Best Cheap Window Replacement
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Window replacement isn’t the most affordable home improvement project, especially if you’re replacing multiple windows at once. However, you can find reputable companies that offer quality windows in a style—and price—that suits your home. We reviewed 15 of the top window brands to determine which provides the most value for the price.
Our team also surveyed 1,500 homeowners who bought windows for their homes within the last two years to gain additional pricing and consumer insights for the window brands we reviewed. We found that Window World offers the best balance between affordability and quality based on our in-depth research and survey analysis. Window World offers the cheapest windows, ranging from $300 to $1,450 per window. In addition, the company frequently provides discounts for its windows.
What You Need to Know
- The cheapest window brand is Window World, which costs $800 per window on average.
- Generally, the least expensive window type is vinyl single-hung or sliding windows.
- The average cost of window replacement ranges between $1,500 and $2,000.
Additionally, we joined a window company’s installation crew during a job to learn what window installation is like. We used our research to create a rating system to score window brands. Of the 15 we analyzed, the following five companies offer the best blend of affordability and performance.
Top Affordable Window Replacement Companies
- Window World: Most Budget-Friendly
- Milgard: Best Fiberglass Windows
- Champion Windows: Best Financing
- Window Nation: Best Discounts
- Renewal by Andersen: Best Installation
Compare the Best Window Brands
The table below compares several key factors of our top five budget-friendly window brands, such as materials, pricing, warranty coverage, and financing options. You can see each company’s average cost per window.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating* | Price Range | Warranty | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | A+ | $550–$850 | Limited lifetime transferable | Read Our Review | ||
 | F | $550+ | Limited lifetime transferable, lifetime transferable | |||
 | Not Rated | $600–$900 | Limited lifetime transferable | Get Quote | ||
 | A+ | $550–$849 | Lifetime transferable | |||
 | B+ | $1,200+ | Limited transferable | Get Quote |
*BBB ratings are accurate as of January 2025.
Note: Champion does not have a BBB rating as of January 2025. We detail why in our reviews below.
Our Reviews of Top Window Replacement Brands
Using our in-depth window rating methodology, we selected the five brands offering affordable replacement windows that also scored well in multiple rating categories, such as value, window selection, and customer support. We want to note that all of these brands meet Energy Star certification criteria. Since each brand’s energy efficiency is similar, we didn’t spend much of our reviews noting performance.
Instead, we focused on material quality, warranty coverage, and customer satisfaction. We’ve listed the average cost per window for each brand at the top of each review, which we got from our 2024 window survey. The companies we chose offer their windows for prices less than $1,500–$2,000 per window. This range represents what our survey respondents reported spending per window on average.
Window World
Most Budget-Friendly Window World Overview
Window World offers windows at an average cost of $800 per window, according to our research. This is the lowest average price of every brand we feature in this article. Although Window World has affordable vinyl windows, its quality still meets industry standards. It sources its windows from Associated Materials Incorporated (AMI), a window manufacturer that builds Energy Star- and National Fenestration Rating Council-certified windows. Because of its partnership with AMI, Window World can offer windows that look and perform well at a budget-friendly price.
Window World offers online discounts on its windows, which can help you save even more money. Another positive is its financing options. We found that many locations offer 0% interest for the first 15 months if you finance your windows with Window World. Note that this financing option requires some money down, which may not work for some homeowners.
However, we found that Window World lacks window material options other than vinyl. While vinyl windows are an affordable and energy-efficient option, they lack the visual appeal of wood or the durability of fiberglass frames.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has the lowest prices of the 15 companies we reviewed
- Offers a large variety of window styles
- Provides 0% financing options
Cons
- Doesn’t fully disclose warranty terms on its website
- Only sells vinyl windows
Window Types Offered
Window World offers more than 10 window types, meaning it likely offers a window that fits your home’s individual style. It also offers fully customizable architectural shaped windows, such as circle or angular windows. Below is the full list of Window World’s options:
- Architectural shapes
- Awning
- Basement hopper
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Garden
- Picture
- Single-hung
- Sliding
Our Experience With Window World
Our team secret-shopped on Window World’s website to see how well it presents information, how its quote process works, and how its customer service department handles questions. We found that Window World provides little information about its limited lifetime warranty. Its website states to contact your nearest Window World location for more detailed warranty information. Other brands we’ve reviewed display their full window warranties online.
Regarding its quote process, Window World has a simple online form where you can fill out your personal information. Once you submit the form, Window World will contact you to schedule a consultation with a design consultant who will discuss window options and order your selections. We found that its quote process is similar to that of other brands we’ve reviewed.
Milgard
Best Fiberglass Windows Milgard Overview
Milgard is another affordable window brand, according to our survey analysis, with an average cost of $1,105 per window. What makes Milgard stand out is its variety of window frame material options. Our research shows that more affordable brands typically only offer one material type.
The brand offers aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl window options, so you can choose the material that best suits your home’s style and climate. For example, fiberglass windows perform best in areas with extreme weather due to their energy efficiency. On the other hand, aluminum windows work great in milder climates where heat energy transfer isn’t as big an issue.
Although Milgard offers budget-friendly windows, its lack of financing options may not suit everyone. Our survey respondents reported paying up to $1,700 on average per window, which can lead to an expensive replacement project if you purchase several windows. Additionally, we don’t like that it has an F rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). That said, we did find that customers rate the brand highly regarding its technician and window quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has above-average customer ratings
- Provides lifetime coverage on two of its window lines
- Sells three window frame options as opposed to one
Cons
- Doesn’t offer financing options on its website
- Requires hiring a third-party window installer
Window Types Offered
While Milgard offers several window frame material options, it offers fewer window types than other brands we’ve reviewed. It does offer the most common window styles our survey respondents reported buying, such as double- and single-hung windows. However, it lacks bay and bow window options. Here’s the full list of window options Milgard sells:
- Awning
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Single-hung
- Sliders
- Specialty
Our Experience With Milgard
We found Milgard’s informative website easy to navigate. Like other brands, Milgard allows you to submit a consultation request online or over the phone. Unlike some brands, however, Milgard doesn’t install its windows itself.
When you purchase new Milgard windows, you must hire your own third-party window installer. Our issue with this is that labor warranty terms and installation quality can vary widely between installers. However, Milgard lists authorized installers on its website that you can search based on your location, so you can rest assured that you’ll hire a reputable contractor who can correctly install Milgard windows.
Champion
Best Financing Champion Overview
Champion Windows is another budget-friendly window brand. Our survey respondents reported paying an average of $1,141 per window, which is the third cheapest price of the brands we reviewed. Like most window companies, Champion offers financing options, such as a zero-money-down loan.
In addition, Champion offers 11 total window styles, ranging from standard styles to custom decorative glass options. Champion’s lower prices are partly due to the brand only offering vinyl windows, although the lower cost doesn’t mean its window quality is lower.
During our research, we found that the company holds an NR rating with the BBB and a pattern of complaints, which states that customers experienced long wait times regarding scheduling, return calls, and installations. That said, BBB notes that Champion regularly responds to customer complaints and that the overall number of them has trended downward.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has multiple loan options available
- Offers generous discounts regularly
- Provides up to 11 window styles
Cons
- Has an NR rating on its BBB profile
- Sells only one window material type, vinyl
Window Types Offered
As mentioned above, Champion offers a wide variety of window styles. We like that it’s the only affordable brand offering glass block windows. We recommend glass block windows for areas in your home where you want more privacy and moisture resistance, such as your bathroom or basement. Below is the full list of window types Champion offers:
- Awning
- Basement hopper
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Garden
- Glass block
- Picture
- Shaped
- Sliding
Our Experience With Champion
One of the first things we noticed while reading Champion’s website is that it manufactures its own windows and provides window installation services. We believe in-house installation crews provide the most value for the money because these companies provide additional training to ensure their crew provides high-quality service.
Our survey respondents agreed with this sentiment. Nearly 89% of the respondents who bought their windows from a manufacturer that installed their windows with an in-house team reported being pleased with the service.
Additionally, these companies offer labor warranties should their installations have defects. Champion guarantees the quality of its window installation as long as you own your home. Typically, most affordable window brands outsource the installation of their windows, so we like that Champion offers in-house installation while remaining affordable.
Window Nation
Best Discounts Window Nation Overview
Our team sourced pricing data for Window Nation by reviewing customer reviews and posts that mentioned pricing on sites such as Reddit and BBB. We found that Window Nation customers paid an average of $1,162 per window, which is the fourth cheapest of the brands we compared.
Window Nation, like most cost-effective window brands, only offers vinyl windows. However, we found that the brand provides many color choices for its windows. It also offers several wood-grain designs for the interior side of its vinyl windows, which give them a premium feel.
Window Nation offers several discounts at the time of writing this article for military members and seniors—each getting 5% off their window purchase. You can buy your Window Nation windows with laminated glass, which can help reduce the chance of broken glass if you live in windy areas.
While Window Nation provides a limited lifetime warranty on its windows, it doesn’t include an installation warranty for certain window models. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, other affordable brands do offer labor warranties, which can provide peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Has specialty-shaped windows that you can tailor to your home
- Offers discounts for seniors and military members
- Holds high BBB ratings and customer reviews
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t sell single-hung windows, an affordable window style
- Requires a two-window minimum to schedule a consultation
Window Types Offered
Window Nation sells nine window styles, which is fewer than other cost-effective brands we’ve reviewed. It does offer common window types that suit most homes, including sliding and casement windows. However, it doesn’t offer single-hung or picture windows. Here’s the full list of window types Window Nation sells:
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Garden
- Sliding
- Specialty
- Vent
Our Experience With Window Nation
Window Nation has an online form you can fill out to request an in-person consultation. We found that every window brand must first view your home and measure your current windows before it provides pricing. Of the online forms we’ve seen, Window Nation’s requires the least personal information to schedule a consultation—it only needs your name, email, phone number, and ZIP code.
Renewal by Andersen
Best Installation Renewal by Andersen Overview
Renewal by Andersen is the final budget-friendly window company we recommend. Although the company is our top overall pick due to its patented Fibrex material—which Renewal claims is more structurally stable than vinyl—and seamless installation services, it isn’t the cheapest.
Our survey respondents who bought Renewal by Andersen windows reported paying an average of $1,194 per window. It’s worth noting that Renewal’s average window price is still less than the average $1,500–$2,000 replacement cost that our survey respondents reported paying.
While we like that the company offers durable windows at a competitive price, we found that it lacks the variety of window types other brands offer. For example, you can’t purchase single-hung windows because Renewal only offers double-hung versions. Its window warranty is also less robust than some of the affordable brands we’ve reviewed, such as Champion Windows, although we do like that it provides a two-year labor warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Uses proprietary frame material for increased durability
- Provides in-house installation services
- Offers a two-year labor warranty, while other brands don’t
Cons
- Costs the most of all the affordable window brands
- May take several months to install after ordering
Window Types Offered
As mentioned above, Renewal by Andersen offers fewer window styles than other brands, although it does sell common types that suit most homes. Below is the full list of window types Renewal by Andersen offers:
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Sliding
- Specialty
Our Experience With Renewal by Andersen
Renewal by Andersen, like other brands, allows you to schedule an in-home consultation on its website or over the phone. On its website, Renewal claims it will send a consultant to review your current windows and show you its available window options. One thing that sets Renewal apart from other brands is its proprietary app that visualizes what your new windows will look like installed in your home. This can help you quickly decide if certain window styles or colors make sense for your space.
We shadowed a Renewal by Andersen installation crew as they replaced five windows at a job site. We also spoke with crew members while the installation was underway. Our team found that Renewal typically installs between eight and 10 windows per day, so long as the windows aren’t very large or difficult to install. In addition, the crew leader we spoke with informed us that they typically train their technicians on the job, which helps speed up their learning.
Overall, Renewal’s professionalism and efficiency lead us to recommend them even if their windows are on the pricier side.
How Much Do Replacement Windows Cost?
While our 2024 survey respondents reported their replacement window costs ranged between $1,500 and $2,000 per window, our research shows that window replacement can range from $300–$2,650. One of the biggest factors affecting replacement window costs is the window type you choose. The table below shows the general price ranges of replacement windows based on type.
| Style | Average Cost per Window | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Awning | $1,644 | $600–$2,500 |
| Basement hopper | $1,685 | $500–$2,650 |
| Bay/bow | $1,513 | $500–$2,200 |
| Casement | $1,461 | $400–$2,400 |
| Double-hung | $1,287 | $400–$2,000 |
| Egress | $1,614 | $700–$2,475 |
| Garden | $1,537 | $600–$2,325 |
| Glass block | $1,437 | $400–$2,200 |
| Picture | $1,249 | $300–$2,000 |
| Single-hung | $1,341 | $400–$2,000 |
| Specialty/custom shape | $1,580 | $500–$2,400 |
| Transom | $1,730 | $825–$2,500 |
Pricing information is from our 2024 survey. Your pricing may vary based on your location, material, and brand choices.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Replacement Windows?
Due to the nature of replacement window projects, multiple variables affect how much you’ll spend, such as the window material or the number of glass panes you choose. We break down the most common factors affecting replacement window costs below:
- Brand: The window brand you choose directly affects how much you’ll pay for replacement windows. Some brands, such as Renewal by Andersen, charge more per window because of its use of higher-end materials or in-house installation crews.
- Frame material: Certain window frame materials generally cost less than others because of their structural stability, energy efficiency, and durability. For example, our 2024 survey analysis shows that aluminum windows cost $850 on average, while fiberglass windows cost $1,286 per window on average.
- Glass type: The glass type you choose for your windows can also affect replacement window costs. For example, single-pane windows will cost dramatically less than triple-pane windows due to the difference in materials. We suggest talking to a window replacement professional to help you choose the right glass for your climate and budget.
- Installation labor: Another major factor affecting replacement window costs is installation labor. Expect to pay more for larger, more complex installations because window installers will likely take longer to complete the work.
- Number of windows: Generally, the more windows you buy, the more you’ll pay overall for your replacement windows. Many brands we’ve reviewed offer discounts for buying more than one window.
- Window style: The final factor that affects replacement window costs is the style of window you buy. Smaller, simpler designs—such as single- or double-hung windows—generally cost less than larger, more complicated windows.
How To Save on Window Installation
While some affordable window brands offer budget-friendly windows, replacing them is generally expensive. However, you can save on window installation through some of the following methods:
- Choose affordable window options: A great way to save on window replacement is to choose smaller, simpler window designs. Modern budget windows now have similar energy efficiency to high-end materials, so it’s worth considering a more affordable material or window type. Custom-shaped wood windows will generally cost more than single-hung vinyl windows.
- Finance your project: Another way to save on your window project is to finance it. Many brands we’ve reviewed offer custom financing options to work with your budget. Some even offer favorable interest rates or no payments for a few months.
- Split your project: Consider installing your windows in phases rather than all at once to make the project cost more manageable. However, splitting up your project may only save you money in the short term, as the same windows could cost more in the future.
- Request multiple quotes: For any home improvement project, we recommend requesting quotes from several companies to compare costs, options, and warranties. Some companies may offer price matching if another brand provides a lower price for similar windows.
Is It Cheaper To Replace Your Own Windows?
Yes, replacing your home’s windows yourself is cheaper than hiring a professional. However, we don’t recommend DIY replacement unless you are a seasoned do-it-yourselfer familiar with window installation. While shadowing Renewal by Andersen’s installation crew, we saw the level of skill and technique the installers demonstrated while replacing each window.
The installers took multiple measurements before, during, and after installing each window, plus they cut parts of the home’s framing to install a full-frame window. We recommend professional window installation if you’re not comfortable with using power tools or cutting into your home.
Additionally, the short-term savings of DIY window replacement may end up costing you more in the future if you install the windows incorrectly, said Craig Ricks, the president of Acadian Windows. According to Ricks, incorrect window measurements can negatively affect the energy efficiency of your new windows. “There is skill required in just measuring the windows, and if not done properly, it can cause the best, most efficient window to be obsolete,” he added.
How To Choose a Reputable Window Installer
Choosing a reputable window installer is easier than you may think. Based on our conversations with Renewal by Andersen’s installation crew and multiple subject experts, we suggest the following tips to help you make the right choice the first time around:
- Ask about their experience: A great way to tell if the window installer knows what they’re doing is by asking about their years of experience installing windows. Competent installers will have many years of experience, plus they will confidently answer any questions you have about the installation process. Avoid installers who have limited years of experience or provide vague answers to your questions.
- Check their license and insurance: We highly recommend checking that the company you want to hire holds the correct licenses with your state’s regulatory body. Also check that the installer holds business insurance in case something were to go wrong during the job.
- Read customer reviews: Reading customer reviews of the installer can help you easily see whether it’s built a positive or negative reputation. Check for complaints on installation quality or customer services. We recommend searching for a different installer if you find poor ratings throughout.
- Review their quote process: When requesting a quote from an installer, pay attention to how its customer service department handles your request. Reputable installers will comfortably disclose their policies and won’t push for a sale. Avoid companies that try to pressure you to hire them or give you the runaround when you ask a question.
FAQ About Cheap Window Replacement
What is the cheapest type of replacement window?
Single-hung aluminum or vinyl windows are typically the least expensive type of replacement window. Double-hung windows are also budget-friendly. Our survey data shows that the brand Window World has the least expensive replacement windows that are still Energy Star certified and well rated. Our research shows Window World averages $800 per window, well below the industry average of $1,500.
How can I tell if windows are cheap?
You can tell if a window is cheaply made or of poor quality by its materials. Avoid aluminum framing and single-pane glass, as these offer poor energy performance, durability, and weather resistance. Don’t purchase a window that isn’t Energy Star certified.
What should I look for when shopping for new windows?
The price or style of the window aren’t the only factors you should consider when shopping for new windows. Consider the energy efficiency of a window and whether or not it suits your climate. Also, check the type of warranty that a window company offers. We highly recommend brands that offer a labor warranty alongside a glass and hardware warranty.
How can I find the best deal for replacement windows?
You can use several methods to find the best deal for replacement windows. First, regularly check the window brand’s website for any online discounts. Next, gather quotes from multiple brands to compare prices. Finally, take advantage of local and federal tax incentives, such as Energy Star’s Windows and Skylights Tax Credit.
How We Evaluated the Top Window Providers
We research, review, and rate window brands to help you pick a company that meets your needs and fits your budget the next time you need to install new windows. Our research involves interviewing window industry experts, collecting customer insights and pricing data through proprietary surveys, reading hundreds of customer reviews on third-party websites, and reviewing each window company’s website to learn about its services, products, and warranties.
We assess each window brand in six key areas:
- Value
- Performance
- Reputation
- Selection
- Services
- Customer support
Check out our full window methodology for more details and information on how we determined the best window brands.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.