Best Window Brands (2024 Guide)
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If you’re searching for new windows, it’s likely because your home’s temperature is uncomfortable, your energy bills are rising, or a damaged window is letting in moisture or air. You have a problem to address—possibly quickly—and one that will cost a lot of money, so you want to ensure you spend it wisely.
We carefully evaluated 15 leading window brands to determine the best options for your home. We surveyed 1,500 homeowners who bought windows in the last two years, consulted two industry experts, read over 1,500 customer reviews, spoke with two of our team members who bought windows in the last three years, and joined a company’s jobsite crew to see what window installation is like. We combed through warranty policies, compared pricing, assessed energy performance, and evaluated customer experiences. We then scored each company on six criteria: value, performance, selection, services, customer support, and reputation. The following five companies ranked highest overall.
Key Takeaways
- The best window brands are ENERGY STAR certified by the EPA and provide superior energy efficiency.
- We recommend Renewal by Andersen as our top-rated window company because of its unique Fibrex composite material, strong customer reviews, and seamless installation process.
- The average cost of professional installation of one window in a home is $1,150 and the average cost of a full window installation project for a home is $7,200.
The Best Window Companies
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Best Installation:
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Best Warranty:
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Best Financing:
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Most Budget-Friendly:
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Best Discounts:
Compare the Top 5 Window Brands: Review Results
This table gives you a side-by-side look at how our top five window brands compare to all of the companies we reviewed. You can see how they fare against our rating criteria and other key data points we think are critical when comparing window brands.
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Our Pick
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| #1 out of 17 companies | #2 out of 17 companies | #3 out of 17 companies | #4 out of 17 companies | #5 out of 17 companies | #6 out of 17 companies | #7 out of 17 companies | #8 out of 17 companies | #9 out of 17 companies | #10 out of 17 companies | #11 out of 17 companies | #12 out of 17 companies | #13 out of 17 companies | #14 out of 17 companies | #15 out of 17 companies | |
| A+ | A+ | Not Rated | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | F | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | |
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Avg Price per Window*** |
$1,194 | $1,210 | $1,141 | $800 | $1,162 | $1,500 | $1,200 | $1,261 | $1,105 | $1,288 | $1,597 | $1,323 | $1,436 | $1,497 | $1,513 |
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Warranty Type |
Limited transferable | Lifetime transferable | Limited lifetime transferable | Limited lifetime transferable | Lifetime transferable | Lifetime transferable | Limited lifetime transferable | Limited lifetime transferable | Limited lifetime transferable, lifetime transferable | Limited transferable | Lifetime transferable, limited transferable | Limited transferable | Limited transferable | Limited lifetime transferable | Limited transferable |
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Energy Efficiency |
Energy Star Partner of the Year 2015–2024 | Energy Star-certified | Energy Star-certified | Energy Star partner | Energy Star-certified | Energy Star-certified | Energy Star-certified | Energy Star partner | Energy Star-certified | Energy Star-certified | Energy Star-certified | Energy Star-certified | Energy Star-certified | Energy Star 2023 Most Efficient winner | NFRC-certified |
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Material |
Composite | Vinyl | Vinyl | Vinyl | Vinyl, wood | Vinyl | Vinyl | Fiberglass, vinyl, wood | Aluminum, vinyl | Aluminum, fiberglass, wood | Vinyl, wood | Aluminum, vinyl | Composite, vinyl, wood | Vinyl | Aluminum, wood |
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Financing Offers |
In-house financing, 0% down, deferred payments, discounts | 0% down | In-house financing, 0% interest, 0% down, deferred payments, discounts | In-house financing, 0% interest, deferred payments, discounts | In-house financing, 0% interest, 0% down, deferred payments, discounts | In-house financing program | None | In-house financing program, 0% interest loan, discounts | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
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State Availability |
50 | 11 | 31 | 50 | 20 | 23 | 17 | 48 | 13 | 50 | 19 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
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Summary |
We recommend Renewal by Andersen if your priorities are energy efficiency and durable materials. |
We recommend Castle if you prefer full, long-term warranty coverage. |
We recommend Champion if you plan to finance and want to reduce upfront costs. |
We recommend Window World if you want quality windows on a budget. |
We recommend Window Nation if you want wood windows. |
We recommend Universal Windows Direct if you want lifetime warranty coverage and vinyl windows. |
We recommend Power Home Remodeling if you want to upgrade multiple aspects of your home at the same time. |
We recommend Pella if you want to check out the windows at a home improvement store before buying. |
We recommend Milgard if your priority is a company that stands by its warranty. |
We recommend Marvin if you want plenty of material and style options |
We recommend Harvey for those who want vinyl or wood windows and don’t mind hiring an installer. |
We don’t recommend PlyGem due to its poor customer ratings that cite low product quality and service. |
We don’t recommend Jeld-Wen because of its above-average window costs and poor customer reviews. |
We don’t recommend Simonton due to poor customer ratings and above-average pricing. |
We don’t recommend Loewen because of its limited window styles and number of unsatisfied customers. |
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Promotions |
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Rating Categories |
Renewal by Andersen | Castle | Champion | Window World | Window Nation | Universal Windows Direct | Power Home Remodeling | Pella | Milgard | Marvin | Harvey | PlyGem | Jeld-Wen | Simonton Windows | Loewen Windows |
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Customer Support |
*BBB ratings are accurate as of September 2024.
**Champion and Window Nation do not have BBB ratings as of September 2024. We detail why in our reviews below.
***Average window prices are based on our 2024 survey of 1,500 recent window buyers.
How the Best Window Brands Are Installed
While this article highlights top window brands, we’ve included a video outlining the general process of window replacement, which covers some of the key factors in our review.
Our Top Window Brand Picks
After researching 15 brands in-depth and speaking to real consumers and industry experts, we determined the following five companies provide the best windows in the industry. Every company on our list is ENERGY STAR certified, meaning their windows have been independently tested and confirmed to be highly insulating and efficient. These brands are also similar in pricing, with the exception of Window World, the most affordable provider on our list.
For these reasons, energy efficiency and cost aren’t factors we spent much time on in our reviews. Instead, we focused on what truly sets brands apart, such as warranty coverage, financing options, frame materials, and customer satisfaction.
Best Installation: Renewal by Andersen
What We Liked
- Uses patented Fibrex composite material for increased durability
- Provides in-house installation, so you won’t have to hire a contractor
- Shows how your existing windows perform compared to its windows during consultation
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t have a 0% interest loan option like Window World and Window Nation
- Has a limited warranty, whereas most brands offer lifetime coverage for some parts
- May take several months to install after ordering
Our Scores
We scored Renewal by Andersen 4.8 out of 5 stars. Its most impressive feature is its proprietary Fibrex composite frame material.
Our Review
Renewal by Andersen has what we feel are the best replacement windows in the industry. You’ll notice its website continually mentions its patented Fibrex window frame material. While some of the hype is for marketing purposes, we actually do like this material. It’s a composite blend of fibers and polymers that no other window company makes. Most other brands sell only vinyl or vinyl, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass windows.
We like Fibrex because it’s low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and twice as stable as vinyl. It provides better insulation around your windows to keep your home’s temperature consistent and reduce your energy bills. It’s also highly weather resistant and won’t warp and crack during hot summers like vinyl. It won’t rot or deteriorate like wood, and it costs less than fiberglass while performance is on par.
Speaking of price, we’ve commonly read reviews online that Renewal is more expensive than other brands. However, our survey of 1,500 recent window buyers revealed that its prices are actually competitive, averaging $1,000–$1,400. This is on par with the other companies on our list, aside from Window World.
We’re less impressed by Renewal’s warranty, which isn’t as long or comprehensive as other brands despite the company’s claim that its warranty is the industry’s best. Castle and Window Nation both provide full lifetime coverage while Window World and Champion offer limited lifetime coverage. The “lifetime” here refers to the window’s lifespan. Renewal only has a limited warranty. It caps coverage at 20 years for frame material and glass, 10 years for hardware, and two years for installation workmanship. If it had a lifetime warranty, Renewal would be our top pick when considering price and service.
Customer Reviews
- Clean, professional technicians
- High-quality windows
- Durability
- Installation delays
Renewal by Andersen has an A+ rating on the BBB and has been accredited by the organization since 1997. It has 3 out of 5 stars from just over 420 customers on BBB and 2 out of 5 stars from 135 customers on Trustpilot. However, we believe the larger sample size on BBB is a more accurate reflection of customers’ experiences.
The BBB score also holds more weight to us when considering customer ratings. This is partly because an A+ BBB score means the company doesn’t have a pattern of concerning business practices. Plus, we know most people who go online to write reviews are typically expressing negative feedback, so customer ratings don’t often show the whole picture.
Positive reviews for Renewal note professional installers who worked efficiently and kept customers’ homes clean, plus high-quality windows. The most common negative themes are incorrect orders and long wait times between the order and installation dates, or long wait times for a repair.
Best Warranty: Castle
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What We Liked
- Provides a true lifetime warranty, meaning every aspect is covered for the window’s lifespan
- Uses an in-house installation team, so you should have more seamless project management
- Has a 24/7 support line for your convenience
What We Didn’t Like
- Sells only vinyl windows, which is a less durable and energy-efficient material
- Doesn’t offer a strong in-house financing program with incentives like some brands
- Doesn’t sell picture windows, a rarity in the industry
Our Scores
Castle earned 4.7 out of 5 stars. Its best selling point is its true lifetime warranty.
Our Review
Of the 15 brands we evaluated, Castle is one of only three that provides true lifetime warranty coverage on all of its windows. This includes glass, parts, screens, and framing. Like other brands, coverage is transferable, which could be attractive to buyers if you sell your house.
Another category where Castle shines is its 24/7 customer support, compared to most companies that end by 6 p.m. If your window breaks or shows signs of a leak late at night, you can call immediately and schedule service.
Castle does have some drawbacks. It’s one of only two brands on our list that don’t make picture windows, so you can cross it off your list if that’s the window type you want. Castle also doesn’t have clear financing information on its website. Most brands make their financing program transparent online and offer incentives such as 0% interest rates or no payments in the first year. If you plan to finance your windows, we recommend going with Champion or Window Nation, both of which offer these and other financing perks.
Our biggest issue with Castle is that it only makes vinyl windows. While vinyl is a popular window material, it doesn’t hold up to heat the way a higher-quality choice does. We suggest a more energy-efficient and long-lasting material such as fiberglass or composites.
Overall, we feel Castle is a mid-tier brand. It earned enough points in several of our scoring categories to make our top five, but it doesn’t stand out in any category other than its lifetime warranty. If you want the best vinyl windows specifically, we recommend Window World instead.
Customer Reviews
- Responsive
- Good warranty
- Courteous representatives
- Service delays
Castle has an A+ rating on BBB and has been accredited by the bureau since 1992. Its customer ratings across review sites are decent: 3.1 out of 5 stars on BBB and 3.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot. This is actually pretty favorable considering most consumers write reviews to express complaints.
Customers who rated the brand well note that it was easy to get someone on the phone, that the company honors its lifetime warranty, and that all representatives were helpful and courteous. Some report being able to get same-day appointments. We noticed that Castle’s positive reviews mention product quality more than other companies.
Most of Castle’s negative customer reviews are about one-off issues, such as a bad seal, a rude phone representative, and a customer who said the windows are just “fine.” We saw some references to installation and repair delays, but we see that with every company due to supply chain issues or things outside the company’s control. Unfortunately, several people reported pushy door-to-door sales tactics and unwanted calls and emails after providing their contact information to the company.
Best Financing: Champion
What We Liked
- Has one of the best financing programs of any brand we rated
- Has the most customer reviews on our brand list, so we trust the high scores
- Is the only brand we evaluated that sells glass block privacy windows
What We Didn’t Like
- Sells only vinyl windows, which aren’t as durable as fiberglass or composites
- Has complaints about responsiveness and missed appointments on BBB
- Uses cookies to show you ads after visiting the site
Our Scores
Champion Windows scored 4.6 out of 5 stars. Its financing program is the big highlight.
Our Review
Champion has an excellent financing program, making it a great option for customers who don’t have the budget to pay for windows upfront. We also love Champion’s transparency about its financing incentives. Here’s what the site makes clear:
- Its financing is in-house, so you don’t have to deal with a separate bank
- Its loan comes with a 0% interest rate, which isn’t common
- You don’t have to put any money down
- You don’t have to make payments for the first 12 months
- You can get generous discounts, such as buy two windows, get two free
Window Nation is the only other brand in our top five that offers the same terms.
Of the 15 brands we researched, Champion is the only one that makes glass block windows. This may appeal to homeowners remodeling a bathroom. Champion’s limited lifetime transferable policy covers necessary repairs and parts, materials, broken glass, seal failure, necessary labor, and waste removal after labor. The company doesn’t provide access to its actual policy online like some other companies do, but we know from the limited label that it doesn’t cover every part of the window for its lifespan.
Like many other companies on our list, Champion only sells vinyl windows. This may work if you’re looking for a budget material, but it’s not durable and we don’t recommend it for climates with high heat or severe storms. Vinyl also isn’t as energy-efficient as fiberglass or composite windows.
Customer Reviews
- Smooth process
- Helpful representatives
- High-quality windows
- Missed appointments
You may notice that Champion doesn’t have a BBB rating. This is because BBB has an alert on Champion’s profile stating the company has a pattern of complaints for unreturned calls, canceled appointments, and timeliness. However, this isn’t concerning to us because we know that companies have to pay annual fees to maintain their BBB rating, and we saw Champion have an A+ rating within the last two months. We feel that the lack of rating isn’t a red flag for the company’s business practices but is more likely a BBB bureaucracy issue.
Champion has an average customer rating of 3 out of 5 stars on BBB, and it has a higher 4.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on more than 3,600 customer reviews. While we do see some customer reviews on BBB and Trustpilot saying no one showed up for their consultation appointment, we see a roughly equal amount saying the representative who came to their home was punctual and professional. Champion’s response to the BBB alert is that the company has experienced supply chain setbacks requiring it to delay appointments.
Most Budget-Friendly: Window World
No offers at this time.
What We Liked
- Has some of the industry’s lowest window prices
- Provides in-house installation, so you won’t have to hire a contractor
- Sells Energy Star-certified windows, so your energy bills will decrease
What We Didn’t Like
- Sells only vinyl windows, which aren’t as durable or energy-efficient as other materials
- Has a limited lifetime warranty, so it only covers select window parts
- Some customer reviews say installers arrived with the wrong windows
Our Scores
We scored Window World 4.6 out of 5 stars. The brand stood out for its below-average pricing.
Our Review
Window World is a recognizable name in the windows industry, but it beats out even more well-known brands like Renewal by Andersen in several areas. For one, it’s the most affordable brand on our list, costing an average of $800 per window compared to the national average of $1,171 per window, according to our 2024 survey and analysis of customer review forums.
Window World also provides better warranty coverage than Renewal. While both warranties include industry standard coverage, such as replacing defective mechanical parts and glass filming, Window World’s warranty also covers normal wear and tear, such as accidental glass breakage. This means you’ll be covered if the kid next door breaks your window with a fly ball.
Our biggest complaint about Window World is that it only sells one window frame material: vinyl. Though it’s common for window brands to specialize in only one material, vinyl isn’t our favorite option. It isn’t as energy-efficient, durable, or long-lasting as higher-quality materials, such as fiberglass and certain composite blends. Window World claims on its website that its windows last 20–40 years. Still, we don’t recommend vinyl windows for regions that experience severe weather, such as hurricane-force winds or extremely hot temperatures. Opt for fiberglass and composite framing if you live in these climates.
Customer Reviews
- Friendly installers
- High-quality windows
- Quick installation
- Incorrect orders
Window World has an A+ rating on BBB and an average customer rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars—one of the highest we’ve seen across window brands. The company doesn’t score as well on Trustpilot, earning just 2.3 out of 5 stars. We don’t see a clear reason for this, but BBB reviews lean slightly more toward customer service while Trustpilot reviews focus more on window quality. This may indicate that customers have better perceptions of Window World’s service than its product.
Positive themes from both sites include professional, friendly installers, a smooth installation process, and helpful representatives. Many customers say they love how their windows look and have noticed a reduction in noise.
Common negative feedback includes timeline delays and installers arriving with the wrong product. We take project delays with a grain of salt because this is typically due to a supply chain issue, which installers can’t control. We did see one customer say that his warranty claim for broken window glass was denied, which goes against Window World’s warranty.
Best Discounts: Window Nation
Buy 2 Windows, Get 2 Free!
What We Liked
- Provides a true lifetime warranty, meaning windows are fully covered for their lifespan
- Has the most financing perks of any brand on our list, on par with Champion
- Is the only brand in our top five that sells wooden windows in addition to vinyl
What We Didn’t Like
- Is one of two of the 15 brands we rated that doesn’t sell picture windows
- Can be difficult to reach, according to customer reviews
- Only sells wood and vinyl windows, which aren’t as energy-efficient as other materials
Our Scores
We scored Window Nation 4.3 out of 5 stars. We like its lifetime warranty coverage and financing benefits.
Our Review
Like Castle, Window Nation provides a true lifetime warranty. That means every aspect of the window is covered for the product’s lifespan, whereas a limited lifetime warranty won’t cover certain elements long-term.
We also like Window Nation’s financing perks. Similar to Champion, financing through Window Nation means you don’t have to put any money down or pay interest for a certain time. You also get generous discounts, such as a buy one, get one free. The company offers a 5% discount to military members and veterans as well as seniors.
A big plus for the Window Nation is that it sells wood windows, which no other company on our list does. Many homeowners love the classic look of a wood window, especially on historic homes. Wood is also more energy-efficient than hollow vinyl or aluminum windows, but it requires the most maintenance of any material. Heat and sun exposure can cause the wood to warp and crack, and it’s susceptible to insect damage. You’ll need to weigh the appearance and energy efficiency of wood with how much wear and tear your climate will cause. We don’t recommend wood windows for humid, high-heat climates. Fiberglass is far more energy-efficient and low-maintenance, but pricier.
Customer Reviews
- Fast installation
- Knowledgeable technicians
- Repeat customers
- Miscommunication
Window Nation is another company that doesn’t have a BBB rating. Its profile has an alert stating that its vacation voucher terms don’t meet BBB’s advertising rules. However, vacation vouchers are just an added perk to book travel when you buy from Window Nation and have nothing to do with the quality of its product or services. The company still has 3.2 out of 5 stars from customers—an average rating—and we don’t see a pattern of complaints about vouchers. We think the missing BBB rating is a bureaucratic problem, not a customer experience issue.
Many Window Nation customers say they’re impressed with how fast and smooth installation went. Reviews note that the crew did a high-quality job, answered all questions, and cleaned everything up when finished. We noticed many reviewers saying it was their second or third time using the company, which we don’t see often with other brands.
Some customers report installers arriving with incorrect or broken windows, causing installation delays. A few reviews gave us the impression that the advertising materials Window Nation’s reps show during the consultation may be misleading. We noticed several instances of customers thinking they had ordered a particular style only for the company to say they had actually ordered something different. To address this, we recommend getting your order details in writing during your consultation.
Pricing for the Best Window Companies
Window replacement costs fluctuate heavily depending on a range of factors including window style, material, and the number of replacements you need. Knowing about these potential costs ahead of your purchase is crucial to choosing the best window company for your home.
We analyzed contractor pricing data, localized material costs, and average labor fees to better understand how much window replacement really costs. We also surveyed 1,500 recent window buyers for a clearer idea of pricing nuances between window brands, frame materials, and styles.
The tables below break down average window prices by two styles and three different frame materials.
| Aluminum Window Pricing by Style | Single-hung | Double-hung |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Range (per window) | $270-$770 | $734-$1,341 |
| Avg. Cost (per window) | $453 | $1,058 |
| Cost Range (per home*) | $1,620-$4,620 | $4,404-8,046 |
| Avg. Cost (per home*) | $2,718 | $6,348 |
| Double-hung Window Pricing by Material | Aluminum | Vinyl | Wood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Range (per window) | $734-$1,341 | $792-$1,429 | $1,039-$1,806 |
| Avg. Cost (per window) | $1,058 | $1,137 | $1,356 |
| Cost Range (per home*) | $4,404-8,046 | $4,752-$8,574 | $6,234-$10,836 |
| Avg. Cost (per home*) | $6,348 | $6,822 | $8,136 |
Window prices also vary significantly by brand. Different window manufacturers offer varying levels of quality, materials, energy efficiency, and features, which all influence the final price you pay. This table shows highlights real estimates from nationwide window replacement companies.
| Champion | Milgard | Marvin | Pella | Castle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Range (per window) | $300-$1,700 | $300-$1,700 | $400-$1,925 | $400-$2,050 | $300-$2,325 |
| Avg. Cost (per window) | $1,141 | $1,105 | $1,288 | $1,261 | $1,210 |
| Cost Range (per home*) | $1,800-$10,200 | $1,800-$10,200 | $2,400-$11,550 | $2,400-$12,300 | $1,800-$13,950 |
| Avg. Cost (per home*) | $6,846 | $6,630 | $7,728 | $7,566 | $7,260 |
*Calculations determined by an average home size with six windows
Cost information in this article was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.
How We Selected the Best Window Brands
Based on our research outlined above, we determined six key factors that reflect what homeowners look for in a reliable window brand. These factors include value, performance, reputation, customization, services, and support.
You can see how our recommended companies compare on price versus our overall score in the following chart. We detail our rating factors below.
Value
It’s not surprising that one of the biggest factors customers care about is cost. However, we learned that homeowners don't just want the cheapest option. They want to keep as much money in their pocket as possible, and they're willing to pay more if it means a higher-quality, longer-lasting window.
To determine a window’s value, we evaluated price and financing options. We considered a well-priced window anything averaging $1,400 or lower. We chose this number because our survey of 1,500 recent window buyers said they spent an average of $1,500–$2,000 per window, so we wanted to identify brands with average costs below this range.
Window World is the only brand that averaged under $1,000, yet its overall score put it in our top five—a pleasant surprise. Most other brands averaged between $1,000 and $1,400. Four brands averaged $1,401–$1,800: Harvey, Jeld-Wen, Loewen, and Simonton. Ironically, these four companies were among the worst-performing of those we scored.
Unless you have the budget to purchase all the windows you need upfront, you’ll need to finance them. Some window companies have in-house financing programs, some leave it to you to talk to your bank, and others offer further financing incentives to sweeten the deal, such as 0% interest loan terms, discounts, or no money down for 12 months. Companies with the most perks earned the most points.
Here’s which companies shined in these areas:
- In-house financing: Champion, Pella, Renewal by Andersen, Universal Window Direct, Window Nation, Window World
- 0% interest loan: Renewal by Andersen, Champion, Pella, Window Nation, Window World
- 0% down loan: Castle, Champion, Renewal by Andersen
- Deferred payments: Champion, Renewal by Andersen, Window World
- Discounts: Champion, Pella, Renewal by Andersen, Window Nation, Window World
Champion stood out for its in-house financing program, which comes with a 0% interest rate and doesn't require money down or payments for the first 12 months. Champion, Renewal by Andersen, and Window Nation all offer discounts, such as a buy-two, get-two-free deal. Window Nation offers an additional 5% discount for seniors and active or veteran military members.
Window World, Renewal by Andersen, and Champion scored highest in this category. All offer multiple financing incentives, but Window World climbed to the top for its below-average pricing.
Performance
We judged performance based on two factors: warranty coverage and energy efficiency.
Windows typically come with one of three warranties: lifetime, limited lifetime, and limited. We awarded the most points to brands with lifetime warranties, which cover all aspects of the window for its entire lifespan. This includes leaks, screens, glass breakage, workmanship, seals, repairs, etc. Castle, Window Nation, and Universal Windows Direct were the only three companies we evaluated that offer a lifetime warranty.
The second-best warranty type is a limited lifetime warranty, so we gave fewer points for this coverage. A limited lifetime warranty means only certain aspects are covered for the window’s lifetime. For example, glass breakage might be covered for life but not screens. Window World and Champion were the two brands that made our list with this coverage type.
The worst type is a limited warranty. A limited warranty caps both covered parts and coverage length. Not all aspects of the window are covered, and even those that are may not be covered for the window’s lifespan. Renewal by Andersen is the only brand that made our list with this warranty type.
The other part of this category, energy efficiency, should be a big priority as you shop. In our 2024 survey, 28% of window buyers said energy efficiency was their top priority when choosing windows. The greater a window’s efficiency, the more energy savings you can expect. The Department of Energy (DOE) reports that heat gain and loss through windows is responsible for 25%–30% of heating and cooling use. That means you’re paying 25%–30% more for electricity than you would if you had more energy-efficient windows.
Energy performance is where you’ll get your return on investment. The more insulative the window, the lower your energy bills. We looked at each company’s relationship with two industry-recognized organizations to judge energy performance: Energy Star and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Both conduct third-party testing on windows to rate how they stand up to heat transfer and sun exposure. Having a seal of approval from these organizations is a clear sign that a product is highly energy efficient. We don’t recommend buying a window that doesn’t have an Energy Star label. Bonus points if it has an NFRC label.
All five of the brands that made our list are Energy Star-certified. Renewal by Andersen and Window World are also Energy Star partners, meaning they meet energy performance standards and sustainable manufacturing standards. All brands in our top five are NFRC-certified except Castle.
Reputation
We considered BBB accreditation and rating, BBB customer rating, and Trustpilot customer ratings to evaluate each company’s reputation. In situations where a brand had less than 100 reviews across both sites, we looked at other review forums such as Google Reviews, Facebook, and Reddit.
Most brands that made our list had an A+ BBB rating, earning them high points in this category. Two brands, Champion and Window Nation, aren’t rated by the BBB. We explained the reasons for this in our reviews above, but essentially, being rated on BBB requires meeting BBB criteria that don’t always have to do with quality products and services. Sometimes it could be that a company advertised in a way BBB didn’t like or didn’t pay its annual BBB fee. Because of this, we take a lack of BBB rating with a grain of salt.
We’re also skeptical when judging customer ratings because we know more people go online to write negative reviews than positive ones. A bad rating doesn’t always provide the full picture of a company’s quality. We do look at both positive and negative themes among each brand’s reviews, reading at least 100 customer comments per company.
Champion and Castle have the highest customer ratings across review sites, though no company that made our list scored particularly poorly. We consider a good rating to be 3 or more stars out of 5. The scores below combine both customer rating and BBB rating.
Selection
We scored this category based on three subcategories.
First, we looked at how many types of windows each company offers, giving a point for each popular window type in its inventory. The companies on our list all did well on this, having at least seven of the nine window styles we looked for.
Then, we looked at frame material selection. Window frames are made using either aluminum, vinyl, wood, fiberglass, or a composite blend. We scored this section not only by how many materials a company sells but also by quality. Aluminum and vinyl received the lowest points, since these materials are the least durable and energy-efficient. Wood received slightly more points for its increased energy efficiency and classic curb appeal. Fiberglass and composite options received the most points given how energy-efficient, long-lasting, weather-resistant, and durable these materials are.
Vinyl is the most common window frame material. Most of the 15 brands we rated only sell vinyl windows. Of the brands on our list, Renewal by Andersen has the highest-quality material—a composite blend that won’t rot, decay, or mold.
We gave two additional points to replacement window brands that also sell entry and patio doors. We see this as a valuable bonus because of how many customer reviews we’ve read that mention upgrading windows and doors at the same time. Companies that offer both make this home improvement project easier and more convenient, and you may be able to get a deal by bundling. All companies that made our top five sell doors and windows.
Services
The most important service we looked for when rating window companies is in-house installation. Some replacement window companies manufacture but don’t install their windows, meaning you need to find a reputable contractor after selecting your windows. Some manufacturers partner with a network of installers you can reach out to, which makes coordinating installation a little easier, but in other cases you have to do the work to find someone yourself.
All of the companies in our top five offer in-house installation, meaning they both make and install their windows. Everything is handled under one roof, and the in-house installation crew is trained to install that company’s windows specifically. This is our preference because the crew is more knowledgeable and experienced at installing the windows, and communication and warranty claims don’t go through third parties. Nearly half (48%) of our 1,500 survey respondents chose a company that both makes and installs its windows.
Many window companies also install other home features such as siding, roofing, and sunrooms. This is convenient for homeowners doing a big remodeling or upgrade project. Everything can be handled with one company, installation may be able to overlap to save time, and you might get a deal by bundling projects. We gave additional points to companies that provide these services.
Three brands on our list stood out for their additional services. Champion installs siding in addition to windows and doors. Castle installs windows, doors, siding, and roofing. Window World installs windows, doors, siding, shutters, and garage doors. Window World is the only company we evaluated that does shutters, which can come in handy when putting in new windows.
Customer Support
To evaluate companies’ customer support, we looked at the following criteria:
- 24/7 support hours
- Daily support hours
- Online chat availability
- Online service form
- Online education guides
A reachable, responsive company is key to a good customer experience. For example, if your window breaks on Friday evening, you don’t want to have to wait until Monday to schedule a repair. A 24/7 support line is beneficial in these cases. At the very least, you want to be able to call someone the next morning. Only one company in our top five impressed us in this category: Castle. It provides around-the-clock support seven days a week, while the other companies’ customer support is limited to normal working hours.
Castle, Renewal by Andersen, and Window Nation also have a chat feature that makes it easy to ask questions and get a quick response. We tested this by chatting with each company during their displayed support hours to ask about available discounts. Castle and Window Nation both responded within one minute.
We gave minimal points to companies that have an online service form. While this is convenient if you need a repair, we can’t confirm how quickly these forms are addressed. You may get prompt service by calling and speaking with someone.
Lastly, we awarded more points to brands that have educational resources on their site, such as maintenance guides, how-to’s, or instructional videos. These are helpful for both potential and current customers to better understand how to take care of their windows or get answers to frequently asked questions.
Overall, Castle was the only brand to excel in this category.
FAQ About the Best Window Brands
What is the best brand of windows?
Renewal by Andersen is considered one of the best brands of windows due to its high energy efficiency, professional in-house installation service, and high-quality Fibrex composite frame material. Champion Windows and Castle are also popular high-performance window brand options.
What are the most durable residential windows?
The most durable residential windows are those with composite or fiberglass framing and triple-pane glass. Renewal by Andersen and Pella, along with Marvin are brands that offer highly durable composite or fiberglass window options.
What is the most energy-efficient window brand?
Renewal by Andersen is our top pick for the most energy-efficient window brand, proven by its Energy Star certification and numerous Energy Star Partner of the Year awards. We learned by speaking to a Renewal by Andersen director that representatives bring British thermal unit (BTU) meters to consultations to show homeowners how their existing windows’ energy performance compares to Renewal’s windows.
How do I choose a good window company?
Choose a good window company by prioritizing the best energy efficiency and warranty coverage your budget allows. Look for Energy Star-certified windows, and check companies’ reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau to see if customers recommend them.
Who has the best deal on replacement windows?
Window World is our pick for the best deal on replacement windows. Our survey data shows the brand’s average window cost is $800, well below industry standard. Window World still scores well in product quality and customer service, so low prices don’t mean you’re sacrificing value.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.