Window replacement companies: Our top picks for 2024

Imagine a loud noise disrupting your peace during quiet hours or walking into a room that feels several degrees colder than normal only to notice an abnormal amount of condensation on the windows. These occurrences can signal it’s time to replace your windows.

With so many window options and costs, window replacement can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll review which providers made our list of the best window replacement companies so that you can choose the right company for the job.

Why we picked Andersen Windows

Andersen is a well known brand that’s been around since 1903. It places No. 1 in our ratings because of longevity, range in pricing, available options and customer reviews. Andersen owns Renewal by Andersen, a full-service company that replaces and installs windows. It also owns Fenetres MQ, a luxury windows and doors company.

Andersen Windows offers new windows and doors that residential and commercial customers must install themselves or hire a certified contractor to install. Products come in standard and customized sizes and are manufactured from vinyl, aluminum, wood, fibrex (a composite) and fiberglass.

If you want to visit a showroom, Andersen likely has one near you. Private stores and retail stores such as Home Depot carry the brand. Its products are available throughout the U.S., Canada and some international locations.

The company provides quality products, however, it doesn’t offer a lifetime warranty. Instead, there is a 20-year glass warranty, a 10-year non-glass component warranty and a two-year installation warranty with independent certified contractors.

Who should use Andersen Windows

If you have a large budget, Andersen is worth the price, particularly for those who want an accessible manufacturer with a reputation for quality materials and good customer service.

Pros and cons of Andersen Windows

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Why we picked Champion Windows

With 70 years in the windows industry, Champion Windows has a recognizable name. It places high in our ratings due to its pricing, lifetime warranty and variety of products. The company manufactures windows, doors, siding and sunrooms and has locations in 30 states.

Champion Windows is the sister company to Universal Windows, which are both owned by Great Day Improvements. Similar to Universal, Champion is a full-service company. It will handle your window design and creation and install your windows.

Its products are backed by a transferable limited lifetime warranty, meaning if you sell your home, the warranty will get transferred to the new homeowner. A great bonus is that Champion will replace broken windows too. This policy, frequent discounts and various finance offers are keys to Champion’s success and popularity.

The downside to Champion’s offerings is its framing material. It offers vinyl only. While this can keep costs low for customers with a limited budget, those seeking variety may feel left out. Champion requires customers to get in-home or virtual estimates before you can get a quote, which could make cost comparison difficult while you’re doing initial research. More flexibility with getting quotes could benefit prospective buyers.

Who should use Champion Windows

Customers looking for an all-in-one shop with financing and frequent discounts should consider Champion Windows. As long as you’re fine with vinyl windows and are located within states that Champion services, you’ll end up with a quality product and a limited warranty that lasts the entire lifespan of your window.

Pros and cons of Champion Windows

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Why we picked Universal Windows

Universal Windows Direct specializes in vinyl windows. It’s rated the best for window and exterior home replacement due to its additional home exterior offerings. Other products include doors, siding, gutter protection and roofing, giving Universal an all-inclusive feel.

Although the framing material for its windows is limited to vinyl, Universal still offers custom manufacturing, a variety of color choices and decorative glass and hardware options.

Energy-efficient low-emissivity (low-E) coated glass with argon gas filling is standard for its windows. Low-E glass is coated with metallic oxides that allow natural light through the window while reducing infrared and ultraviolet light. Gas-filled panels consist of two or three glass panes with a gaseous element — such as argon or krypton —  that fills the space between the panes. Low-E and gas-filled panes help insulate your home in summer and winter.

Optional upgrades include double- and triple-paned glass with argon in its air spaces and super spacers. Super spaces are non-metal spacers placed between the window panes to help limit heat transfer and control condensation.

Although its services are available in just about a quarter of the United States, customer reviews indicate positive experiences with its service and support. One reason may be the lifetime warranty on its products. Universal offers a “true lifetime warranty,” which includes glass and other components, hardware and installation. The warranty is also transferable to a new homeowner for up to 20 years.

Who should use Universal Windows

Consumers who have a limited budget for their window replacement project but want to customize their windows will benefit from Universal. Also, those with home improvement projects that include more than just windows should consider Universal.

Pros and cons of Universal Windows

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Why we picked Window Nation

While other manufacturers sell and, in some cases, install their own products, Window Nation has a different approach. It sells, installs and warranties multiple window brands.

Along with windows, the company offers doors and siding. With 1,500 color and style combinations, customers can match the products to their individual style. Glass options include double- and triple-paned windows. Both come with low-E coated glass and gas-filled panes.

One of Window Nation’s strengths is customer support. Customers can make payments or complete forms online for specific repair services. The company even provides a phone number for customers to dial in case of emergency. All windows have a limited lifetime warranty subject to the manufacturers’ guidelines.

There are still some areas of concern for Window Nation. It’s fairly new to the industry, and there isn’t a good balance of customer reviews yet. It’s also not available everywhere: There are just 26 showrooms across 18 U.S. states. If potential customers are willing to try Window Nation, the lack of availability could make it difficult.

Who should use Window Nation

If you’re interested in various brands and don’t want to schedule a consultation with each one, Window Nation’s ability to bring several brands to you may be what you’re looking for.

Pros and cons of Window Nation

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Why we picked Castle Windows

Castle Windows is a family-owned company that’s been around for more than 40 years. It’s a highly awarded company that produces windows, doors, roofing and siding.

After purchasing windows from Castle, you can call customer service at any time. You can also go to the website to submit inquiries and service requests or email customer care for help. There’s a chat feature available for quick questions too.

When Castle says it offers a true lifetime warranty, it’s serious. Castle compared its warranty to that of other window manufacturers. Where others have gaps, Castle offers full coverage. Even glass components, whether accidentally damaged or not, are covered. It doesn’t prorate costs, and labor is included at no charge.

The company manufactures the most popular window styles, but unfortunately, you can purchase only vinyl windows from Castle. Another potential issue is that Castle Windows is available in just 11 states, so only a select few can benefit from its repair services and excellent warranty.

Who should use Castle Windows

Budget-conscious homeowners looking for vinyl windows in popular styles and who want a company that can measure, manufacture and install their windows may benefit from Castle. Its lifetime warranty will come in handy for peace of mind.

Pros and cons of Castle Windows

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Why we picked Window World

Window World is a home improvement company with nearly 30 years of industry experience. Along with windows, it sells doors, siding, shutters and garage doors. It also includes a lifetime warranty with all of its windows.

The company has 200 locations across 48 U.S. states. It offers various window brands and includes installation as part of the package. In terms of affordability, Window World’s prices fall in line with competitors. However, it offers flexible financing options for those who can’t afford to pay the full price upfront.

You can apply for financing online or by visiting a local store. Once approved, you can use your line of credit for future projects or products sold by Window World. Conveniently, you can make your monthly payments online.

Even though Window World offers a variety of products, it sells only vinyl windows. Full customization won’t be available if you want other framing materials. Unlike other companies that don’t put a timeline on transferring your warranty, if you move or sell your home, your warranty is transferable for 30 days.

Who should use Window World

Window World is a good option for homeowners interested in vinyl windows who want to see window options in-store and may need financing.

Pros and cons of Window World

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Why we picked Harvey Windows

Harvey Windows and Doors has been in business for more than 60 years. It produces vinyl windows and a high-quality wood line, and it offers a lifetime warranty on its vinyl windows.

Its windows are competitively priced and include multiple customization options. Vinyl windows come in seven colors, while wooden ones come in five. Customers can select from three low-E glass types and various grid configurations, hardware and screens.

There are a few downsides to choosing Harvey. While its vinyl windows are covered by a lifetime warranty, its wood line is covered for 10 years. Wooden windows are typically more expensive, so consider these warranty limitations as you continue your research.

Selecting Harvey Windows also means selecting a separate installer or installing them yourself because the company doesn’t offer installation. Finally, Harvey Windows is mostly available on the East Coast, so homeowners in other states may have trouble getting Harvey products.

Who should use Harvey Windows

If you have a preferred contractor, Harvey Windows is a great choice because it doesn’t offer in-house installation. Harvey Windows may suit people who live on the East Coast, want a skilled company that offers affordable wood or vinyl windows and don’t mind contacting an installer.

Pros and cons of Harvey Windows

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Why we picked Marvin

Marvin has one of the longest histories in the business and scores well for its customizable color options. You can further customize Marvin to your liking, as it offers aluminum, wood and fiberglass framing for its windows. Exterior colors vary depending on the framing material you choose, but there are up to 19 color options. Windows ordered from Marvin can be standard sizes or custom designed to the customers’ specifications.

Along with windows, Marvin sells doors, skylights and spaces known as Skycove, which are large garden windows with built-in seating. One bonus of selecting Marvin is its home technology connection. Its Awaken Skylight, Automated Multi-Slide door, Automated Awning Window and Automated Casement Window can integrate with your smart home technology or stand alone. Marvin also owns Infinity from Marvin, a full-service window replacement company.

With all Marvin does well, it doesn’t offer vinyl windows, a popular, more affordable material.

There’s an additional step if you choose Marvin: Customers must search its directory for authorized dealers to place an order. Once the dealer works with Marvin to design the windows, the dealer will take care of the installation.

Who should use Marvin

If you’re into next-level functionality, you’ll enjoy the option to automate your windows and doors. Customers with a flexible budget seeking custom designs and extensive color options for their windows will appreciate what Marvin has to offer.

Pros and cons of Marvin

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Honorable mentions

How to choose the best window replacement company for your home

As someone currently shopping for home improvement materials, I have come up with a process that works well. My first step is to determine my budget, and then research companies that offer products that fit within my parameters.

The following steps will help you select a window replacement company:

How much does window replacement cost?

The cost of window replacement depends on several factors including, type of window, size of window, custom or standard, frame material of replacement, location of the window, how many you wish to replace and labor costs.

How do you know when to replace your windows?

There are usually multiple signs your windows need to be replaced. Ask yourself the following questions.

Increased energy bills

Check your energy bills. Compare last year’s bills with this year’s and see if numbers are trending upward. Energy-efficient windows can save you hundreds of dollars and eventually pay back the installation cost.

Window decay or deterioration

If you notice any decay or deterioration, it’s time to replace your windows. You should replace them sooner rather than later because decayed windows can become a safety hazard, causing the glass to slip.

In this case, might have a window repair professional take a look to see if they can save the glass and replace the frame only. A full replacement is much more expensive than replacing the insert, so this could be an easy way to save money.

Difficult to operate windows

If you start having difficulty with opening or closing your windows, it could be time to replace them or, at the very least, call a window repair company.

Stuck windows are a safety hazard that may hinder you in an emergency, and applying force to a stuck window can be dangerous because you could crack the glass or damage the sash.

Local vs. national window installers: Which is best for you?

Deciding whether to choose a local or national installer depends on your project, budget and preferences. A local installer may be best if you want frequent contact with the installer. They may be able to give you excellent customer service and quote a great price.

A national installer might work best for someone who values options over a closer relationship. They might have a larger budget or be interested in financing their project if costs are high.

Local window installer

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National window installer

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DIY window replacement vs. hiring a professional installer

If you have the time, skill and equipment, you may be able to install your own windows and save on cost. However, if anything goes wrong with the installation, you will potentially void the manufacturer’s warranty, causing you to be out hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

Although professional installation is more costly, there’s no replacement for a job done right, on time, and one that keeps your warranty in place.

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