Windows

7 best window brands for your home (2024 buyers guide)

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Today’s window manufacturers prioritize energy efficiency and quality performance. We researched the best window brands in the industry, comparing and scoring them on product selection, features, warranty coverage, cost, customer service and more. 

The best window brands for your home are Renewal by Andersen, Castle Windows and Harvey Windows + Doors. Renewal by Andersen is our overall winner thanks to its many customization options, industry certifications and awards, and longtime positive reputation. Castle Windows is a great option for those prioritizing top-tier warranty coverage, and Harvey is unbeatable in window variety.  

Regardless of this being a new build or looking for affordable window replacement options, get started with a few of our top picks:

The 7 best window brands

Here are some of the top window brands we have extensively researched:

Comparing top window brands

Please use our tool below to compare the best window brands from our research:

Provider Our Rating Glass and Hardware Warranty Labor Warranty Average Project Price Get Started
4.7
10–20 years 2 years $11,723 Visit Site
4.4
Limited lifetime Limited lifetime $14,223 Visit Site
4.4
10–20 years 0 years $12,540 Visit Site
4.3
10–20 years 0 years $13,348 Visit Site
Provider Our Rating Glass and Hardware Warranty Labor Warranty Average Project Price Get Started
4.7
10–20 years 2 years $11,723 Visit Site
4.4
Limited lifetime Limited lifetime $14,223 Visit Site
4.4
10–20 years 0 years $12,540 Visit Site
4.3
10–20 years 0 years $13,348 Visit Site
No results were found.
Pricing information shown is averaged from our October 2023 survey of 1,500 homeowners who purchased replacement windows for their homes.

Our top choices for best window brands

Consider factors such as the best time to get replacement windows, how much to budget and what energy-efficiency features you want to help you choose the right windows for your home. Heat gain and loss through your windows are responsible for 25%–30% of your HVAC system’s energy use. If you have old windows, you need to look no further than your monthly electric bill for a reason to upgrade.

We used our methodology to assess the most popular window companies, analyzing product performance, warranty coverage and more. We also read through customer reviews to gauge companies’ services and warranty claim handling. The following companies scored the highest, making them the brands we recommend most for your window project. 

Renewal by Andersen

4.7

Our thoughts

What we like

Renewal by Andersen holds many certifications and awards for its window performance and customer satisfaction. Its homepage displays its Energy Star Partner of the Year award, National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) certification and SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certification that signals compliance with rigorous indoor air quality emission requirements. It’s also won the J.D. Power “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Window and Patio Door Manufacturer Brands” honor multiple years in a row.

Aside from that, we like the company’s many window material options, including its Fibrex window frames and sashes that contain 40% reclaimed wood fiber. You can choose from many customization options for hardware, paint color and grille layout, and the company’s quality products are set at a wide price range for varying budgets. 

What we don’t like

We don’t like that the company has many online customer reviews citing long installation delays. Some even report missed appointment times. One of the most common customer complaints is aggressive sales tactics. Some consumers report frequent door-to-door sales visits and frequent calls after requesting a quote.

Customer thoughts

Renewal by Andersen has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site and mixed customer reviews on this and other customer review sites. We found plenty of positive feedback, including this review from Michael on Trustpilot, pointing to great product quality, professionalism among the installation team and helpful, friendly customer service. 

We found others that cite long waits for installation, pushy sales tactics and difficulty with warranty claims. Molly reported a long wait for a part replacement, as many others have echoed.

Materials and styles

Renewal by Andersen sells aluminum, composite, wood and vinyl windows certified by Energy Star. You can choose from multiple window styles, including the following:

  • Awning
  • Bay and bow
  • Casement
  • Double-hung
  • Picture
  • Sliding
  • Specialty windows with geometric shapes

Warranty

Renewal by Andersen windows are backed by a transferable limited warranty. 

  • Glass warranty: Glass and Fibrex materials are covered for 20 years.
  • Hardware warranty: Hardware and other nonglass components are covered for 10 years.
  • Labor warranty: Workmanship is covered for two years.

Installation

The brand is a full-service installer, meaning it has its own certified installers. While you can choose to hire a contractor, you won’t get Renewal by Andersen’s labor warranty coverage, and using a third-party installer may void aspects of your parts and materials warranties. 

You can get started with the company by requesting a quote or consultation on its website or by visiting a Renewal by Andersen showroom.

Castle Windows

4.4

Our thoughts

What we like

Castle Windows is one of the few brands that offers a true lifetime warranty. Although competitors claim to provide lifetime coverage, the fine print exposes warranty gaps. Castle is also unique in that it’s a full home improvement company. It sells and installs roofing, siding, windows and doors. The company is highly awarded, making Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list and HomeAdvisor’s Best Of list. It also provides 24/7 customer support.

What we don’t like

Castle doesn’t emphasize its energy-efficient features as much as other brands. While competitors list their certifications and energy-saving features on their websites, we didn’t find them on Castle’s. Another drawback of Castle is that its products are only available in 11 states.

Customer thoughts

Castle is accredited with the BBB and holds an A+ rating on the site. Customer reviews are mixed but lean mostly positive. Many customers report professional and friendly service over the phone and from installers and great craftsmanship on windows and doors.

However, we read several customer reviews that mentioned windows not being installed correctly, leading to draftiness and rain getting in. A few others pointed to installation taking longer than expected.

Materials and styles

Castle doesn’t offer as many window styles as its competitors, and it only sells vinyl windows. Its window styles include the following:

  • Awning
  • Basement hopper
  • Bay and bow
  • Casement
  • Double-hung
  • Garden
  • Picture
  • Sliding
  • Transom

Warranty

Castle’s glass, parts and labor are all covered under a lifetime warranty. Coverage is also transferable, meaning you can pass it on to the new homeowner if you sell your house. Castle does a great job explaining its warranty coverage and conditions on its site.

Installation

The brand is a full-service installer, so you can buy and schedule installation with the same company. To start the process, you can speak with a representative about your options and get a free quote. A Castle crew will handle everything on your installation date, even disposing of your old windows. 

Harvey Windows + Doors

4.3

Our thoughts

What we like

Harvey Windows + Doors has one of the broadest varieties of window styles and backs its products with a 10- to 20-year manufacturer’s warranty. The company only serves the eastern part of the U.S., which means it tailors its energy features to those regions. Harvey prioritizes energy efficiency as an Energy Star partner and also sells triple-pane windows for extra glass insulation in colder climates. 

What we don’t like

Harvey only manufactures windows. You’ll have to purchase Harvey windows through a retailer or distributor. While the brand isn’t the only window company to do this, it does mean you’ll have a third-party installer and labor warranty coverage, which could get complicated. The other thing to note about Harvey is it’s only available in 16 states.

Customer thoughts

Harvey has an A+ rating on the BBB and a 4.8 out of 5 customer rating on the site, one of the best scores we’ve seen among window brands. Since Harvey doesn’t sell directly to you but instead to distributors, many reviews are from contractors who have installed its products. This is still helpful feedback because contractors won’t be happy with a brand if their customers consistently have issues with its windows. 

Most online reviews emphasize great customer service and quality, long-lasting window components. Many reviews mention short wait times for parts and responses. However, we found some customers with the opposite experience, citing window defects and difficulty resolving their issues over the phone.

Materials and styles

Harvey only offers two window frame materials, vinyl and wood, but it offers more window-style options than any other provider on our list:

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

Warranty

Harvey varies its warranty coverage by material. 

  • Glass warranty: Harvey’s glass is covered for 20 years for both vinyl and wood windows.
  • Hardware warranty: Hardware and other nonglass components are covered for 10 years under the vinyl warranty. The warranty for its Majesty line of wood windows covers framing and nonglass components for 10 years.
  • Labor warranty: Harvey doesn’t cover labor because it’s not the installer. Check with your installation company about labor coverage.

Installation

Harvey only manufactures windows and sells them through retailers or distributors. It doesn’t have its own installation team. Because of this, we can’t say exactly what your installation process will look like, but most installers remove and dispose of old windows, install and seal new windows, and clean up their work area when done.

Champion Windows

4.4

Our thoughts

What we like

Champion Windows is another brand that sells more than windows. The company sells doors, builds sunrooms and installs vinyl siding. Champion carries the AAMA Gold Label from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, a seal of approval for its product quality. It’s certified by Energy Star, the NFRC, Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC) and Vinyl Siding Institute as well.

What we don’t like

Champion only makes aluminum and vinyl windows, so it’s not your best option if you desire the look of wood or fiberglass. It also only offers in-home estimates. While this may result in a more precise estimate, it’s not as convenient as getting a quote over the phone.

Customer thoughts

Champion Windows isn’t accredited with the BBB but has a customer rating of 3.43 out of 5 stars based on more than 1,000 reviews. It also has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, based on 3,500 reviews.

Customers who rate the brand highly reference its speedy installations, helpful sales reps and fair pricing. We did, however, notice that Champion has had lower customer reviews for the last year than in previous years. Recent complaints mention pushing back installation dates and taking a long time to resolve issues.

Materials and styles

Champion only sells vinyl and aluminum windows, but it does sell a wide variety of window styles, including the following:

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

Warranty

Champion provides a limited lifetime warranty on all products. The company doesn’t include a sample policy on its website or offer specifics, but it says it covers every aspect of installation, parts, labor and materials. The website claims, “If it breaks, we will fix it.”

Installation

Champion is a full-service window company. It manufactures, sells and installs its products using its in-house team. As with any company, you can purchase the windows and have a third-party contractor install them or install them yourself. However, we don’t recommend this because it could void aspects of your warranty.

Marvin Windows & Doors

4.2

Our thoughts

What we like

Marvin Windows & Doors’ product selection is big on helping you create an inviting atmosphere in your home. The brand sells many popular window types but branches out into skylights designed to let in more natural light and air circulation for improved health. 

Marvin also sells its proprietary Skycove, a glass extension structure that maximizes natural light and adds to your room’s usable space. We like this design innovation and that Marvin doesn’t require you to purchase a certain number of windows before you can schedule installation. 

What we don’t like

Marvin doesn’t handle installation, so you won’t get a labor warranty through the company. Our main issue with Marvin is that it has many customer complaints despite a high BBB rating. Negative feedback consistently points to delays, poor communication and unimpressive window construction.

Customer thoughts

Marvin has an A+ BBB rating but low customer scores on various review sites such as Yelp and Best Company. While some reviews from customers and installers cite great service and quality, many note product flaws and difficulty getting issues fixed. Most of these complaints pertain to doors rather than windows, however. 

The majority of online reviews mention a defect in hardware, glass or framing. We read many reviews citing windows that don’t open and close properly, lack of security stops, wrong window size and other issues. Contractors report problems with window construction that prevent successful installation.

Materials and styles

Marvin is one of the few brands that doesn’t sell vinyl windows. It does, however, sell aluminum, fiberglass and wood. It also sells several types of windows, including the following design options:

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

Warranty

Marvin’s warranty coverage varies by collection. You can see specifics in its sample warranty policy, but here are the highlights:

  • Glass warranty: Marvin covers glass for 10 years for all collections. 
  • Hardware warranty: Hardware is covered for 10 years for all collections. 
  • Labor warranty: Marvin doesn’t offer a labor warranty.

Installation

Marvin manufactures windows but doesn’t handle installation. You can purchase the windows from Marvin and hire a contractor to install them. Ensure your contractor is licensed and provides a labor warranty.

Best of the rest

While the following providers didn’t make our top five, they still scored at least 4 out of 5 stars in our methodology and are worth looking at for their products and services. 

Our thoughts

What we like

Pella has many window options, with advanced performance built into every style. In addition to rigorous testing for energy efficiency, Pella also designs windows to be impact-, sound- and weather-resistant. You can even add optional smart-home integration to increase security and convenience, such as remote locking and blind-lowering.

What we don’t like

We don’t like how much Pella’s warranty coverage varies across window lines and parts. While some competitors also do this, we prefer a brand that stands strongly behind everything it makes. Our other issue with the company is the number of negative customer reviews it has online.

Customer thoughts

Pella has an A+ rating on the BBB, but its customer ratings and reviews are low. However, there are customers — even repeat customers — who expressed an entirely positive experience with the company. One noted that she received exceptional customer service, and her home is far more energy-efficient. 

Most reviews, however, cite product quality issues, such as window parts that easily break or degrade or windows that don’t perform as promised. Some customers report that with this comes communication issues and that it’s challenging to get these problems resolved.

Materials and styles

Pella offers three popular window materials: vinyl, fiberglass and wood. You can choose from these nine window types:

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

Warranty

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

Most of Pella’s warranty coverage is transferable for a certain period.

Installation

Pella is a full-service installer, so its team handles every aspect of your window replacement from start to finish. You can get started by scheduling a free consultation on Pella’s website.

Simonton Windows

4

Our thoughts

What we like

Simonton Windows & Doors stands out to us for its energy-efficiency features. Energy Star has recognized several Simonton window models as Most Efficient for the last few years, and all products are Energy Star-certified. That means they’ve gone through rigorous performance testing. We also like that Simonton tests its products to ensure they resist break-ins and that they design them to better resist wind, rain and sun damage.

What we don’t like

Despite thorough product testing, former customers indicate that Simonton doesn’t meet their expectations. The company has a concerningly low BBB score and customer rating. Customers commonly complain of long wait times for repair services and warranty claim resolution. However, we’re still including it on our list of top window brands because Simonton’s energy efficiency and safety features make for quality products. We believe that customer issues may result from poor installation by third-party contractors.

Customer thoughts

Simonton has an F rating on the BBB, so it doesn’t make our top-five list. As mentioned above, though, many customer reviews have to do with long wait times, and you may not run into this issue. The other theme we see among reviews is difficulty getting warranty claims resolved. Again, you may not have this problem, but you can help prevent it by carefully reading the company’s warranty policy before purchasing so you know what’s covered.  

Not everyone echoes these issues. Marian H. left a review on Google Reviews saying, “They had my order number (still under warranty), shipped me a replacement sash at no charge. It took me 5 min to replace. The employee on the phone was extremely nice and helpful.”

Materials and styles

Simonton sells most popular window styles that other brands offer, including the following:

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

Warranty

The company’s warranty policy varies by collection. Generally, Simonton’s warranty covers vinyl, hardware, screens and glass units for the product’s lifetime. This is a double lifetime warranty, meaning you can pass it to new owners once if you sell your home, as long as you’ve registered the warranty. 

Keep in mind that Simonton doesn’t cover labor-related issues like some other popular window companies such as Renewal by Andersen and Castle. You’ll need to get a labor warranty from the third-party installer you choose.

Installation

Simonton doesn’t install its windows. As with many other window manufacturers, you must hire a professional installation company separately. You can use Simonton’s Find a Pro page on its site to find someone in Simonton’s network who operates in your area.

Compare window prices

We surveyed 1,500 window buyers in October 2023 about the brand they bought and how much they paid for differing project sizes. According to respondents, Renewal by Andersen, Castle and Pella have the most affordable window prices. 

Provider1–5 Windows6–10 Windows11+ Windows
Renewal by Andersen$5,112$13,367$20,922
Castle Windows$10,475$16,690$19,872
Harvey Windows$11,166$12,580$27,431
Champion Windows$7,738$15,492$28,825
Marvin Windows$12,612$18,341$20,499

When is it time to get replacement windows?

Your windows will tell you when it’s time to replace them. Drafts, high energy bills, condensation, moisture buildup between panels, visible damage and poor operation are all signs you need an upgrade. You may want to invest in new windows if you desire special features, such as noise reduction, storm protection or smart-home integrations.

How much does the average window replacement cost?

Window replacement pricing varies based on window type, size, material and features, plus which installation company you hire. Home Depot notes that vinyl windows average between $800 and $1,900, though larger, more complex windows such as bays and bows are the exception at up to $6,000. Wood windows range from $1,200–$3,800, though bays and bows could cost as much as $11,000.

Do windows need to be energy efficient?

We suggest prioritizing energy efficiency when looking for windows. Today’s best window manufacturers include energy-saving features that help reduce heating and cooling bills. They can also aid in making your home more comfortable and protect your furniture, walls and flooring from fading due to UV rays. 

Look for the Energy Star sticker that tells you a window went through rigorous testing and is suitable for your climate before purchasing windows. 

How do you choose the right windows?

Replacing your home’s windows is a big investment. Below are some tips to help you get the best value. 

Choose the right NFRC rating 

We recommend purchasing NFRC– and Energy Star-certified windows. This means the windows have undergone rigorous energy performance testing. You’ll see a sticker for each on the windows listing these certifications, but you’ll also see a label noting which climate the windows best suit: northern, north-central, south-central or southern. Energy Star performance criteria are based on energy ratings certified by the NFRC and vary for each climate zone.

Here are a few definitions to know so you can decipher the label:

  • U-factor: The U-factor is the rate at which the window transmits nonsolar heat flow or how well the window insulates. The lower the U-factor, the more insulative and energy-efficient the window is. A good U-factor is between .20 and 1.20.
  • Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): This figure refers to how much of the sun’s heat the glass will absorb and reflect into your home. If you live in a colder climate, you want a higher SHGC rating because it will absorb more heat in winter to warm your home. If you live in a warm climate, you want a lower rating so the window doesn’t let in heat, which raises your home’s temperature during the hotter months. Look for a rating greater than .40 for a northern climate, less than .40 in north-central, and less than .23 for south-central and southern climate zones. 
  • Air leakage: This reflects how much air can pass through the window. A window with a lower air leakage rating is tighter and more energy-efficient. Energy Star won’t certify a window with a high leakage rating. 
  • Visible transmittance (VT): This is how much visible sunlight the glass allows inside. A number between zero and one represents VT. A product with a higher VT lets in more light. 
  • Light-to-solar gain (LSG): LSG is the ratio between the VT and the SHGC, which is how much light a window lets in while blocking heat transference. The higher the number, the more light is let in without adding excessive heat. 

To ensure your windows are high-performance and have truly undergone proper testing, Michelle Blackston, NFRC Senior Director of Development and Engagement, said, “You want the window to have both labels because that’s the only way you can guarantee that the window will do what it says it’s going to do.”

She let us know that if you see a window with an Energy Star sticker but not an NFRC sticker, that should cause doubt about who you’re buying it from. “I would ask to see the NFRC label because you can’t have one without the other. You can’t have the Energy Star label and not the NFRC label.”

Consider the long-term value

Going with the most budget-friendly window shouldn’t be your main goal. You need to consider the return on investment over the lifetime of the windows you choose. Windows have an average lifetime of 15 to 30 years, with glass typically maintaining performance for 20 years. In that time, energy-efficient windows can dramatically reduce your electricity bills. 

Windows with low-emissivity window glass coatings and argon gas insulation better regulate your home’s temperature so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, lowering energy usage and preserving your system. 

According to the EWC, replacing inefficient windows with energy-efficient ones reduces cooling costs by 11%–37% and heating costs by at least 15%. Remodeling Magazine reports that window replacement projects have one of the highest cost recoup percentages of any home improvement project at 68.5% for vinyl windows and 61.2% for wood windows.

In addition to the financial benefits of installing new windows, you can save money on the purchase. There are several state and federal financing options and incentives to help you reduce your investment. We recommend looking into the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s property improvement loan program, as well as the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency and the Energy Star Rebate Finder

Select the appropriate window material

When choosing the best house window material for your home, you should consider the following four factors:

  • Appearance
  • Maintenance
  • Performance
  • Price

You want a window that looks great, lowers your energy bill and is easy to maintain at the price you’re willing to pay for those features. 

Wood windows look great but require more upkeep. If you live in a coastal area, you can expect a shorter life span on them, as the salty air will degrade them faster. If you want easy maintenance and high performance, vinyl and fiberglass are good options, though they don’t offer the curb appeal of wood. Aluminum windows are highly durable and low maintenance, but they’re not as insulative and are prone to condensation. 

All window frame materials have pros and cons, but we recommend prioritizing the window’s climate zone performance and longevity. Opt for vinyl or fiberglass windows, which perform better and last longer. You’ll save money on electricity, have a more comfortable home, and get more years out of your investment. 

Ask your installer the right questions

Spending wisely on your window project isn’t just about choosing affordable windows; it also comes down to choosing the right window installer. An installer who doesn’t install your windows correctly can cancel out the great energy-efficiency features you paid for and cause you unexpected expenses. 

We suggest asking an installer these questions before hiring them:

  • Are you licensed to install windows in this state?
  • Can you provide a written estimate before starting?
  • Do you specialize in installing this window type?
  • Can I see your labor warranty details?
  • How long will installation take?
  • Who will install the windows? What training do your technicians have?
  • How will you protect my home during installation?

The most important factors to look for are state licensure, installation experience, and trained and background-checked installers. You may want to ask friends, family members or neighbors for recommendations if they’ve used a window installation company. 

Final take: Renewal by Andersen gets our vote for top window brand

Our pick for the best replacement window brand is Renewal by Andersen. Using our methodology, its window performance and customer service score highest. Don’t rush your window decision. Researching brand options and what they offer goes a long way in ensuring you get long-lasting, high-quality windows at an affordable price.

Regardless, we recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to compare pricing. You should also read customer reviews and review warranty policy details carefully before making a final decision. 

Our rating methodology for window providers

Our aim is to provide you with the information you need to assess and choose a window company when updating or replacing your windows. We conducted research to thoroughly understand the window industry from both a consumer and company perspective. 

Our in-depth methodology compares window companies based on various attributes, including window options, energy efficiency, warranties, reputation, reviews, customer service, communication, installation and other services. Each attribute is worth points that add up to a possible total of 100. We then translate that score into our 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.

BBB and Trustpilot scores are accurate as of April 2024.

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.

Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

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