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6 Best Window Brands (Your Buyer’s Guide)

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Not all window brands are worth the money, so choosing the right one matters. A good company should offer fair pricing, strong warranties, and quality installation without cutting corners.

Price is important, but it isn’t everything. Reputation, durability, and warranty coverage matter just as much — because if something goes wrong, you want a company that stands behind its work.

After analyzing the top window brands on all of these factors, Renewal by Andersen, Champion, and Window World came out on top.

That said, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for affordable vinyl replacements, high-end custom windows, or something in between, this guide breaks down the pros, cons, and costs of the top window brands so you can make the right call for your home.

What Are the Best Brands For Windows?

Kick-start your hunt for the best window brands by reviewing our selections and what makes these companies stand out the most: 

Renewal By Andersen: Best Quality Window Frames

Quick Tips When Looking for the Best Window Brands

What are the most important factors when considering the best window repair companies for your home? Like shopping for any new construction or DIY home improvement project, you’ll want to consider the following to help you choose the best brand for your specific needs, budget, and location: 

Product offerings: Unless you need a highly specific window type, we usually recommend picking a window brand with a wide number of product offerings, as these companies offer more window series and types to suit your needs. Oftentimes, companies with multiple product offerings have more experience with different types of window replacement or repair projects, allowing them to provide better service and recommendations. 

“> Warranty coverage: Nothing is worse than investing in brand-new, beautiful windows only for the hardware or glass to break. A strong lifetime warranty typically means that products are covered for as long as you (the original buyer) own the home. However, many window companies don’t offer lifetime warranties or only have certain coverage, so digging into the fine print of a company’s warranty is critical.

Company reputation: Always research a company’s reputation, customer testimonials, online ratings, and qualifications before reaching out for a free quote and consultation. Check the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and sites like Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google, for feedback on how previous customers were treated.

Energy efficiency: New window technology makes it easier than ever to find windows with better insulation, higher energy savings, and less noise pollution, resulting in greater energy savings for you. Look for window products with Low-E glass, multi-pane design, ENERGY STAR ratings, and windows ideal for your location. For example, if you live in a hot climate, you’ll want to look for different energy efficiency options to minimize heat gain from natural light compared to homeowners in cold climates. 

Location: Before choosing a company, take a close look at which window brands are available at Home Depot or other retailers in your area. Renewal by Andersen is among the few providers available in all 50 states. 

Watch this video for an understanding of the differences to look out for when selecting a window brand.

Compare the Best Window Brands We Reviewed

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Best Quality Frames

Renewal by Andersen

4.1

Our Rating

Limited Time:
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Renewal by Andersen is our choice for “Best Quality Window Frames,” for its patented Fibrex framing, a durable but low-maintenance material. We love that this provider offers a huge selection of energy-efficient and popular window types, such as picture and fiberglass windows. 

Each Renewal by Andersen window features its patented Fibrex framing made from wood composites and polymers, providing your home with weathertight protection and impressive durability so you won’t have to worry about your window frames wearing out anytime soon. You can choose from many customization options for hardware, paint color, and grille layout, and the company sets its quality products at a wide price range for varying budgets.

We have first-hand experience with this provider—our team shadowed a Renewal by Andersen installation team in June 2024. During our ride-along, we noted how friendly and professional the three-person crew was. They were happy to answer all of the homeowner’s questions and walk us through the process of replacing a window.

In addition to its top-notch installation teams, Renewal by Andersen holds many certifications and awards for its window performance. Its homepage displays its Energy Star Partner of the Year award, National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) certification, and SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certification, which signals compliance with rigorous indoor air quality emission requirements. 

Read our comprehensive review of Renewal by Andersen for more information about its pros, cons, and average cost.

Renewal by Andersen is pricier than most window providers, with its windows typically costing at least $1,200 or more, significantly more than the average $550 to $850 most other providers boast. However, its high-quality, unique window material frames offer outstanding durability, so the investment may be worth it for some homeowners. 

We also don’t like that the company has many online customer reviews citing long installation delays. Some even report missed appointment times. One of the most common customer complaints is aggressive sales tactics. Some consumers report frequent door-to-door sales visits and frequent calls after requesting a quote.

Custom, full-service window installation
Available throughout 49 states (not in Hawaii)
Huge selection of window types and patented window frame material
More expensive than many of its competitors
Financing is handled through a third party (may have hidden fees)
In-house contractors don’t perform repairs
Our Rating75.5 / 100
BBB RatingA+
Average Price Range$1,200+ per window
Offers Free ConsultationYes
Energy-efficient Windows AvailableYes
Offers Custom FinancingYes
Warranty20-year glass and Fibrex material warranty 10-year warranty for locks, hinges, and other components 2-year professional installation warranty
Window TypesAwning, bay, casement, double-hung, picture, sliding, specialty
Best Customer Service

Champion

4.3

Our Rating

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Champion earns our superlative for “Best Customer Service” and a 4.3 out of 5-star rating for its excellent reputation for high-quality products and customer service. It also has an impressive installation procedure that follows a thorough six-step process from arrival to finishing touches to ensure your home’s window installation goes smoothly. 

Champion Windows is another brand that offers more than windows: It sells doors, builds sunrooms, and installs vinyl siding. Champion carries the AAMA Gold Label from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, a seal of approval for its product quality. It’s certified by Energy Star, the NFRC, Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC), and the Vinyl Siding Institute.

Champion excels at customer service, offering multiple consultation choices, from virtual consultations to in-person meetings, and an online chat feature to help answer any questions you have on the spot. We love that this company has an extensive product selection with nine window types and multiple energy efficiency options, including ENERGY STAR-certified glass so that you can save money on your energy bills.

Champion only makes vinyl windows, so it’s not your best option if you desire the look of wood or fiberglass. It also only offers in-home estimates. While this may result in a more precise estimate, it’s not as convenient as getting a quote over the phone.

Champion Windows has limited availability, with 37 locations in total throughout 20 states. Naturally, this makes it challenging for some homeowners to purchase Champion windows. We also don’t like that Champion is not rated or accredited by the BBB, but it does have overall positive customer reviews, indicating that it has a great reputation.

In-house, U.S.-made products
Over 70 years of industry experience
Custom builds highly rated sunrooms and enclosed patios
Limited lifetime warranty for parts and workmanship
Not accredited by the BBB
Our Rating85.5 / 100
BBB RatingNot Rated
Average Price Range$850 – $1,200 per window
Offers Free ConsultationYes
Energy-efficient Windows AvailableYes
Offers Custom FinancingYes
WarrantyLimited Lifetime Warranty for all parts and workmanship
Window TypesBay, casement, double-hung, garden, glass block, hopper, awning, picture, sliding, specialty
Most Customization Options

Window Nation

3.8

Our Rating

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We’ve given Window Nation a strong 3.8-star out of 5-star rating and our superlative “Most Customization Options” for its unmatched personalization choices to meet every homeowner’s needs. Window Nation offers over eight window styles, two window materials, and seven window glass options for better energy efficiency, making shopping with it a no-brainer if you’re looking for a huge selection.

Besides Window Nation’s many window styles, materials, and glass options, you have a massive selection of colors, hardware, and grille options, giving you over 1,500 window and door style combinations in total to choose from. 

The company also makes it easy to purchase custom windows to fit the specific size, shape, and type of window you need with its free consultations with experienced window technicians. 

The biggest drawback to Window Nation is its lack of availability throughout the United States. The company only offers 20 showrooms, primarily located in the Eastern areas of the United States, so it will be harder for Western and Midwestern homeowners to acquire its window products.

Lifetime warranty
Manufactures its windows
Over 1,500 window and door style combinations
Not rated by the BBB
Founded in 2006 (less industry experience)
Our Rating76.5 / 100
BBB RatingNot Rated
Average Price Range$550 – $850 per window
Offers Free ConsultationYes
Energy-efficient Windows AvailableYes
Offers Custom FinancingYes
WarrantyLifetime Plus Warranty for as long as the buyer owns the home
Window TypesAwning, double-hung, vent, slider, casement, bay, bow garden, and specialty  
Most Affordable

Universal Windows Direct

4.0

Our Rating

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We’ve awarded Universal Windows Direct the “Most Affordable” superlative and an impressive 4-star rating for its incredibly competitive pricing. If finding the best deal on windows is your goal, check out Universal Windows Direct’s products which start as low as $200 and have an average price point of $350 to $550, several hundred dollars less than other leading window providers.

If you’re looking for affordable prices and high-quality windows, Universal Windows Direct is a great option, even offering wood windows, which are typically more expensive, at cheaper rates. 

Its true lifetime warranty also protects your investments after purchase, covering everything from parts to glass, materials, framing, locks, hardware, and labor costs for as long as you own your home. The warranty can even be transferred to the next owner for up to 30 years, making it a standout among its competitors for both affordable pricing and strong warranty offerings. 

Head over to our full review of Universal Windows Direct for more information.

Most other window providers on this list offer at least eight to 10 window styles. However, Universal Window Direct only provides seven window types, making it a less-than-ideal choice if you’re looking for a specialized window shape or custom framing. 

Offers wood and vinyl replacement windows at lower prices
True lifetime warranty
Extensive range of additional home services
The website is difficult to navigate
Limited window type offerings
Our Rating80.5 / 100
BBB RatingA
Average Price Range$350–$550 per window
Offers Free ConsultationYes
Energy-efficient Windows AvailableYes
Offers Custom FinancingYes
WarrantyTrue Lifetime Warranty for parts, frames, hardware, and installation; transferrable to a subsequent homeowner for 30 years
Window TypesAwning, bay, casement, double-hung, garden, hopper, picture, and sliding
Best Window Selection

Window World

4.3

Our Rating

Limited Time:
No offers at this time.

Window World earns “Best Window Selection” and an excellent 4.1 out of 5-star rating for its many design options, window selection, and service offerings. Since 1995, this company has established itself as a home improvement industry leader, expanding with over 200 locations nationwide.

Window World has an excellent industry and customer reputation and offers great product customization choices, including hardware, grille, and color customization. We like that it has received extensive accreditation and awards from third-party agencies like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Good Housekeeping Institute, and the BBB, allowing you to rest easy about the company’s customer service and product quality. 

Read our review of Window World for more information on the company’s large window selection.

Window World only offers vinyl windows. While vinyl windows are more affordable, durable, and low-maintenance, this limits homeowners who want the classic, refined look of wood windows or the stronger, essentially weatherproof aluminum-clad window option.

Offers single-hung windows (increasingly hard to find)
An A+ BBB rating
Educational videos available on the website for maintaining and repairing windows
Limited window material options
Quality of service may vary by the subcontractor
Our Rating85.5 / 100
BBB RatingA+
Average Price Range$550 – $850 per window
Offers Free ConsultationYes
Energy-efficient Windows AvailableYes
Offers Custom FinancingYes
WarrantyLimited Lifetime Warranty for parts, glass, and installation
Window TypesAcrylic, block, awning, bay, casement, double-hung, garden, hopper, picture, single-hung, sliding, specialty, impact, and storm
Best Window Warranty

Castle Windows

3.9

Our Rating

Limited Time:
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Castle Windows is our pick for “Best Window Warranty” because of its impressive lifetime warranty on all its products and services, including window repairs, replacement, siding, roofing, and entry door services. Plus, Castle Windows is one of the few brands that offers a true lifetime warranty. Although many competitors claim to provide lifetime coverage, the fine print exposes warranty gaps.

Castle is also unique in that it’s a full home improvement company. It sells and installs roofing, siding, windows and doors. The company is highly awarded, making Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list and HomeAdvisor’s Best Of list. It also provides 24/7 customer support. We’ve scored the company with a 3.9-star rating and love that it provides some of the best buyer protection in the industry. 

Beyond its impressive warranty, Castle Windows is a family-owned company offering high-quality vinyl windows at a competitive price. Its strong A+ BBB rating and U.S.-designed and made windows are strengths that make many homeowners feel at peace purchasing from the company. 

Even if you run into issues with its products, Castle Windows offers additional support with its online troubleshooting and service guides and video tutorials to help you better care for your Castle Windows products. 

Castle Windows is only available in 11 states, making it very difficult to obtain the company’s products or services if you don’t live in Connecticut, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, or West Virginia. 

The company doesn’t emphasize its energy-efficient features as much as other brands. While competitors list their certifications and energy-saving features on their websites, we didn’t find them on Castle’s.

Comprehensive, lifetime warranty on all parts and labor
U.S.-designed, tested, and made products
Offers custom window options
Lower customer ratings
Limited availability
Our Rating78.5 / 100
BBB RatingA+
Average Price Range$550 – $850 per window
Offers Free ConsultationYes
Energy-efficient Windows AvailableYes
Offers Custom FinancingYes
WarrantyLifetime Warranty Guarantee on all products and workmanship
Window TypesAwning, bay, casement, double-hung, garden, hopper, specialty, sliding, and transom

Our Ratings of the Top Window Brands

 Renewal by AndersenChampionWindow NationUniversal Windows DirectWindow WorldCastle Windows
Product Offerings
(out of 40)
353435293830
Affordability
(out of 25)
202121252118
Company Reputation
(out of 15)
12.510.57.510.512.512.5
Service Offerings
(out of 10)
9109648
Warranty & Support
(out of 10)
510410810
Total Score
(out of 100)
81.585.576.580.585.578.5

How Much Do the Best Window Brands Cost?

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the replacement cost per window is about $600. However, you can expect to see cost variations between $200 and $980, which matches many of the best window providers on this list, which had average window costs of $550 to $850. 

In short, you can expect to find most types of window frames and glass you want for around $600 unless you purchase more expensive materials, like wood, or add many customizations to the window.

We surveyed 1,500 homeowners and found that one-third paid between $5,000 and $10,000 for their window replacements. Your final cost depends on frame material, window size, and installation complexity

Here are some of the biggest factors that affect window cost:  

  • Types of window glass: Window materials, like glass, significantly affect the price of window repairs and replacement. For example, if you choose a double or triple-pane window, customized tinting, argon-gas filled, or impact glass, the price of your window will reflect this. 
  • Window series: Each window brand offers its own window lines, aka window series, which feature different glass, frames, materials, and types of windows. The product line you choose will affect the overall cost. 
  • Framing material: Vinyl and aluminum window frames are typically the most affordable options. So, your average window cost will naturally increase if you’re set on high-end wood window frames or custom framing. Depending on your goals, the aesthetic appeal of wood and how it impacts your home’s value may be worth considering, even though wood windows cost more. 

“The cost of new windows is also impacted by where you buy them,” said Sal Sucato, owner of DunRite Windows & Doors in Scottsdale, Arizona. “If you price shop a specific product at two different franchise locations, the price estimate might differ wildly—even for the exact same [product]—since different franchise owners determine their own pricing.”

But don’t let the sticker shock of new windows scare you away from the project. If you have leaky windows that allow air to slip in and out of your home, installing new, durable windows may help you save a bundle on your monthly heating and cooling costs. According to our survey, nearly 20% of respondents said they replaced their windows to reduce their heating and cooling bills.

“Understanding the total cost of the project versus the value of the overall investment can help in decision-making,” said Mark Waddell, the installation and application manager of Cornerstone Building Brands, which is the parent company of Simonton and Ply Gem. According to Waddell, the average homeowner could save up to $580 per year by installing energy-efficient windows and be eligible for up to $1,100 in tax credits. Over time, these cost savings and tax credits really add up, making your investment in replacement windows well worth the high initial cost.

If you don’t have enough cash to pay for the project, you may still be able to get new windows. Many of the most affordable window companies we reviewed offer financing, either in-house or through a partner company. “[Financing] is often an attractive option, especially because the cost of the project can be offset by the energy savings the windows can offer,” said Waddell.

What Types of Windows Do the Highest Rated Window Brands Offer?

Companies are limited in the types of windows they can offer, such as awning windows, skylights, or bow windows. These product offering limitations can help you decide which company to purchase your windows from. We personally recommend Champion, Renewal by Andersen, and Window World for the largest selection of window types to make shopping for window replacements easier. 

Related reading: Simonton Vs. Milgard

Today’s Homeowner Tip
The type of window you need will directly impact the window brand you select. For example, only two top window brands, Renewal by Andersen and Window World, offer single-hung windows, a common choice for residential homes. Other factors, like location, will affect if you need storm or impact-resistant windows to protect your home from natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. We recommend writing down every type of window you need and compiling a list of the best window brands offering all of the right windows so that you can keep things simple by completing your shopping with one provider.

Deciding what type of window you need for your home and referencing the following table can help you quickly narrow down which window brands offer everything you need.  

Renewal by AndersenChampionWindow NationUniversal Windows DirectWindow WorldCastle
Acrylic block
Awning
Bay
Bow
Casement
Double-hung
Garden
Glass block
Hopper
Hopper/awning
Impact and storm windows
Picture
Single-hung
Slider
Sliding
Specialty
Transom
Vent

How To Choose The Best Window Brand Using Reviews & Reputation

A brand’s product offerings are important, but they aren’t the only factor to consider when choosing a window company. You should also choose a brand with positive customer reviews, especially when it comes to trustworthy employees and responsiveness to warranty claims.

According to our October 2023 survey of 1,500 homeowners who bought windows within the past five years, the majority of respondents, 46%, said the project lasted between one and three days. You’ll want to choose a company that hires skilled, trustworthy, and background-checked employees.

For example, Renewal by Andersen has a high score in the reputation and reviews category. Customer reviews on websites including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot mention the installers’ professionalism and high-quality customer service. A brand’s reputation goes beyond the individuals who actually install your windows; it also applies to the customer service representatives you’ll speak to before and after your windows are installed—especially if you need to file a warranty claim for your replacement windows. If you read negative reviews that mention poor customer service or failure to honor warranties, you may want to think twice before hiring a company.

Other Considerations When Choosing a Window Replacement Company

It may seem overwhelming, but there are additional things to think about when choosing the right company that can save you money in the long run.

Energy Efficiency

Based on our survey, nearly 26% of respondents said energy efficiency was the most important factor in their decision-making process. And for good reason, too. When installed by trained professionals, new windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills while making your home more comfortable all year.

The best way to ensure you’re buying energy-efficient windows from a reputable brand is to confirm that your windows are certified by ENERGY STAR and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

Every ENERGY STAR-certified and NFRC-certified window will have a sticker listing these certifications, and you’ll also see a label noting which climate the windows best suit: northern, north-central, south-central, or southern. ENERGY STAR performance criteria are based on energy ratings certified by the NFRC and vary for each climate zone.

Michelle Blackston, the senior director of development and engagement at the NFRC, said, “The first thing you should do when you’re considering an NFRC-rated window is you have to think about what climate you live in because the ratings matter; they’re specific to your needs.”

Understanding Energy-Efficient Window Stickers

The stickers on ENERGY STAR-certified and NRFC-certified windows have specific terms that aren’t easy to decipher if you’re shopping for windows for the first time. Here are the terms you need to know when reading energy-efficient window labels for the first time:

  • U-factor: The U-factor is the rate at which the window transmits nonsolar heat flow or how well the window insulates. The lower the U-factor, the more insulative and energy-efficient the window is. A good U-factor is between .20 and 1.20.
  • Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): SHGC refers to how much of the sun’s heat the glass will absorb and reflect into your home. If you live in a colder climate, you want a higher SHGC rating because it will absorb more heat in winter to warm your home. If you live in a warm climate, you want a lower rating so the window doesn’t let in heat, which raises your home’s temperature during the hotter months. Look for a rating greater than .35 for northern climates, less than .40 for north-central, and less than .23 for south-central and southern climate zones.
  • Air leakage: This reflects how much air can pass through the window. A window with a lower air leakage rating is tighter and more energy-efficient. ENERGY STAR won’t certify a window with a high leakage rating.
  • Visible transmittance (VT): This is how much visible sunlight the glass allows inside. A number between zero and one represents VT. A product with a higher VT lets in more light, which can help reduce energy bills since you depend less on your home’s interior lighting fixtures during the day.
  • Light-to-solar gain (LSG): LSG is the ratio between the VT and the SHGC, which is how much light a window lets in while blocking heat transference. The higher the number, the more light is let in without adding excessive heat.

Blackston said that the importance of each term depends on your location. For example, the U-factor might matter more to a homeowner in a colder region, such as Minnesota, when their primary concern is keeping heat inside in the winter. On the flip side, the SHGC is likely more important for a homeowner in Arizona who wants to reduce the amount of heat beating in through their windows in the middle of the summer.

The bottom line is that energy efficiency matters regardless of where you live, but you need to be mindful of what window types a brand offers to accommodate your region. We like that Renewal by Andersen offers a variety of energy-efficient glass options designed for specific climates. Its High-Performance Low-E4 glass filters out the sun during the dog days of summer, while its Enhanced Triple Pane with SmartSun glass has an added layer of insulation to keep the frigid winter winds from slipping inside during a chilly winter. 

Window Panes

The number of panes held within a window frame affects a window’s price, energy efficiency, and noise reduction. These are the top pane options for your new windows:

  • Single-pane windows: A single-pane window has only one piece of glass between the frame. It’s the cheapest option but also the least energy-efficient. Because these products perform so poorly, you may never see a single-pane window while shopping—none of the brands we reviewed manufacture them anymore.
  • Double-pane windows: Double-pane windows consist of two panes within the frame with a spacer and a sealed gap between them. This gap may be filled with a gas, such as argon or krypton, improving the window’s insulation, energy efficiency, and noise-reduction capabilities.
  • Triple-pane windows: Triple-pane windows have three panes of glass with two airtight gaps within the frame. These are the most energy-efficient products on the market but are also the most expensive.

Upgrading to triple-pane windows might not make sense in a hot climate such as Arizona, where they’d only minimally improve energy efficiency. But it’s a smart upgrade in cold climates, where they can shave quite a bit off a heating bill. In a warm climate, you won’t recoup your money from the upgrade unless you plan to remain in the home for decades.

Warranties

Each of the window brands we reviewed offers some type of warranty, whether for labor (also known as an installation warranty), a product warranty, or both. 

“Most homeowners are not aware that the product warranty is different from the installation warranty,” said Sucato. “The first is provided by the manufacturer and the second by the installer.”

Sucato explained that it’s important to review the specific language in both warranties to ensure there are no misunderstandings if you file a claim after your window company installs your windows. Be sure to read the fine print to note any potential warranty coverage issues before you make a purchase, just to be sure you understand the fine print and any exclusions

We recommend choosing a company that offers warranties for the labor and the actual window. Castle Windows and Champion Windows provide limited lifetime warranties on installation and windows, which is tough to beat.

So, What Is the Best Window Brand for Your Home?

Your house, needs, budget, location, and priorities ultimately determine the best window brand for your home. If you need a highly specific window frame, type, or material, this will immediately limit you to a few choices. Other preferences, such as energy-efficient windows or impact windows, will help you narrow your list of possible window providers. 

We recommend gathering multiple free quotes from several of the best window brands and window manufacturers on our list to help you establish a baseline for what your home improvement project will cost. Then, set up free consultations with a few of the window brands to receive customized advice tailored to your home and needs so that you can feel good making your final decision. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Andersen windows quality windows?

Yes, Andersen windows are widely reviewed and respected as high-quality windows made from durable materials like wood, aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. The company also offers exceptional customer service, service offerings, and consultation choices.

How do I find the best window company?

Start by completing online research on the best window brands available on the market and consider your top priorities when choosing the best window company. Ask yourself: Do you need a specific window type, like double-hung or casement windows? What providers are available where I live? What is the company’s reputation like? What about energy efficiency, cost, and warranties?

What types of windows are best for the home?

Double-hung windows are among the most popular residential windows, but many experts agree that casement windows are actually the best for the home. Casement windows are weathertight, keep drafts out, and are good for reducing your energy bills. Champion, Renewal by Andersen, and Window World are some of the best window brands offering casement windows.

What should homeowners consider when choosing energy-efficient windows for their climate?

Start by thinking about your climate, because colder and hotter climates can benefit from different types of windows. Double or triple glazing provides better insulation and low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings reduce heat transfer.

“Look for windows with low U-factors and low Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC). An Energy Star rating indicates the window meets high energy efficiency standards. Choosing windows designed for your specific climate zone can help maximize energy savings,” said Asif Choudry, president of Bahar Consulting.

Meanwhile, Mark Goodman, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors, says, “Poor installation directly impacts the window’s efficiency and will reduce any potential energy-saving benefits and even comfort levels within the home. If the windows are poorly installed or not installed per manufacturer installation guidelines, you are throwing hard-earned money spent on windows down the drain.”

Methodology: How We Rank Window Companies

At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to provide you with the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our window company ratings emphasize what matters most to you—a wide range of well-designed products with reliable installation and great curb appeal.

Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with renovation and building experts. A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across five categories, converted to a five-star scale. We researched dozens of windows installation and replacement companies to develop the following formula:

  • Product Offerings (30 points): Window installers can earn the maximum point value in this category if they offer a wide variety of window styles, frame materials, hardware designs, and glass and coating options. Companies earn more points if they design custom windows for your home. We also score the quality and energy efficiency of the windows each company installs.
  • Service Offerings (10 points): When evaluating this category, we consider factors such as consultations, post-installation cleanup, and additional product offerings. We also look at each company’s installation team structure – including whether it uses certified window installers or subcontractors to complete work – as this can cause variances in quality.
  • Affordability (25 points):  Our affordability rating considers the provider’s average window prices and how they align with industry averages, as well as discounts and payment plans.
  • Warranty and Support (20 points): A best-in-class window installer will back up its work with a solid warranty to give you added peace of mind. Companies receive the maximum point value in this category if they offer lifetime warranties for their products and workmanship.
  • Company Reputation (15 points): To ensure we’re recommending worthwhile installers, we check each company’s reputation and standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider its years of experience in the window industry.

We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Full Bio

Full Bio

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.
avatar for Lora Novak

Lora Novak

Senior Editor

Full Bio

Full Bio

Lora Novak meticulously proofreads and edits all commercial content for Today’s Homeowner to guarantee that it contains the most up-to-date information. Lora brings over 12 years of writing, editing, and digital marketing expertise. She’s worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics.