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Windows are not only a design element, they greatly impact your home’s energy efficiency, internal temperature, ventilation, and more. That said, choosing the right window brand for your project is important. We’ve researched the best replacement windows, analyzing over 45 unique data points including brands’ reputations, costs, product performance, and more.
One of the top window companies is Renewal by Andersen due to its highly-rated customer service and quality windows. See our other top picks for window companies below.
Top Window Brands for Your Home
Based on our research, the following are the best window brands for your home:
- Best Selection: Renewal by Andersen
- Best for Sunrooms: Champion Windows
- Best Warranty: Castle Windows
- Best for Coastal Homes: Marvin Windows
- Best for Wooden Windows: Harvey Windows + Doors
- Best Specialty Windows: Milgard Windows
- Best Eco-Friendly Windows: Pella
Compare the top window brands in the table below.
| Best For | Price Range | Star Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewal by Andersen |  | Best Selection | $680-$2,700 | Visit Site | |
| Champion |  | Best for Sunrooms | $400-$850 | Visit Site | |
| Castle |  | Best Warranty | $300-$500 | Visit Site | |
| Marvin Windows |  | Best for Coastal Homes | $250-$900 | Visit Site | |
| Harvey |  | Best for Wooden Windows | $500-$1,350 | Visit Site | |
| Milgard |  | Best Speciality Windows | $200-$600 | Visit Site | |
| Pella |  | Best Eco-Friendly Windows | $450-$2,000 | Visit Site |
| Renewal by Andersen | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Selection |
| Price Range | $680-$2,700 |
| Star Rating | |
| Champion | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best for Sunrooms |
| Price Range | $400-$850 |
| Star Rating | |
| Castle | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Warranty |
| Price Range | $300-$500 |
| Star Rating | |
| Marvin Windows | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best for Coastal Homes |
| Price Range | $250-$900 |
| Star Rating | |
| Harvey | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best for Wooden Windows |
| Price Range | $500-$1,350 |
| Star Rating | |
| Milgard | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Speciality Windows |
| Price Range | $200-$600 |
| Star Rating | |
| Pella | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Eco-Friendly Windows |
| Price Range | $450-$2,000 |
| Star Rating | |
Average Cost by Window Type
The table below outlines the average window replacement cost per window:
| Window Type | Average Cost per Window |
|---|---|
| Single-Hung | $150 to $400 |
| Storm | $150 to $500 |
| Jalousie | $175 to $475 |
| Transom | $200 to $500 |
| Double-Hung | $200 to $600 |
| Hopper | $200 to $700 |
| Circle | $250 to $800 |
| Sliding | $250 to $1,800 |
| Awning | $300 to $900 |
| Arched | $350 to $850 |
| Picture | $350 to $850 |
| Casement | $350 to $900 |
| Glass Block | $450 to $900 |
| Skylight | $850 to $2,500 |
| Bay and Bow | $900 to $2,200 |
| Garden | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Egress | $1,500 to $5,500 |
How to Choose Windows for Your Home
Numerous factors determine which windows are right for your home, including your location, budget, and style preferences. For example, homeowners in states with high temperatures will want high-performing glass that reduces heat gain.
We’ve listed some of the top things to consider when choosing windows below.
- Architectural style: There are many window types, as noted below. Choose one that complements your home’s style.
- Climate: If you live in an area with extreme temperatures or weather, the material and design of your windows need to be suitable for that climate.
- Energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency is one of the best and most common reasons to upgrade windows. Look for windows certified by ENERGY STAR and that provide maximum efficiency for your space.
- Practicality: Customizing and opting for all available features can significantly raise the price of your window project. Focus on high-quality windows with features that truly benefit you. For example, if you live in a mild or moderate climate, there’s no need to splurge on triple-coated windows.
Types of Windows
While double-hung windows are a popular type of window, casement windows are one of the best choices due to their energy-efficient characteristics and low maintenance. Below are the most common window styles you’ll encounter during your search.
- Awning windows: Awning windows swing open to the outside of your home as if you are pushing a latch open. This design makes them easier to clean and ideal for climates with a lot of rain, as the design pushes rainwater away from your home rather than towards it.
- Bay windows: A beautiful feature in any home, bay windows extend from an exterior wall and create a small shelf in the home. They use multiple flat windows set into an angled frame that protrudes from the home. This design creates a beautiful accent to your home’s walls and provides curb appeal.
- Bow windows: Bow windows use custom curved windows to create a circular area along the outside of your home. They provide extended views of lawns or gardens and are ideal for breakfast nooks and dining areas.
- Casement windows: Casement windows swing out to the side or up to open. One of the most popular windows you see in homes, they tend to be constructed of solid glass and lend to a sleek, minimalist design.
- Custom windows: Most window replacement companies offer custom windows. So whether you want a window designed to look like a sailboat or one that captures the spirit of nearby mountains and forests, if you dream it up, a window replacement company can most likely help make it a reality.
- Double-hung windows: These are among the most common types of windows you find in homes. Though similar to a single-hung window, a double-hung window has a lower sash and upper sash that moves up and down. Often, these windows feature a built-in slash tilt for easier cleaning.
- Garden windows: These windows are one of the best ways to instantly add character and charm to your home. Garden windows are similar to bay windows as they protrude from your home. However, they feature small shelves to store plants and herbs to receive sunlight and be visible from outside.
- Hopper windows: Typically found in basements and bathrooms, hopper windows are ideal for any room with limited wall space. Commonly used for ventilation, they open from the top and usually crank open to tip down.
- Picture windows: Picture windows don’t have visible frames or other breaks, making them ideal for enjoying an obstructed view and making your interior feel larger. These fixed windows can’t be opened, but they are often paired with other windows for design and functionality.
- Skylight windows: Skylight windows act like windows for your roof and allow you to add more natural light to homes with limited wall space.
- Single-hung windows: Single-hung windows open vertically with their bottom window panel. The lower sash moves up and down, but the upper sash remains stationary.
- Sliding windows: Ideal for elongated walls, sliding windows feature two sections usually made from single windows. One of the sections slides horizontally over the other to open or close.
- Transom windows: Transom windows are often used as decorative accent windows. They help break up space or add a design focal point. You often find them around doors or above other windows, and they tend to be semicircles, rectangles, or squares.
Window Warranties
Most window manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties and/or labor warranties. Limited lifetime warranties cover the cost of the window parts but do not always cover the labor.
The term lifetime often refers to the estimated time the window will maintain its manufactured quality. For example, lower-quality windows may have an estimated life span of fewer than five years, while higher-quality windows may be expected to last for more than 15 years. The length of the warranty will match those estimations. However, some manufacturers mean the actual lifetime of the window. These warranties also tend to be transferable to new homeowners.
Lifetime limited window warranties typically cover the following items:
- Window materials
- Cosmetic defects
- Broken or malfunctioning hardware
- Energy-efficient glass
- Obstructed vision/issues with the seal
- Installation/errors performed by the installing contractor
- Custom aspects of your design
- Accidental damage to the glass
A labor warranty covers installation errors, not manufacturing defects. Labor warranties may require you to pay a service call fee.
Window labor warranties typically cover the following:
- All installation and labor
- Glass systems and frames
- Pieces, parts, and materials
- Locks and hardware
We recommend hiring a window installation contractor that the manufacturer approves. This makes it easier to receive coverage if an issue occurs. Otherwise, the manufacturer may try to blame the installer or vice versa.
Energy Efficiency
Nearly 92% of the homeowners we surveyed said Energy Star certification was important to them, and over 78% said they noticed a reduction in electricity bill costs after upgrading their windows. If you want windows that don’t just look nicer in your home but also help you save money, look for Energy Star-certification and other markers of energy efficiency. Some common features include triple-pane glass, a low-e coating, or additional insulation.
“[Energy Star] carries the reputation of being the best on the market, and will put a few dollars back in your pocket with your heating and cooling bills,” says Colin Sullivan, director of production for Renewal by Andersen’s Carolinas division.
What to Look for in Homeowner Reviews
Reading other homeowners’ reviews will help you gain an accurate insight into what it’s like dealing with a particular company. We read more than 100 reviews for each company we researched to see what homeowners had to say about product performance, customer service, timeliness, responsiveness, professionalism, pricing, and other factors that affect your experience.
These are the most important factors to note:
- Response time and scheduling: Take note of how long homeowners said they waited for windows to be installed. A company that takes a while to schedule an installation date may not be a dealbreaker if your remodel doesn’t require a fast turnaround. However, if you need a shattered window replaced quickly, you may want to find a company homeowners praise for speedy response times.
- Warranties: Customer reviews are also an excellent opportunity to tell if a company honors its warranties or puts misleading language in them. Pay attention to reviews that mention trying to use a warranty for glass repair or a malfunctioning lock to gauge whether or not the window brand stays true to its word.
- Workmanship: Note how homeowners describe the quality of both the installation and the windows themselves. Avoid brands whose workmanship might involve cheaper parts or a sloppy design.
What Type of Window is the Most Durable?
The most durable window material is fiberglass. This material won’t rust, warp, corrode, or rot. In addition, they are resistant to extreme weather and insect damage, providing excellent insulation and protection from external elements. Aluminum windows are close second if you are interested in durability and longevity.
How to Find a Local Window Installer
Take the following steps to find a reputable local window installer.
- Check for certification: Many window manufacturers recommend hiring an installer trained and certified for their products. Using a certified contractor helps you avoid any bureaucratic headaches if any issues occur. The manufacturer should be willing to help resolve problems with a certified contractor. We recommend visiting a local showroom of the brand you’re interested in to connect with local certified installers. Double-check for certification from the American Window and Door Institute.
- Read customer reviews: Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are two great sites to find reviews. We suggest paying special attention to the criteria listed above when reading homeowner reviews, such as scheduling, warranty options, and workmanship.
- Pay attention to the quote process: Some red flags might occur during the quote process. A reputable installer should measure each replacement window, explain their installation process, and estimate how long the job will take. You want an installer who will replace each window one at a time, rather than taking out all the old windows at once and installing new ones. If an installer seems too quick to start the job or tries to avoid some of your concerns and questions, you may want to check out another local installer.
Our Recommendation
The right windows for your home will add style and charm, improve your home’s energy efficiency, increase its value, and provide beautiful natural sunlight to make your home’s interior glow.
We recommend Renewal by Andersen as our top brand because it’s so well-rounded. The company has a large product range backed by comprehensive warranties. We like that you can find many of their products in stores such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s, so you can see the selection in person and purchase them yourself.
We suggest reading testimonials and getting a price estimate from at least three window brands before making your decision. You can use our tool below to get quickly matched to local installers.
Window Brands FAQ
How long should aluminum windows last?
Aluminum windows last an average of 20 to 25 years. However, aluminum is prone to damage from extreme weather like hailstorms. If you live in an area with intense weather, you may want to consider a different window material.
Should I replace all the windows at once?
It’s best to replace all your windows at once if you can afford it. An installer can complete the entire job in a couple of days, and you’ll have less paperwork and stress.
What time of year is best to replace windows?
The best time to replace windows is in the spring or early summer when it’s warm but not too hot.
What is the difference between Low-E and argon gas?
Low-E windows are coated with a material to reflect rays and prevent heat transfer, while argon gas windows have two or three panes with a sealed space. This sealed space is filled with argon gas to prevent heat transfer through the window. Both options cause windows to be more energy-efficient.
What is the best window and door company?
Given its vast industry experience, wide product selection, and comprehensive warranties, Renewal by Andersen is considered a superior window and door company. Champion Windows is a close second for its energy-efficient glass options and in-house installation team.
What windows are the best for a house?
Hinged-sash window types make good options for most homes since they’re highly energy-efficient with a firm weathertight seal. Casement windows are a popular hinged-sashed window type.
How We Chose the Top Window Brands
We researched and analyzed dozens of window manufacturers. Then, we crafted a rating system based on each brand’s standard product offerings and energy-efficient options for windows and doors.
We spoke directly to a representative at each company to learn how the installation process with each provider works and determine how each brand personalizes its custom windows for each home. We also closely analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and labor guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
Other factors include the manufacturer’s years of experience and customer reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.
