Pella Windows Review | 2025 Guide

By Michelle Kulas Updated October 24, 2024

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Pella Windows is one of our top-rated window brands according to our rating system. With contractors or showrooms in every state and a wide range of product lines available, Pella stands out for its accessibility. We also like that if you want do-it-yourself (DIY) windows, you can simply purchase them at Lowe’s or from various other building supply warehouses to manage your project.

We created and used a detailed methodology to compare Pella to more than 15 replacement window companies. Our team read the Pella website, perused the sites of contractors and dealers, examined customer reviews, and spoke to representatives so we could present the information you need to know when shopping for new windows. Keep reading to find out whether Pella is the right company to work with for your window project.

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Closeup of large bay window and red green flower decorations on sunny summer day and nobody architecture
Adobe – Royalty Free

Window Replacement Cost

Replacement windows on average range from $300 to $1,200.

Windows with fixed top sash and bottom sash that slides up, sash divided by white grilles a surrounded by white elegant frame horizontal white vinyl siding on a new construction residence
Adobe – Royalty Free

Single-Hung Windows

Single-hung windows on average cost $150 to $400 per window.

Low angle view of a plastic PVC window with a white metal frame in a modern house, showing an open window with blurred green trees and a clear sky outside.
low angle view of plastic pvc window with white metal frame installed at modern house, blurred green trees outside the room

Energy Efficient Upgrades

Double-pane installation typically ranges from $450 to $1,000 per window.

Our Summary and Review of Pella Windows

  • Year Founded: 1925
  • State availability: 50 
  • Warranty options: Limited lifetime warranty; transferability varies
  • Price range: $315–$2,300 per window*

*Pricing information sourced from Lowes.com

Pella is a well-known manufacturer because its windows are widely available. We like that it’s friendly to homeowners who wish to DIY; if you’re handy and want to install your windows, you can order them from Lowe’s or a building supply store and put them in at your pleasure. Major competitors don’t offer this option.

We also like the wide range of products. While many window providers only carry one window frame material, Pella carries three: wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. To compare, Window World only carries vinyl, and Renewal by Andersen only carries fiberglass. Vinyl is more budget-friendly, while fiberglass is more energy-efficient, so you might want to use different materials in different rooms. In this case, Pella is a good choice.

Pella’s biggest drawback is that it doesn’t have in-house installers. If you don’t install your windows yourself, you’ll work with a local dealer or contractor. Customer reviews indicate that service is inconsistent because of this. So, depending on your contractor, you might have trouble scheduling your installation or getting follow-up services under the warranty. If you want to work with a company that hires its own installers, consider Champion Windows or Window World.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Products are available at Lowe’s and local showrooms, making them DIY-friendly
  • Offers a variety of window options, including multiple frame materials
  • Has an easy-to-use, comprehensive website
  • Offers weekend support as well as chat support to help with issues immediately

Cons

  • Uses contracted installers, not in-house employees
  • Customer reviews are mediocre to poor
  • Only offers a two-year warranty on labor

Our Detailed Rating of Pella Windows

Pella earned 4.3 out of 5 stars in our ranking system. Our methodology focused on four main categories:

Keep reading to learn more about how Pella did in each category.

Services and Features

Our services and features category considered how many types of windows the provider offered, the window material and glass options available, and the extra features provided.

Pella scored 4.9 out of 5 stars in this category, beating all its competition except Marvin Windows. 

You’ll be able to find what you need from Pella, no matter what type of window you’re looking for, from swing-out casement windows to double-hung, picture, or pass-through windows.

The same applies to the extra features we considered, such as hardware, grid layout, and window frame color options. The selection available is vast in all instances, making it beat out most of its competiton. 

You can also choose low-emissivity (low-e) or triple-pane glass for better energy efficiency. Low-e glass has a coating that keeps heat from passing easily through the glass, while triple-pane windows provide insulation, keeping rooms more comfortable.

Pella can create custom windows and specialty shapes. We confirmed with an agent that you need an in-home appointment for specialty, custom, bay, and bow windows; the others are available from the showrooms, Lowe’s, and other distributors.

Regarding materials, Pella carries wood, vinyl, and aluminum windows. Many competitors only carry one material option. For example, Renewal by Andersen only offers fiberglass, while Champion only carries vinyl. Having several options is ideal, particularly if you want vinyl windows for a sunroom or wood in the other rooms.

Reliability

Our reliability criteria focused on the provider’s reputation, industry awards, years of experience, and customer satisfaction rating.

In the reliability category, Pella scored 3.8 out of 5 stars.

Pella did well in the industry standards section of this category. It’s ENERGY STAR and National Fenestration Rating Council certified. Additionally, the provider has won industry awards, including the Architizer’s 2024 A+ Product Award in the Windows & Skylights Category. It’s also won awards from the International Builders’ Show, Asure Magazine, and Newsweek, among many others.

We like the fact that Pella has been in business since 1925. The company has 17 manufacturing locations and over 200 showrooms, which indicates a solid presence and a commitment to providing a product that will last. Pella is available in every state, which is an advantage that Champion, Renewal by Andersen, and Window World don’t have. 

One drawback is that Pella doesn’t hire its installers. While it provides a training program and certifies its contractors, there can be a lack of consistency when a company doesn’t use in-house employees. Its Better Business Bureau (BBB) customer service ratings are also low, and a lack of consistency among its local contractors could be the cause. 

Marvin is similar in that it uses outside installers and has a low BBB rating. On the other hand, Window World and Castle Windows hire installers and have higher customer service ratings.

Cost and Value

In the cost and value category, we examined the company’s financing programs, whether discounts are available, and the robustness of the warranty.

Pella scored 3.1 out of 5 stars in the cost and value category.

Pella works with outside lenders to offer financing rather than providing it in-house. You need to enter your zip code on the website to find out which lender to work with in your area. If you’d prefer to work with a company offering in-house financing, Champion and Castle Windows are both options to consider.

We like that there are financing perks; at the time of this writing, the lender servicing a zip code in Tampa, Florida, offered 0% financing for up to 36 months, for example. This may change over time, so we recommend checking when you plan to purchase your windows.

Pella also offers its own discounts, which is a plus if you’re hoping to save money. For example, its Tampa location also provided 40% off installations for customers who didn’t use the 0% APR. This is an advantage if you’re not planning to finance your purchase. Again, we encourage you to see what your local dealer offers.

Pella’s warranty differs depending on the type of window you’re purchasing. While this means many documents to find and read, they’re all available on the Pella website for simplicity. The warranties are limited lifetime, and some parts are transferable. We like how easy it is to find the warranty information online; some competitors, such as Champion and Window World, don’t have the details easily accessible.

A drawback is that labor coverage for repair or replacement is only two years. You must pay for the labor if you need a window replacement or repair more than two years after installation. This is not standard; for example, the Renewal by Andersen warranty covers labor throughout the warranty period.

Flexibility

When scoring for flexibility, we considered a provider’s website, the ease of accessing customer support, and whether additional home improvement services were available.

Pella scored 4.8 out of 5 stars for flexibility, a score that none of the other 15 companies we reviewed achieved.  

We like that you can get weekend and online chat support. The online chat option uses a chatbot, which can only answer basic questions. However, we found that when we asked a more complex question and waited a few minutes, the system connected us to a sales representative. This is a convenience that competitors such as Harvey Windows and Doors and ProVia don’t offer.

We also like that the Pella website has a lot of helpful information. Whether you want to submit an online service request form, look up a warranty policy, or get advice on how to install a door or which types of windows to consider for your kitchen, you’ll be able to find what you need on the site. This makes it convenient to get answers without having to talk to someone, visit a showroom, or make an appointment. This is comparable to most competitors, including Champion and Power Home Remodeling.

The only drawback is that Pella only offers windows and doors. If you’re interested in Pella windows but want to hire one company to handle various outdoor remodeling needs, such as siding or a new roof, Power Home Remodeling, which carries Pella products, might be the better choice.


Pella Windows Product Overview

Pella carries a robust selection of windows, materials, and styles. Here’s an overview of the options available to you.

Types of Windows

  • Awning
  • Bay/bow
  • Casement
  • Double-hung
  • Picture
  • Single-hung
  • Sliding/gliding

Frame Materials

  • Fiberglass
  • Vinyl
  • Wood

Glass Materials

  • Privacy/tinted glass
  • Low-e glass coating
  • Triple-pane glass

Pella Windows Products We Recommend

If you love the look of wood windows, we recommend Pella’s Lifestyle Series collection. These wooden window frames are stylish, flexible, and durable, and they come in awning, casement, double-hung, and picture window styles. You can select from various paints and stains to make the windows complement your home’s style, and the provider also offers integrated blinds and shades. 

If you prefer the strength and durability of fiberglass, the Pella Impervia windows are a great choice. They’re low maintenance and can withstand extreme heat, subzero cold, and the sun and salt you experience in a coastal region.


Pella Windows’s Buying and Installation Process

When you choose Pella, you can have the Pella showroom employees arrange the installation, work with a certified contractor, or DIY by purchasing your windows from Lowe’s or another retailer. If you’re working with a contractor, here’s what you can expect from the process:

  1. Schedule an appointment to have your windows measured. Even if you go to a showroom in person, you’ll still need an in-home consultation to ensure you receive the correctly sized windows.
  2. Schedule your installation appointment. On installation day, ensure the installation team can easily access the windows and keep pets away from where they’ll be working.
  3. The installation crew will remove your old windows and install the new ones. They’ll also clean up and remove any construction materials.
  4. Do a walkthrough. Ensure you know how to operate your new windows, and ask questions before the installers leave.

Pella Windows Reviews

Pella has more than 1,500 reviews across a wide range of platforms. We read about 100 to share the typical customer experience. Our team found a spectrum of comments; many people were happy with their windows and the service received. At the same time, others complained about faulty installation, late products, and trouble getting follow-up service.

Great shopping experience

Great showroom with a professional staff and a great selection of windows. The shopping experience makes it very simple to find the right windows for your home.
Brad Kosar via Google Reviews

Poor communication

The consultation for window installation was professional. We signed a contract to have windows installed in October and were informed that the date would be moved up to November. I tried to contact both the company and the consultant but got no… reply Read more
Joseph via Consumer Affairs

Read the fine print

FYI, be aware that if you're buying Pella windows for your new home, the clock starts ticking on your 2-year labor warranty when delivered to the builder, not when you take possession of your new home. We discovered damaged seals on some of our… windows and reported them. Still, because they were delivered to the builder eight months before the home was finished, and we were beyond the two-year anniversary of that date, they won't honor the 2-year labor warranty. Awful customer service! Read more
Bill Newcott via Trustpilot

Faulty installation

I signed the contract in June, and they started the job in September. They damage all the trim. Here it is now, November, and I have no date set for when they will repair the damage and install the screen that was included with the purchase order. I… keep emailing and calling, and I can’t get the job done or find a date for when it will be done. Read more
Santos S. via BBB

We chose these reviews because they give a good overview of some common issues. Bill brings up a good point about that two-year labor warranty; it’s short, and the time starts when the windows are delivered to the builder. This can be inconvenient, particularly if your installation date is delayed.

Joseph and Santos both mentioned delayed installation and a lack of follow-up communication. Since Pella uses contractors and not in-house employees, this could stem from a lack of consistency in training and policies.

Breakdown by Review Site

We used three main platforms to find customer reviews: the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. Here’s what we found:

Pella’s reviews are lower than average, particularly with the BBB and Trustpilot. Marvin has similar review profiles. It’s worth noting that both companies are manufacturers, not installers, and neither hires in-house employees to manage installations. Compared to companies such as Champion and Renewal by Andersen, both of which hire in-house installers, Pella doesn’t stand out regarding customer reviews.

We recommend carefully vetting the local dealer you intend to work with by checking reviews and talking to a manager or salesperson about handling customer service issues.

*All review scores were accurate when published.


Compare Pella Windows to Other Window Brands

Pella stands out among the competition for carrying a wide range of windows and window frame materials that are easily accessible if you want to DIY your window installation. One drawback, however, is that it doesn’t hire in-house employees to perform installations but instead relies on certified contractors.

Company Star Rating Best For Price Range Link
4.9
Selection $680-$2,700 GET ESTIMATE
4.6
Sunrooms $400-$850 GET ESTIMATE
4.0
Warranty $300-$500 GET ESTIMATE
4.6
Coastal Homes $250-$900 GET ESTIMATE
4.2
Wooden Windows $500-$1,350 GET ESTIMATE
4.1
Specialty Windows $200-$600 GET ESTIMATE
4.2
Eco-Friendly Windows $450-$2,000 GET ESTIMATE

Is Pella Windows Worth It?

Pella is worth the investment if you want high-quality vinyl, wood, or fiberglass windows. We like the wide variety of products available, and you’ll be able to find the colors and grid options you’re looking for, even if you need a custom window or a specialty shape.

The company is an excellent choice if you plan to install windows yourself. You’ll be able to find most window products at Lowe’s, and with 200 showrooms across the country, there’s probably one nearby. The exception would be if you need custom windows or a bay or bow window; in this case, you’ll need a consultant to come to your house.

If you have your windows installed by a contractor, be aware that your installer won’t be a Pella employee. We recommend due diligence when choosing a dealer. Check reviews and ask questions to determine whether the contractor you’re considering provides good service. If you’d prefer a company that hires installers itself, consider Champion or Renewal by Andersen.


Pella Windows FAQ

What is the warranty for Pella windows?

The warranty for the different Pella products depends on whether you choose fiberglass, wood, or vinyl window frame options. The Pella website has the warranty documents linked, so you can familiarize yourself with them before deciding.

What color windows does Pella Windows offer?

Pella carries a wide range of colors. You can choose neutrals such as white, tan, auburn brown, and black, as well as bold colors such as red, Hartford green, hemlock, and stormy blue.

What is the most popular window that Pella sells?

One of the most popular window designs Pella sells is its casement window. These are hinged on the side and swing outward to open, allowing you to let the fresh air stream easily into your home. Casement windows come in wood, fiberglass, or vinyl.

Is Pella better than Renewal by Andersen?

According to our rating methodology, Pella and Renewal by Andersen are very closely ranked, with Renewal by Andersen coming out slightly ahead. One advantage of Renewal by Andersen is that it hires in-house installers, whereas Pella doesn’t. A benefit of choosing Pella is that you can purchase the windows to install on your own, which Renewal by Andersen doesn’t allow you to do.


How We Chose the Top Window Brands

We researched and analyzed dozens of window manufacturers. Then, we crafted a rating system based on each brand’s standard product offerings and energy-efficient options for windows and doors.

We speak directly to a representative at each company to learn how the installation process with each provider works and determine how each brand personalizes its custom 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.

Other factors include 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.