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Upgrading your home’s windows can add warmth and comfort to any room. It can also reduce energy costs by protecting your home from external temperatures. No matter your goal, replacing your windows is a wise and positive investment.
We researched the best window brands in the United States, analyzing their product selection, quality, pricing, customer service, warranties, and other factors customers consider when choosing a company. We carefully reviewed each provider’s website, spoke with company representatives, and read more than 100 customer reviews for each provider to determine our top companies. We recommend Renewal by Andersen as a top choice for your replacement windows, with superior installation services and its patented Fibrex material. Read on to learn about other companies that we recommend, and each manufacturer’s pros and cons to help you decide.
Top Companies for Replacement Windows
- Best Selection: Renewal by Andersen
- Best for Sunrooms: Champion Windows
- Best for Coastal Homes: Marvin Windows
- Best Warranty: Castle Windows
- Best Eco-Friendly Windows: Pella
- Best Vinyl Windows: Simonton
Compare Top Window Companies
| Best For | Cost | Star Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewal by Andersen |  | Best Selection | $680–$2,700 | Visit Site | |
| Champion |  | Best for Sunrooms | $400–$1,000 | Visit Site | |
| Marvin Windows |  | Best for Coastal Homes | $400–$1,700 | Visit Site | |
| Castle |  | Best Warranty | $200–$900 | Visit Site | |
| Pella |  | Best Eco-Friendly Windows | $100–$1,750 | Visit Site | |
| Simonton |  | Best Vinyl Windows | $200–$1,200 | Visit Site |
| Renewal by Andersen | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Selection |
| Cost | $680–$2,700 |
| Star Rating | |
| Champion | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best for Sunrooms |
| Cost | $400–$1,000 |
| Star Rating | |
| Marvin Windows | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best for Coastal Homes |
| Cost | $400–$1,700 |
| Star Rating | |
| Castle | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Warranty |
| Cost | $200–$900 |
| Star Rating | |
| Pella | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Eco-Friendly Windows |
| Cost | $100–$1,750 |
| Star Rating | |
| Simonton | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Vinyl Windows |
| Cost | $200–$1,200 |
| Star Rating | |
Compare Replacement Window Brands
Below is a comparison of our selections for the best replacement window companies.
| Company | Our Rating | State Availability | Price Range | Warranty Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Renewal by Andersen |
5 out of 5 stars |
48 states |
$680–$2,700 |
Transferable limited warranty |
|
Champion Windows |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
26 states |
$400–$1,000 |
Limited lifetime warranty |
|
Marvin Windows |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
50 states |
$400–$1,700 |
Limited warranties |
|
Castle Windows |
4.2 ouf of 5 stars |
11 states |
$200–$900 |
Transferable lifetime warranty |
|
Pella |
3.9 out of 5 stars |
50 states |
$100–$1,750 |
Limited warranties |
|
Simonton |
3.7 out of 5 stars |
50 states |
$200–$1,200 |
Double lifetime and lifetime limited warranty |
How Much Should I Spend on Replacement Windows?
On average, buying a replacement window should cost you $700 but can range from $671 to $1,387 per window. Factors such as frame material, window type, and glass type can influence how much you’ll spend on your windows. To learn more about these different window options and how they affect the cost of your project, visit our How Much Does Window Replacement Cost? guide.
How to Choose Replacement Windows
There are several factors to consider when shopping for replacement windows, including available styles, frame material, warranties, and installers. Additional cost factors, including customization, window size, and energy efficiency upgrades, will come into play after you’ve selected your brand of choice.
Below are some important factors to keep in mind when researching potential windows companies for your project.
Types of Windows
These are the most common window styles in residential homes:
- Awning windows: These windows have hinges at the top of the frame, allowing them to open easily for optimal ventilation. Thanks to its design, you can open awning windows during the rain without ruining your home’s interior and furnishings.
- Bay windows: Known for their protruding outward design, these windows offer additional interior space via a sitting area or ledge. Bay windows serve as an architectural add-on to your home and can boost your curb appeal.
- Bow windows: These windows are similar to bay windows, except their shape is slimmer and more curved. Bow windows typically have between four to five windows in their design compared to the usual three panes for bay windows.
- Casement windows: These windows are built with a hinge on the right or left side and work well in rooms with restricted or obstructed views. Casement windows work well in rooms that are prone to moisture since they offer excellent ventilation.
- Custom windows: These windows allow homeowners to customize their window design to suit their home’s aesthetic. Most manufacturers offer custom windows with various customizations, including colors, material, hardware, and energy-efficient upgrades.
- Double-hung windows: Double-hung windows can be opened at the top and bottom panel (or sash), offering more options for air circulation and easy cleaning. These windows work well in installations on higher floors.
- Egress windows: Usually found in basements, egress windows serve as an emergency exit and may be required in some residential areas. These windows are large enough for an adult to crawl through safely.
- Garden windows: This window style allows homeowners to create mini-greenhouses for their plants and herbs. Garden windows have no grilles to allow maximum sunlight to enter a room.
- Hopper windows: These windows open with a crank and have a hinge at the bottom that opens inward. Since they sit high on a wall, they provide excellent ventilation and privacy.
- Picture windows: These windows offer unobstructed, picturesque views of your surroundings, with the largest sizing running from the floor to the ceiling. Picture windows do not open, making them excellent for security.
- Single-hung windows: These are traditional windows that have a fixed top sash and open on the lower sash only—a great security feature for ground-floor rooms. Single-hung windows are more cost-effective than double-hung options.
- Sliding windows: Sliding windows work well in tight spaces because they run on a small track that allows the window to open to the left or right, rather than outward or inward. These work well in larger rooms or areas that need more natural light.
- Storm windows: These windows offer added protection against hurricanes or heavy storms thanks to their impact-resistance window glass. Storm windows are used in coastal areas prone to major storms or heavy winds.
- Transom windows: These decorative windows, which come in unique shapes such as arches or rectangles, serve as a decorative element above a door or other window. Transom windows are popular for bathroom installations or other areas where natural light and privacy are preferred.
Window Features
Certain windows help improve the functionality and lifespan of your windows. Adding features such as glazing and low-emissivity (low-e) coatings boost their energy efficiency, leading to lower energy bills and improved internal comfort levels. Below are examples of window features to consider during your search.
- Cladding: This type of cover protects wood windows’ exterior. Vinyl or metal cladding helps extend the windows’ life and reduces their exposure to the elements. Homeowners can enjoy the beautiful design of wood windows inside their homes without the exterior degrading over time.
- Glazing: Additional temperature protection comes with installing double- or triple-glazed windows. Double-glazed (or double-pane) windows have two glass panes with a sealed gas filler to impede heat transfer. This gas, typically argon or krypton, provides added insulation to prevent exterior temperatures from affecting your home’s comfort level. Choosing triple-glazed (or triple-pane) windows adds another layer of insulation and noise reduction.
- Low-e coatings: This coating helps regulate the solar heat that enters your home. According to the Department of Energy, low-e coating can reduce energy loss by up to 50%. The coating comes in various protection levels and may differ in certain climates. Some low-e glass allows solar heat to enter your home in winter. In other circumstances, the coating allows visible light to enter your home but reduces warming.
- Tilt-in sashes: This feature is found on single- and double-hung windows offered by most manufacturers. The sash, or the movable part of the windows, tilts inward, making it easier to clean.
Window Materials
Along with choosing the right style for your home, you’ll need to decide on window frame materials. These materials vary in energy efficiency, customization options, and durability. Below is an overview of the market’s most popular window frame materials.
- Aluminum: These windows provide better protection from extreme temperatures but will corrode when exposed to salt water. Although aluminum windows have a more appealing appearance than vinyl, they provide little energy efficiency benefits. These windows serve as another low-cost replacement option.
- Composite: Composite windows combine wood’s timeless look with the durability of sturdy metal or plastic materials. They cost more than vinyl windows but have a longer lifespan. Composite material provides more customization options than vinyl and offers great energy efficiency.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass windows have excellent durability, and therefore a long lifespan compared to other materials. These windows work well in most climates because they can expand and contract during extreme conditions. Fiberglass windows have a higher price tag than aluminum or vinyl but are more economical than wood options. This material also requires little maintenance and helps reduce your energy costs.
- Vinyl: This window material has the lowest costs but doesn’t last as long as other window materials. Vinyl offers good energy savings and requires less maintenance However, vinyl windows often have a notably artificial look to them.
- Wood: Wood windows add elegance and classic designs to your home. Although the natural material boosts your home’s curb appeal, it’s more prone to damage, such as rotting or peeling. They offer excellent durability and energy efficiency but have a much higher cost range.
Window Warranties
Protecting your replacement window investment with a secure manufacturer’s warranty is essential. This may include protection from manufacturer defects, damages, or window replacement costs. We’ve broken down some common warranties to look for below.
- Limited lifetime warranty: This is the most common coverage, protecting against external defects and functionality.
- Lifetime warranty: This warranty offers the same protection as a limited warranty with added coverage for replacement parts.
- Double lifetime warranty: This is similar to a lifetime warranty but lasts for as long as you own your home.
- Transferable warranty: Homeowners can transfer their coverage to the new homeowner. Most companies prorate the coverage from the original purchase date, giving the new owner a smaller warranty period.
The term “lifetime” varies between window companies and is based on how long they think your windows will remain in optimal condition. These time frames also vary based on the quality of your windows. High-quality windows could have a lifetime of up to 20 30 years, while low–quality windows may only last three to five years. Because a windows warranty is often complicated and includes many clauses, you should review the terms and conditions in detail.
Here are some warranty details to look out for:
- Frame coverage
- Glass coverage
- Hardware coverage and replacement
- Labor and installation terms
- Manufacturer’s defect coverage
- The company’s definition of “lifetime”
What to Look for in Homeowner Reviews
Homeowner reviews provide insight into the window buying experience and how companies treat their customers, which is why we read customer reviews for every company we’re recommending. You should look at good and bad reviews to gain a complete understanding of customers’ experiences. Look for the following items in each review:
- Customer support: Review how customer service representatives responded to homeowners’ issues and supported them both before and after installation. Take note of positive and negative experiences. Companies with long-term issues with customer support should be avoided.
- Scheduling and installation: Look for comments about how long it took to schedule appointments with the company and the turnaround time to full installation. Check for any complaints about delayed installation appointments or poor communication with scheduling. Also, pay attention to any reviews mentioning incomplete installations or unprofessional installers.
- Warranties: Many homeowners will share positive and negative experiences with warranty claims. You can learn more about the steps to start a claim, the coverage details, and how long the process may take. You may also learn about common warranty issues or claim delays other customers have faced.
- Window products and projects: Look for customer reviews that mention specific window products or product lines. Reviewers may also mention a project similar to your renovation or upgrade. Check those reviews for insights into their experience and any roadblocks they may have faced. You should also check for complaints about poor workmanship or faulty windows. You should avoid companies with constant issues with their product lines or project work.
How to Find a Local Window Installer
After selecting your manufacturer and replacement windows, you’ll need to find a contractor or window installation company to complete the work. We don’t recommend trying to install windows yourself unless you’re specifically skilled at window installation. Not only can an improper fit cost you money in the long run, but having a labor warranty is valuable—so much so that our survey takers cited it as their second-most important reason for not attempting a do-it-yourself (DIY) installation. In fact, installing windows yourself can void your product warranty, so it’s best to leave the project to a licensed team.
Here are a few tips for finding installers in your area.
- Certified installer network: Windows companies usually have a network of trusted and certified installers. These installers are trained to handle the company’s products, ensuring each project is completed as intended. Shoddy installations can damage your home or cause poor energy efficiency and high energy costs.
- Home improvement store services: Home improvement stores such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s offer window installation services to homeowners. These installers are trained for window installation but may not be certified for your particular products. We recommend checking the store’s online reviews for customers with the same products and reading about their experiences.
- Recommendations from friends, family members, and acquaintances: You can reach out to close friends and family to get suggestions for window installers in your area. Neighbors can also be a great resource for recommendations. Speak to your neighbors about recent projects and learn more about their experience. Ask about their windows upgrade’s planning, scheduling, and installation stages.
Our Recommendation
Replacing your windows can improve your energy savings, bring more natural light into your rooms, and upgrade your home’s curb appeal. We recommend Renewal by Andersen as our top choice due to its patented Fibrex composite windows and in-house installation services. Our next pick, Champion Windows, offers affordable and durable vinyl window selections. We also like Marvin Windows’ excellent selection of reliable fiberglass, wood, and extruded aluminum options that add the right touch of beauty to any home.
We suggest comparing at least three companies and their products, customization options, and warranty coverage before making a decision. You’ll also need to consider your overall budget and whether luxury or affordable window replacements are the best options for your home. Use our tool below to find the top local installers in your area.
Replacement Windows FAQ
Are vinyl replacement windows a good choice?
Yes, vinyl replacement windows are a good choice for homeowners looking for low-cost replacements that require little maintenance. Although vinyl isn’t as customizable as other window materials, it’s sturdy and provides energy savings.
What is the best type of window for soundproofing?
The best type of window for soundproofing is a double-pane window. Double-pane glass windows are effective at blocking out outdoor sounds and creating a quieter indoor experience. For optimal soundproofing, you can install triple-pane windows, which also provide energy-efficiency benefits.
What is the most affordable time of year to replace windows?
Winter is the most affordable time to replace windows since it’s the off-season. Keep in mind that you’ll need to endure the cold for a few days while your windows are replaced. However, your replacement windows project will be more affordable, and you can benefit from the improved energy-efficiency upgrades.
What’s the best brand of replacement windows?
We ranked Renewal by Andersen as our choice for the best replacement windows. The company provides energy-efficient vinyl replacement options and a full-service installation process. Champion Windows, another top choice, offers in-house manufactured windows, including its patented Comfort 365 Window Glass.
Who makes the best double-hung replacement windows?
Top window manufacturers, including Renewal by Andersen, Marvin Windows, and Champion Windows, offer excellent double-hung replacement options. When shopping for double-hung windows, homeowners should consider the window material, energy-efficiency upgrades, and functionality, including tilt-in sashes.
How We Chose the Top Window Brands
We researched and analyzed dozens of window manufacturers. We then crafted a rating system based on each brand’s standard and energy-efficient product offerings.
We spoke directly to representatives at each company to learn how the installation process works and determine how each brand personalizes its windows for each home. We also closely analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and labor guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
Finally, we assessed the manufacturer’s years of experience and customer reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.