Best Cheap Window Replacement Companies | 2023 - MarketWatch

Windows are an important part of your home's day-to-day function. Most windows last 15 to 20 years before needing replacement. Unfortunately, this can be a costly project when the time comes around, beginning at around $400 per window and potentially increasing into the thousands.

To help you keep costs low, we at the Guides Home Team have researched the best and cheapest window replacement companies. We reviewed dozens of top window brands and averaged their costs to find the lowest options. We also analyzed warranties to gauge quality and ensure you're making a lasting investment.

Top 7 Affordable Window Replacement Companies

Here are our top picks for window brands:

  • Castle: Our pick for exteriors 
  • Renewal by Andersen: Our pick for variety
  • Harvey: Our pick for customization 
  • Pella: Our pick for standard windows 
  • Marvin: Our pick for wellness
  • Milgard: Our pick for aluminum windows
  • Champion: Our pick for patios

Castle

  • Price range: $300–$1,000
  • Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
  • Warranty: Transferable lifetime warranty
  • States available: 11* 

*Available in Connecticut, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.

Overview

Castle Windows produces high-quality, made-to-order windows in wood, fiberglass and aluminum options. Its windows feature double weather-stripping for added durability, plus a tilt-sash (or the part of the window that opens) for easy cleaning.

Castle also offers doors, roofing and siding services, making it ideal for homeowners revamping their home's entire exterior. The company has a standout transferable lifetime warranty covering all window parts plus workmanship.

Window Types

Here are Castle's available window and door options:

  • Awning windows
  • Basement hoppers 
  • Bay windows 
  • Bow windows
  • Casement windows
  • Double-hung windows
  • Exterior doors 
  • Garden windows
  • Patio sliders 
  • Slider windows
  • Specialty windows

Renewal by Andersen

  • Price range: $500–$2,000
  • Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
  • Warranty: Limited and limited lifetime warranties 
  • States available: 50

Overview

Renewal by Andersen is a subsidiary of Andersen Windows backed by more than 115 years of experience in the windows industry. It's one of the most high-end window replacement services, offering premium windows alongside white-glove installation.

We recommend Renewal by Andersen if you want unique or high-quality windows. The company has a broad selection of more than 35 different window styles, including accent and specialty windows. It also offers extensive customization with various exterior and interior colors, glass types, grilles, and hardware components and colors. You can work with a Renewal by Andersen windows specialist to design your project around your needs and wants, or find Andersen's standard windows at popular retailers such as The Home Depot.

Window Types

Renewal by Andersen produces the following customizable windows and doors:

  • Awning windows 
  • Bay windows 
  • Bow windows 
  • Casement windows 
  • Double-hung windows 
  • Entry doors 
  • Gliding windows 
  • Hinged French patio doors 
  • Pass-through windows 
  • Picture windows 
  • Screen doors 
  • Sliding doors 
  • Specialty windows 
  • Storm doors

Harvey

  • Price range: $500–$1,500
  • Our rating: 4.2 out of 5
  • Warranty: 10-year and lifetime warranties 
  • States available: 16*

*Available in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.

Overview

Founded in 1961, Harvey Windows offers customizable windows at affordable prices. It has several sturdy, Energy Star-certified glass pane options, plus a selection of hardware components, such as dual-action locks and limit latches.

The company's vinyl windows come in black or bronze UV-strength paint coats designed to withstand long-term exposure to intense sunlight. You may also choose from Harvey's composite windows. These come in five BetterGrain interior finishes, which simulate the look of wood windows at more affordable prices.

Window Types

Below are Harvey's window and door options:

  • Awning windows
  • Bay windows
  • Bow windows
  • Casement windows
  • Custom shaped windows 
  • Double-hung windows
  • Entry doors
  • Garden windows
  • Gliding patio doors
  • Gliding windows
  • Hoppers
  • Majesty hinged patio doors
  • Picture windows
  • Single-hung windows
  • Rolling windows

Pella

  • Price range: $300–$4,000
  • Our rating: 4.2 out of 5
  • Warranty: Limited warranties 
  • States available: 50

Overview

Pella is one of the more cost-effective window replacement companies. Its high-quality, eco-friendly vinyl windows are available throughout the United States at popular retailers such as The Home Depot and Lowe's. They come in popular window styles such as double-hung and casement.

Pella also produces higher-priced wood and fiberglass windows in eight window lines. Additionally, it offers unique accent windows, which you can design by requesting a free in-home consultation or by visiting one of Pella's more than 200 showrooms nationwide.

Window Types

Pella's window selection is below: 

  • Awning windows
  • Bay windows
  • Bow windows
  • Casement windows
  • Custom options
  • Double-hung windows
  • Front doors 
  • Patio doors 
  • Picture windows
  • Single-hung windows
  • Sliding window
  • Specialty windows

Marvin

  • Price range: $250–$2,000
  • Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
  • Warranty: Limited warranties 
  • States available: 50

Overview

Marvin Windows offers relatively affordable fiberglass windows through its Essential Series, which includes standard single-hung and awning windows as well as custom, specialty shaped windows.  

The company stands out for its additional wellness features. For example, its Awaken line features tunable lighting that mimics the color temperature of natural light to provide the right light at the right time. The line also uses a four-sided venting system to circulate fresh air into your home, smart sensors that automatically shut the window if rain is detected, and indoor air quality sensors.

Window Types

Marvin's door and window types are listed below:

  • Bay windows 
  • Bi-fold doors 
  • Bow windows 
  • Casement windows 
  • Corner windows 
  • Double-hung windows 
  • Entry doors 
  • Garage doors 
  • Interior doors 
  • Lift and slide doors 
  • Multi-slide doors 
  • Picture windows 
  • Pivot doors 
  • Skylights
  • Specialty windows 
  • Sliding windows 
  • Sliding doors 
  • Swinging doors

Champion:

  • Price range: $400–$1,000
  • Our rating: 3.7 out of 5
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
  • States available: 17*

*Available in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Overview

Champion Windows offers affordable aluminum windows. Its ColorBond aluminum window line uses nontoxic, heat-reflective materials to maintain cool temperatures in your home. Its TimberBond line also uses technology that prevents blistering, peeling and chipping while mimicking the appearance of real wood. 

In addition to windows, Champion offers high-quality sunroom and patio services. The company builds all-season and three-season sunrooms tailored to your home's style and needs. This service includes custom-shaped windows and additional features such as lighting fixtures.

Window Types

Here are Champion's product and service options:

  • All-season sunrooms
  • Basement hoppers
  • Bay windows
  • Bow windows
  • Casement windows
  • Double-hung windows
  • Entry doors
  • Garden windows
  • Glass block windows
  • Patio doors
  • Patio enclosures and covers
  • Picture windows
  • Screen doors
  • Screen rooms
  • Shaped windows
  • Sliding doors
  • Storm doors
  • Three-season sunrooms

What To Consider When Choosing Windows

Choosing replacement windows involves weighing numerous options, including window types, glass options, hardware components and window frame materials.

Window Types

Here is a rundown of common window types and their average pricing.*

  • Awning ($300–$630): Awning windows have a hinge at the top and open outwards. These windows are ideal for adding natural light and airflow without letting rain into your home. 
  • Bay and bow ($2,000–$6,000): A bay window has large glass panes set in an angled frame that protrudes from your home. Bow windows are similar but have a more curved design. Because of their size, these windows are rather expensive.
  • Casement ($527–$1,200): Casement windows use a hand crank to open on a left-to-right axis, similar to a door.
  • Garden ($1,320–$5,300): A garden window, sometimes called a greenhouse window, has a box-like display space that extends from your home so you can grow herbs and plants. 
  • Double-hung ($467 and $1,333): These windows have two movable sashes and open from both sides. They're a popular and affordable option.
  • ​​Shaped ($840–$1,200): Circle windows or other shaped windows are on the higher end of replacement windows costs due to the labor and materials that go into shaping them. However, they add a unique flare to your home. 
  • Single-hung ($108–$380): Single-hung windows operate similarly to double-hung windows but have a fixed lower sash for added security.
  • Picture ($225–$793): Picture windows, also called fixed windows, use one glass pane in a frame that doesn't open. Many picture windows have unique sizes and shapes, so you have to custom order them.

*Cost figures are averaged from multiple 2022 reports, such as The Home Depot. 

Customer Reviews

We recommend reading customer reviews for each window installer you're considering on popular sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google. This will give you insight into previous customers' experiences. Take note of both positive and negative trends, especially regarding the product and installation quality. 

Try to find some reviews that mention the provider's quote process. Take note of whether the reviews mention any discounts or deals. Also, ensure the company stands by its quote and doesn't add surprise fees during or after installation. 

Warranties

Check that any window company you're considering includes a warranty to protect your investment. The coverage level varies by product. High-end options, such as wood windows, typically include more comprehensive warranties. Less expensive options, such as vinyl windows, have shorter warranties of one to two years. Window warranties are typically separated into two warranties: one for workmanship and one for components. 

Lifetime warranties aren't standard in the windows industry. If a window company includes a lifetime warranty, this signifies a quality and secure investment.


How To Choose the Best Window Replacement Company

Begin by deciding which window style(s) you want and whether you want any additional features or customization options. Standard windows will be less expensive than custom windows. Then, look for companies that offer these options at a price point within your budget.

While up-front cost is important, there are other factors to consider. For example, you may save money on energy bills by opting for energy-efficient double-pane or triple-pane windows. Additionally, installing high-quality windows will save you from having to pay for expensive repairs or replace them more frequently.

Use the tool below to get free quotes from some of our top-recommended companies.

The Bottom Line

Cost is only one part of finding the best window replacement company for you. Product selection, customization options, energy efficiency, and other vital factors will also help to narrow down your choices.

Homeowners looking to upgrade their home's entire exterior should consider Castle, which offers high-quality window and door installation alongside roofing and siding services. Pella offers affordable standard windows, while Harvey offers durable products with numerous customization options.

We recommend getting at least three quotes from different window brands to accurately compare pricing and products. Enter your ZIP code in our tool below to get a headstart on scheduling consultations and requesting free quotes.

Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Window Brands

We collected data on dozens of window brands and window replacement companies and created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings. We grade each company and provide objective findings to our readers through this system. The result of weighing a wide range of factors is a cumulative score for each provider.

We called companies and spoke with representatives to understand their products, services and window installation processes. We also reviewed each company's window lines, manufacturing process, and warranties in detail. In addition, we closely examined customer reviews to understand the customer service experience with each provider.

All company data is monitored on an ongoing basis so that all rankings and information remain up-to-date.

Once we gathered all relevant data, we used the following scoring system to grade each window brand on a 100-point scale:

  • Types of Windows Available (27): Does the common offer standard window types, such as double-hung windows and casement windows, as well as specialty windows, such as garden and shaped windows? 
  • Average Cost Range (20): Starting with an average price range of anything less than $350, how much does it cost to order and receive installation for a company's window?
  • Extra Features (13): Does the company provide useful additional features, such as hardware customization, multiple glass options, an Energy-Star certification, and a tilt-in sash feature? 
  • Other Product/Service Options (12): What other services does the company offers, such as exterior doors, interior doors, or other home improvement services like fencing and siding? 
  • Warranty Options (10): Does the company include a manufacturer warranty? Does the company include a workmanship warranty?
  • Reputation (18): What score does the company hold on the Better Business Bureau (BBB)? Does the company hold an accreditation from the website?

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