8 Best Window Brands (2024 Guide)
Our top choice for the best window brand is Renewal by Andersen. Weโve spent more than 400 hours researching and comparing the best window companies in the United States in order to choose our top choices for window companies.
We closely analyzed each providerโs product specifications, warranties, customer service reviews, and additional service options. We also surveyed 1,000 homeowners to determine the factors most important to them when selecting windows.
Window installation costs can be high, so you want to ensure you receive the best quality at the best price. Thatโs why itโs important to find a reputable window brand that meets your needs and preferences. Read on to learn more about our top window company recommendations.
Best Window Brands
These are the top window companies based on our extensive research:
- Renewal by Andersen: Most Hands-Free Experience
- Champion Windows: Best Financing and Discounts
- Castle Windows: Best Warranty
- Milgard: Best Fiberglass Windows
- Marvin: Most Innovative Windows
- Harvey: Best Hardware Customization
- Simonton Windows: Best Ongoing Maintenance
- Pella: Best Energy Efficiency
Compare The Best Window Brands
Use our tool below to quickly compare the best window companies.
Our Top Picks For Best Window Brands
What Is Important To Consider When Buying Replacement Windows?
Window shopping can be overwhelming, considering the many different components and materials. Weโve broken down the key things to know to make the process easier.
Types of Windows
Youโll want to find companies with window styles that complement your homeโs architecture. 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.
Read about popular window types below and search for companies that provide windows that match the look of the room(s) youโre upgrading.
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 small basement windows increase natural light and airflow. They run across the top of your homeโs foundation and are hinged at the bottom to open at the top.
These windows have a 3D shape that curves outward from your home. Adding a box seat or ledge can transform them into a bookshelf or 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. Theyโre often found on high floors.
Garden windows protrude from your home, creating a space to grow plants and herbs. Theyโre ideal for a kitchen window.
These windows are translucent, thick blocks of glass. They allow light into the room but obscure the view, making them a popular option for bathrooms and basements.
These oversized windows are floor-to-ceiling accents. They cannot be opened but 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 have one lock in the center. They tend to be smaller than double-hung windows.
What is the Most Popular Window?
Frame Material
Window frame material affects more than the windowโs design appeal. Our survey found that 31% of homeowners top reason for choosing their window frame material was durability. Different window materials have varied durability, lifespan, and customization options. Choosing the right window frame could impact your homeโs energy efficiency, value, and curb appeal. Hereโs an overview of some of the most popular window frame materials.
These windows provide a more sleek look than vinyl with better durability and low-maintenance care. Aluminum provides more protection from temperature-related issues than vinyl, wood, or fiberglass. These windows work well in warmer climates but can corrode when exposed to salt water. They also provide very little energy efficiency.
This frame option combines several materials to improve durability and overall performance. Common combinations include wood mixed with polymers, metals, or plastics. Composite window frames have better durability than vinyl with the design appeal of wood windows. This material offers good energy efficiency, customization, and lifespans. Composite windows are more expensive than vinyl but more cost-effective than wood.
This window frame material responds well to hot and cold weather changes, making it ideal for most geographic locations. Fiberglass expands and contracts without any lasting frame damage. Fiberglass windows cost more than vinyl or aluminum, with prices as high as wood options. This material is dull, so itโs often painted to improve its appeal. These windows offer excellent energy efficiency, low maintenance, and long-term durability.
One of the most affordable options available, vinyl windows require little maintenance and provide good energy efficiency. However, this material lacks durability and may warp if exposed to extremely hot temperatures. Although vinyl has some customization options, it doesnโt offer the more stylish or polished look of wood or aluminum windows.
This traditional window material offers timeless and elegance to any home. Wood windows provide long-lasting durability with proper maintenance. Since itโs a natural material, wood is more susceptible to peeling, rotting, and sun damage. This window material has a higher price tag than other options.
Energy Efficiency
How energy-efficient your windows are matters regardless of what climate you live in. Energy-efficient windows make a big difference in how well your home can regulate its temperature. Our survey of 1,000 homeowners found that the majority of respondents who chose highly energy-efficient windows saw both lower energy bills and that the temperature of their home was more comfortable. The Department of Energy reports that 25%โ30% of your homeโs heating and cooling use goes toward combatting heat gain and loss through windows. This has a notable impact on your electricity bill. We surveyed 1,000 homeowners and the majority of respondents said that energy efficiency was the biggest selling point for the window brand they chose.
Efficient windows also help filter out damaging ultraviolet light. Better filtration means less sun damage to the people inside and to your furniture, flooring, and walls. The most energy-efficient windows wonโt provide you with many benefits if theyโre not installed properly, so make sure to work with a reputable licensed contractor to get a precise installation and tight seal.
Window Warranties
Check that any window brand youโre considering includes a warranty 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 have warranties as short as one to two years.
Common warranties for the industry include the following:
- Lifetime warranties: These cover all window parts for a predetermined time designated by the manufacturer, typically between three and 15 years.
- Double lifetime warranties: This type isnโt as common, but as the name suggests, youโre warrantied for double the expected lifetime of your window.
- Limited lifetime warranties: Limited lifetime warranties are also determined by the manufacturer but only cover some aspects of the window.
- Transferable warranties: These are helpful if you ever plan to sell your home because you can transfer the warranty to the new homeowner. Coverage may be limited for non-original warranty holders.
- Labor warranties: The warranties above protect the windows themselves. Labor warranties protect the workmanship. Also known as contractor warranties, these cover issues related to workmanship as long as the windows are installed by a licensed, manufacturer-approved company.
Reviews
Reading reviews on popular sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google can help you understand customersโ experiences with the window brand youโre interested in. Take note of each reviewerโs pros and cons, especially the windows and installation quality.
Pay attention to what each review mentions about scheduling. In our survey, 52% of homeowners said their windows were installed within one month of placing an order, while 32% said the installation was completed within one day. Reviews should align with this timeline for a reputable and efficient provider.
Many customers will mention whether or not a company stands behind its work with its warranties, as well as how helpful customer service reps are. You should consider a different installer if you notice many negative reviews.
How Do You Find a Local Window Installer?
Though itโs possible to install windows yourself, the majority of homeowners we surveyed (71%) opted to hire a professional window installation company because they were scared to make a mistake, wanted to protect their windows with a warranty, or simply didnโt want to deal with the hassle of taking on the project themselves.
Many window companies offer window installation in addition to window products. You can streamline the process by looking for installers certified for the window brand you want. You should also confirm which companies service your address.
Use our tool below to quickly connect with reputable, certified window installers that service your ZIP code.
Which Window Company Is the Best?
We recommend Renewal by Andersen for a white-glove window replacement experience. Champion Windows offers a comprehensive window selection, and Castle Windows has durable yet affordable windows with a robust warranty. We suggest requesting at least three quotes from different window installers before deciding.
Check out our guide to the most affordable window replacement companies if budget is your primary concern.
Windows are vital to your homeโs appearance, safety, and energy efficiency. Choosing a window brand that provides quality windows backed by solid warranties and customer service is essential.
FAQ About Window Brands
What type of windows lasts the longest?
Vinyl windows are durable and can withstand various climates, making them one of the longest-lasting window types. However, most windows can last 15โ30 years with proper care and maintenance.
Are high-end windows worth it?
High-end windows from recognizable brands yield more value for your home. Typically, these windows have better warranties and better technology to combat long-term rusting, chipping, rotting, or warping.
How much should a good window cost?
A good window costs $200โ$1,800 with installation. It might be a red flag if youโre offered windows cheaper than this.
What is the difference between replacement windows and new windows?
New windows are made for openings in your home with no trim or siding in place. New windows also have nailing, attachment fins, or flanges on their exterior. Replacement windows are made for existing windows.
Are Andersen windows at The Home Depot lower quality?
No, Andersen windows available at The Home Depot are not lower quality. Both Andersen and The Home Depot are reputable names in the windows industry, and Andersen often works with The Home Depot when it puts its windows on sale. The main difference between buying Andersen at The Home Depot and directly through the company is buying from Andersen directly allows for more customization options. When purchasing Andersen windows from The Home Depot, you can be assured you are still getting high-quality products backed by Andersen’s reputation and warranties.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs 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.