Renewal by Andersen is our pick for the best window brand, based on an assessment of 15 leading companies and consumer research. If you’ve noticed rising temperatures in your home, increasing energy bills, or a damaged window, it’s likely time to invest in new windows. Replacing your windows can help you avoid expensive energy bills and reinforce your home’s security.
Our team assessed leading window brands to help you determine the best option for your home. We also surveyed 1,000 homeowners who’ve purchased windows in the last two years, read over 1,500 customer reviews, and consulted with industry experts. Here’s our review of the five best window companies based on our extensive review.
Key Takeaways
- We recommend Renewal by Andersen as our top-rated window brand because of its white-glove installation process, unique Fibrex composite material, and industry reputation.
- The best replacement windows are certified by Energy Star and have National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) labels, which details energy efficiency.
- Most replacement windows cost between $300 and $900 per unit before installation, based on our recent homeowner survey. Expect to pay $6,745 on average for a full window installation project.
Pros
- Features proprietary window frame material that is stronger and more durable than vinyl
- Includes a transferable 20-year warranty on glass and a 10-year warranty on non-glass materials
- Provides full-service window replacement services
Cons
- Doesn’t sell aluminum, fiberglass, or wood frame windows
- Provides fewer window styles than other brands
- Average Price per Window: $612
- BBB Rating: A+
- Warranty: 20-year glass/frame, 2-year labor, 10-year hardware
- Best For: Full-service installation
- State Availability: 47 states
Renewal by Andersen offers up to eight window styles, which you can customize to fit your home’s aesthetic. Here is the full list of window styles Renewal by Andersen offers:
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Double-Hung
- Picture
- Sliding
- Specialty
Our Top Window Brands
Based on our team’s extensive research, consumer insights from our nationwide survey and reading over 1,500 customer reviews, and secret shopping, we’ve ranked the following window brands as our top five providers.
- Renewal by Andersen: Best Installation
- Castle: Best Warranty
- Window World: Most Budget-Friendly
- Champion: Best Financing
- Window Nation: Best Discounts
Compare the Best Window Brands
The following table gives you a side-by-side look at how our top five window brands compare based on our star rating, estimated costs, and warranty terms.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | Price Range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Renewal by AndersenGet Quote |  | $1,200+ | Limited transferable | |
CastleGet Quote |  | $550–$849 | Lifetime transferable | |
Window WorldRead Our Review |  | $550–$850 | Limited lifetime transferable | |
ChampionGet Quote |  | $600–$900 | Limited lifetime transferable | |
Window Nation |  | $550–$849 | Lifetime transferable |
Our Top Window Brand Picks
Our picks for top window brands scored highly based on six key criteria: value, performance, selection, services, customer support, and reputation. We prioritized providers that offer high-quality products, a wide selection of windows, and robust warranty coverage, plus professional customer support and long-term results with energy efficiency benefits.
What We Like
- Offers white-glove service with in-house installation, so you don’t need to worry about hiring a contractor
- Provides a wide range of window styles and energy-efficient options, which can save you money and help the environment
- Uses patented Fibrex composite material for improved energy efficiency and increased durability
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t offer a lifetime warranty, unlike some other window brands
- Some customer reviews mention a long installation process, which could result from the company’s custom window manufacturing process
- Doesn’t manufacture garden or single-hung window types
Our Reviews and Insights
Renewal by Andersen provides a white-glove installation service with a free design consultation, window measurement, custom window manufacturing, installation, and follow-up care. Another benefit is the company’s proprietary Fibrex material, made of a composite blend of fibers and polymers. Fibrex combines the insulating properties, decay resistance, and low-maintenance upkeep of vinyl windows with the durability and unique colors and finishes offered by wood windows. Plus, Fibrex doesn’t warp or crack under hot temperatures as vinyl can, which is a benefit for homeowners in warm climates.
Renewal by Andersen offers a limited warranty covering the window glass, frame, hardware, and installation—which falls short compared to competitors offering lifetime coverage. Instead of a lifetime warranty, the company provides a 20-year limited warranty for the Fibrex and glass, 10 years for the frame, sash, and locking mechanism, and two years on installation. The warranty doesn’t cover special glazings, brass hardware finishes, electric window operators, and art or decorative glass. However, Renewal is still our top choice because of its comprehensive services and products, Fibrex materials, and energy-efficient features.
Customer Reviews
Renewal by Andersen is accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and held a B+ rating at the time of this writing, with 4.7 out of 5 stars based on customer reviews. Positive reviews mention the company’s workmanship, professional installers, and simple buying and installation processes.
Complaints against Renewal by Andersen included customers receiving mailers after requesting no contact, company refund policies, and long installation wait times. However, many of the complaints with the BBB have a resolved or answered status, suggesting that Renewal by Andersen is active in addressing customer concerns. While Renwal has a Trustpilot score of 1.7 out of 5 stars, the company has been accredited by the BBB since 1997, which we weighed more heavily in our review.
What We Like
- Offers a 24/7 customer support line for immediate help
- Provides a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind
- Sells specialty, custom, and transom windows to add a unique flair to your home
What We Don’t Like
- Only sells vinyl windows, leaving fewer options for energy-efficient, durable, or aesthetically pleasing materials
- Doesn’t sell picture windows, which is rare in the industry
- Requires a phone number to use the chat feature, which may subject you to messages from the provider based on our experience
Our Reviews and Insights
Castle offers a true lifetime warranty that covers the basic window unit, insulated glass, glass breakage, labor, condensation, and is transferred if you sell your home. The only exclusions include events not commonly covered by other window companies, such as damage due to vandalism, fire, improper maintenance, or other acts of God. Castle even covers leaks and drafts—a rarity in the window industry. Plus, unlike other companies, Castle doesn’t charge for service if you need parts replaced later on.
On the downside, Castle only sells vinyl windows, limiting your selection. While vinyl windows offer affordability and a long expected lifespan, this material is more prone to warping in extreme weather conditions. Vinyl also doesn’t offer the customization options you can get with wood because it’s challenging to paint and stain. Still, if you’re looking for vinyl windows, Castle is our top recommendation because of its lifetime warranty, window selection, and 24/7 customer service.
Customer Reviews
Castle Windows held an A+ rating and accreditation with the BBB at the time of this writing. This provider has a 3.3 out of 5 star rating based on customer reviews on the BBB, plus a 3.4 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot. However, the company has fewer than 100 reviews on the BBB and only five on Trustpilot.
Positive reviews praise Castle Windows for its warranty coverage and quick installation, including clean and tidy installers who protected their home and vacuumed after. Customers said the company honors its lifetime warranty, which is important when investing in windows.
Negative reviews, however, point out issues with pushy sales calls after requesting a quote and slow customer service after installation. A handful of customers also noted issues with faulty installation, such as crooked windows or doors, botched interior trims, and wrongly-sized sashes.
What We Like
- Charges some of the industry’s most affordable prices, based on our survey responses
- Provides financing options through Wells Fargo, which includes benefits such as online bill payment and a line of credit for future purchases
- Offers a unique SolarZone glass package to reduce ultraviolet (UV) ray damage and energy costs
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t provide a true lifetime warranty, instead only covering certain parts of your windows
- Only sells vinyl windows, which offer less durability and customization as wood or composite windows
- Some customer reviews have mentioned issues with faulty installation and poor scheduling
Our Reviews and Insights
We chose Window World for its affordability, in-house installation teams, and flexible financing options. We like the company’s wide variety of window types and emphasis on energy efficiency. Window World provides SolarZone insulated glass, heavy-duty construction vinyl windows, and warm-edge spacer systems to cut energy costs and keep your home comfortable. The SolarZone packages advertise a 75% decrease in your home’s susceptibility to UV light, which can fade your carpet, curtains, and furniture. In addition, its low emissivity (low-E) coated windows can keep your home warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer while decreasing energy bills.
Window World also sells impact windows and doors that offer increased durability for homeowners in coastal areas or those worried about forced entry. Window World also manufactures its products in the U.S., and has publicly pledged to hire veterans from the Armed Forces. However, the company only sells vinyl replacement windows, a potential downside if you’re in the market for different materials. The company’s warranty is also limited, rather than offering full lifetime coverage. Window World’s warranty covers vinyl, mechanical parts, and insulated glass. The company’s website is vague about the warranty length, stating that restrictions and limitations apply and recommends you ask your nearest Window World store for details.
Customer Reviews
With 27 years of industry experience, Window World has an A+ rating and accreditation with the BBB, as of this writing. Compared to other providers we’ve reviewed, Window World has fewer BBB complaints, mostly with resolved statuses, indicating the provider’s responsiveness. The company has 2.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, but based on fewer than 100 reviews, which isn’t a large sample size.
Satisfied customers have reported efficient, professional installation teams who answered questions and cleaned up everything after completing the installation. Many customers commented on the quality of their window replacements.
Customers leaving negative reviews commonly shared issues with poor scheduling, home damage during installation, and lower quality weatherstripping that separated after a few months.
What We Like
- Sells windows, doors, vinyl siding, and sunrooms
- Offers discounts and in-house financing options
- Has a comprehensive six-step installation process that includes thorough clean-up and old window disposal
What We Don’t Like
- Only sells vinyl windows, which lack the durability and energy efficiency of other materials such as fiberglass
- Doesn’t sell single-hung windows
- Has a pattern of BBB complaints regarding customer service issues such as failure to return calls and missed appointments
Our Reviews and Insights
Champion sells vinyl window options, which come in fade-resistant colors and have low maintenance requirements. Champion products are manufactured in-house and custom-made for your home, ensuring the right fit. This provider offers energy-efficiency options, including a wide range of Energy Star-certified windows with Comfort 365 glass. This low-E glass provides superior insulation and blocks up to 93% of UV rays, helping you save on energy costs and preventing carpet and furniture from fading. Champion offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers the installation, parts, labor, and materials for the original purchaser.
Buying from Champion starts with an in-person evaluation of your home, followed by a personalized product and payment plan recommendation. Champion offers several financing options, including 0% downpayment and interest loans. During our secret shopping process, the company offered a deal in which you buy two windows and get two free, a benefit if you need to replace a large number of windows at once. Plus, unlike some companies on our list, Champion doesn’t charge an extra fee for product installation—it’s an all-inclusive price, so you won’t feel surprised by hidden fees later.
Customer Reviews
Champion was not rated by the BBB at the time of this writing. However, the company has a large number of reviews on Trustpilot, with 4.1 out of 5 stars based on over 3,900 reviews. Customers said company installers were friendly, knowledgeable, and professional and took their time during the installation and when answering any questions. Plus, installers reportedly cleaned up consistently after installation. Many reviewers also expressed satisfaction with Champion’s pricing and high-quality products.
Customer complaints, notably on the BBB, include alleged customer service issues such as failing to return calls, honor warranty work promptly, and schedule and keep appointments. However, Champion has responded to these complaints and has ongoing initiatives to demonstrate its work toward improving its service and honoring warranties.
Window Nation
What We Like
- Sells wood and vinyl windows, making it the only brand on our list that sells both materials
- Offers a large number of financing options and additional benefits
- Has easy-to-maintain windows with tilt-in sashes for simple cleaning
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t sell picture or single-hung windows
- Has a limited number of locations in certain parts of the country, with stores primarily in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S.
- Doesn’t sell composite or fiberglass options, which offer enhanced durability
Our Reviews and Insights
Window Nation made our list for its customer service, discounts, and easy-to-maintain windows offered in both vinyl and wood. Along with a free estimate, we were offered 50% off all window styles and financing with 0% interest for five years during our secret shopping process. Window Nation crews also complete lead testing on homes built before 1978, which is something we haven’t seen other providers advertise. Another benefit is this brand’s lifetime warranty, in which Window Nation promises to cover your windows for as long as you own your home. If you sell your home, the windows stay protected for another 15 years, which is an attractive incentive for potential buyers.
However, Window Nation’s live chat requires entering your full name and phone number before an agent will answer your questions. We also found some aspects of its website were not user-friendly. For example, under the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section, we couldn’t open the answers to some of the questions using the drop-down menus.
Customer Reviews
Window Nation has limited reviews on Trustpilot but maintains an A+ rating and accreditation with the BBB, including a customer review score of 3.1 out of 5 stars as of this writing. The company has over 20 years of experience in the industry.
Many positive reviews express satisfaction with Window Nation’s affordability, fast installation, and energy efficiency benefits. Customers also shared experiences with quick customer service turnarounds, including services after their window installation to fix any issues.
Complaints note issues with “fraudulent sales tactics,” such as confusion about financing options. Additionally, negative reviews share experiences with installation quality and resulting issues.
Window Pricing Offered by Top Brands
The following charts reflect pricing information gathered from our 2025 survey of 1,000 recent window buyers to help you get a clear idea of how much different brands charge and what factors impact cost.
| Brand | Average Cost per Window | Total Project Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal by Andersen | $612 | $7,111 |
| Castle Windows | $412 | $6,131 |
| Champion Windows | $660 | $5,772 |
| Window World | $421 | $6,870 |
The number of panes in your windows can also influence the total cost, with more panes costing more money.
| Number of Window Panes | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-pane | $450 |
| Double-pane | $539 |
| Triple-pane | $766 |
Pricing varies based on window material, with aluminum and vinyl offering more affordable options and wood and fiberglass costing more.
| Window Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $501 |
| Composite | $655 |
| Fiberglass | $651 |
| Vinyl | $558 |
| Wood | $646 |
Windows come in several different styles for various home aesthetics. Learn more about the cost of different window styles below.
| Window Style | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Awning | $288 |
| Basement hopper | $252 |
| Bay | $1,131 |
| Bow | $1,299 |
| Casement | $344 |
| Double-hung | $357 |
| Egress | $473 |
| Garden | $565 |
| Glass block | $540 |
| Picture | $775 |
| Shape | $510 |
| Single-hung | $336 |
| Sliding | $339 |
| Specialty or custom | $825 |
| Transom | $430 |
Factors Affecting the Cost of Windows
So, what goes into the average cost of a window and its installation? Learn more about factors that impact price and common reasons a window may cost more.
- Window quantity: The more windows you purchase, the more money you’ll spend. However, many providers offer discounts if you replace windows in batches, so consider this option when weighing the cost.
- Customization options: Custom windows, especially specialty or large products such as bay windows, are more expensive to manufacture and install than standard-sizes.
- Window size: The larger the window, the more materials and labor required to manufacture and install in a home, increasing overall costs.
- Installation complexity: The more challenging it is to install a window properly, the more it will cost. For example, larger or specialty windows typically take longer to install, raising costs. Windows in hard-to-reach locations may also cost more.
How To Choose the Right Windows For Your Home
There are so many types of windows, framing materials, colors, and more to choose from when selecting the right option for your home. Here’s a list of the most important elements to consider when purchasing your new windows.
- Curb appeal: Windows play a huge role in the appearance of your home both inside and outside. Choose windows that maximize natural light and airflow throughout your home when possible. Window materials and color options provide plenty of ways to customize the look of your home, too.
- Your location: Depending on your location, you may need to purchase more heat or cold-resistant windows or, if you live in a coastal area, invest in impact windows. If you live in a colder climate, consider windows with a low U-factor for better thermal resistance. If you live in a warmer climate, look at windows with coatings to reduce heat gain.
- Energy-efficiency: Choosing energy-efficient windows can save you money on utility bills for years to come and prevent furniture and carpet fading. On top of shopping for Energy Star certified windows and the right U-factor, look for features such as weather-stripping, multiple panes, and argon gas fill to provide a better return on investment.
- Maintenance requirements: Consider what you can keep up with to maintain your windows over time. Some brands offer windows that tilt inwards, making them easy to access and clean from your home’s interior, while others require cleaning from the outside. Window frame materials also require different types of maintenance. For example, wood frames are susceptible to rot, but vinyl windows are virtually maintenance-free.
- Function: Consider how easy the window is to operate and if it works for the space. For example, does the window offer enough light for the intended room? Or, can you easily crank a window in a space that needs more ventilation open? If a window is a fire escape, does it open quickly and provide enough space for you to climb through?
- Window brand: When shopping for windows, collect multiple quotes from several reputable providers and ask about pricing, discounts, and warranties to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.
FAQs About the Best Window Brands
What is the best brand of windows?
Renewal by Andersen is the best brand of windows, based on our team’s extensive research, secret shopping, and homeowner surveys. This provider offers durable, energy-efficient windows in many styles, professional in-house installation service, and a proprietary Fibrex composite frame material. We also recommend Castle and Window World for high-performing, affordable window options.
What are the most durable residential windows?
The most durable residential windows have triple-pane glass and composite or fiberglass framing. Renewal by Andersen is our top pick for its unique Fibrex composite framing that’s more durable than options such as wood or vinyl as it has a long lifespan, is resistant to rot, and doesn’t contract or expand during extreme weather conditions. Other window brands including Pella and Marvin offer highly durable fiberglass or composite options.
What is the most energy-efficient window brand?
The most energy-efficient window brand is Renewal by Andersen, which features Energy Star certifications, NFRC-certified windows, low-E glass coatings, gas filling, and multiple pane options. Renewal by Andersen’s proprietary material, Fibrex, has above-average insulating properties that naturally insulate the home about 700 times better than aluminum and just as well as wood, vinyl, and fiberglass options. It also doesn’t expand or contract during extreme temperatures, which is a concern with vinyl windows.
How do I choose a good window company?
You can choose a good window company by looking for brands with customization options and energy efficiency features, warranty coverage, and quality customer service. Read a company’s reviews online to learn more about customer experiences.
What company offers the best deal on replacement windows?
Window World offers the best deals on replacement windows based on our research and survey data, with an average cost of around $420 per window. During our secret shopping, our team was offered 50% off all window styles and financing with 0% interest for five years, which is a significant savings if you’re on a budget.
Our Window Brand Rating Methodology
Based on our research, we considered six important factors that reflect what homeowners look for when shopping for windows. We weighed these factors to determine ratings for each company on our list based on a 5-point scale. Learn more about what we looked at in our review of the best window brands below.
- Value: Although cost is an important factor, quality is equally important as the cheapest window isn’t always the best. According to our survey of 1,000 homeowners nationwide, respondents cared most about high-quality, long-lasting windows that lowered energy costs. We considered windows priced around $700 or less for this review because buyers spent an average of $338–$897 per window in our survey. We also considered available financing programs and discounts, which can add value.
- Performance: This factor weighs window warranty coverage and energy efficiency. We gave providers with lifetime warranties the most points for covering a window for its entire lifespan. We also considered energy efficiency because the more efficient a window is, the more energy savings you can achieve over time.
- Reputation: We use BBB accreditation and rating, BBB customer ratings, and Trustpilot customer ratings to assess a company’s reputation and how it treats its customers behind the scenes. We read dozens of reviews per company to get a complete idea of its reputation.
- Selection: We gave providers with more variety the most points, considering available window materials, customization options, and window styles. The companies on our list offer at least seven out of nine of the common window styles we looked for. Vinyl was the most popular window material, but we awarded additional points to providers with more than one option.
- Services: The main service we researched was in-house installation, which can save homeowners from dealing with multiple contractors. With in-house installation, everything is handled under one roof with a crew specially trained in installing windows.
- Support: Companies with more customer support options scored higher in this category. We consider options such as 24/7 availability, online chats and service forms, daily support hours, and education guides.