Best Replacement Window Companies of 2024
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Best Replacement Window Companies of 2024

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Renewal by Andersen is our pick for best window replacement company due to its highly energy-efficient windows and white-glove, in-house installation service.

Author Image Written by Jessica Wimmer + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed by William Powars Updated 05/15/2024

The high cost of home improvement projects today makes the stakes feel higher than ever when choosing which company to go with. There’s also a lot to consider when choosing the best replacement windows, such as energy efficiency, warranty coverage, style, and materials. 

We did the research for you to help narrow down which companies to look at. We analyzed the window costs, services, and products of 16 top window brands, as well as surveyed 1,500 homeowners who recently bought windows to learn about their experience and what they paid with leading manufacturers. 

Overall, we most recommend Renewal by Andersen for replacement windows. The company offers customized replacement windows with white glove, in-house installation services, various styles, and comprehensive warranty coverage. See which other companies made our list in our guide, plus tips on what to look for when shopping for windows.

Key Takeaways

Renewal by Andersen is our top pick for window replacement companies for its high quality, energy efficiency, and experienced installers.
Typically, replacement windows cost between $300 and $2,000, depending on the material, style, energy efficiency features, brand, and selected customizations.
Most consumers opt for energy-efficient windows to help save money on their energy bills even though they have a higher initial cost.

See our list of top window companies based on in-depth research.

Select the company that best meets your needs.

Get a free, no-obligation quote for your home.


Who Are the Best Window Replacement Companies?

After evaluating popular window companies nationwide, these brands ranked highest and are the best for replacement windows:

See our in-house methodology to learn how we scored the companies on our list. 

Why Trust Us? Our review and rating process for the best window replacement companies
16
companies reviewed We carefully considered 22 companies to find the best window replacement providers available.
2500
people surveyed We surveyed 2,500 home owners to see what they care about most when in comes to windows.
3000
reviews analyzed We went through 3,000 customer reviews of window replacement companies to see what people had to say about each provider.
600
research hours conducted We spent over 600 hours researching the windows industry to find the best window offerings on the market.

How Do the Top Replacement Window Brands Compare?

See how we rated the brands on our list compared to their average price. Though Renewal by Andersen has the highest price point on average, its high quality earned it the best rating, indicating a higher return on investment than competitors.

Star Rating Best For Price Range Link
Renewal by Andersen Renewal by Andersen
Most Hands-Free Install $400–$1,850 Get Quote
Champion Champion
Best Financing $300–$1,700 Get Quote
Castle Windows Castle Windows
Best Warranty $300–$2,325 Get Quote
Marvin Marvin
Most Innovative Windows $400–$1,925 Get Quote
Harvey Harvey
Best Custom Hardware $500–$2,350 Get Quote
Milgard Milgard
Best Fiberglass Windows $300–$1,700 Get Quote
Pella Pella
Best Energy Efficiency $400–$2,050 Get Quote
Renewal by Andersen
Logo Renewal by Andersen
Star Rating
Best For Most Hands-Free Install
Price Range $400–$1,850
Get Quote
Champion
Logo Champion
Star Rating
Best For Best Financing
Price Range $300–$1,700
Get Quote
Castle Windows
Logo Castle Windows
Star Rating
Best For Best Warranty
Price Range $300–$2,325
Get Quote
Marvin
Logo Marvin
Star Rating
Best For Most Innovative Windows
Price Range $400–$1,925
Get Quote
Harvey
Logo Harvey
Star Rating
Best For Best Custom Hardware
Price Range $500–$2,350
Get Quote
Milgard
Logo Milgard
Star Rating
Best For Best Fiberglass Windows
Price Range $300–$1,700
Get Quote
Pella
Logo Pella
Star Rating
Best For Best Energy Efficiency
Price Range $400–$2,050
Get Quote
Providers
Star Rating
Best For
Price Range
Most Hands-Free Install
$400–$1,850
Best Financing
$300–$1,700
Best Warranty
$300–$2,325
Most Innovative Windows
$400–$1,925
Best Custom Hardware
$500–$2,350
Best Fiberglass Windows
$300–$1,700
Best Energy Efficiency
$400–$2,000

*Pricing sourced from responses of 1,500 surveyed homeowners.

Renewal by Andersen

Most Hands-Free Install
4.7

Price Range: $400–$1,850

Who it’s best for: Choose Renewal by Andersen if you want top-tier installation directly from the manufacturer instead of hiring a third party.

You may have heard of the Andersen Corporation, Renewal by Andersen’s parent company that specializes in new construction windows. Renewal by Andersen focuses on replacement windows.

Renewal by Andersen is one of the three brands on our list that offers customized replacement windows with white-glove service. The brand is known for high quality, energy efficiency, and experienced installers. One of our team members shadowed a Renewal by Andersen installation team to learn more about its in-house installation process and what homeowners can expect when they arrive. Read our full window installation guide to see exactly how Renewal’s team will handle your installation date. 

An impressive 35.6% of our surveyed window buyers chose the Andersen name. We spoke with Amanda Winship, a Renewal by Andersen national sales director, who told us, “What sets Renewal apart is the product, the process, and the people. The product is a composite window frame, which nobody else has. The process is a one-stop shop. We manufacture the window, we install the window, we warranty the window. That is a unique structure in our industry. And the people are really what I call the secret sauce to the organization.”

Pros and Cons

Pros Has one of the largest window type selections Offers a customizable, white-glove window replacement service Includes a transferable 20-year warranty on glass and a 10-year warranty on nonglass materials Cons Has higher pricing than many brands Has long installation wait times, according to some customer reviews Varies warranty coverage by window line

Price and Warranty

Renewal by Andersen’s windows can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars based on the material, style, and customizations you choose. Expect to pay $500 or more for standard styles and less-insulative materials, such as aluminum double-hung windows. Large styles, such as bay windows, and more efficient materials will cost you upwards of $2,500.

The brand’s warranty coverage varies by product line but generally includes:

  • 20 years of coverage for all glass and Fibrex materials
  • 10 years for hardware and nonglass materials
  • 2 years for workmanship

Installation Services

Renewal by Andersen has a certified in-house installation team to install new and remove old windows. You can also hire a third-party contractor.

Window Types and Materials

Renewal by Andersen manufactures aluminum, vinyl, Fibrex composite, and wood windows. You can choose from the following styles:

  • Awning
  • Bay and bow
  • Casement
  • Double-hung
  • Picture
  • Sliding
  • Specialty

State Availability

Renewal by Andersen is available in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington 
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Champion

Best Financing
4.3

Price Range: $300–$1,700

Who it’s best for: Champion’s financing program makes it an ideal choice for those who need new windows right away but don’t have a lot of cash saved up.

We consider Champion to offer the best financing options on our list. Its loan program allows you to not only get a 0% interest rate without putting money down and no payments for the first 12 months. Finding a window brand that offers all three of these terms is nearly impossible.

Champion also prioritizes energy efficiency. All of Champion’s offerings include its Energy Star-certified Comfort 365 Window Glass. This glass uses a specialized low-emissivity (low-e) coating and insulating argon gas to block roughly 94% of ultraviolet (UV) rays. This keeps your home cool in summer and warm in winter without blocking or adding sunlight.

Champion was the second-most popular brand among our survey takers, with 11.3% of people buying from the company.

Pros and Cons

Pros Frequently advertises window discounts Offers 0% financing option Has its own in-house installation team Cons Isn’t rated on BBB Isn’t available nationwide Has some customer reviews pointing to communication issues and slow timelines

Price and Warranty

Champion’s windows are some of the most affordably priced options, averaging in the $300–$1,700 range. This is due to its use of only aluminum and vinyl materials. 

The brand covers its windows with a limited lifetime warranty that includes:

  • Broken glass
  • Materials
  • Necessary labor, parts, and repairs
  • Screen repair
  • Seal failure
  • Waste removal

Installation Services

Champion is a full-service window company, so you won’t have to hire an outside contractor to install your windows. 

Window Types and Materials

Champion makes aluminum and vinyl windows in the following styles:

  • Awning
  • Basement hopper
  • Bay and bow
  • Casement
  • Double-hung
  • Garden
  • Glass block
  • Picture
  • Sliding
  • Specialty shapes

State Availability

Champion operates in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

Castle Windows

Best Warranty
4.5

Price Range: $300–$2,325

Who it’s best for: Castle is a good choice for those on the East Coast who want comprehensive warranty coverage and are only interested in vinyl windows.

Castle provides one of the best warranties in the industry, a transferable lifetime warranty covering all window parts, such as glass, screens, and other components. The warranty also covers workmanship with free labor on all services—a standout compared to the standard manufacturer warranties other window replacement companies offer.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a true lifetime warranty on manufacturing and installation Is a full-service company that both manufactures and installs its products Sells affordable, high-quality vinyl windows Cons Only makes vinyl frames Doesn’t make any high-end window options Isn’t available nationwide

Price and Warranty

Castle makes highly affordable windows, starting around $300. If you’re concerned that the low price means low quality, Castle has great customer reviews and an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).  

The company provides a transferable lifetime warranty on all windows, covering the following for the lifetime of the product:

  • Color
  • Glass
  • Leaks and drafts
  • Installation
  • Parts
  • Screens
  • Seals
  • Service and repair
  • Vinyl
  • Window operation

Installation Services

Castle is another full-service installer, so you won’t have to worry about hiring an outside contractor. An in-house team will conveniently handle your window installation from start to finish. 

Window Types and Materials

Castle only manufactures vinyl window framing and the following window styles:

  • Awning
  • Basement hopper
  • Bay and bow
  • Casement
  • Double-hung
  • Garden
  • Slider
  • Transom 
  • Specialty

State Availability

Castle operates in the following states:

  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Indiana
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Virginia

Marvin

Most Innovative Windows
4.4

Price Range: $400–$1,925

Who it’s best for: Marvin’s luxury window options make it a top contender for those looking for style just as much as functionality.

Marvin has an impressive 100 years of experience in the windows and doors industry. It manufactures wooden, aluminum, and fiberglass windows from eight American-operated factories nationwide. Marvin’s Essential Collection provides strong fiberglass exterior and interior windows at an affordable price.

The Awaken Skylight and Marvin Skylight windows are two of Marvin’s most notable offerings. Skylight windows are notoriously challenging to install, requiring a lot of specialization and knowledge. The Marvin Awaken Skylight uses dimmable LED lighting, which you can adjust to the ideal color temperature of natural light. This feature supports circadian rhythm, eases day-to-night transitions, and allows you to control natural lighting.

Pros and Cons

Pros Makes affordable aluminum windows Sells uncommon window types such as skylights Offers a sleek, modern design style Cons Doesn’t sell vinyl windows Varies warranty coverage by product line Isn’t a full-service company, so no in-house installation

Price and Warranty

Marvin windows range from $400–$1,925 on average. You can stay on the more affordable end by choosing a budget-friendly material such as aluminum. Fiberglass and wood options will cost much more. 

Marvin varies its warranty coverage by product line.

  • Exterior finish: 20 years for Ultimate collection, 10 years for Essential and Elevate collections
  • Glass: 10 years for all collections
  • Hardware and other nonglass components: 10 years for all collections 
  • Interior finish: 5 years for Ultimate and Elevate collections
  • Insulating glass seal: 20 years for all collections

Installation Services

Marvin is not a full-service provider. That means you’ll have to go through its dealer network, hire a third-party contractor, or install the windows yourself. Note that installing the windows yourself could void your manufacturer’s warranty. 

Window Types and Materials

Marvin makes aluminum, fiberglass, and wood windows in the following styles:

  • Awning
  • Bay and bow
  • Casement
  • Corner
  • Double-hung
  • Picture
  • Single-hung
  • Skylight
  • Sliding
  • Specialty

State Availability

Marvin operates across the United States. You can use its Find a Dealer page to locate a dealer near you.

Harvey

Best Custom Hardware
4.4

Price Range: $500–$2,350

Who it’s best for: Harvey is for homeowners who don’t mind paying more for highly durable, long-lasting windows.

Harvey makes durable, long-lasting windows with heavy-duty hardware. It uses sturdy, Energy Star-certified glass and offers options for dual-action locks, limit latches, and multiple glass panes. These features allow Harvey’s windows to withstand the elements more effectively than other window brands.

Harvey’s Classic Vinyl collection is great for homeowners looking to balance strength with affordability. The line includes UV Tough black and bronze vinyl windows with a paint coat 10 times stronger than the industry standard. You can select from five BetterGrain interior finishes that mimic the look of natural wood windows for an elevated but affordable look. The Classic Vinyl line comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros Makes affordable vinyl windows Sells more window styles than most competitors Offers single-, double-, and triple-pane options Cons Doesn’t sell low-cost aluminum windows Is the most expensive option on our list Doesn’t have an in-house installation team

Price and Warranty

Harvey’s prices average $500–$2,350. Its pricing is middle of the road for replacement windows. Choosing vinyl windows should help keep you under $1,000.

Harvey provides a transferable limited lifetime warranty. The warranty covers glass for 20 years. Most components are covered against defects in material and workmanship for as long as the original purchaser owns and resides in the house.

Installation Services

Harvey does not provide installation services. You can use a dealer’s contractor from its network or hire a licensed contractor for your installation. 

Window Types and Materials

Harvey sells vinyl and wood windows in the following styles:

  • Awning
  • Basement hopper
  • Bay and bow
  • Casement
  • Double-hung
  • Garden
  • Gliding
  • Picture
  • Rolling
  • Single-hung 
  • Specialty

State Availability

Harvey has window dealers in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • New York
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Vermont
  • Virginia

Milgard

Best Fiberglass Windows
4.1

Price Range: $300–$1,700

Who it’s best for: Go with Milgard if you want a wide range of options but are on a budget.

Milgard has five window lines and three frame material options: fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum. It focuses on providing support and assistance throughout the window replacement process. Milgard’s website offers easy access to online resources on its support tab, such as a do-it-yourself (DIY) service library, videos for ongoing care, and an online chat feature.

The brand is also one of the most affordable on our list, according to survey takers, so consider it if you want to keep costs as low as possible.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has affordable aluminum and vinyl window lines Offers a full lifetime warranty on some products Sells fiberglass windows at a fraction of the cost as some brands Cons Has a D- rating from BBB despite high customer reviews Doesn’t provide in-house installation Isn’t available nationwide

Price and Warranty

Milgard ties with Castle for the most budget-conscious windows on our list, averaging in the $300–$600 range. Like Castle, Milgard has mostly positive customer reviews, so the low price doesn’t indicate poor quality. 

The company offers a limited lifetime warranty on these window lines:

  • V250 Style Line® Series
  • C650 Ultra™ Series
  • V450 HomeMaker Series
  • A250 Thermally Improved Aluminum
  • V150 vinyl windows
  • V350 Sliding Glass Door

You’ll get a full lifetime warranty on these lines:

  • V400 Tuscany® Series with Glass Breakage Coverage
  • V300 Trinsic™ Series with optional upgrade to Glass Breakage*

Installation Services

Milgard doesn’t sell to consumers directly. You’ll need to find a local certified dealer to buy and install its windows. 

Window Types and Materials

Milgard makes aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass window framing and the following window types:

  • Awning
  • Casement
  • Double-hung
  • Picture 
  • Single-hung
  • Sliding 
  • Specialty

State Availability

Milgard is available in the western U.S. and parts of Canada. It’s operable in the following states:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Idaho
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • Oregon
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • Wyoming

Pella

Best Energy Efficiency
4

Price Range: $400–$2,050

Who it’s best for: Consider Pella if you want highly energy-efficient windows.

Pella is one of the largest and most recognizable window manufacturers in the United States. It focuses on eco-friendly and energy-efficient products, ensuring its offerings meet Energy Star performance standards and working with wood vendors who practice responsible harvest and replenishment. The company also uses a patented EnduraGuard wood protection formula that guards your windows against water damage, termites, and decay.

Pella’s windows are top-performing and stylish. The company offers free in-home consultations and has more than 200 showrooms nationwide.

Pros and Cons

Pros Is available at local retailers Thoroughly tests its products for performance Can integrate with smart-home technology Cons Varies warranty coverage by material Has a concerning amount of negative reviews on BBB despite an A+ rating Doesn’t have an in-house installation team

Price and Warranty

Pella’s prices have quite a range. Vinyl window options average as low as $400, while more high-end wood and fiberglass windows come in around $2,000.

Pella’s warranties vary by window material. 

  • Vinyl warranty: 10 years for laminated glass, 20 years for nonlaminated glass, 10 years for nonglass materials, 10 years for workmanship, 10 years for exterior paint
  • Fiberglass warranty: 20 years for glass, 10 years for nonglass materials, 10 years for workmanship, 10 years for exterior powder coating
  • Wood warranty: 10 years for glass, 10 years for hardware, two years for labor

Installation Services

Pella doesn’t have an in-house installation service. You can arrange installation through one of Pella’s certified dealers or install your windows yourself. Pella also offers an exclusive vinyl window line called Power by Pella that’s conveniently installed by Power Home Remodeling. 

Window Types and Materials

Pella makes windows in budget-friendly vinyl, wood, and fiberglass. You can choose from the following styles:

  • Awning
  • Bay and bow
  • Casement
  • Custom
  • Double-hung
  • Picture
  • Sliding
  • Single-hung
  • Specialty

State Availability

You can find Pella at retailers and showrooms in all 50 states. 

*BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2024.


How Much Do the Best Window Replacements Cost?

Replacement windows cost between $1,100–$1,700 per window on average, depending on the type of window and frame so plan to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for your replacement windows. Your total cost depends mainly on the material, style, energy efficiency features, brand, and custom options you select. Window material is often the biggest cost factor. Depending on what matters most to you about your window, you may be able to save money by going with a more budget-conscious frame material and glass options. 

See average prices for each material and what its pros and cons are below. Note that a material having an X doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer that feature at all, just that it’s not one of its strengths compared to other materials.

FeatureAluminumCompositeVinylFiberglassWood
Average cost$400–$900$400–$1,900$300–$1,700$300–$1,900$300–$2,000
Appearance
Durability
Energy efficiency
Customizability
Easy maintenance
Source: Prices calculated from responses of 1,500 surveyed window buyers.

How Can You Save Money on Replacing Windows?

We know replacement windows are a costly home expense, even if you choose the most budget-friendly materials and design. Luckily, you can shave a little off the cost in a few ways.

Buy in bulk: If you’re purchasing windows for all or part of your home, talk to the manufacturer about a discount for buying in bulk.
Look for brand discounts: Some companies, such as Champion, frequently offer helpful discounts, such as Buy One, Get One Free.
Repair instead of replace: If you’re replacing a window because the glass is damaged, you may be able to save money by simply repairing or replacing the glass instead of the entire window unit. 
Shop in the offseason: The window industry slows down in winter because few homeowners and installers want to deal with installation when it’s cold out. You may be able to find lower pricing on windows and installation during this offseason since companies are looking for more business. 

If you’re financing windows, don’t assume you’ll have to put money down or deal with high interest rates. Champion, for example, offers a financing program that’s no-interest, no-money-down, and no payments for 12 months.


What Should You Consider When Replacing Your Windows?

There are a lot of things to consider when buying windows, like window style, framing, energy efficiency, product warranties, and more. Being that replacement is a high-cost home improvement project, it’s understandable you want to pick the most affordable option with the highest return on investment. We’ve broken down the key things to look at to help make the process easier.

What Type of Windows Last the Longest?

Fiberglass windows have the longest life span of any other common window frame material, comfortably lasting up to 50 years.

Energy-Efficient Windows

One of the biggest reasons homeowners replace their windows is to increase energy efficiency in rooms with poor temperature regulation, according to Josh Ramsey, Renewal by Andersen’s Midwest regional training manager.

The best replacement windows for energy efficiency are triple-pane windows. They are designed with three layers of glass with two layers of insulating gas between them. Though they’re more costly than standard windows, energy-efficient windows help you save money on your energy costs by using low-e glass. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) joint program, Energy Star, reports that replacing clear-glass, single-pane windows in a single-story, 2,000-square-foot home with new Energy Star-certified windows can save you $101–$583 per year.

You’ll get the biggest return from your windows by choosing one with energy-saving features. The DOE reports that heat gain and loss through windows is responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. That poor insulation means your HVAC system is working harder to keep your home comfortable, causing your monthly energy bill to rise. 

Choosing an energy-efficient window keeps your home more comfortable, your bills more reasonable, and your HVAC system in better condition. Here are a few things to look for to ensure you get an energy-efficient window that will provide a solid ROI:

  • Argon-gas filling: Argon is a nontoxic glass added between glass panes in triple- and double-pane windows for added insulation. It also helps prevent frost buildup. 
  • Low-emissivity (low-e) glass: Glass with a low-e coating is better at controlling your home’s temperature. This coating helps prevent heat transfer, keeping heat out in summer and in during winter, without affecting how much light comes through your windows. 
  • Multipane glass: More panes mean more insulation. Double- and triple-pane windows keep your home more comfortable, reduce noise pollution, and help prevent fading of your walls, floors, and furniture.  

Windows certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) have a label that helps you compare energy-efficient windows on key metrics, such as U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, visible transmittance, and air leakage. Check out the NFRC’s website for more information on these factors and what to look for.

Survey says

According to our surveyed window buyers, energy efficiency was the top reason (27.8%) shoppers went with the window brand they chose. Over a third (38%) said they’d seen a positive difference in both their energy bill and their home’s comfort. 

The Best Window Frame Material in Your Budget

The most popular window frames used today are aluminum due to their durability and budget-friendly nature. However, each frame material has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Aluminum window frames are highly durable and budget-friendly. The material is strong, so it fares well in extreme weather conditions. It’s also rot- and mold-resistant. Aluminum windows are less likely to fade and show signs of wear and tear than other options. However, aluminum frames are not energy efficient, and the material conducts heat rapidly.
Composite frames combine fiberglass with other materials, such as laminated wood or plastic. They can mimic the appearance of solid wood while providing more durability and better performance due to the embedded fiberglass needles. Unfortunately, they don’t come in many colors and are susceptible to fading. 
Fiberglass frames are highly durable. They’re stronger than vinyl and aluminum and resist fading and cracking for longer, making them one of the most durable and long-lasting window frame options available. Fiberglass windows are excellent for homes that experience extreme weather because they’re resistant to weather and sharp temperature changes. However, they’re more expensive than most frames. 
Vinyl frames are the most common and affordable window frame material. They’re made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Vinyl windows work with almost any home style, have solid energy efficiency ratings, and are a great insulator. They also require little maintenance. However, vinyl isn’t as durable as wooden and aluminum windows.
Wooden windows are highly durable and stylish, though you’ll have to pay a hefty price tag for them. Many homeowners choose wooden frames for their curb appeal. Wood is also a great insulator, so these windows are typically highly energy-efficient. The only downside is that wooden frames require a lot of upkeep, as they’re naturally susceptible to mold, termites, and rotting. 

Survey says

Aluminum was the most popular frame material among our surveyed window customers at 26.3%. Fiberglass was the next most popular at 24.7%.

Ask these questions about the window’s framing material:

Do the frames match my home’s style?
What is the climate around my home?
How much maintenance do the frames require?

The Right Window Style for Your Home

You’ll want window styles that complement your home’s architecture while staying within your budget. 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 look for companies that provide windows that match the look of the room(s) you’re upgrading.

Also called arch-top windows or radius windows, arched windows have square bottoms and an arch or half-circle on top.

Arched Window Icon

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 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. Many homeowners choose to convert basement hoppers into egress windows to act as emergency exits.

basement hopper window icon

Bay 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.  

bay window icon

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. 

casement window icon

These windows have two locks and open at the top and bottom. They’re often found on high floors.

double hung window icon

Garden windows protrude from your home, creating a space to grow plants and herbs. They’re ideal for a kitchen window.

These windows are translucent, thick blocks of glass. They allow light into the room but obscure the view, which makes them a popular option for basement and bathroom windows

glass block window icon

These oversized windows are floor-to-ceiling accents. They cannot be opened and provide a lot of natural lighting.

picture window icon

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 only open on one end. They’re also typically smaller than double-hung windows. 

single hung window icon

Survey says

Most homeowners select standard window sizes and styles. Double-hung windows were the most popular choice among our surveyed homeowners at 34.4%.

Consider the following when thinking about what window type you need:

How do I need the window to function?
What size window is being installed?
What room are the windows being installed in?
How will they look in that room?
Do I want the windows for style, energy efficiency, or both?

Comprehensive Warranty Coverage

Window manufacturers include warranties on their products 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 come with shorter, less thorough coverage.

Window coverage usually includes a manufacturer’s warranty that covers the glass, frame, hardware, and other materials, as well as a labor warranty that covers installation workmanship. If you hire a third-party installer, your labor warranty will come from this company rather than the manufacturer. 

Warranty coverage can range from a couple of years to the product’s lifetime. Unfortunately, lifetime warranties are not standard in the windows industry, but an installer that offers lifetime warranties on its windows or doors, such as Castle, is a secure investment. Nearly 40% of our survey takers chose a lifetime window warranty.

Window Companies With Good Customer Reviews

Reading customer reviews on popular sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google can help you understand buyers’ experiences with the companies you’re interested in. Take note of the pros and cons each reviewer shares. Our expert from Renewal by Andersen, Josh Ramsey, recommends looking for companies that have one-stop accountability, meaning their products and services are primarily in-house rather than contracted out. He says providing an in-home consultation is a positive sign of professionalism and good customer service.

Many customers will also mention whether a company stands behind its work with its warranties, and how helpful customer service reps are. You may want to consider a different installer if you notice many negative reviews.


How Do I Find a Window Installer Near Me?

Many companies offer professional window installation. One way to narrow your options is to look for certified installers for the particular window brand you want. You can do this by first checking whether the manufacturer has an in-house team that will handle installation for you. If not, most manufacturers have a page on their website listing certified dealers in their network. You can browse these to see which operate in your area. You can also hire a licensed contractor to install your windows if you find one experienced at installing the brand you’re purchasing.

Most homeowners we surveyed (77%) opted to use a professional installer, citing fears of making a mistake, desire to protect their windows with a warranty, or simply didn’t want to deal with the hassle of installing windows themselves.

You can use our tool below to quickly connect with reputable, certified window installers that service your ZIP code and schedule in-home assessments. We recommend getting multiple free quotes and checking the American Window and Door Institute to ensure your installer is certified.

Get Estimates from Window Experts in Your Area
Compare quotes from local pros

Who Makes the Best Replacement Windows?

Out of all the replacement window brands on our list, we most recommend Renewal by Andersen for a top-of-the-line, hands-free window replacement experience. Renewal by Andersen has well-rated, energy-efficient windows, a comprehensive warranty, and professional in-house installation services. 

If you want long-lasting fiberglass windows, we suggest Milgard. If you have a strict budget, check out Champion’s ongoing discount and see our guide to affordable replacement window brands.

We suggest requesting at least three quotes from window companies before making your decision to compare pricing for the right window for your home. Use our tool below to get free quotes from our top recommendations.