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Window World Review

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Author Image Written by Jessica Wimmer Updated 11/20/2024

Window World is popular among budget-conscious buyers, with locations in all but two U.S. states. In addition to windows, the company makes doors, siding, and shutters, so it’s convenient if you’re planning a big renovation to your home’s exterior. 

We reviewed Window World carefully to see how it matches up to other brands. We read the fine print on its website and warranty policy, reviewed its available products, and read customer feedback across multiple review sites and forums. 
The brand stands out for its below-average pricing and diverse product selection. It’s an Energy Star partner and even has impact-resistant windows, which not all brands do. However, it only makes vinyl windows, which aren’t as tough and insulative as higher-end materials, such as Renewal by Andersen’s composite framing. Window World also doesn’t have a true lifetime warranty, which covers every part of the window for as long as you own it. We dig into more of these pros and cons below.


Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Has the cheapest average window prices of our reviewed brands
  • Provides in-house installation services
  • Has a diverse window selection and also sells doors, siding, shutters, and garage doors

Cons

  • Only sells vinyl windows
  • Isn’t as transparent about its warranty terms as other companies

Fast Facts

Our rating: 4.7

Price range: $700–$1,100

Warranty: Limited lifetime

State availability: 48*

*Window World doesn’t have locations in Alaska and Montana.


Our Take on Window World

Window World is a great choice for shoppers on a budget. Its window prices are the lowest of any company we’ve reviewed by an average of a few hundred dollars per window. That doesn’t mean they’re cheap in quality, though. The company holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the National Fenestration Rating Council, Energy Star, the American Society for Testing and Materials, and Good Housekeeping Institutes’s Quality Assurance program. 

We also like Window World’s product variety. Not only does it have a big selection of window styles, but it also makes and sells entry and patio doors, siding, shutters, and garage doors. It even has a range of impact-resistant windows and doors for those in storm-prone areas (though they’re not approved for the strictest hurricane zones). Plus, Window World has an in-house installation team, so you won’t have to hire an outside contractor. Many window brands only manufacture their products.


Window Types Available

Window World has a diverse product selection, with nine standard window types and a collection of specialty shapes. You’ll find all the popular styles you’d expect, all made with insulated glass and vinyl framing. You can choose from 13 interior colors and 20 exterior colors.

  • Awning windows: Awning windows crank open from the bottom. Window World’s are made with triple-barrier weatherstripping for superior weather resistance. 
  • Basement hopper windows: Basement hoppers allow light and fresh air into below-grade spaces. Window World’s come with reinforced corners and locks for added security.
  • Bay and bow windows: Bow and bay windows provide stunning views and let in more natural light. Window World custom-makes its bay windows using casement or double-hung configurations. The bows can be made with four, five, or six panels. 
  • Casement windows: Casement windows use a crank and 90-degree hinge to open outward from the side. They also include triple-barrier weatherstripping.
  • Double-hung windows:  These are Window World’s most popular window type, according to its website. Both the top and bottom panes are operable, and the window tilts inward for easy cleaning.
  • Garden windows: Garden windows are often installed over kitchen sinks for extra light and double as a spot for an herb garden. Window World makes these with a sloped top for better durability, plus operable side panes to let in air.
  • Picture windows: Picture windows aren’t operable, but they’re custom-built to let in as much light as you want. 
  • Single-hung windows: Single-hung windows are a staple in most homes. They feature just one operable sash that raises upward, making them one of the cheapest options. 
  • Sliding windows: Window World’s sliding windows feature a sloped sill design that allows water to quickly drain away from your home. 
  • Specialty windows: Window World’s specialty options include circle, eyebrow, hexagon, octagon, and oval varieties.

Window World Cost

Window World’s pricing ranges from $700–$1,100 per window on average. Your window’s size and style, along with any customizations, will impact your total price. We calculated this range based on data from our 2024 survey of 1,500 homeowners plus figures stated on customer review sites and Reddit forums. 

Financing Options

Window World handles financing differently than other companies we’ve seen. Many window manufacturers have a financing program, though they typically partner with a bank to provide a loan with specific terms and incentives. Window World partners with Wells Fargo to offer its own credit card that you can use to finance current and future projects. You can fill out a credit application online or in person and receive approval within minutes, according to the website. Once you have your card, you’ll make monthly payments online.  

Discounts

Window World occasionally advertises discounts, though it isn’t offering any at a national level at the time of this writing. We’ve noticed that the company typically runs local discounts, so check your location’s website for any deals. Window World works closely with active and former military members, and we’ve seen military discounts on the company website in the past.


Warranty

Compared to other companies we’ve reviewed, you have to jump through a few hoops to find Window World’s warranty terms. Whereas most brands have a downloadable warranty policy you can read right on their corporate website, Window World requires you to enter your zip code and visit your local store’s site to see the warranty. 

The manufacturer’s warranty provides limited lifetime coverage for all vinyl and mechanical parts, as well as insulated glass units. The local store that installs the windows offers repair services at no cost for two to five years after installation, depending on the window type. We noticed that impact windows aren’t warrantied at all, which we haven’t seen from other companies. 

Overall, we think Window World’s coverage is average to slightly below average. We prefer a true lifetime warranty that covers every aspect of the window for as long as you own it, which other brands like Renewal by Andersen and Castle offer. 


Materials

Window World makes vinyl products only. This isn’t uncommon for the windows industry, as vinyl is the most popular material. It’s durable, long-lasting, customizable, and affordable. It doesn’t have the warm look and style of wood, and it’s not as tough and energy-efficient as more expensive materials like composites or fiberglass. However, it’s still a worthwhile choice for most climates. We only recommend against it if you live in an incredibly cold climate or hurricane zone. In those cases, we suggest fiberglass because it’s more durable.

Energy Efficiency

All of Window World’s windows are Energy Star-certified, which means they’ve been independently tested and meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s strict energy performance standards. Here are a few of our favorite energy features these windows include:

  • Argon gas filling: Like many of today’s leading companies, Window World adds a colorless, odorless, nontoxic gas between its window panes for extra insulation. Argon is a highly dense gas that helps prevent heat from getting in or out. 
  • Low emissivity coating: A low emissivity (low-e) glass coating prevents heat transfer through your windows to keep your home at the temperature you want. Window World takes its coating a step further. Its SolarZone glass is made with microscopic, undetectable metallic flecks in the coating that reflect the sun’s rays in summer but allow them in during winter. 
  • Warm-edge spacer system: A spacer system separates glass layers within the window. Traditional spacers allow heat loss and condensation. Warm-edge spacers eliminate glass-to-metal contact, reducing heat loss and preventing condensation on the glass..

Window World Customer Reviews: Reddit, BBB, Google, and More

For such a popular brand, Window World doesn’t have as many online reviews as other comparable companies. We looked at BBB, Reddit, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews and noticed that there’s more customer feedback at the local level. 

At the corporate level, reviews are mixed, which we expect. About half of the customers say they’re happy with the windows’ look and quality and that their consultants and installers were helpful and did a great job. We saw several repeat customers, which is a good sign. However, there are many reviewers who state the installers did a poor job and that they can’t get anyone to help them over the phone. Local reviews are far more favorable, citing how great the people they worked with did on their project.

“We replaced all windows in our 2,100-square-foot house except one and were amazed at not just the price (lowest of four quotes), but the quality of the product, customer service, and installation. The team of installers were amazing to watch. They completed the installation in just one 8-hour day and completely cleaned up after their work. The windows themselves are impressive.” —Maria via Google Reviews, June 2024
“Their so-called installers use inferior materials. They definitely do not know how to use a tape-measure and/or square. No clue how to recognize a dull sawblade. Excessive tearout. Broken/cracked trim work. Nail heads left high. In such cases, nails were not countersunk. The heads were bent over instead. Nail holes were left unfilled. A definite overuse of caulking to hide their errors and goofs.” —Mr. Dissatisfied via Trustpilot, August 2024


Other Services

It’s common for window manufacturers to make more than just windows. Many also sell doors and maybe one other home exterior product. Window World offers more products than usual, including entry, patio, garage, and storm doors, as well as siding and shutters. This can come in handy if you’re interested in doing a major home improvement project. You may be able to get a deal by combining services, and you’ll likely have a quicker project timeline than if you used multiple companies.


Quote and Installation Process

You can easily get a quote by visiting Window World’s website. There’s a button for this right on the homepage, or you can enter your zip code and visit your location’s website to request a quote. All sites also list a number you can call to speak with someone and get a quote over the phone. 

As with most window companies, you won’t get an official quote until a consultant comes to your home. During that consultation, you’ll go over your options, talk about your goals, and put your order together. The representative will look at your home and existing windows and make recommendations. Once you’ve picked out the windows you want, your consultant will provide a free quote in writing before you sign any contract. 

Once your windows are ordered, it can take weeks to a few months to receive them. When they’re ready, the company will contact you to schedule your installation. Window World’s in-house installation team will come put them in and clean up the jobsite before leaving.


How Window World Compares to Other Top Window Companies

Window World is hard to beat if you have a tight budget. However, if you want vinyl windows  with more warranty coverage, we recommend Castle for its lifetime warranty, which covers the entire window for as long as you own the home the windows are installed in. If you prefer wood windows, Window Nation is high on our list. Or if you want a material that’s more durable and energy-efficient than vinyl, we recommend Renewal by Andersen for its composite framing. 

BrandOur ScoreAvg. Window CostWarranty TypeState AvailabilityBBB Rating*Get a Quote
Renewal by Andersen4.8$1,194Limited50A+Visit Site
Castle4.7$1,210Lifetime11A+Visit Site
Window World4.7$800Limited lifetime50A+Visit Site
Champion4.6$1,141Limited lifetime29Not rated**Visit Site
Window Nation4.4$1,162Lifetime18A+Visit Site

*BBB ratings are accurate as of November 2024.

**“Not rated” means the BBB is currently reevaluating the company’s score.


Advice from a Homeowner

We spoke with homeowner Chris V. who recently bought eight windows for an addition on his home. Two things stuck out to him about the experience. First, he said to look for a company with styles and aesthetic options that match your existing windows if you’re not outfitting your entire house. 

He also said homeowners should be aware that the time from ordering to installing can take months, especially if you’re getting custom windows. “Our order took much longer than anticipated. I would tell buyers to budget at least 12 weeks for custom windows,” he said. He placed his order in January and it wasn’t ready until June.

We recommend being strategic about when you start your window project, if possible. For example, you schedule your order far enough in advance that when the windows are ready, it’s not winter. Otherwise, your home will be exposed to the cold while installers are there.


How We Evaluated Window Brands

To determine the best window brands, we 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 also spoke with window experts to learn what to expect when buying and installing windows, and we carefully reviewed company websites and sample warranties. Finally, we read over 1,000 customer reviews to spot themes about each brand’s product and service quality.

Our Rating System

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 your investment versus 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 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. 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.