Best Vinyl Window Brands (With Homeowner Advice)
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If you’re interested in vinyl windows, you likely want a straightforward, dependable option that won’t break the bank. Vinyl windows are a much cheaper window option than some of the alternatives but are still energy-efficient enough to lower your electric bills and keep your home comfortable. On the downside, they don’t hold up as well as other materials, so they’re not the best fit for some situations that we’ll get into later in this article.
To help you find the best vinyl windows, our team researched 15 leading window brands. We surveyed 1,500 window customers, spoke with real homeowners and window experts, and joined an installation team at a jobsite to see what window installation is like.
Based on this research, Castle is our top pick for vinyl windows because it has 24/7 customer support, a high satisfaction rate, and the highest warranty coverage available. Window World and Champion also score high—Window World for its below-average pricing and Champion for its wallet-friendly financing offers.
Window Replacement
Window replacement typically costs $300–$2,000 per window, depending on the window type.
Window Repair
Window repair typically costs $177–$623, but it can vary based on the type of repair.
Top Vinyl Window Companies
We identified the following brands as the best vinyl window companies for their product selection, warranty coverage, customer support, and customer reviews.
- Castle: Best Warranty
- Window World: Most Budget-Friendly
- Champion Windows: Best Financing
- Window Nation: Best Discounts
- Universal Windows Direct: Most Convenient Scheduling
Comparing Top Vinyl Window Brands
Here’s an overview of how our picks for best vinyl window brands compare. We determined each brand’s average cost per window by surveying a sample of their customers from the last three years. In cases where our survey data didn’t give us a large enough pool of cost data, we looked at customer responses on Reddit. We learned that vinyl windows cost an average of $1,132 each, which is roughly $200–$300 cheaper than wood or fiberglass windows.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Price Range | Warranty | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | A+ | $550–$849 | Lifetime transferable | Get Quote | ||
 | A+ | $550–$850 | Limited lifetime transferable | Read Our Review | ||
| Not Rated | $600–$900 | Limited lifetime transferable | Get Quote | ||
 | ||||||
 | A+ | $550–$849 | Lifetime transferable |
*The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a third-party organization that evaluates businesses’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of October 2024.
**“Not rated” means the BBB is currently reevaluating the company’s score.
Our Reviews of Vinyl Window Brands
We compared window brands on several factors we consider most important to homeowners, including value, performance, reputation, customer satisfaction, and more. Because top companies on our list sell vinyl windows of similar quality and styles, we focused our reviews on differentiators such as warranty coverage and financing offers.
Ultimately, the best vinyl windows depend on your priorities. For example, we recommend Window World if you want the most affordable windows, while Castle would be a better choice if robust warranty coverage is what matters most.
Company Overview
- Provides a lifetime warranty that covers glass damage for any reason, which is rare
- Is the only company we reviewed with 24/7 customer support
- Has a 0% interest loan option
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t sell picture windows, while most companies do
- Doesn’t advertise discounts like many competitors do
Our Review and Insights
We like Castle for a lot of reasons. For one, it’s the only brand we reviewed that has 24/7 customer support. Glass damage was one of the biggest reasons our survey takers said they were searching for new windows, so this support is a big help if your window breaks and you need immediate repairs. Other companies offer support during traditional business hours of Monday–Friday, with some offering limited Saturday hours.
Castle also stands out for its lifetime warranty coverage, which only two other companies we researched offer. We think a lifetime warranty is the best option for windows because it means every aspect of the window is covered for the window’s lifespan. The exact coverage period varies by manufacturer, but vinyl windows typically last 30 years, after which your warranty will expire. Castle has some of the most inclusive terms of any policy we read. Whereas many companies won’t cover glass damage due to vandalism or acts of nature, Castle covers glass repair for any reason—both the replacement glass and the labor.
We didn’t find any major red flags when evaluating Castle, but we did notice it doesn’t advertise any discounts, while many companies do. Castle also doesn’t make picture windows, so cross it off your list if that’s what you’re looking for.
Customer Reviews
Castle has been accredited by the BBB for over 40 years and has an A+ rating on the site. It has 3.1 out of 5 stars from customers on BBB and 3.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, which is slightly above average compared to competitors. Below are sample reviews for Castle by customers who bought their vinyl windows:
“This was my best experience with a home renovation company. Castle is nothing but professional from top to bottom. Start to finish the process was surprisingly fast. When calling the company you reach a live person who listens and gets you to the correct people to keep the process moving forward. Installers went above and beyond to correct issues caused from previous installation. I would recommend to anyone. the product and service were worth the cost.” — Craig. U., March 2024, BBB
“I wish I could give this company 0 stars. Our windows are actively leaking and causing damage to our trim and drywall. They are claiming it’s not covered by the warranty which the warranty states it is. We ask for an [appointment] for repair to the windows which we would pay for. The appt day and time comes and they don’t show up.” — Lauren E., January 2024, BBB
Window World
Most Budget-Friendly Company Overview
- Has the lowest vinyl window prices of any company we reviewed
- Doesn’t charge interest on loans for 15 months
- Offers installation for other parts of your home, such as garage doors and shutters
Keep in Mind
- Has a limited lifetime warranty, so it only covers select window parts
- Some customers say they were delivered the wrong products
Our Review and Insights
If your top priority is saving money, Window World has some of the cheapest vinyl windows you’ll find, averaging roughly $800 per window. No other brand we reviewed averaged below $1,100. We also like that Window World offers an interest-free loan option for the first 15 months. It isn’t the only company that has this, but it’s a nice perk if you plan on financing your windows.
A small thing we don’t like is that Window World has a limited lifetime warranty, which isn’t as good as a lifetime one. Limited warranties are common in the industry and mean the company only covers some window parts for the window’s lifespan, not all. We saw that Window World covers vinyl, glass, and mechanical parts for most window styles. Oddly, garden windows have a separate warranty. Damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, fire, and vandalism is not covered, which isn’t uncommon for the industry but isn’t as comprehensive as Castle’s warranty. Given that vinyl isn’t as durable or weather-resistant as other materials, we’d like to see more damage protection.
Customer Reviews
Window World has an A+ BBB rating and has been accredited since 2009. It has an impressive 4.3 out of 5 stars from customers on BBB but only 2.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot. Combined, this is average to slightly above average for a window brand. Below are one positive and one negative review we read for Window World:
“Window World in Reno replaced [my] old windows at a competitive price. The installers were on time and professional. Window quality high, well-made, and work done very quickly. I highly recommend the product and firm!” — Andrea S., April 2024, Trustpilot
“We had several windows and [a] sliding door replaced earlier this year. One of the windows had a flaw and it took 3 weeks to get the new window. One of the screens on another window has a flaw and when reported to the salesperson, he said he would inform the company. The screen has never been replaced and I choose to keep the drapes closed when I sit in my chair that can see the flaw. You get what you pay for and the price was cheaper than the two other estimates.” — Kenneth J., April 2024, Trustpilot
Champion
Best Financing Company Overview
- Has one of the best financing programs of any brand we reviewed
- Has many customer reviews praising its helpful and personalized consultations
- Is the only brand we reviewed that sells glass block privacy windows
Keep in Mind
- Charges a travel fee for installations and repairs
- Has some customer complaints about responsiveness and missed appointments
Our Review and Insights
Champion Windows has significantly more customer reviews than any brand we researched, and most of them are positive, which is a good sign that its customers are happy with their experiences. Champion stands out for its many financing options, offering more ways to save upfront if you need to buy a lot of windows but don’t want to pay all at once. The company offers a low-interest, no-money-down loan and advertises discounts frequently. For example, at the time of this writing, the company’s site says you get two free windows for every two that you buy.
We also like how helpful the company’s website is. Champion includes a window buyers guide, a step-by-step look at installation, an energy worksheet so you can see how much upgrading your windows will save you, and many articles on measuring, cleaning, and operating your windows.
We learned from customer reviews that the company charges a travel fee for sending technicians to your home for installation or service visits. This isn’t entirely uncommon for the industry, but it’s an added expense, and we don’t love the lack of transparency.
Customer Reviews
Champion isn’t currently rated by the BBB. Customers rated it 2.3 out of 5 stars on BBB, but more than 3,800 customers rated it 4.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Here’s what two customers had to say about Champion:
“Great experience with Champion! The workers took their time, did a great job and I couldn’t be happier with my new windows… The workers were very professional and answered all my questions. I would definitely recommend Champion!” — Amy G., October 2024, Trustpilot
“The entire project has been a nightmare. Windows delivered 2.5 months late. Installed crooked. Clue and chalk all over them! Screen mesh is loose and after they took them in for repair, I still don’t have them back after several weeks.” — Olympia, August 2024, Trustpilot
Window Nation
Best Discounts
Company Overview
- Provides a lifetime warranty, meaning windows are fully covered for their lifespan
- Offers buy-one, get-one discounts and discounts for veterans and seniors
- Also sells wood windows if you want multiple material types
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t sell picture windows
- Can be difficult to reach, according to some customers
Our Review and Insights
Window Nation is one of three brands in our top five that has a lifetime warranty. As we’ve mentioned, this is the best, most comprehensive type of coverage. Window Nation’s website also provides a more in-depth look at its energy savings than other companies. It details the energy efficiency features it uses in every window, such as low-emissivity (low-e) glass and argon gas filling between glass for added insulation, plus additional efficiency upgrades, such as triple-pane windows.
Window Nation offers typical discounts, such as buy-two, get-two, plus some unique offerings, such as an additional 5% off for seniors and for active and veteran military members.
We don’t like that the company’s website doesn’t provide any maintenance guides or many financing and warranty policy details, which other brands do.
Customer Reviews
Window Nation has an A+ rating on BBB, with 3.2 out of 5 stars from customers. It has 2.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Here’s a sample of customer feedback about Window Nation:
“Our windows arrived several weeks ahead of schedule, which was fantastic. The installation crew was efficient, professional, polite, and knowledgeable. They also cleaned up every spec of dust from the demo and installation, which really meant a lot to me. The new windows are absolutely gorgeous and we could not be happier with them. We only replaced the windows in our living room, but moving forward we are going to replace the rest of the windows in our house and will only go with Window Nation.” — Linsea A., August 2024, BBB
“After promises of a superior product from a superior company, we’ve been left disappointed and in the dark. Our windows were installed in a rush, covered in adhesive, scuffs, scratches, and chips in the vinyl. The caulk looks like a toddler did it. We opted to not have WN install casing around the interior of the windows. The installers took that as an invitation to absolutely destroy the drywall surrounding each window. It will be exponentially more difficult to do it ourselves now.” — Kaite I., September 2024, BBB
Universal Windows Direct
Most Convenient Scheduling Company Overview
- Offers generous discounts and five years of interest-free financing
- Provides a lifetime warranty, covering your entire window for its lifespan
- Has an online chat feature for quick questions
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t have a copy of its warranty policy online, so you can’t see coverage details without interacting with the company
- Doesn’t explain its financing options like most companies do
Our Review and Insights
We like that Universal Windows Direct comes with a lifetime warranty. According to the company’s site, this warranty is 100% transferable and covers parts, materials, glass systems, frames, locks and hardware, plus all installation and labor. There isn’t a sample of the warranty policy on the website, but we noticed a lot of customers praised the company’s warranty terms and handling in customer reviews, so we trust the policy’s terms are helpful.
Universal Windows Direct doesn’t say much about its financing options—just that its loan is interest-free for five years. This is the longest interest-free perk we’ve seen, as most are 12–18 months. Universal offers a buy-two, get-two window discount, so you should be able to lower your price significantly if you’re replacing windows on your entire home.
The company doesn’t have many locations, so we recommend checking first to see if it’s available in your area. Most locations are in the eastern part of the country, with some scattered throughout the west.
Customer Reviews
Universal Windows Direct has an A+ rating on BBB, along with 4.1 out of 5 stars from nearly 500 customers. It also has 4.2 out of 5 stars from more than 350 customers on Trustpilot. Both are above-average customer ratings compared to the other brands we reviewed.
See what some of Universal’s customers had to say:
“The windows are very good quality. The salesman was very thorough and made many good comparisons. The installation was fast and done very well. Everyone was friendly and we got the service well before the date initially stated. Great job guys.” — Kenneth F., July 2024, BBB
“They never sealed off our windows, and moisture ruined our trim work. They said they would make things right with us but here we are still waiting on something to happen or things to be made right.” — Nate S., January 2024, BBB
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are popular because they’re very affordable but still energy-efficient and long-lasting. They aren’t right for everyone, though. Below are some of the pros and cons to keep in mind.
Pros
- Typically cheaper than wood, composite, and fiberglass windows
- Energy-efficient for most U.S. regions
- Only need occasional cleaning with soap and water
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not as attractive as traditional wood or modern fiberglass frames
- Not recommended for hurricane-prone areas
- Can warp, soften, fade, or bow if exposed to long periods of excessive heat
- Are lightweight and can’t support overly heavy glass, so may not be best for large picture or bay windows
We recommend vinyl windows for those who want low-cost, long-lasting windows and don’t care as much about curb appeal. Vinyl windows come in many standard color and grille options that won’t strain your budget. But if you want a customized, upscale look or live in a hurricane-prone area, we don’t suggest vinyl. Materials such as fiberglass or composite will give you a more modern, architectural look and hold up much better to high winds and extreme weather.
How Much Do Vinyl Windows Cost?
Vinyl windows cost around $1,132 on average, based on the data we gathered from 1,500 consumers we surveyed. The majority of survey respondents chose double-hung windows, which have two moveable sashes and are in most newly built homes. Several factors impact your total window cost. Here are some of the biggest influences:
- Brand: As with any product, brands price differently based on material quality, reputation, industry certifications, and other factors.
- Energy features: Energy-efficient windows are specially designed to block heat in summer and keep out the cold in winter. Most well-rated companies apply a low-emissivity (low-e) coating on the window glass to keep sunlight from heating your home. They also apply a nontoxic gas between the panes for extra insulation. These features cost more, but they’re well worth the investment because they’ll save you money on your energy bills long-term.
- Glass: Specialty glass treatments such as frosting or tinting cost more.
- Local market prices: Where you live affects the cost of most home industry products.
- Number of panes: Windows come in single-, double-, or triple-pane options. The more panes, the more you’ll pay. However, the more panes, the more insulated and energy-efficient your home will be.
- Size: You’ll pay more for a larger window due to the amount of materials and labor needed.
- Style: You’ve likely seen that windows come in a variety of styles, with some of the most popular being single-hung, double-hung, casement, and picture. Smaller, simpler window styles such as single- and double-hung, casement, and awning cost less. Larger, more architectural styles such as bays, and bows, or intricate specialty shapes cost more.
Don’t forget that you’re not just paying for the window itself—you also need to budget for installation. Some window companies provide in-house installation services, and some require that you hire an outside contractor. Expect to pay between $100 and $300 per window for installation labor.* A large, complex installation may cost more.
Where your window is located also affects the price. For example, a third-story window is more dangerous to install and will likely come with higher labor rates. The same goes for windows in hard-to-reach places, such as behind high hedges or in a cramped nook.
Using an average vinyl window price of $1,132 and an average installation cost of $200 per window, here are the estimated totals you can expect for your project based on our survey results:
| Number of Windows | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 | $6,660 |
| 10 | $13,320 |
| 15 | $19.980 |
| 20 | $26,640 |
| 25 | $33,300 |
*Labor estimate according to contractor estimates used by Angi.
Advice From Homeowners Who Recently Installed Windows
To learn about the experiences of real homeowners and what advice they’d give to those buying windows, we spoke with Grant C. and Chris M., two homeowners who replaced windows on their respective homes in the last three years.
Grant C. recommended budgeting for more than the windows themselves. That means planning for installation labor, window treatments, taxes, and possible permitting in addition to the actual windows.
“Think about the interior treatment. We had to get new blinds because they didn’t quite fit the windows, which was another $1,000 on top of what we had already signed up for.”
Grant also emphasized thinking about factors beyond how the windows look. “I never thought about noise reduction as something that was important in windows until I moved into my new house and had a very loud rainstorm that kept me up all night.” Do you want noise reduction? Impact-resistance? Protection from extreme cold? Evaluate which energy, security, and performance features would make your home easier to live in. Carefully review brand websites and brochures to see which have the features you’re looking for.
Chris M. said that buyers should be aware of how long the process can take from ordering to installing. “The actual installation only took about eight hours for four windows. However, the wait for the installation was almost 10 months.” This is common in the window industry. Expect potential delays, and be aware that it may take months before an installation crew can come put your windows in.
If you’re replacing old windows due to poor performance, keep this timing in mind and consider ordering months before the next winter rolls around so your new windows are in before the cold comes. If you’re replacing due to a break or malfunction, there’s not much you can do to mitigate this other than routinely inspect your windows so you can order a replacement before major damage happens.
Choosing a Reputable Company
The window company you choose can be the difference between a smooth, successful experience and a lot of headaches. Here are some things to look out for when researching window brands.
Check for Certifications
Don’t buy a window that isn’t Energy Star-certified for your climate. This certification means it’s been independently tested to meet energy performance standards. Being certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), or Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) are also good signs for a window company.
Customer Reviews
We suggest looking at sites such as the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews to see what customers have said. Note both positive and negative experiences about product quality, customer service, project timelines, warranty claims, and any surprises throughout the process.
Remember that people are more prone to reviewing a company for a bad experience rather than a good one, so you may notice more negative than positive feedback no matter the company. What’s important to pay attention to is themes. If there’s a pattern among reviews that a company doesn’t answer its support line or that seals fail within the first year, that’s likely a true issue the brand has. Quality can also vary across branches, so make sure you look at reviews for the location nearest you.
Experience and Reputation
While the number of years in business isn’t necessarily a marker of a good company, it does help to know a brand has a proven track record. We suggest going an established company that has built a reputation for doing quality work. We also recommend checking out business standing. You can do this by looking at the company’s profile and rating on the BBB or by doing an internet search such as “[company name] lawsuit,” for example.
Look at any photo galleries on the company’s website of actual homes outfitted with their windows to see how they look. Ask family, friends, and neighbors if they have experience with any particular company.
Financing Options and Discounts
Many window manufacturers partner with a bank to provide loan options. This often comes with perks, such as 0% interest, no money down, or one year of no payments. Some companies also offer discounts, such as a buy-one, get-one-free. Look for terms that help you save money.
Product Selection
Don’t get too far into researching a company without looking at its available products. Confirm it offers the style, size, color, and features you’re interested in before going deeper. This information is prominently featured on company websites, often with a downloadable brochure.
Warranty Coverage
Never make a big home purchase without getting a warranty. This protects you if something breaks or malfunctions. There are two types of window warranties you should get: a manufacturer’s warranty and a labor warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty will cover the window itself, whereas the labor warranty will cover the installation labor in case the installer breaks the window or makes another error. The labor warranty will come from whoever installs your windows, be it an in-house crew from your chosen brand or an outside contractor you hire.
There are three types of manufacturer’s warranties: lifetime, limited lifetime, and limited. A lifetime warranty covers most materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the window. Note that the length of coverage refers to the window’s lifetime, not the length of time you own it. Most quality windows have an average lifetime of around 30 years. A lifetime warranty will cover defects and malfunctions, such as glass breakage or seal failure, for that amount of time. There may be a few things it doesn’t cover, but it will cover most common issues.
A limited lifetime warranty also covers the window for its lifetime but has some restrictions about the materials and parts. Many companies have a sample warranty on their website, so you’ll need to read the terms carefully to see exactly what’s covered and for how long. We recommend a true lifetime warranty. We also suggest going with a transferable warranty, meaning you can pass the coverage to the next homeowner if you sell your house. Some manufacturers vary their warranty coverage by product line, so be on the lookout for that.
How We Evaluated Window Brands
To determine the best window brands, we read over 1,000 customer reviews to spot themes about each brand’s product and service quality. We also surveyed 1,500 homeowners to learn which factors mattered most to them, as well as what they like and dislike about the windows they chose. We spoke with window experts to learn what to expect when buying and installing windows, and we carefully reviewed company websites and sample warranties.
From there, we evaluated companies on six factors that matter most to customers: value, performance, selection, services, customer support, and reputation. Here’s how we approached scoring for each company using these categories:
- Value (20%): We evaluated cost and financing offers to assess investment and return. We gave more points to companies with below-market pricing of $1,400 or lower. If you’re buying several windows at once, you’ll likely consider financing them and paying the purchase off monthly. Some vinyl window manufacturers leave you to figure out financing on your own with your bank. Others have in-house financing options that come with incentives, such as 0% interest rates, no money down, or no payments for the first year. We rated companies with these benefits higher.
- Performance (25%): We looked at energy efficiency and warranty coverage to score performance. We gave the most points to companies with Energy Star-certified windows and lifetime warranties, as we feel these give buyers the best return on investment.
- Selection (20%): To rate product selection, we looked at available materials, window types, and customization options. Since this article focused on vinyl windows, we evaluated only the latter two. Window brands typically score similarly in this category because they offer many of the same things.
- Services (10%): We awarded more points to companies that offer in-house window installation because this reduces scheduling hassles, miscommunication, and warranty disputes. We also awarded points to companies that offer products beyond windows, such as doors, siding, and gutters. We think this is more convenient and cost-effective for customers doing big home improvement projects.
- Customer Support (10%): We looked at brands’ support hours and website features to score this category. We awarded points for 24/7 customer support, a website chat feature, an online service request form, and online maintenance and how-to guides for convenient answers to common questions.
- Reputation (15%): Lastly, we assessed how companies fared on review sites. We looked at ratings on the BBB and Trustpilot, giving more points for a higher BBB letter rating and customer scores.