8 Best Cheap Window Replacement Companies

All windows need replacing eventually, and costs can add up quickly. According to data we compiled, replacing one window can cost anywhere from $234–$1,224, while replacing multiple windows can easily tip into the thousands.* Fortunately, budget-conscious homeowners have several cheap window replacement companies to choose from.

Our team has spent more than 300 hours researching the best window replacement companies in the United States. We analyzed each provider based on multiple factors, including pricing, services, product selection, energy efficiency, customer support, warranties, and quality. This article compiles our top recommendations for affordable replacement window companies that don’t sacrifice quality, plus tips for choosing the right installer for your home.

*Cost information was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.

Below are the best cheap window replacement brands according to our research and methodology: 

• Simonton Windows: Best Ongoing Maintenance
• Marvin: Most Innovative Windows
• Milgard: Best Fiberglass Windows
• Champion Windows: Best Financing and Discounts
• Castle Windows: Best Warranty 
• Pella: Best Energy Efficiency
• Renewal by Andersen: Most Hands-Free Install
• Harvey Windows and Doors: Best Custom Hardware

Compare the Best Cheap Window Brands

Compare cheap window brands side-by-side in our table below.

*Unless otherwise noted, individual window pricing information was sourced directly from brand websites.

Your project’s cost can vary greatly depending on the type of window you’re replacing. It’s cheapest to replace existing windows with the same or a similar type, as you won’t have to pay for additional adjustments to your home, such as cutting a larger hole. Many contemporary homes have casement or sliding windows. Historic homes often have 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) you’re upgrading.

• Awning windows ($420–$760): These windows have hinges at the frame’s top and swing outward from the bottom. They often have a crank or a type of glide hardware.
• Basement hoppers ($150–$650): 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.
• Bay ($500–$2,500) and bow windows ($700–$1,500): 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 an additional seating area. Bay windows are angular, while bow windows are more curved.
• Casement windows ($150–$1,000): This popular window style has a side hinge 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.
• Double-hung windows ($150–$650): These windows have two locks and open at the top and bottom. They’re often found on high floors. 
• Garden windows ($1,200–$2,000): Garden windows protrude from your home, creating a space to grow plants and herbs. They’re ideal for kitchen windows.
• Glass block windows ($400–$1,100): These windows are translucent, thick blocks of glass. They allow light into the room but obscure the view, which makes them popular for bathrooms and basements.
• Picture windows ($80–$800): These oversized windows are floor-to-ceiling accents. They provide lots of natural light but can’t actually be opened.  The price range is wide because installation costs depend on the final size.
• Shaped windows ($300–$2,000): 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.
• Single-hung windows ($100–$400): These windows function similarly to double-hung windows but have one center lock. They also tend to be smaller than double-hung windows.

See a breakdown of window parts below, as illustrated in our How to Replace a Window article.

Your choice of frame material affects your window’s price, look, and performance. To help you make the right choice, we’ve highlighted the different window materials, associated costs, and overall benefits below. 

• Aluminum ($275–$1,285): Over 40% of our surveyed homeowners selected aluminum window frames. This material offers a clean, modern look and requires little maintenance. It isn’t as cheap as vinyl but lasts longer. Aluminum also provides great weather resistance. However, it expands and contracts in high temperatures and offers little energy efficiency.
• Composite ($300–$1,300): Composite windows blend two materials for added strength and durability. These blends often include wood with aluminum or vinyl, resulting in wood interiors and cheap exterior materials. Composite windows cost more than pure aluminum and vinyl options, but they’re more energy efficient and last longer.
• Fiberglass ($500–$1,500): Fiberglass offers excellent weather resistance and protection against extreme temperatures. This material provides superior energy efficiency and better durability than vinyl or wood. Although fiberglass is not as widely available as other materials, it’s still popular among homeowners.
• Vinyl ($100–$900): Vinyl is the cheapest window frame material. It’s low maintenance, durable, and energy efficient. However, vinyl doesn’t have the best longevity and can look cheap in comparison to modern wood or aluminum options.
• Wood ($150–$1,500): Wood is the least affordable window frame option. Though it provides great energy efficiency and durability, it requires regular maintenance to last as long as other materials. It’s also more susceptible to deterioration without proper treatments and repainting.

Multiple factors determine your window replacement cost. Here are the key things to keep in mind when budgeting.

Additional Insulation

Window frames that need additional insulation and weatherproofing cost more. However, added insulation reduces air leaks and gaps, helping to lower your monthly energy bills. 

Glass Type

Double-pane windows, which have two layers of glass, are more expensive than single-pane windows but block sound, heat, and cold air more efficiently. Tinted, tempered, and safety glass are all more expensive than standard glass, and larger or unusually sized windows will cost more as well as require more labor.

Home Age

Older homes sometimes have nonstandard window sizes and structural issues that require more careful installation. Worn or deteriorating surrounding structures will need replacement before installing new windows. You may need to invest in custom windows if you want to maintain your current window shapes. 

Location

Ground-floor windows require less labor to replace than basement and upstairs windows. Upper-level installations require special equipment and take longer to complete, resulting in higher labor costs. 

Retrofit Windows

Replacing windows is less expensive than installing them during new construction. Using retrofit window replacements that fit into your home’s existing structure—rather than new, full-frame windows—will save you substantial money. 

Warranties

Window installers include product warranties to protect your investment. However, the length and stipulations of these warranties vary. Here’s an overview of some common window warranties:

• Limited lifetime warranty: This is the most common warranty type offered by window manufacturers. These warranties cover performance and physical defects but offer limited protection for window parts. 
• Lifetime warranty: This warranty offers more comprehensive coverage for all window replacement parts. 
• Double lifetime warranty: This is the best coverage available for replacement windows. Homeowners are protected for as long as they own the house, plus the warranty can be transferred to a new owner for the same “lifetime” coverage. 
• Transferable warranty: If you sell your home, your warranty transfers to the new owner. However, many transferable warranties are prorated for the coverage period’s duration. 

Window manufacturers determine a window’s “lifetime,” meaning how long they think it will last. There are no industry standards for determining window lifetimes, so they vary greatly based on window material and quality.  

High-end options, such as wooden windows, typically come with comprehensive warranties, while vinyl windows may have warranties as short as one to two years. In addition, window warranties are often broken into separate warranties for workmanship and components rather than one warranty for both. 

Unfortunately, lifetime warranties are not standard in the windows industry. Try to choose an installer that offers lifetime warranties on its windows or doors.

Many companies offer professional window installation. To whittle down your options, look for installers who are certified for the particular window brand you want.

We read more than 100 customer reviews for each leading provider to gauge satisfaction and learn more about homeowners’ experiences with product performance, warranty policies, and pricing. Reading reviews on popular sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google can help you understand customers’ experiences with the companies you’re interested in. Take note of the pros and cons each reviewer shares.

Use our tool below to quickly connect with reputable, certified window installers that service your ZIP code.

In addition to choosing cheap windows, here are some additional ways to save money on your replacement project. Keep in mind that these options will vary according to your project’s specifics. 

• Repairs and refinishing: You may not need to replace your window outright. If you notice minimal damage or certain hardware issues, you can pay for window repair or refinishing rather than window replacement. Window repair costs much less than window replacement, at an average of $100–$600. We recommend consulting a professional to determine if you can refinish and repair a window rather than purchase an entirely new one. 
• Used windows: If you’re on a tight budget, you can save money by buying used or salvaged windows. Used windows often cost a fraction of new replacement windows, but may be less functional and energy efficient. Additionally, finding windows that fit your existing openings can be difficult, and custom retrofitting may be required. If you decide to buy used windows, leave plenty of time to locate and inspect them for proper function and condition.
• Warehouse stores: If you need to replace many windows, you can save money by using a warehouse store. If you go this route, be prepared to transport large orders with adequate vehicle space or by renting a truck. You can also look for sales and clearance deals. Holiday weekends and inventory closeouts are good times to find bargains. Finally, ask about price matching. Some stores match a competitor’s advertised price on the same window model.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) window replacement can save you money on labor, but it requires project experience, and you’ll still have to purchase tools and safety gear if you don’t already have them. Over 70% of the homeowners we surveyed chose to hire a professional installer, citing hesitancy about making a mistake and wanting a labor warranty.

Some manufacturers void the window’s warranty if a professional windows installer doesn’t complete the job. A poor installation can also cause air leaks, gaps, or cracks, affecting your home’s comfort levels and utility bills. We recommend choosing a professional windows installer to ensure a long-lasting, secure installation.

Replacing one window can be relatively cheap, but costs can add up quickly depending on the selections you make. It’s possible to save money by installing replacement windows on your own, but if your project is more intensive than swapping out one window, you may want to consider hiring a professional. Larger projects require more tools, materials, and time, so it may cost just as much to hire a professional as it would to do it yourself. 

We recommend Simonton Windows, Castle Windows, and Renewal by Andersen for their product quality and customer service. Simonton Windows offers some of the most affordable windows we found during our research. Castle Windows is another excellent option for durable, affordable windows with a robust warranty. Renewal by Andersen is the priciest installer on this list, but we find it worth it for homeowners looking for top-of-the-line windows that will last the test of time. 

We suggest requesting at least three quotes from different window installers before deciding. Use our tool below to get free quotes from installers near you.

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.