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Reed McClure is a writer for USA TODAY Homefront. He covers home services industries, including windows, pest control, roofing, HVAC and lawn care. Reed has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University and lives in Savannah, Georgia, with his wife and dog. Outside of writing, Reed enjoys going to the beach, watching his favorite sports teams, playing tennis and exploring new restaurants in Savannah.
Jesus Sanchez Garcia is a senior writer for USA TODAY Homefront. His expertise focuses on home warranties, with over 50 hours spent reviewing provider sample contracts to understand their benefits. He also regularly performs consumer research, such as surveys and customer interviews with an eye on incorporating data into his writing. Jesus has a bachelor’s in business administration from California State University, Stanislaus, and is still located within California’s vibrant Central Valley. When he is not researching or writing, he enjoys supporting his favorite sports teams, spending time with loved ones and chasing new adventures outdoors.
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Milgard Windows and Doors is our top pick due to its low prices and various frame materials.
Champion Windows ranks No. 2 because it offers in-house installation.
Harvey Windows + Doors ranks No. 3 for its high customer ratings and generous vinyl warranty.
Customers who replaced fewer than five windows paid an average of $10,682, according to our October 2023 survey of 1,500 homeowners. Milgard Windows and Doors is our top choice for cheap window replacement because Milgard customers in our survey reported paying an average of $5,804 — nearly $5,000 less than the average price.
Champion Windows and Harvey Windows + Doors also made it into our top three for cheap window companies, though their products are more expensive, based on our survey data. We like that Champion Windows offers online discounts and that Harvey provides a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty on its vinyl windows, meaning you likely won’t pay for repairs if the damage falls within Harvey’s terms and conditions.
To help ensure you’re paying for a quality product from a reputable window brand, we created a proprietary methodology to rate window companies. The chart below shows how each window brand stacks up in terms of pricing and warranty offerings.
What we like
Our survey takers reported Milgard as the most affordable window brand. The first thing that stood out to us when further researching Milgard Windows and Doors was its excellent customer reviews, proving you can get high quality at an affordable price. The brand has 4.5 out of 5 stars from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which is one of the highest customer ratings we’ve seen.
We read approximately 100 reviews and noted that customers consistently praise the company’s products, installation technicians, warranty claim resolution and responsiveness. We also like that the brand offers three window materials and a lifetime warranty on some product lines.
What we don’t like
Despite hundreds of positive customer reviews, Milgard has a D- rating on BBB, though we’re unsure why. You should also know that Milgard is not a full-service company. It only manufactures windows; it doesn’t install them. This isn’t unusual; many window brands aren’t full-service. It does mean you’ll have to hire an outside installer and get a labor warranty from someone other than Milgard.
Milgard has one of the highest BBB scores we’ve seen, but it has a D- rating. The brand’s almost 2,000 reviews on Home Depot also give it an impressive 4.6-out-of-5-star rating.
Positive reviews mention fast and friendly customer service, high window quality and exceptional warranty experiences. We can’t identify a specific pattern from the negative reviews. Negative experiences are mostly isolated, such as the one Harry described on Trustpilot. He noted discrepancies between the products ordered and what arrived, plus long wait times to resolve issues.
Milgard offers three window frame materials; many brands only offer one or two. You can choose from aluminum, fiberglass or vinyl windows. Milgard makes several window styles, including the following:
Milgard varies its warranty coverage by window series. For example, you can upgrade to a full lifetime warranty for the V300 and V400 series. This warranty covers all window components for the product’s life.
A limited lifetime warranty backs all other series. The most notable difference in policy terms is that painted and fiberglass frames have 10-year coverage. Milgard covers stainless steel hardware against corrosion for one year.
You’ll need to get a labor warranty from the installer you choose. Most window installation labor warranties cover workmanship for at least two years.
We averaged the costs reported by respondents who purchased Milgard windows. According to our analysis, the average price for a Milgard window replacement project was $5,932.
This figure doesn’t account for the number or type of windows buyers purchased. According to our survey results, those who bought one to five Milgard windows spent an average of $3,427, and those who bought six to 10 windows spent an average of $6,785.
Champion Windows is highly certified. It carries the AAMA Gold Label from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, a seal of approval for its product quality. It’s also certified by Energy Star, the Efficient Windows Collaborative, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and the Vinyl Siding Institute. We especially like its Energy Star certification, which indicates its windows will aid in keeping your home comfortable and energy bills low.
Champion is a full-service installer, so its in-house team will install your windows and provide a labor warranty.
You won’t get as much variety with Champion as you would with some other window replacement companies because it only makes vinyl windows. It also doesn’t make the popular awning and single-hung window styles.
Champion isn’t rated on the BBB, but it does have a customer rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars. It also has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on more than 3,700 reviews.
Customers who praise the brand reference speedy installations, helpful sales reps and fair pricing. We did, however, notice that Champion has had lower customer reviews in the last year than in previous years. Recent complaints mention pushing back installation dates and taking a long time to resolve issues, which the BBB’s profile page for the company lists an alert for.
Champion makes vinyl windows in the following styles:
Champion provides a limited lifetime warranty on all products. The company doesn’t include a sample policy or offer specifics on its website, but it says it covers every aspect of installation, parts, labor and materials.
Survey takers who purchased Champion windows reported spending an average of $9,140 for window projects consisting of one to five windows. For six to 10 windows, homeowners spent an average of $15,037.
Harvey Windows + Doors is an Energy Star partner that makes several types of windows. It offers a limited lifetime warranty for its vinyl replacement windows and many customization options. Harvey rigorously tests its windows to see how well they block air leakage and UV rays to regulate your home’s temperature and keep your energy bills low. You can also get triple-pane windows, which provide extra insulation.
Harvey is another window manufacturer that doesn’t offer installation. Again, this isn’t bad, but it’s worth noting since you’ll need to find an installer. In addition, it doesn’t offer a labor warranty due to this fact.
Our biggest fault with Harvey’s products is that the company doesn’t place as much emphasis on design or innovation compared with competing window companies. However, this may save you money if you’re alright with a simpler look.
We read more than 100 customer reviews on sites such as BBB and Yelp and were happy to see mostly positive feedback. Harvey has an A+ rating on the BBB and a customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the site — even higher than Milgard.
On BBB, Frank D. says, “As a contractor, it’s great to use a company that not only has quality products but has first-rate, highly qualified certified technicians. The rep was amazing and extremely knowledgeable. Both my customer and myself are extremely satisfied!”
We did find some concerning reviews. They were mostly from customers displeased with the quality and performance of their windows. Yelp user Judy echoed what several Harvey window owners report: “Harvey Majesty wood windows are the worst. I can barely open most of them. The weatherstripping sticks to the window frame when opening and closing the windows so that I have to tilt the windows in and fix the weather stripping almost every time, and their customer service is horrible.”
Harvey makes vinyl and wood windows. Vinyl is the most budget-friendly option and is still durable and low-maintenance. Harvey offers several window types, including the following:
Harvey provides a manufacturer’s warranty for all its products. Its vinyl windows come with a lifetime warranty covering parts and materials. Unfortunately, Harvey’s wood window warranty isn’t as comprehensive. These windows only come with a 10-year warranty. Your labor warranty will come from your installer.
Our survey respondents who purchased one to five windows from Harvey Windows + Doors spent an average of $10,008 on their window project. Those who bought 11 or more windows spent an average of $21,161.
During our ride-along with the Renewal by Andersen installation crew, we noted how friendly and professional the installation team was with the homeowner. They happily answered her questions and even showed her how to clean her windows once installed.
In addition to the friendly installation team we met, Renewal by Andersen uses high-performance, low-emissivity (low-e) glass and argon gas insulation to manufacture some of the most energy-efficient windows.
This dedication to energy efficiency earned the company an Energy Star Partner of the Year award, NFRC certification and SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certification that signals compliance with rigorous indoor air quality emission requirements.
Customer reviews have two primary themes: persistent sales tactics and long installation wait times. Be aware that if you request a quote from Renewal by Andersen, you may receive several sales calls and emails.
We found more complaints about the long wait times between ordering windows and installation. While we like that Renewal by Andersen is a full-service installer, waiting several months for installation, as many reviews suggest, isn’t ideal.
The company has an A+ rating from the BBB and mixed customer reviews on this and other review sites.
We found positive reviews that describe great product quality, professionalism from the installation team and friendly customer service.
On the flip side, other customers mention long waits for installation, persistent sales tactics and difficulty with warranty claims.
The homeowner we met during our ride-along had a completely different experience than customers who left negative reviews. She noted how friendly the salesperson was and that the project timeline was “pretty much right on target.” The Renewal by Andersen team also sent her periodic emails with updates on the project’s progress.
Unlike other brands that offer multiple materials to choose from, Renewal by Andersen only sells an exclusive material called Fibrex. This material is sturdy, low maintenance and provides excellent insulation when paired with high-quality glass.
Its window styles include the following:
The brand’s limited warranty is transferable and includes the following:
Renewal by Andersen is highly awarded and makes some of the best windows in the industry. But customer reviews we read cite receiving higher estimates from Renewal by Andersen than from any other window company.
However, our survey takers report low spending, only slightly above Milgard’s pricing. Buyers spent an average of $6,556 on window projects consisting of one to five windows and $9,742 on six to 10 windows.
Pella Windows has a wide window selection and three frame material options. It designs its windows to be impact-, sound- and weather-resistant. We like that the company offers optional smart home integration, such as remote locking and blind lowering. This means you’ll get increased security and convenience.
We’re not fans of Pella’s inconsistent warranties across its product lines. For example, its fiberglass windows carry a 20-year glass warranty, while its wood products only have a 10-year material warranty.
Though Pella has a D- rating on BBB, we did find several happy customers, some of whom are repeat customers. One noted that she received exceptional customer service and that her home is far more energy-efficient.
Most reviews mention product quality issues, such as window parts that easily break or degrade or windows that don’t perform well. Some customers mention that these issues lead to communication problems and make the whole situation challenging to resolve.
Pella makes vinyl, wood and fiberglass windows. Its selection includes the following styles:
Pella’s warranties vary by window material.
Our survey data shows Pella buyers spent an average of $10,828 when buying one to five Pella windows and $13,841 when purchasing six to 10 windows.
Window replacement ranges from $270 to $5,244 per window, according to our analysis of data from RSMeans, a nationwide construction cost database. However, our research found that the price for new windows varies greatly based on factors such as the brand, frame material, glass type and geographic location.
While researching different window brands and materials, we found that lower-priced windows may not perform as well as higher-priced ones. For example, a more expensive window with triple-pane glass (also known as glazing) could be more energy-efficient than double-pane windows.
However, upgrading to triple-pane glass isn’t always necessary, depending on factors such as your geographic location. Triple-pane windows are more effective at retaining heat than double-pane windows — this is more beneficial in northern climates, where heating bills are more of a concern than in warmer, southern climates.
This same principle applies across the board for everything related to replacement windows. For that reason, we recommend speaking with a professional before making any decisions about buying new windows.
“Homeowners should note that the ‘best quality’ does not necessarily mean the most expensive or the ones from a well-known name brand,” said Sal Sucato, owner of DunRite Windows & Doors in Scottsdale, Arizona. “This is why every homeowner should include at least one window and door company in the quoting process that sells a variety of manufacturers,” he added.
The most common window frame materials are aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass and wood. Jeff Ludy, owner of Houston Window Experts, said that vinyl frames are typically the cheapest option, while wood is the most expensive.
The national average cost to replace a double-hung aluminum window is $1,058, per the RSMeans data we analyzed. Aluminum frames do not handle heat transfer well in colder climates, so this may not be a good fit if you live in a northern state.
Installing a double-hung vinyl window costs an average of $1,137, according to RSMeans data. This price is slightly higher than aluminum’s. Still, vinyl is a much more energy-efficient product in any climate, so it may pay for itself over time by lowering your monthly energy bills.
Fiberglass double-hung windows start at $942 on Pella’s website, which doesn’t include installation. So, these are more expensive than the two options above. But, in Ludy’s opinion, fiberglass has many of the benefits of wood, is impervious to weather and is much more efficient than any other product on the market.
A wood double-hung window costs $1,356 — according to RSMeans data — making it the most expensive option on the market. In addition to the higher upfront cost, wood windows require maintenance and possibly repairs in the long run, adding to the total cost of your investment. However, wood is an aesthetically pleasing material, which can help increase your home’s curb appeal.
DIY window replacement is cheaper than hiring a full-service installation team because you only need to buy the window and the necessary tools for replacement — you don’t need to pay for labor.
Labor for installation ranges from $50 to $200 per hour, according to Cory Buescher, a virtual handyperson expert at Frontdoor, an app that connects tradespeople with homeowners via video chat.
The main benefit of replacing your windows is the amount you’ll save on upfront labor costs. Depending on the time it takes to install the new windows and the installation team’s labor rates, you could save anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
If you’re a true DIYer, installing windows on your own can provide the satisfaction of finishing the project without help from a seasoned professional.
If saving money on window installation is your primary concern, DIY is the best route. But as our team learned, window replacement is not as easy as it may seem, nor is it a one-person job.
We shadowed a Renewal by Andersen installation crew in Charlotte, North Carolina, in June 2024. While watching the installation, we noted that the window replacement process required one crew member inside and two outside.
The outside and inside crew members first worked simultaneously to cut out and remove the old window casing from the wall. Installing the new window took two team members — inside and outside — to align the window and drill it into place. After they set the new window in place, another team member applied spray foam insulation around the frame to further improve the window’s energy efficiency.
In addition to being a labor-intensive and difficult job for a novice, DIY window installation doesn’t come with a labor warranty, which you receive when hiring a reputable window installer. This means that if your windows fail or if you take improper window measurements, you’ll be the one covering the cost of replacing them.
According to Ludy, major retailers likely won’t exchange a window you purchased after you’ve installed it and realized it’s the wrong size.
If budget is a concern, you can finance your windows. Many window manufacturers and installers offer financing options or partner with a financing company to help you pay for window replacement.
Hebert Pupo, a production manager at Renewal by Andersen in Charlotte, North Carolina, said approximately 60% of Renewal by Andersen customers in his region finance their windows through the company or a third party.
Consider taking out a home equity or personal loan with your bank or credit union. But first, ensure you’re comfortable with the interest rate and terms.
Yes, you can decide to only replace window glass; the project can be significantly cheaper than replacing the entire window.
In June 2024, our team ran a focus group with homeowners who’d recently replaced windows. One homeowner, Nate, only replaced the glass in 15 windows and one door and paid slightly over $6,220, including labor.
Note that only replacing the glass may not give you all the energy-saving benefits of full window replacement. This is because high-quality frames provide an extra layer of insulation designed to further reduce air leakage.
Homeowners should note that the ‘best quality’ does not necessarily mean the most expensive or the ones from a well-known name brand. Sal Sucato
Homeowners should note that the ‘best quality’ does not necessarily mean the most expensive or the ones from a well-known name brand.
The best way to choose a cheap window company is to shop around and get at least three estimates for your project. But we don’t recommend choosing a window replacement company solely on price. When we rated window brands, we considered their brand reputation and customer reviews, warranties, installation services and window options — particularly regarding energy efficiency.
The table below shows our overall ratings for some of the top window brands based on our methodology.
When you start your window-buying journey, every company you find will likely claim to be “the best” in one way or another. Don’t just rely on a company’s marketing materials when deciding. Instead, read customer reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
Additionally, talk to your friends, family and neighbors about their chosen window brand. The homeowner we met while shadowing Renewal by Andersen chose them because her sister and neighbor previously had windows installed by the company and had a great experience.
The chart below shows how the window brands we reviewed stack up against each other. Harvey Windows + Doors scored the highest in our “reputation and reviews” methodology, with 4.8 out of 5 stars.
The average life span of a window is 15 to 20 years, according to Sucato. However, accidents happen, and your windows may need replacement again before they hit that 15-year mark. If you buy windows from a brand that offers a lengthy warranty, you likely won’t be responsible for footing the bill for your new windows.
If you choose a window brand that only manufactures windows instead of installing them, you’ll want to ensure that the installation team also offers a lengthy labor warranty.
The chart below details each of our provider’s ratings for the “warranties” rating category. We gave Champion Windows and Castle Windows 5 out of 5 stars because both brands offer limited lifetime warranties on the product itself and labor.
Your windows drastically affect your home’s aesthetics and curb appeal, so you’ll want to buy ones that look good and perform well in terms of energy efficiency. While secret shopping, we noted that some brands offer more window styles and glazing options than others. In our methodology, we awarded more points to companies with multiple window lines.
We also awarded more points to full-service window brands that manufacture and install their products. Our research shows that companies with in-house installers have better quality control on installation, although you’ll pay more overall for your replacement project.
The chart below details each provider’s score for the “window options and installation services” portion of our methodology.
Air leakage through underperforming windows is responsible for 25% to 30% of your monthly heating and cooling costs, according to the Department of Energy. So, upgrading to energy-efficient windows — particularly ones with high energy ratings — can save you money over the life span of your new windows.
Furthermore, you can claim a tax credit by upgrading to Energy Star-rated windows.
While shopping for new windows, check out each company’s energy-efficient models. The chart below shows how we scored top window brands based on the amount of energy-efficient products they carry.
We asked several experts to share their insights about window materials, cost-effectiveness and replacement options.
“If you are looking for longevity and performance, one of the best materials in the industry is fiberglass. It is in the mid-level price point and performs very well in life span, thermal performance and does not expand and contract, which is a leading cause to failures in alternate materials.”
“Vinyl can be a cost-effective material for replacement windows. However, it is important to understand that not all vinyl is created equal. Manufacturers introduce additives into their blends, which improves the performance of the vinyl frames and can increase cost.
“When considering vinyl windows, choose a manufacturer with a warranty that shows a commitment to their product and a statement to the quality of the materials they produce.”
“Choose a low U-factor for better thermal resistance in colder climates. You can improve efficiency even more by selecting triple-pane windows; the additional insulating layer reduces heat transfer and improves the overall energy efficiency of your home.
“Certain products use spectrally selective glass that blocks infrared light while still allowing high levels of visible light — so you can daylight your home while maintaining comfortable temperatures.”
“Nearly all windows sold today have a form of Low-e coating, a metallic coating ranging from a single layer to four layers on the glass surface. This coating helps block UV Light, reflects heat to its source and will have some impact on the amount of light entering the home.”
“Check for failed glass or broken seals, which create condensation between the window panes. Some companies may have a limited warranty for repair.
“Otherwise, you would assess the cost of repair versus replacement on a case by case scenario. If you have a single pane, cracked frames or wood rot, replacement is generally your only option.”
“Figure out the age of the window and the manufacturer. Parts and pieces may no longer be available, pushing you into replacing them. If windows are newer and still perform, you can usually find parts to make them operate properly and not need to be replaced.”
“Fogging or moisture between the panes, corrosion on the spacer between the glass or discoloration in the form of purple, green or blue-ish streaking are some of the most common signs for window replacement. Consider what warranty coverage is included in the glass replacement.”
“Ensuring that the windows and doors are level, plumb, square and true in the opening will guarantee performance and prevent air and water infiltration. Properly sealing and insulating around the units will keep rain and wind outside the home while keeping it very comfortable inside.”
Milgard is our top choice for cheap window replacement, but not based on price alone. In addition to its lower-than-average pricing based on our customer survey, the company offers lengthy warranties on its products and holds a high rating on BBB.
But, as with any major purchase, you shouldn’t rely on price alone to make your decision. Be sure to factor in a company’s services, energy-efficient products, brand reputation and warranties.
“I remind people all the time; cheap labor isn’t skilled, and skilled labor isn’t cheap,” Ludy said. “So, if you want [window replacement] done right, you’re probably going to pay a little bit more than you’re comfortable with, but it’s worth doing it right.”
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:
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 scores are accurate as of August 2024.
Cost information in this article, where noted, was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.
Local costs were determined using RSMeans project estimates combined with local labor costs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and cost data from home improvement stores. We also interviewed homeowners from around the country to validate local costs.
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.
To determine replacement window costs, we reviewed the best window brands, surveyed 1,500 homeowners about what they paid for their windows, spoke to experts and sourced pricing data. We found that the cost for a vinyl, double-pane window ranges from $792 to $1,429 on average, and a wood double-pane window ranges from $1,400 to $1,806.…
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Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.