed her new windows, they took time to show her how to clean them.
However, we found negative online reviews citing pushy sales tactics and difficulty with warranty claims. Molly reported a long wait for a part replacement, as many others have echoed.
Our thoughts
What we like: Castle Windows is one of the few brands that offers a true lifetime warranty. Although competitors claim to provide lifetime coverage, the fine print exposes warranty gaps. Castle is also unique in that it’s a full home improvement company. It sells and installs roofing, siding, windows and doors. The company is highly awarded, making Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list and HomeAdvisor’s Best Of list. It also provides 24/7 customer support.
What we don’t like: Castle doesn’t emphasize its energy-efficient features as much as other brands. While competitors list their certifications and energy-saving features on their websites, we didn’t find them on Castle’s. Another drawback of Castle is that its products are only available in 11 states.
Materials and styles
Castle doesn’t offer as many window styles as its competitors, and it only sells vinyl windows. Its window styles include the following:
- Awning
- Basement hopper
- Bay and bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Garden
- Picture
- Sliding
- Transom
Warranty
Castle’s glass, parts and labor are all covered under a lifetime warranty. Coverage is also transferable, meaning you can pass it on to the new homeowner if you sell your house. Castle does a great job explaining its warranty coverage and conditions on its site.
Installation
The brand is a full-service installer, so you can buy and schedule installation with the same company. To start the process, you can speak with a representative about your options and get a free quote. A Castle crew will handle everything on your installation date, even disposing of your old windows.
Homeowner thoughts
Castle is accredited with the BBB and holds an A+ rating on the site. Customer reviews are mixed but lean mostly positive. Many customers report professional and friendly service over the phone and from installers and great craftsmanship on windows and doors.
However, we read several customer reviews that mentioned windows not being installed correctly, leading to draftiness and rain getting in. A few others pointed to installation taking longer than expected.
Our thoughts
What we like: Champion Windows is another brand that sells more than windows. The company sells doors, builds sunrooms and installs vinyl siding. Champion carries the AAMA Gold Label from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, a seal of approval for its product quality. It’s certified by Energy Star, the NFRC, Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC) and Vinyl Siding Institute as well.
What we don’t like: Champion only makes vinyl windows, so it’s not your best option if you desire the look of wood or fiberglass. It also only offers in-home estimates. While this may result in a more precise estimate, it’s not as convenient as getting a quote over the phone.
Materials and styles
Champion only sells vinyl windows, but it does sell a wide variety of window styles, including the following:
- Basement hopper
- Bay and bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Garden
- Glass block
- Picture
- Sliding
- Specialty shapes
Warranty
Champion provides a limited lifetime warranty on all products. The company doesn’t include a sample policy on its website or offer specifics, but it says it covers every aspect of installation, parts, labor and materials. The website claims, “If it breaks, we will fix it.”
Installation
Champion is a full-service window company. It manufactures, sells and installs its products using its in-house team. As with any company, you can purchase the windows and have a third-party contractor install them or install them yourself. However, we don’t recommend this because it could void aspects of your warranty.
Homeowner thoughts
Champion Windows isn’t accredited with the BBB but has a customer rating of 2.4 out of 5 stars and 4.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.
Customers who rate the brand highly reference its speedy installations, helpful sales reps and fair pricing. We did, however, notice that Champion has had lower customer reviews for the last year than in previous years. Recent complaints mention pushing back installation dates and taking a long time to resolve issues.
Our thoughts
What we like: Pella has many window options, with advanced performance built into every style. In addition to rigorous testing for energy efficiency, Pella also designs windows to be impact-, sound- and weather-resistant. You can even add optional smart-home integration to increase security and convenience, such as remote locking and blind-lowering.
What we don’t like: We don’t like how much Pella’s warranty coverage varies across window lines and parts. While some competitors also do this, we prefer a brand that stands strongly behind everything it makes. Our other issue with the company is the number of negative customer reviews it has online.
Materials and styles
Pella offers three popular window materials: vinyl, fiberglass and wood. You can choose from these nine window types:
- Awning
- Bay and bow
- Casement
- Custom
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Sliding
- Single-hung
- Specialty shapes
Warranty
Pella’s warranties vary by window material.
- Vinyl warranty: 10 years for laminated glass, 20 years for nonlaminated glass, 10 years for nonglass materials, 10 years for workmanship, 10 years for exterior paint
- Fiberglass warranty: 20 years for glass, 10 years for nonglass materials, 10 years for workmanship, 10 years for exterior powder coating
- Wood warranty: 10 years for glass, 10 years for hardware, two years for labor
Most of Pella’s warranty coverage is transferable for a certain period.
Installation
Pella is a full-service installer, so its team handles every aspect of your home window replacement from start to finish. You can get started by scheduling a free consultation on Pella’s website.
Homeowner thoughts
Pella has a D- rating on the BBB. However, there are customers — even repeat customers — who expressed an entirely positive experience with the company. One noted that she received exceptional customer service, and her home is far more energy-efficient.
Most reviews, however, cite product quality issues, such as window parts that easily break or degrade or windows that don’t perform as promised. Some customers report that with this comes communication issues and that it’s challenging to get these problems resolved.
Our thoughts
What we like: Harvey Windows + Doors has one of the broadest varieties of window styles and backs its products with a 10- to 20-year manufacturer’s warranty. The company only serves the eastern part of the U.S., which means it tailors its energy features to those regions. Harvey prioritizes energy efficiency as an Energy Star partner and also sells triple-pane windows for extra glass insulation in colder climates.
What we don’t like: Harvey only manufactures windows. You’ll have to purchase Harvey windows through a retailer or distributor. While the brand isn’t the only window company to do this, it does mean you’ll have a third-party installer and labor warranty coverage, which could get complicated. The other thing to note about Harvey is it’s only available in 16 states.
Materials and styles
Harvey only offers two window frame materials, vinyl and wood, but it offers more window-style options than any other provider on our list:
- Awning
- Basement hopper
- Bay and bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Garden
- Gliding
- Picture
- Rolling
- Single-hung
- Specialty shapes
Warranty
Harvey varies its warranty coverage by material.
- Glass warranty: Harvey’s glass is covered for 20 years for both vinyl and wood windows.
- Hardware warranty: Hardware and other nonglass components are covered for 10 years under the vinyl warranty. The warranty for its Majesty line of wood windows covers framing and nonglass components for 10 years.
- Labor warranty: Harvey doesn’t cover labor because it’s not the installer. Check with your installation company about labor coverage.
Installation
Harvey only manufactures windows and sells them through retailers or distributors. It doesn’t have its own installation team. Because of this, we can’t say exactly what your installation process will look like, but most installers remove and dispose of old windows, install and seal new windows, and clean up their work area when done.
Homeowner thoughts
Harvey has an A+ rating on the BBB and a 4.8 out of 5 customer rating on the site, one of the best scores we’ve seen among window brands. Since Harvey doesn’t sell directly to you but instead to distributors, many reviews are from contractors who have installed its products. This is still helpful feedback because contractors won’t be happy with a brand if their customers consistently have issues with its windows.
Most online reviews emphasize great customer service and quality, long-lasting window components. Many reviews mention short wait times for parts and responses. However, we found some customers with the opposite experience, citing window defects and difficulty resolving their issues over the phone.
Our thoughts
What we like: Marvin Windows & Doors’ product selection is big on helping you create an inviting atmosphere in your home. The brand sells many popular window types but branches out into skylights designed to let in more natural light and air circulation for improved health.
Marvin also sells its proprietary Skycove, a glass extension structure that maximizes natural light and adds to your room’s usable space. We like this design innovation and that Marvin doesn’t require you to purchase a certain number of windows before you can schedule installation.
What we don’t like: Marvin doesn’t handle installation, so you won’t get a labor warranty through the company. Our main issue with Marvin is that it has many customer complaints despite a high BBB rating. Negative feedback consistently points to delays, poor communication and unimpressive window construction.
Materials and styles
Marvin is one of the few brands that doesn’t sell vinyl windows. It does, however, sell aluminum, fiberglass and wood. It also sells several types of windows, including the following design options:
- Awning
- Bay and bow
- Casement
- Corner
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Single-hung
- Skylight
- Sliding
- Specialty shapes
Warranty
Marvin’s warranty coverage varies by collection. You can see specifics in its sample warranty policy, but here are the highlights:
- Glass warranty: Marvin covers glass for 10 years for all collections.
- Hardware warranty: Hardware is covered for 10 years for all collections.
- Labor warranty: Marvin doesn’t offer a labor warranty.
Installation
Marvin manufactures windows but doesn’t handle installation. You can purchase the windows from Marvin and hire a contractor to install them. Ensure your contractor is licensed and provides a labor warranty.
Homeowner thoughts
Marvin has an A+ BBB rating but low customer scores on various review sites such as Yelp and Best Company. While some reviews from customers and installers cite great service and quality, many note product flaws and difficulty getting issues fixed. Most of these complaints pertain to doors rather than windows, however.
The majority of online reviews mention a defect in hardware, glass or framing. We read many reviews citing windows that don’t open and close properly, lack of security stops, wrong window size and other issues. Contractors report problems with window construction that prevent successful installation.
Our thoughts
What we like: Simonton Windows & Doors stands out to us for its energy-efficiency features. Energy Star has recognized several Simonton window models as Most Efficient for the last few years, and all products are Energy Star-certified. That means they’ve gone through rigorous performance testing. We also like that Simonton tests its products to ensure they resist break-ins and that they design them to better resist wind, rain and sun damage.
What we don’t like: Despite thorough product testing, former customers indicate that Simonton doesn’t always meet their expectations. The company has an A+ BBB rating, although we found concerningly low customer ratings on that site. Customers on BBB commonly complain of long wait times for repair services and warranty claim resolution. However, we’re still including it on our list of top window brands because Simonton’s energy efficiency and safety features make for quality products. We believe that customer issues may result from poor installation by third-party contractors.
Materials and styles
Simonton sells most popular window styles that other brands offer, including the following:
- Awning
- Bay and bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Garden
- Picture
- Sliding
- Single-hung
- Specialty shapes
Warranty
The company’s warranty policy varies by collection. Generally, Simonton’s warranty covers vinyl, hardware, screens and glass units for the product’s lifetime. This is a double lifetime warranty, meaning you can pass it to new owners once if you sell your home, as long as you’ve registered the warranty.
Keep in mind that Simonton doesn’t cover labor-related issues like some other popular window companies such as Renewal by Andersen and Castle. You’ll need to get a labor warranty from the third-party installer you choose.
Installation
Simonton doesn’t install its windows. As with many other window manufacturers, you must hire a professional installation company separately. You can use Simonton’s Find a Pro page on its site to find someone in Simonton’s network who operates in your area.
Homeowner thoughts
Simonton has an A+ rating on the BBB. As mentioned above, though, many customer reviews have to do with long wait times, and you may not run into this issue. The other theme we see among reviews is difficulty getting warranty claims resolved. Again, you may not have this problem, but you can help prevent it by carefully reading the company’s warranty policy before purchasing so you know what’s covered.
Not everyone echoes these issues. Marian H. left a review on Google Reviews saying, “They had my order number (still under warranty) and shipped me a replacement sash at no charge. It took me 5 min to replace. The employee on the phone was extremely nice and helpful.”
How do you choose the best window brand?
When choosing a window company, we recommend considering its customer reputation along with its services and window options — particularly when it comes to energy-efficient windows. You should also review all your available warranty options because even the most expensive windows can fail.
Find a brand with window options and services that meet your needs
A company’s window options and services are two of the most important things to consider when choosing a brand to work with. Window options include styles, frame materials, glass types and any customization offerings. A brand’s services may include virtual and in-home consultations, in-house installation and financing options.
While many of the companies we reviewed have a wide selection of window styles and materials to choose from, that’s not always the case. Champion Windows, for example, only sells vinyl windows, which we took into consideration when evaluating the company.
Marvin Windows & Doors, on the other hand, scored highest in this category because it manufactures a vast selection of window styles with many frame and glass options to suit any home.
Ensure that the company you’re considering offers the window style and frame material you want and can afford. If you have the budget and want to install specialty or custom windows, talk to your sales representative to ensure the brand offers that option.
Not all companies we reviewed manufacture and install windows. Simonton only manufactures its products and works with third-party companies for installation. This isn’t always a con for window brands, but labor warranties may vary depending on the installation company.
A company’s additional services may extend beyond window replacements. Although Harvey only manufactures its products, the company also specializes in producing doors. If you’re interested in tackling multiple projects at once, you may want to consider working with a brand that handles window and door installation.
Choose a reputable brand with high customer ratings
A brand’s window options and installation services aren’t the only two things to consider about a company. You should also choose a company with positive customer reviews, especially when it comes to trustworthy employees and responsiveness to warranty claims.
A professional window installer will be in your home anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the project’s scope.
According to our October 2023 survey of 1,500 homeowners who bought windows within the past five years, the majority of respondents, 46%, said the project lasted between one and three days. You’ll want to choose a company that hires skilled, trustworthy and background-checked employees.
Renewal by Andersen earned 4.7 out of 5 stars in the reputation and reviews category — the highest of any company we scored. Customer reviews on websites including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot mention the installers’ professionalism and high-quality customer service.
A brand’s reputation goes beyond the individuals who actually install your windows; it also applies to the customer service representatives you’ll speak to before and after your windows are installed — especially if you need to file a warranty claim for your replacement windows.
You may want to think twice before hiring a company if you read negative reviews that mention poor customer service or failure to honor warranties.
Select energy-efficient windows that are suited to your climate
Based on our survey, nearly 26% of respondents said energy efficiency was the most important factor in their decision-making process. And for good reason, too. When installed by trained professionals, new windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills while making your home more comfortable all year.
The best way to ensure you’re buying energy-efficient windows from a reputable brand is to confirm that your windows are certified by Energy Star and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
Every Energy Star- and NFRC-certified window will have a sticker listing these certifications, and you’ll also see a label noting which climate the windows best suit: northern, north-central, south-central or southern. Energy Star performance criteria are based on energy ratings certified by the NFRC and vary for each climate zone.
Michelle Blackston, the senior director of development and engagement at the NFRC, said, “The first thing you should do when you’re considering an NFRC-rated window is you have to think about what climate you live in because the ratings matter; they’re specific to your needs.”
Understanding energy-efficient window stickers
The stickers on Energy Star- and NRFC-certified windows have specific terms that aren’t easy to decipher if you’re shopping for windows for the first time. Here are the terms you need to know when reading energy-efficient window labels for the first time:
- U-factor: The U-factor is the rate at which the window transmits nonsolar heat flow or how well the window insulates. The lower the U-factor, the more insulative and energy-efficient the window is. A good U-factor is between .20 and 1.20.
- Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): SHGC refers to how much of the sun’s heat the glass will absorb and reflect into your home. If you live in a colder climate, you want a higher SHGC rating because it will absorb more heat in winter to warm your home. If you live in a warm climate, you want a lower rating so the window doesn’t let in heat, which raises your home’s temperature during the hotter months. Look for a rating greater than .35 for northern climates, less than .40 for north-central, and less than .23 for south-central and southern climate zones.
- Air leakage: This reflects how much air can pass through the window. A window with a lower air leakage rating is tighter and more energy-efficient. Energy Star won’t certify a window with a high leakage rating.
- Visible transmittance (VT): This is how much visible sunlight the glass allows inside. A number between zero and one represents VT. A product with a higher VT lets in more light, which can help reduce energy bills since you depend less on your home’s interior lighting fixtures during the day.
- Light-to-solar gain (LSG): LSG is the ratio between the VT and the SHGC, which is how much light a window lets in while blocking heat transference. The higher the number, the more light is let in without adding excessive heat.
Blackston said that the importance of each term depends on your location. For example, the U-factor might matter more to a homeowner in a colder region, such as Minnesota, when their primary concern is keeping heat inside in the winter. On the flip side, the SHGC is likely more important for a homeowner in Arizona who wants to reduce the amount of heat beating in through their windows in the middle of the summer.
The bottom line is that energy efficiency matters regardless of where you live, but you need to be mindful of what window types a brand offers to accommodate your region.
We like that Renewal by Andersen offers a variety of energy-efficient glass options designed for specific climates. Its High-Performance Low-E4 glass filters out the sun during the dog days of summer, while its Enhanced Triple Pane with SmartSun glass has an added layer of insulation to keep the frigid winter winds from slipping inside during a chilly winter.
Learn about your window pane options
The number of panes held within a window frame affects a window’s price, energy efficiency and noise reduction. These are the top pane options for your new windows:
- Single-pane windows: A single-pane window only has one piece of glass between the frame. This is the cheapest option but also the least energy-efficient. Because these products perform so poorly, you may never see a single-pane window while shopping — none of the brands we reviewed manufacture them anymore.
- Double-pane windows: Double-pane windows consist of two panes within the frame with a spacer and a sealed gap between them. This gap may be filled with a gas, such as argon or krypton, improving the window’s insulation, energy efficiency and noise-reduction capabilities.
- Triple-pane windows: Triple-pane windows have three panes of glass with two airtight gaps within the frame. These are the most energy-efficient products on the market but are also the most expensive.
Upgrading to triple-paned windows might not make sense in a hot climate such as Arizona, where they’d only minimally improve energy efficiency. But, it’s a smart upgrade in cold climates, where they can shave quite a bit off a heating bill. That cold climate is where the added cost has a major impact. In a warm climate, you won’t recoup your money from the upgrade unless you plan to remain in the home for decades.
Look for lengthy warranties
Each of the window brands we reviewed offers some type of warranty, whether for labor (also known as an installation warranty), a product warranty or both.
“Most homeowners are not aware that the product warranty is different from the installation warranty,” said Sal Sucato, the Owner of DunRite Windows & Doors in Scottsdale, Arizona. “The first is provided by the manufacturer and the second by the installer.”
Sucato said it’s important to review the specific language in both warranties to ensure there are no misunderstandings if you file a claim after your window company installs your windows.
Be sure to read the fine print to note any potential warranty coverage issues before you make a purchase, just to be sure you understand the fine print and any exclusions.
Sal Sucato
We recommend choosing a company that offers warranties for the labor and the actual window. Castle Windows and Champion Windows provide limited lifetime warranties on installation and windows, which is tough to beat.
The graphic below shows each window provider’s rating based on the “warranties” category of our review standards.
How much do new windows cost?
Windows are expensive; 33% of respondents to our survey paid between $5,001 and $10,000 to replace their windows, although the cost of your project depends on various factors.
Companies typically price replacement windows based on four main factors — quality, the material type used in the frame, the number of glass panes, and how the window opens and closes — according to Sucato.
“The cost of new windows is also impacted by where you buy them,” said Sucato. “If you price shop a specific product at two different franchise locations, the price estimate might differ wildly — even for the exact same [product] — since different franchise owners determine their own pricing.”
But don’t let the sticker shock of new windows scare you away from the project. If you have leaky windows that allow air to slip in and out of your home, installing new, durable windows may help you save a bundle on your monthly heating and cooling costs. According to our survey, nearly 20% of respondents said they replaced their windows to reduce their heating and cooling bills.
“Understanding the total cost of the project versus the value of the overall investment can help in decision making,” said Mark Waddell, the installation and application manager of Cornerstone Building Brands, which is the parent company of Simonton and Ply Gem.
The average homeowner could save up to $580 per year by installing energy-efficient windows and be eligible for up to $1,100 in tax credits, according to Waddell. Over time, these cost savings and tax credits really add up, making your investment in replacement windows well worth the high initial cost.
If you don’t have enough cash to pay for the project, you may still be able to get new windows. Many of the most affordable window companies we reviewed offer financing, either in-house or through a partner company.
“[Financing] is often an attractive option, especially because the cost of the project can be offset by the energy savings the windows can offer,” said Waddell.
The average homeowner can save up to $580 per year with an efficient window and be eligible for tax credits up to $1,100.
Mark Waddell
If a company’s financing terms aren’t suitable for your financial situation, you can also consider a home equity loan or line of credit from your bank or another lender to help cover the cost of new windows.
Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to replace all of your windows at once. “Homeowners can break up the cost by replacing the poorest performing windows first and then [change] out windows in other parts of their home later,” said Waddell.
A salesperson or customer service representative from a window company can assess your windows and help you decide whether you should replace many windows at once or slowly work your way through the project.
How do window costs compare by style?
We outline cost ranges for other popular window styles in the tables below. We obtained these figures by speaking with industry experts and analyzing data from Sierra West Publishing’s “Current Residential Construction Cost Manual 2024” and RSMeans, a nationwide construction cost database.
These ranges account for material and glass upgrades. The lower range represents basic aluminum windows with no glass upgrades. The higher range represents high-end wood windows with upgrades, such as window tinting or low-emissivity (low-e) glass. The costs below also include installation. Note that your total project price will vary based on location and contractor.
| Window Type | Cost per Window (Includes Installation) |
|---|---|
| Casement windows | $300–$3,000 |
| Hurricane windows | $300–$7,800 |
| Bow windows | $1,000–$4,500 |
| Glass block windows | $1,700–$3,100 |
| Egress windows | $2,000–$8,500 |
| Bay windows | $3,629–$5,245 |
We also gathered pricing data for several other window styles without installation costs included. The lower end of the pricing spectrum is for basic aluminum windows, while the higher is for wood frames with upgraded panes.
| Window Type | Cost per Window (Excludes Installation) |
|---|---|
| Arched windows | $300–$3,000 |
| Skylight windows | $300–$7,800 |
| Garden windows | $1,000–$4,500 |
Frequently asked questions and expert insights about windows
We asked several experts to share their insights about window options and installation.
What are the main benefits of installing new windows in a home?
What common materials are used for windows?
What should homeowners consider when choosing energy-efficient windows for their climate?
How can homeowners find the best window options and services for their needs?
Final take: Renewal by Andersen is our top window brand recommendation
With a range of high-quality, energy-efficient windows and unmatched customer service, Renewal by Andersen is our top window brand. Based on our proprietary methodology, this company led the pack with a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Still, we always recommend getting quotes from at least three window providers and reading customer reviews to ensure you get the best windows for a price that fits your budget. Read their product and labor warranties to ensure you get the best support for your investment.
In addition to getting a quote from Renewal by Andersen, we recommend contacting Castle Windows or Champion Windows. Castle has limited lifetime warranties on its windows and labor costs, which topped the charts of all the companies we researched. Champion has a vast selection of energy-efficient window lines and offers additional services, including patio construction and door installation.
Our rating methodology for window providers
We research, review and rate window brands to help ensure you pick a window brand that meets your needs and fits your budget the next time you need to install new windows. Our research includes interviewing experts in the window industry, collecting data through proprietary surveys, reading hundreds of customer reviews on third-party websites and reviewing each brand’s website to gather as much information as possible about its services, products, warranties and payment options.
We assess each window brand in the four areas listed below and score each company out of 100 points. We then divide that number by 20 to obtain the 5-star ratings we feature in our reviews:
- Window options and installation services (35 points)
- Brand reputation and reviews (25 points)
- Warranties and payment options (25 points)
- Energy-efficiency features (15 points)
Read our full window methodology for more details and information on how we arrived at our conclusion of the best window brands.
BBB and Trustpilot ratings are accurate as of October 2024.
Cost information in this article, where noted, was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.
Local costs were determined using RSMeans project estimates combined with local labor costs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and cost data from home improvement stores. We also interviewed homeowners from around the country to validate local costs.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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Renewal by Andersen is our choice for the best window installation company. It’s a reputable full-service brand known for its industry certifications and long-time positive customer reputation. We rated Champion Windows as our second choice for its readily available discounts listed online. Pella Windows comes in third because it has a large selection of window…
At first glance, single-hung and double-hung windows look identical. But, there are major differences between the two: A double-hung window’s top and bottom sashes open and close independently, whereas only the bottom sash of a single-hung window operates. The sash is a key window component that holds the glass panes together. Don’t confuse the sash…
Customers who replaced fewer than five windows paid an average of $10,682, according to our October 2023 survey of 1,500 homeowners. Milgard Windows and Doors is our top choice for cheap window replacement because Milgard customers in our survey reported paying an average of $5,804 — nearly $5,000 less than the average price. Champion Windows…
Standard window widths typically range from 2 to 4 feet, and standard heights are 3, 4 and 6 feet, according to Dave Heim, a retired Broward County, Florida, contractor with 17 years of experience installing windows. These dimensions represent the most common window sizes for different types of windows and can save you time finding…
Deciding on the right window treatment for your space depends largely on the room design and window style. Cafe curtains and solar shades may work well in a kitchen — should you need privacy yet plenty of daylight. On the other hand, blackout curtains, which envelop the space around and inside the window, are ideal…