Heat gain and loss through your windows are responsible for 25%–30% of your HVAC system’s energy use. If you have old windows, you need to look no further than your monthly electric bill for a reason to upgrade.
We ranked window brands Renewal by Andersen, Castle Windows and Harvey Windows + Doors as our top picks. Renewal by Andersen is our overall winner thanks to its many customization options, industry certifications and awards, and longtime positive reputation. Castle Windows is a great option for those prioritizing top-tier warranty coverage, and Harvey is unbeatable in window variety.
Today’s window manufacturers prioritize energy efficiency and quality performance. We researched the best window brands in the industry, comparing and scoring them on product selection, features, warranty coverage, cost, customer service and more.
Our top choices for best window brands
Consider factors such as the best time to get replacement windows, how much to budget and what energy-efficiency features you want to help you choose the right windows for your home.
Your windows will tell you when it’s time to replace them. Drafts, high energy bills, condensation, moisture buildup between panels, visible damage and poor operation are all signs you need an upgrade.
You may want to invest in new windows if you desire special features, such as noise reduction, storm protection or smart-home integrations.
Window replacement pricing varies based on window type, size, material and features, plus which installation company you hire. Home Depot notes that vinyl windows average between $800 and $1,900, though larger, more complex windows such as bays and bows are the exception at up to $6,000. Wood windows range from $1,200–$3,800, though bays and bows could cost as much as $11,000.
We suggest prioritizing energy efficiency when looking for windows. Today’s best window manufacturers include energy-saving features that help reduce heating and cooling bills. They can also aid in making your home more comfortable and protect your furniture, walls and flooring from fading due to UV rays.
Look for the Energy Star sticker that tells you a window went through rigorous testing and is suitable for your climate before purchasing windows.
| Provider | Our Rating | Glass and Hardware Warranty | Labor Warranty | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10–20 years | 2 years | Start quote | ||
| Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | Start quote | ||
| 3 years to limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | Start quote |
We used our methodology to assess the most popular window companies, analyzing product performance, warranty coverage and more. We also read through customer reviews to gauge companies’ services and warranty claim handling. The following companies scored the highest, making them the brands we recommend most for your window project.
Renewal by Andersen
Castle Windows
Harvey Windows + Doors
Champion Windows
Marvin Windows & Doors
Best of the rest
While the following providers didn’t make our top five, they still scored at least 4 out of 5 stars in our methodology and are worth looking at for their products and services.
Pella
Simonton Windows
Compare window prices
We surveyed 1,500 window buyers in October 2023 about the brand they bought and how much they paid for differing project sizes. According to respondents, Renewal by Andersen, Castle and Pella have the most affordable window prices.
| Provider | 1–5 Windows | 6–10 Windows | 11+ Windows |
| Renewal by Andersen | $5,112 | $13,367 | $20,922 |
| Castle | $10,475 | $16,690 | $19,872 |
| Harvey | $11,166 | $12,580 | $27,431 |
| Champion | $7,738 | $15,492 | $28,825 |
| Marvin | $12,612 | $18,341 | $20,499 |
Homeowners guide: How do you choose the right windows?
Replacing your home’s windows is a big investment. Below are some tips to help you get the best value.
Choose the right NFRC rating
We recommend purchasing NFRC– and Energy Star-certified windows. This means the windows have undergone rigorous energy performance testing. You’ll see a sticker for each on the windows listing these certifications, but 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 ratings certified by the NFRC and vary for each climate zone.
Here are a few definitions to know so you can decipher the label:
- 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): This figure 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 .40 for a northern climate, less than .40 in 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.
- 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.
To ensure your windows are high-performance and have truly undergone proper testing, Michelle Blackston, NFRC Senior Director of Development and Engagement, said, “You want the window to have both labels because that’s the only way you can guarantee that the window will do what it says it’s going to do.”
She let us know that if you see a window with an Energy Star sticker but not an NFRC sticker, that should cause doubt about who you’re buying it from. “I would ask to see the NFRC label because you can’t have one without the other. You can’t have the Energy Star label and not the NFRC label.”
Consider the long-term value
Going with the most budget-friendly window shouldn’t be your main goal. You need to consider the return on investment over the lifetime of the windows you choose. Windows have an average lifetime of 15 to 30 years, with glass typically maintaining performance for 20 years. In that time, energy-efficient windows can dramatically reduce your electricity bills.
Windows with low-emissivity window glass coatings and argon gas insulation better regulate your home’s temperature so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, lowering energy usage and preserving your system.
According to the EWC, replacing inefficient windows with energy-efficient ones reduces cooling costs by 11%–37% and heating costs by at least 15%. Remodeling Magazine reports that window replacement projects have one of the highest cost recoup percentages of any home improvement project at 68.5% for vinyl windows and 61.2% for wood windows.
In addition to the financial benefits of installing new windows, you can save money on the purchase. There are several state and federal financing options and incentives to help you reduce your investment. We recommend looking into the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s property improvement loan program, as well as the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency and the Energy Star Rebate Finder.
Select the appropriate window material
When choosing the best window material for your home, you should consider the following four factors:
- Appearance
- Maintenance
- Performance
- Price
You want a window that looks great, lowers your energy bill and is easy to maintain at the price you’re willing to pay for those features.
Wood windows look great but require more upkeep. If you live in a coastal area, you can expect a shorter life span on them, as the salty air will degrade them faster. If you want easy maintenance and high performance, vinyl and fiberglass are good options, though they don’t offer the curb appeal of wood. Aluminum windows are highly durable and low maintenance, but they’re not as insulative and are prone to condensation.
All window materials have pros and cons, but we recommend prioritizing the window’s climate zone performance and longevity. Opt for vinyl or fiberglass windows, which perform better and last longer. You’ll save money on electricity, have a more comfortable home, and get more years out of your investment.
Ask your installer the right questions
Spending wisely on your window project isn’t just about choosing affordable windows; it also comes down to choosing the right window installer. An installer who doesn’t install your windows correctly can cancel out the great energy-efficiency features you paid for and cause you unexpected expenses.
We suggest asking an installer these questions before hiring them:
- Are you licensed to install windows in this state?
- Can you provide a written estimate before starting?
- Do you specialize in installing this window type?
- Can I see your labor warranty details?
- How long will installation take?
- Who will install the windows? What training do your technicians have?
- How will you protect my home during installation?
The most important factors to look for are state licensure, installation experience, and trained and background-checked installers. You may want to ask friends, family members or neighbors for recommendations if they’ve used a window installation company.
Final take: Renewal by Andersen gets our vote for top window brand
Don’t rush your window decision. Researching brand options and what they offer goes a long way in ensuring you get long-lasting, high-quality windows at an affordable price. Our pick for the best replacement window brand is Renewal by Andersen. Using our methodology, its window performance and customer service score highest.
Regardless, we recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to compare pricing. You should also read customer reviews and review warranty policy details carefully before making a final decision.
Our rating methodology for window providers
Our aim is to provide you with the information you need to assess and choose a window company when updating or replacing your windows. We conducted research to thoroughly understand the window industry from both a consumer and company perspective.
Our in-depth methodology compares window companies based on various attributes, including window options, energy efficiency, warranties, reputation, reviews, customer service, communication, installation and other services. Each attribute is worth points that add up to a possible total of 100. We then translate that score into our 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
BBB and Trustpilot scores are accurate as of December 2023.
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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Renewal by Andersen is a popular and distinguished brand in the window replacement industry. It’s highly awarded and well-certified, and we learned why in our analysis of its warranty policy, customer reviews, pricing and service. The brand’s warranty coverage and commitment to energy efficiency are big pluses. Our ride-along with one of the company’s installers…
Champion Windows is a well-respected brand in the home improvement industry, which is seen in its many awards, certifications and online ratings. Overall, its commitment to energy efficiency and various styles make it a good option if you’re looking for replacement windows. However, it’s not a nationwide company and only sells windows in two materials,…
Our Harvey windows review examines pricing, customer feedback and more. While the brand offers a large product selection, its warranty coverage is limited.