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 typically costs $300–$2,000 per window, depending on the window type.
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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.
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.
| Star Rating | Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | Warranties | State Availability | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Windows |  | $1,210 | Lifetime warranty (parts, labor) | 11 | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | |
| Window World |  | $800 | Limited lifetime | 50 | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | |
| Champion |  | $1,141 | Limited lifetime warranty (parts, labor) | 31 | Not rated** | GET ESTIMATE | |
| Window Nation |  | $1,162 | Lifetime | 20 | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | |
| Universal Windows Direct |  | $1,500 | Lifetime | 23 | A+ | GET ESTIMATE |
| Castle Windows | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | $1,210 |
| Warranties | Lifetime warranty (parts, labor) |
| State Availability | 11 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Window World | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | $800 |
| Warranties | Limited lifetime |
| State Availability | 50 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Champion | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | $1,141 |
| Warranties | Limited lifetime warranty (parts, labor) |
| State Availability | 31 |
| BBB Rating | Not rated** |
| Window Nation | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | $1,162 |
| Warranties | Lifetime |
| State Availability | 20 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Universal Windows Direct | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | $1,500 |
| Warranties | Lifetime |
| State Availability | 23 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Star Rating | Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | Warranties | State Availability | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Windows | | $1,210 | Lifetime warranty (parts, labor) | 11 | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | |
| Window World | | $800 | Limited lifetime | 50 | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | |
| Champion | | $1,141 | Limited lifetime warranty (parts, labor) | 31 | Not rated** | GET ESTIMATE | |
| Window Nation | | $1,162 | Lifetime | 20 | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | |
| Universal Windows Direct | | $1,500 | Lifetime | 23 | A+ | GET ESTIMATE |
| Castle Windows | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | $1,210 |
| Warranties | Lifetime warranty (parts, labor) |
| State Availability | 11 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Window World | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | $800 |
| Warranties | Limited lifetime |
| State Availability | 50 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Champion | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | $1,141 |
| Warranties | Limited lifetime warranty (parts, labor) |
| State Availability | 31 |
| BBB Rating | Not rated** |
| Window Nation | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | $1,162 |
| Warranties | Lifetime |
| State Availability | 20 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Universal Windows Direct | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Average Cost for Vinyl Windows | $1,500 |
| Warranties | Lifetime |
| State Availability | 23 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
*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.
Castle Windows
Window World
Champion
Window Nation
Universal Windows Direct
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.
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.
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.
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.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.