Renewal by Andersen topped our list of best replacement windows because of its top-quality windows, industry credentials and solid warranties. The windows you choose make a big difference in your home’s comfort, how hard your HVAC system works and the number you see on your monthly energy bill.
While replacement windows are expensive, many brands provide financing options to fit your monthly budget. Also, reputable brands have warranties that protect your investment — some for the window’s lifetime. We considered each brand’s window selection, energy efficiency, customer reviews and warranty coverage when selecting our top choices.
The 5 best replacement windows
- Renewal by Andersen: Our top pick
- Harvey Windows + Doors
- Champion Windows
- Castle Windows
- Pella Windows
Compare top choices for replacement windows
If it’s your first time buying replacement windows, you may be wondering what to look for. To sum it up, opt for the type of window you want with the performance you need at the price you can afford. Choose performance over aesthetics if your budget requires you to compromise. Here are a few more things to know when replacing your windows.
Window replacement costs vary greatly based on style, size, materials and energy features. According to Home Depot, standard window types, such as double-hung windows and awning windows, cost between $825 and $1,400. Popular casement windows average $1,000–$1,900, depending on size. Large varieties, such as bay windows, can cost several thousand dollars. These price ranges include permitting, installation and tax.
The most common window materials are vinyl, wood, aluminum and fiberglass. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum and vinyl windows are the most budget-friendly, but they’re not as attractive as wood, and aluminum is prone to rust.
Wood windows have classic curb appeal but are high-maintenance and expensive. Fiberglass windows are durable and long-lasting but harder to customize. Most homeowners opt for vinyl windows. They’re affordable, low-maintenance and energy-efficient.
We don’t recommend installing windows yourself. Window replacement is a bigger project than you may realize. You can end up with wall damage and an even bigger, more costly project to take care of. The most common mistake with a do-it-yourself installation is improper sealing, which leads to air and moisture leaks that make your home drafty and can lead to mold. You may also void your warranty coverage if a licensed professional doesn’t install your windows.
Best replacement windows
We tested the industry’s leading window companies using our methodology. We rated them based on their window styles and materials, energy features, Better Business Bureau (BBB) and customer ratings, industry certifications and more. The following brands scored the highest, ranging from 4.2 to 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Best of the rest
While these window brands didn’t rank as highly as our top three, they still deserve an honorable mention for their selection and customer satisfaction.
How do you choose the best replacement window?
Finding the right windows takes some vetting. We recommend that you do the following:
1. Check available styles and materials
There’s no point in considering a company that doesn’t have the type of windows you want. Most window companies have a drop-down menu on their website that tells you which window styles they offer, such as awning, casement, garden, picture or single-hung windows.
You may have to dig deeper to see the company’s window materials. Almost all make vinyl windows, but some have two or three more options. Choose the style and materials that suit your climate and budget and blend well with your existing windows.
2. Verify performance certifications
Don’t purchase any window without checking that it’s certified by top industry organizations that indicate high performance. Look for the Energy Star label that tells you the window has undergone rigorous performance testing and which climate it’s suitable for. Also, look for the NFRC label that indicates independent testing by one of the most respected organizations in the industry.
Highly energy-efficient windows are worth investing in. Replacing old windows with efficient ones lowers heating costs by at least 15% and cooling costs by 11%–37%, according to the EWC.
3. Read the warranty policy
All companies worth buying from provide a manufacturer’s warranty, and installers should provide a labor warranty. The longer and more comprehensive a window warranty, the better. Most companies cover window glass and other components for 10–20 years and labor for at least two years. The best warranty is a lifetime warranty, which covers window parts for their life span. Most companies link their warranty policy on their site. Be sure to read the fine print.
4. Decide what type of service you want
A full-service company installs the windows it manufactures. It handles everything in-house, so your warranties will be from one company, and your installation team will be certified in installing that company’s products. A company that isn’t full-service only manufactures windows but doesn’t install them, so you’ll have to hire an outside contractor.
Many brands that aren’t full-service have a page on their site listing a dealer network. These are dealers the brand has vetted and trusts to install its windows. A full-service window installer may be easier to work with, but don’t count out outside dealers if a company you like isn’t full-service.
5. Research brand reputations
All major businesses have an online reputation now, even window companies. Search around online to see what others have to say about the company. Note if a brand has any lawsuits, and look at scores on review sites such as the BBB, Trustpilot, Yelp and Google.
We always recommend reading testimonials. Look to see if there are common themes, such as poor customer service, low product quality or scam issues. Also, look at a company’s years of experience and any licensure your state requires.
Final take: Renewal by Andersen, Harvey and Champion are the best for window replacement projects
Renewal by Andersen, Harvey and Champion are at the top of our list of the best window replacement companies because of their quality products and reputation.
Renewal is an all-around solid choice due to its certifications, focus on energy efficiency and high-quality, full-service installation. Harvey has exceptional customer reviews and a wide selection of styles, and it’s ideal if you live on the East Coast since it tailors its features to these climates. Champion provides various installation services, is highly credentialed and has many favorable reviews from past customers.
Check to see which companies offer the window types and materials you want, then get a quote from each to compare pricing and see which is best suited for your budget. You should also check out and request quotes from other companies to see how they compare.
Our rating methodology for replacement window providers
We research, review and rate window brands to help ensure you pick a window brand that meets your needs and fits your budget the next time you need to install new windows. Our research includes interviewing experts in the window industry, collecting data through proprietary surveys, reading hundreds of customer reviews on third-party websites and reviewing each brand’s website to gather as much information as possible about its services, products and warranties.
We assess each window brand in four key areas:
- Window options and installation services
- Brand reputation and reviews
- Energy-efficiency features
- Warranties
Read our full window methodology for more details and information on how we arrived at our conclusion of the best window brands.
BBB and Trustpilot ratings are accurate as of January 2024.
Top local window installation companies
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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