Storm windows can be a game-changer for homes in areas prone to storms. These windows are specially designed to withstand high winds and extreme weather. Their extra insulation has other benefits too, like increasing your windows’ energy efficiency, reducing noise, and even deterring break-ins.
Our top choice for best storm windows is Renewal by Andersen, a reputable brand with a full storm collection approved for Florida’s hurricane zones and made with highly durable Fibrex material and impact-resistant glass. Pella and Marvin aren’t far behind. We chose Pella for how energy-efficient and well-tested its windows are, and Marvin for its fiberglass material and sleek curb appeal.
Renewal by Andersen
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Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Features proprietary window frame material that is stronger and more durable than vinyl
- Includes a transferable 20-year warranty on glass and a 10-year warranty on non-glass materials
- Provides full-service window replacement services
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t sell aluminum, fiberglass, or wood frame windows
- Provides fewer window styles than other brands
Window Styles Offered
Renewal by Andersen offers up to eight window styles, which you can customize to fit your home’s aesthetic. Here is the full list of window styles Renewal by Andersen offers:
- Specialty
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Sliding
Top Storm Window Companies
To determine the best storm window brands, we looked at the coastal and hurricane product lines from 15 top window companies. We spoke with two homeowners who have storm windows, including a Florida insurance adjuster, as well as a window industry expert. We also surveyed 1,500 window buyers about their experiences and read over 100 reviews per company.
Here are the five companies we recommend for impact windows:
- Renewal by Andersen: Best Installation
- Pella: Easiest to Find
- Marvin: Most Diverse Selection
- Simonton Windows: Best Ongoing Maintenance
- Window World: Most Budget-Friendly
Comparing Top Storm Window Brands
The table below shows how our top picks for storm windows compare at a high level. We determined average costs per window by surveying a sample of brands’ customers. In cases where our survey data didn’t give us a large enough pool of cost data, we looked at customer responses on Reddit.
You’ll notice that Window World is last on our list despite having a high overall score. This is because it’s missing a key certification for storm windows, though we still recommend it in some cases. Simonton’s score is also lower than brands we typically feature, but it mainly lost points for its above-average pricing, which may not deter some customers.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Price Range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
B+ | $612 | Limited transferable | ||
Not Rated | $660 | Limited lifetime transferable | ||
A+ | $742 | Limited transferable | ||
A+ | $577 | Limited lifetime transferable | ||
 | A+ | $452 | Limited transferable |
Our Reviews of Storm Window Brands
Storm window technology has come a long way in recent decades. In the past, storm windows were secondary window units installed on the inside or outside of your standard window using magnets, adhesive, compression, or a track system. While you can still buy interior and exterior storm window models, many homeowners find them unsightly and less protective than they want. For truly hurricane-resistant storm protection, look for what’s now known as impact windows. They’re a larger investment upfront, but they’re much safer for homeowners in storm zones.
MacDonald adds that most traditional storm windows are simply one pane of glass that help limit airflow. While they provide some additional insulation, they’re not designed to sufficiently protect your home from debris during a storm. Our reviews focus on impact-resistant replacement windows.
Renewal by Andersen
- Storm lines: Coastal Impact
- Window styles: Awning, casement, double-hung, picture, specialty
- Warranty type: Limited
Company Overview
- Made from an exclusive Fibrex composite material for better durability
- Comes in 49 interior and exterior color and finish combinations
- Meets the highest grade of forced-entry resistance
Keep in Mind
- Takes months to install from time of order, according to some customers
- Limits frame warranty coverage to 20 years and glass coverage to 10 years
Our Review and Insights
Renewal by Andersen is our top pick for storm windows for several reasons. For one, the company has won the Energy Star Partner of the Year award for several consecutive years. We also like that its window frames are made from its trademarked Fibrex composite material—an extra durable formulation no other company has. This composite combines the strength of wood with the low maintenance of vinyl. It can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and is guaranteed to not crack, pit, corrode, sag, warp, or rot. It’s also formulated to resist high humidity, salt water, and termites.
RbA’s Coastal Impact collection uses impact-resistant glass and includes a high-performance, low-emissivity coating to prevent UV transfer, meaning it prevents sunlight from heating or fading your home’s interior. The collection comes in 49 color and finish combinations.
Renewal by Andersen’s installation process is another thing that sets it apart. The company handles every aspect of your purchase in-house, from your initial consultation to installation by its certified crew. This streamlines your project by preventing the miscommunication and warranty disputes that can happen when you have to hire outside contractors.
We don’t like the brand’s limited warranty coverage, which covers the window frame for 20 years and the glass for 10. We prefer coverage for the window’s full lifetime (typically 30 years). Still, the coastal product line is certified for use in high velocity hurricane zones and has a performance grade of 40, the highest grade of forced-entry resistance.
Customer Reviews
The top themes we noticed among customer reviews on sites such as BBB and Trustpilot have to do with service more than window quality. Many customers report canceled appointments and delays, both regarding installation and repairs. Customers say it takes several months from the time they order their windows to the time they’re installed. However, another theme is professional and courteous representatives. Many reviewers note that those they spoke to by phone and the installers who came to their home were eager to help and handled their project knowledgeably.
Here’s what two customers had to say:
“[RbA was] very proficient and cleaned every bit of mess up. They laid plastic down to avoid dust and even sectioned part of the house to avoid dust and dirt. We could not imagine what a difference the windows make. We feel no heat coming through the windows and our house is super quiet. We did pay a lot more than the competitors are offering, but the money has been well spent. I would highly recommend Renewal by Andersen as absolutely the best.” —Ed L., July 2024, BBB
“After many, many phone calls to set up an appointment and after canceling other appointments they never showed up. Had to call them. They said no supervisor was available.” —Hank, September 2024, Trustpilot
Pella
- Storm lines: Hurricane Shield, Defender
- Window styles: Casement, single-hung, sliding
- Warranty type: Limited
Company Overview
- Rigorously tested against hurricane pressure
- Designed with predrilled holes for easier installation
- Made to be exceptionally insulative for better energy efficiency
Keep in Mind
- Made from vinyl, which is common but isn’t as durable as composite framing
- Comes in limited window styles
Our Review and Insights
Pella has two impact window lines: Hurricane Shield and Defender. The only difference between them is that the Defender line only includes single-hung windows, whereas Hurricane Shield also includes awning and casement styles. Both lines use vinyl framing, which is pretty standard in the windows industry, but it’s not as durable as composite or fiberglass.
Both series’ glass is highly tested against hurricane conditions. The laminated glass is tested a minimum of 6,000 times at 140 degrees Fahrenheit and 100% humidity. The testing team fires a 2-by-4 at the glass at 50 feet per second. After impact, the team subjects the window to 9,000 cycles of hurricane pressure to assess how well the window stays intact. The windows include a strong polymer layer between the panes of glass to provide reinforcement even if the glass shatters. There are 18 insulating air chambers filled with nontoxic argon gas between window panes for maximum insulation.
Our main issue with Pella is its warranty limitations. While nonglass components are covered as long as the original purchaser owns the home, laminated glass is only covered for 10 years. Plus, coverage of many nonglass components isn’t transferable to subsequent homeowners as is common with other companies. We prefer a lifetime warranty for all window parts, especially for glass, the most vulnerable component.
Customer Reviews
Our main takeaway from reading Pella’s customer reviews across BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews is that customer support over the phone is frustrating, while customer support in person is superb. Many customers write how difficult it is to get in touch by phone for repair requests and warranty questions, also noting that calls are often not returned. However, many rave about how helpful and courteous in-person representatives are, praising their sales rep, installation crew, and project manager for their communication and quality control.
Here are two reviews that stood out to us:
“So far, we are loving the 11 new replacement windows installed by Pella. The experience started with the great salesperson, Charlie Faulk. He has been there for us from beginning to end. The cost was reasonable when compared to other replacement window folks. The install crew was on time, efficient, neat, and left everything cleaned up. We have had a great experience with Pella.” —Ricky D., May 2024, Google Reviews
“Pella Windows and Doors doesn’t care about their customers’ needs, or at least that is my experience with them. They don’t have any knowledge about who does what. I contacted them for some repairs on my windows at my building and after collecting the service fees of $175. They never followed up with me for my windows replacement. Every time I call I get sent to a new person who doesn’t know anything about my account. I will not be contacting them for any of their services nor recommending the company.” —Aline P., September 2023, BBB
- Storm lines: Coastline, Ultimate, Elevate
- Window styles: Awning, casement, double-hung, picture, single-hung, sliding, specialty, storefront
- Warranty type: Limited
Company Overview
- Offers aluminum and fiberglass exteriors and wood interiors
- Known for sleek, modern designs and larger window sizes
- Comes in more storm window styles than most brands
Keep in Mind
- Begins warranty coverage at time of purchase, not installation
- Warranty coverage length is shorter than most companies
Our Review and Insights
Marvin has three impact lines: Coastline, Ultimate, and Elevate. Coastline is its dedicated storm line, rated for high velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ) such as Miami-Dade county. This line is made from extruded aluminum and includes larger window sizes and narrow framing so you can take in more of that coastal view. We like how many window styles are available in this line, whereas other brands have limited options. Coastline comes in seven styles, almost as many as standard windows.
Marvin’s Ultimate and Elevate lines aren’t exclusively hurricane windows, but each line features impact options. They include fewer style choices and aren’t HVHZ-approved. However, they’re still good options if you live outside of these zones. The Ultimate series is made of extruded aluminum, but what we really like is the Elevate line’s fiberglass frames combined with real wood interiors. Fiberglass is considered by many to be the most durable window material, and wood provides a classic, warm look. According to Marvin’s website, it tested the fiberglass’s tensile strength, which is the maximum amount of force a material can withstand before it breaks or permanently deforms. The fiberglass performed roughly seven times better than vinyl.
We’re not super happy with Marvin’s warranty coverage, though. Its terms say that coverage begins at the time of purchase rather than installation, something we haven’t seen from other warranties. Coverage lengths are also shorter than many brands. For example, instead of lifetime or 20-year coverage for nonglass components, Marvin allows five years for hardware and three for screens.
Customer Reviews
A big positive theme we noticed from reading Marvin’s online reviews is that customers really like the company’s representatives. Many say everyone they spoke to throughout the process were helpful and personable. We did notice a major negative theme on Reddit in a thread about how the company’s installation requirements differ from other manufacturers, often resulting in a gap around the window if you’re not aware of this variance.
“Getting a new Marvin window was the most amazing experience! From the enthusiastic sales person’s first contact to the manager who came back to pick up the leftover materials the workers left behind in my bedroom.” —Julie F., October 2023, Google Reviews
“Marvin windows have ‘unique’ (or perhaps more precious) installation requirements. This was news to my contractor. No one had ever seen instructions to install double-hung windows by tightly shimming the sides. Once they did this, under guidance of the Marvin rep, the double hungs did not have gaps and did open/close more smoothly. My contractor is still skeptical because apparently *no* other windows ever ask to be installed this way.” —vancitygirl88, October 2022, Reddit
Simonton Windows
- Storm lines: StormBreaker Plus
- Window styles: Awning, casement, double-hung, picture, sliding, specialty
- Warranty type: Limited lifetime
Company Overview
- Meets the Florida Building Code and Texas Department of Insurance’s highest standards
- Greatly reduces sound and UV transfer in addition to impact resistance
- Offers window insurance that could be valuable if you don’t have homeowner’s insurance
Keep in Mind
- Is more expensive than other brands we reviewed
- Has unresponsive customer support, according to many reviews
Our Review and Insights
Simonton’s StormBreaker Plus collection includes several popular window styles and uses vinyl framing. This line’s laminated, impact-resistant glass is certified to meet Missile D impact specifications for the Florida Building Commission and Texas Department of Insurance evaluation for the Texas coast. This is the highest standard, so you can feel confident even in volatile hurricane zones. The glass also deflects up to 99% of UV rays that heat your home in summer and fade furniture and walls. Its windows include a sound-dampening interlayer that reduces noise pollution by 50%.
While we wish Simonton had a true lifetime warranty, its limited lifetime coverage is more generous than many companies with this warranty type. It actually covers its framing, hardware, and screens for the window’s life. It covers glass for 20 years and the exterior coating for 10, which is still better than only covering glass for 10 years as some brands do.
Customer Reviews
Communication and responsiveness are two complaints we repeatedly saw in Simonton reviews. Customers note difficulty getting in touch with customer support, unreturned calls, and months of waiting for solutions and repairs. However, plenty of other customers say they had a smooth, pleasant experience from start to finish.
“Simonton folks just installed windows throughout our bedroom house. We had a great experience throughout the process. Dave was amazing in showing us different options and helping us pick the right products. Ismar and Jose did an awesome job of installing the windows professionally. One thing that especially separates the team to stand out is their patience and detailed attention to your needs.” —Nader A., October 2022, Google Reviews
“Since January 31st of this year I have been waiting to hear back about a warranty claim on a leaking window. No movement so far. After calling multiple times I finally got the case to move forward. Turns out, it will still take months before anything gets fixed, or even happens.” —Stef P., March 22, 2023, BBB
Window World
- Storm lines: Impact
- Window styles: Awning, casement, double-hung, picture, single-hung, sliding, specialty
- Warranty type: Limited lifetime
Company Overview
- Is cheaper than any other brand we reviewed
- Includes range of impact style options
- Has a sloped sill design to ensure water quickly drains away
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t have HVHZ-approved windows
- Has vague warranty terms that may vary by location
Our Review and Insights
We recommend Window World if you’re on a tight budget. According to our survey data, its prices average $300–$400 cheaper per window than other companies. It also provides frequent discounts. That doesn’t mean it’s low-quality, though—we often recommend Window World in other reviews because of its solid reputation and in-house installation service.
The brand’s Impact line has several style options with vinyl framing. However, while the site says these are hurricane-rated windows, it doesn’t explicitly say they’re HVHZ-approved like the other companies we reviewed. We called and spoke with two representatives, but neither could confirm if the line has Florida Building Code approval. This simply means that we can’t confidently recommend Window World for high-velocity zones, which is why we put it at the bottom of our list despite its higher overall score.
The other thing we don’t like about Window World is its lack of warranty transparency. The other brands we reviewed link a sample policy online. Window World has you enter your ZIP code and takes you to that location’s site to view warranty terms. While we can’t read every location’s warranty, this may mean that coverage varies by location. What we do know is that the policies we were able to read were much more vague than other companies. They state coverage for vinyl, glass, and mechanical parts, but don’t specify length of coverage.
Customer Reviews
Customers have a lot of good things to say about Window World. They note being impressed by the windows’ look and performance and the quick turnaround times for installation. A common negative theme we noticed was miscommunication with installers. While some customers said their installers were professional and great to work with, many others said their installers’ workmanship was poor and that they didn’t follow the homeowner’s instructions.
“Excellent job. I am so happy with the new windows installed by Window World in early June 2024. The installers and the management were very professional, polite, and did exactly what they were supposed to. It took them approximately 6 hours to install all the windows in the contract and clean up after the work was done. Thank you so very much for the job well done.” —Katyanee S., June 2024, BBB</span
“Windows are 9 out of 10. Installers’ workmanship gets a 2. No idea how to remove old windows. Tore my siding up. Big gap between J channel and siding. Water leak. Told me not responsible. No response for a call back.” —Joe D., October 2024, Trustpilot
Pros and Cons of Storm Windows
We recommend investing in storm windows if you live in a hurricane-prone area, but they do have some downsides to consider.
Pros
- More resistant to flying debris and break-ins than standard windows
- More energy efficient due to modern glass coatings and gas insulation
- Block noise better than standard windows
- Can open, unlike window inserts
- Get you better home insurance rates in many cases
Cons
- More expensive than old varieties of insert storm windows
- Not as many window styles as standard windows
One thing to be clear on is that window warranties don’t cover what’s considered “acts of God,” meaning weather-related events. That goes for all windows. Though hurricane damage isn’t generally covered, impact windows are designed to withstand hurricane pressure and flying debris, so you hopefully won’t incur this kind of damage in the first place.
Who Should Get Storm Windows?
We recommend storm windows for those who live in storm-prone areas and have the budget to upgrade. Though storm replacement windows typically cost more than standard windows and old school storm inserts, in the event of a hurricane or tornado, the investment is worth it to avoid wind and water damage inside your home. States such as Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and the Carolinas are most likely to benefit from storm-resistant windows, though they’re also helpful for homes in Texas, Oklahoma, and other areas that experience tornadoes.
He recommends upgrading to impact windows for a longer-term solution and a better return on your money.
What To Look for in a Storm Window
When shopping for storm windows, you want the best return on your investment. Below are the key factors we recommend comparing when choosing what brand to go with.
- Energy certification: Don’t buy a window that isn’t Energy Star-certified. You can check this on the company’s site or on the window’s label. Being Energy Star-certified means the window has been rigorously and independently tested to meet energy performance standards. Also, check which climate the window is certified for to ensure it will provide the best energy efficiency for your region.
- Hurricane zone certification: If you live in a hurricane-prone area, your municipality may have certain building codes to adhere to. The Florida Building Code, for example, requires that building materials are rated for high velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ). This is especially impactful for Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
- Material: Window frame material makes a difference in durability. Storm or impact windows typically come in composite, vinyl, or fiberglass options. Composite and fiberglass windows are considered the best and most durable. Vinyl is still common, though, and in the case of storm windows, has been reinforced for added strength. We don’t recommend wood or aluminum for storm protection. Wood is an organic material that doesn’t hold up well to flood conditions. Aluminum is prone to rusting when exposed to high moisture.
- Reviews: Check sites such as BBB, Trustpilot, Yelp, Google Reviews, and even Reddit and social media channels. Note patterns in what customers have to say about window quality, warranty coverage, and customer service. It’s rare that any company has exclusively positive reviews, but leaning mostly negative is a red flag.
- Warranty coverage: Carefully review companies’ warranty terms, which can often be found in a downloadable sample policy on their site. Look at which components are covered and for how long. Read the language around coverage for acts of God and storm scenarios. We recommend a lifetime warranty that covers glass and nonglass components for the duration you own the home the windows are installed in. Ideally, the coverage should be transferable to new homeowners.
Advice From a Homeowner
We spoke with Mary V., a homeowner who lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, a high velocity hurricane zone. The home she moved into had some existing impact windows, but in 2023, she decided to upgrade the entire house for increased hurricane protection and savings on her home insurance.
“Having to scramble for plywood or shutters in the event of an impending storm was a hassle,” Mary said of her decision.
She noted that cost can vary depending on your window’s size and shape, so keep that in mind when budgeting.
“We have some arched windows, which were more expensive than traditional rectangular ones. The arched ones were two-piece windows. It ranged from $500–$1,500 [per window].”
We also spoke with Zack H., a south Florida homeowner currently shopping for hurricane-rated windows. He also works as a local public adjuster, so he was able to provide some insight from an insurance perspective.
“I think storm windows are the No. 1 thing every home should have. I have seen homes with just shutters, and the storm still penetrates through them. On the other hand, I have seen homes with hurricane windows withstand 130–140 MPH winds with little to no damage. I would highly recommend getting storm windows.”
As a homeowner shopping for his own windows, Zack recommends shopping around.
- “Find a reputable company that has done work in your community and has a high BBB rating. Look for quality of work for that company and get referrals from friends, family, and neighbors who have had the windows put in.”
Professional vs. DIY Storm Window Installation
We strongly suggest hiring a professional installer for your storm windows. The point of investing in this window type is to protect your home, so don’t risk ruining its effectiveness by trying to save money with a DIY installation. A professional installer has the equipment and knowledge to guarantee precise measurements and secure fitting for the best durability and leak protection.
Often, building codes in storm-prone areas require professional installation. Many window warranties void certain coverage terms if the windows aren’t installed by a licensed professional. Check to see if these conditions apply to you.
How We Evaluate Window Brands
To determine the best window brands, we read over 1,000 customer reviews to spot themes about each brand’s product and service quality. We also surveyed 1,500 homeowners to learn which factors mattered most to them, as well as what they like and dislike about the windows they chose. We spoke with window experts to learn what to expect when buying and installing windows, and we carefully reviewed company websites and sample warranties.
From there, we evaluated companies on six factors that matter most to customers: value, performance, selection, services, customer support, and reputation.
- Value (20%): We evaluated cost and financing offers to assess the return on your investment. We gave more points to companies with below-market pricing of $1,400 or lower. If you’re buying several windows at once, you’ll likely consider financing them and paying the purchase off monthly. Some vinyl window manufacturers leave you to figure out financing on your own with your bank. Others have in-house financing options that come with incentives, such as 0% interest rates, no money down, or no payments for the first year. We rated companies with these benefits higher.
- Performance (25%): We looked at energy efficiency, warranty coverage, and hurricane certification to score performance. We gave the most points to companies with Energy Star-certified and Florida Program-approved windows and lifetime warranties, as we feel these give buyers the best return on investment.
- Selection (20%): To rate product selection, we looked at available materials, window types, and customization options. Window brands typically score similarly in this category because they offer many of the same things.
- Services (10%): We awarded more points to companies that offer in-house window installation because this reduces scheduling hassles, miscommunication, and warranty disputes. We also awarded points to companies that offer products beyond windows, such as doors, siding, and gutters. We think this is more convenient and cost-effective for customers doing big home improvement projects.
- Customer Support (10%): We looked at brands’ support hours and website features to score this category. We awarded points for 24/7 customer support, a website chat feature, an online service request form, and online maintenance and how-to guides for convenient answers to common questions.
- Reputation (15%): Lastly, we assessed how companies fared on review sites. We looked at ratings on the BBB and Trustpilot, giving more points for a higher BBB letter rating and customer scores.
