7 Best Replacement Window Companies (2024 Guide)
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There’s much to consider when choosing a window replacement company, such as energy efficiency, warranties, and material costs. We did the research for you to help narrow down which companies to look at. Overall, we most recommend Renewal by Andersen for replacement windows. The company offers customized replacement windows with white glove, in-house installation services, various styles, and comprehensive warranty coverage.
We reviewed the industry’s best window brands using a rigorous in-house methodology to choose the companies on our list. We analyzed window costs, services, products, and surveyed 1,000 homeowners to determine the factors most important to them to help you make a sound buying decision.
Key Takeaways
See our list of top window companies based on in-depth research.
Select the company that best meets your needs.
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your home.
Who Are the Best Window Replacement Companies?
After evaluating popular window companies nationwide, these brands ranked highest and are the best for replacement windows:
How Do the Top Replacement Window Brands Compare?
See how we rated the brands on our list compared to their average price. Though Renewal by Andersen is the most expensive option on average, its high quality earned it the best rating, indicating a higher return on investment than competitors.
| Star Rating | Best For | Price Range | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewal by Andersen |  | Most Hands-Free Install | $500–$3,000 | Get Quote | |
| Champion |  | Best Financing | $350–$800 | Get Quote | |
| Castle Windows |  | Best Warranty | $300–$600 | Get Quote | |
| Marvin |  | Most Innovative Windows | $250–$1,000 | Get Quote | |
| Harvey |  | Best Custom Hardware | $500–$1,350 | Get Quote | |
| Milgard |  | Best Fiberglass Windows | $300–$600 | Get Quote | |
| Pella |  | Best Energy Efficiency | $400–$2,000 | Get Quote |
| Renewal by Andersen | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Most Hands-Free Install |
| Price Range | $500–$3,000 |
| Castle Windows | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Warranty |
| Price Range | $300–$600 |
Renewal by Andersen
Most Hands-Free Install
Champion
Best Financing
Castle Windows
Best Warranty
Marvin
Most Innovative Windows
Harvey
Best Custom Hardware
Milgard
Best Fiberglass Windows
Pella
Best Energy Efficiency
*BBB ratings are accurate as of February 2024.
How Much Does Window Replacement Cost?
Replacement windows cost between $64 – $1,600, depending on the type of window and frame. You should plan to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for your replacement windows. Your total cost depends mainly on the material, style, energy efficiency features, brand, and customizations you select. Window material is often the biggest cost factor. Depending on what matters most to you about your window, you may be able to save money by going with a more budget-conscious frame material.
See average prices for each material and what its pros and cons are below. Note that a material having an X doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer that feature at all, just that it’s not one of its strengths.
| Feature | Aluminum | Composite | Fiberglass | Vinyl | Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $64–$505 | $650–$1,269 | $423–$1,587 | $219–$1,150 | $325–$1,375 |
| Attractive | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Durable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Energy-efficient | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Highly customizable | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Low-maintenance | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
How Can You Save Money on Replacing Windows?
We know replacement windows are a costly home expense, even if you choose the most budget-friendly materials and design. Luckily, you can save money by buying in bulk, looking for discounts, repairing instead of replacing, and shopping during the offseason.
If you’re financing windows, don’t assume you’ll have to put money down or deal with high-interest rates. Champion, for example, offers a financing program that has no interest, no money down, and no payments for 12 months.
What Should You Consider When Replacing Your Windows?
There are a lot of options when buying windows. Being that replacement is a high-cost home improvement project, it’s understandable you want to pick the most affordable option with the highest return on investment. We’ve broken down the key things to look at to help make the process easier.
Are Energy Efficiency Windows Worth it?
According to Josh Ramsey, Renewal by Andersen’s Midwest regional training manager, one of the biggest reasons homeowners replace their windows is to increase energy efficiency in rooms with poor temperature regulation.
Though they’re more costly than standard windows, energy-efficient windows help you save money on your energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) joint program, Energy Star, reports that replacing clear-glass, single-pane windows in a single-story, 2,000-square-foot home with new Energy Star-certified windows can save you $101–$583 per year.
Windows certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) have a label that helps you compare energy-efficient windows on key metrics, such as U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, visible transmittance, and air leakage. Check out the NFRC’s website for more information on these factors and what to look for.
You’ll get the biggest return from your windows by choosing one with energy-saving features. The Department of Energy reports that heat gain and loss through windows is responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. That poor insulation means your HVAC system is working harder to keep your home comfortable, causing your monthly energy bill to rise.
Choosing an energy-efficient window keeps your home more comfortable, your bills more reasonable, and your HVAC system in better condition. Here are a few things to look for to ensure you get an energy-efficient window that will provide a solid ROI:
- Argon-gas filling that provides extra insulation between glass layers
- Double- or triple-pane glass for added insulation
- Energy Star label that guarantees certification for your climate
- Low-emissivity (low-e) glass coating to better manage heat transfer
What is the Best Window Frame Material?
Each frame material has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Ask these questions about the window’s framing material:
What Window Style is Right for Your Home?
You’ll want window styles that complement your home’s architecture while staying within your budget. Many contemporary homes have casement or sliding windows. Historic homes often feature double-hung and awning windows, while farmhouse-style homes have bay or bow windows.
What Are Common Window Types and Their Functions?
Read about popular window types below and look for companies that provide windows that match the look of the room(s) you’re upgrading.
Also called arch-top windows or radius windows, arched windows have square bottoms and an arch or half-circle on top.
These windows have hinges at the top of the frame and swing outward from the bottom. They often have a crank or a type of glide hardware.
These are small windows in your basement that increase natural light and airflow. They run across the top of your home’s foundation and are hinged at the bottom to open at the top. Many homeowners choose to convert basement hoppers into egress windows to act as emergency exits.
Bay windows have a 3D shape that curves outward from your home. Adding a box seat or ledge can transform them into a bookshelf or an additional seating area. Bay windows are angular, while bow windows are more curved.
This popular window style has a hinge on the side and swings open to the left or right via a crank. Casement windows are often placed in hard-to-reach areas, such as over a kitchen sink or in a bathroom.
These windows have two locks and open at the top and bottom. They’re often found on high floors.
Garden windows protrude from your home, creating a space to grow plants and herbs. They’re ideal for a kitchen window.
These windows are translucent, thick blocks of glass. They allow light into the room but obscure the view, which makes them a popular option for basement and bathroom windows.
These oversized windows are floor-to-ceiling accents. They cannot be opened and provide a lot of natural lighting.
Sometimes called geometric windows, shaped windows provide an accent that lets light in where standard windows might not work. Popular shapes include half-round, round, eclipse, triangles, and trapezoids.
These windows function similarly to double-hung windows, but they only open on one end. They’re also typically smaller than double-hung windows.
Consider the following when thinking about what window type you need:
Do Your Windows Offer Warranty Coverage?
Window manufacturers include warranties on their products to protect your investment. The length and stipulations of these warranties vary by product. High-end options, such as wood windows, typically come with comprehensive warranties, while vinyl windows may come with shorter, less thorough coverage. Window coverage usually includes a manufacturer’s warranty that covers the glass, frame, hardware, and other materials, as well as a labor warranty that covers installation workmanship. If you hire a third-party installer, your labor warranty will come from this company rather than the manufacturer. Always get a window warranty.
Warranty coverage can range from a couple of years to the product’s lifetime. Unfortunately, lifetime warranties are not standard in the windows industry. In our survey of 1,000 homeowners, 37% said they received only a two- to five-year warranty. However, 91% of homeowners said their warranty was fulfilled when they made a claim. An installer that offers lifetime warranties on its windows or doors, such as Castle, is a secure investment.
What Window Companies Have Good Customer Reviews?
Reading customer reviews on popular sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google can help you understand buyers’ experiences with the companies you’re interested in. Take note of the pros and cons each reviewer shares. Our expert from Renewal by Andersen, Josh Ramsey, recommends looking for companies that have one-stop accountability, meaning their products and services are primarily in-house rather than contracted out. He says providing an in-home consultation is a positive sign of professionalism and good customer service.
Many customers will also mention whether a company stands behind its work with its warranties, and how helpful customer service reps are. You may want to consider a different installer if you notice many negative reviews.
Who is the Best Window Installer?
Finding a reputable professional window installer will ensure your project is completed properly, safely, and efficiently. Many major window manufacturers provide networks of installers certified to work with their products. Using a contractor your window brand recommends prevents problems later on because the manufacturer can’t blame the installer for issues or vice versa. We recommend getting multiple free quotes and checking the American Window and Door Institute to ensure your installer is certified.
Your pricing estimate should include the window brand and model, number of windows, size, and type, plus any add-on features. Installation details should be noted, and labor and material costs should be broken down separately.
How Do I Find a Window Installer Near Me?
Many companies offer professional window installation. One way to narrow your options is to look for installers who are certified for the particular window brand you want. You should also confirm which companies service your address.
Most homeowners we surveyed (46%) opted to hire a local contractor, citing that they were scared to make a mistake, wanted to protect their windows with a warranty, or simply didn’t want to deal with the hassle of installing windows themselves.
Use our tool below to quickly connect with reputable, certified window installers that service your ZIP code and schedule in-home assessments.
What Company Makes the Best Replacement Windows?
Out of all the replacement window brands on our list, we most recommend Renewal by Andersen for a top-of-the-line, hands-free window replacement experience. Renewal by Andersen has well-rated, energy-efficient windows, a comprehensive warranty, and professional in-house installation services.
If you want long-lasting fiberglass windows, we suggest Milgard. If you have a strict budget, check out Champion’s ongoing discount and see our guide to affordable replacement window brands.
We suggest requesting at least three quotes from window companies before making your decision to compare pricing. Use our tool below to get free quotes from our top recommendations.
FAQs About Window Replacement Companies
What type of window is the most energy efficient?
Wood windows are the most energy efficient because they insulate better than other materials. However, they require more upkeep than vinyl, aluminum, or hybrid windows. Any window with a low-e coating should be an excellent choice for energy-efficiency.
Which replacement windows last the longest?
Fiberglass windows often last the longest due to how durable and weather-resistant they are. They’re also the least likely material to develop seal failure. Fiberglass windows typically come with comprehensive warranty coverage because the manufacturer knows it’s a long-lasting, high-quality material. Expect to pay more for fiberglass, though the energy efficiency and longevity you get out of the window may actually save you money in the long run.
What is the best alternative to vinyl windows?
We recommend composite windows as the best alternative to vinyl windows. Though composite windows are more expensive than vinyl, they offer greater energy efficiency and durability without being as expensive as fiberglass or wood windows.
How often should you replace windows?
You should replace your windows roughly every 20–30 years. However, this time frame depends on the materials used for your windows, the weather conditions where you live, and the windows’ functionality.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our window ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, browsing product selections, analyzing window line specifications, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for window variety, value, trustworthiness and transparency, window features, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
