Jessica Wimmer is a writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in writing reviews and informational articles in the home and pet insurance industries. Jessica analyzes the best brands and has read over 1,000 customer reviews to learn what matters most to buyers. She’s been published in Deep South Magazine, The Dead Mule Journal of Southern Literature and The Deep Water Literary Journal. She’s also a Pushcart Prize nominee, Write Well award winner and former English teacher. Jessica hails from Virginia but currently resides in the Raleigh, North Carolina area.
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Staying within your budget is understandably a main factor when you’re choosing replacement windows. This is just as true whether you need to replace a broken window quickly or update many windows simultaneously.
We surveyed 1,500 window buyers in October 2023 to learn how much they paid for the top window brands and researched the highest-rated companies to see which ones offer the best products and services at the most budget-friendly prices.
Three companies — Milgard Windows and Doors, Champion Windows and Harvey Windows + Doors — came out on top for price. Milgard is our overall choice for cheap window replacement because it has the best customer reviews at its price point, plus a lifetime warranty on some products. Champion and Harvey also have strong reviews, industry certifications and warranty coverage, but are slightly less affordable than Milgard.
You’re probably wondering how much it will cost to replace your home’s windows. The short answer is that replacing one window can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Many factors affect the total cost, such as the brand, window style and size, frame material, installation labor and permitting if your area requires it. Here are more detailed answers to the most common window replacement questions.
According to Home Depot, standard vinyl window styles, such as awning and double-hung windows, average between $825 and $1,400, including installation, permitting and tax. Larger vinyl windows, such as bay windows, can cost as much as $6,000. Wood windows are pricier — wooden awning and double-hung windows average $1,200–$2,200, while wooden bay windows can cost as much as $11,000.
Replacing window glass is only a fraction of the cost of replacing the whole window. However, it’s not always best to only replace the glass, as it can lead to a costlier issue. If you have damaged window glass that’s still within its warranty, replacing it is likely the way to go.
If you have an old, drafty window that lets in moisture or has a damaged frame, you’re better off replacing the entire window with one that’s more energy-efficient. Think of your window like a car. It doesn’t make financial sense to keep fixing each part that breaks on a worn-out car; at some point, investing in a safer, better-performing vehicle makes more sense.
Window installation cost varies based on the type of window, but plan to pay around $50 per worker per hour for basic installation labor. If this added cost makes you consider installing your windows yourself, think twice. Window installation is more complex than it may seem. You may cause extensive damage to your wall, and some window companies will void your warranty coverage if you don’t use a licensed installer.
Our survey of 1,500 window buyers gave us insight into what popular window brands charge for window replacement, but we didn’t base our recommendations on price alone. We used our methodology to further evaluate each brand’s product quality levels, customer service standards, warranty coverage terms and other key attributes. From there, we chose the companies we believe give you the most bang for your buck.
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 4.56 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.
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 a D rating. The brand’s almost 2,000 reviews on Home Depot also give it an impressive 4.7-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.
We averaged the costs reported by survey takers who purchased Milgard windows. The average price for a Milgard window replacement project was $7,166. This figure doesn’t account for the number or type of windows buyers purchased. We do know that those who bought one to five Milgard windows spent an average of $5,225, and those who bought six to 10 windows spent an average of $8,000.
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 get a full lifetime warranty for the V300 and V400 series. This warranty covers all window components for the life of the product.
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, and stainless steel hardware is covered 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.
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. It only makes vinyl and aluminum 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 3.45 out of 5 stars based on more than 1,000 reviews. It also has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on more than 3,500 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.
Survey takers reported spending an average of $7,738 for window projects consisting of one to five windows. For six to 10 windows, homeowners spent an average of $15,492.
Champion makes aluminum and 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.
Harvey Windows + Doors is an Energy Star partner that makes several types of windows. It offers a lifetime warranty for its vinyl replacement windows and many customization options. Harvey windows are rigorously tested 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 manufacturer that doesn’t offer installation. Again, this isn’t bad, but it’s worth noting since you’ll need to find an installer. Our biggest fault with Harvey’s products is that the company doesn’t place as much emphasis on design or innovation as we’ve seen from competing window companies. However, if you’re OK with a simpler look, this may save you money.
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 4.81 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 B. 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.”
According to our survey data, those who purchased one to five windows from Harvey spent an average of $11,166 on their window project. Those who bought six to 10 windows spent an average of $12,580.
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.
These window brands didn’t make our top three, but we think they are worth including for their reputation and popularity. Each scored between 4.2 and 4.6 out of 5 stars based on our methodology, but we found discrepancies in Renewal by Andersen’s pricing and Pella’s customer reviews are mixed.
Renewal by Andersen uses high-performance, low-emissivity (low-e) glass and argon gas insulation to manufacture some of the most highly energy-efficient windows.
It earned 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. It’s also a repeat winner of the J.D. Power “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Window and Patio Door Manufacturer Brands” honor.
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. The bigger problem is the long wait times between ordering windows and installation. While we like that Renewal is a full-service installer, waiting several months, as many reviews suggest, for installation isn’t ideal.
The company has an A+ rating from the BBB and mixed customer reviews on this and other review sites. However, we found positive reviews, including this one from Michael, that describe great product quality, professionalism from the installation team and friendly customer service.
Others mention difficulty with warranty claims, long waits and pushy sales tactics. Molly cited a long wait for a part replacement, as many reviewers have echoed.
Renewal is highly awarded and makes some of the best windows in the industry, but it didn’t make our top three due to differences in the window costs our survey takers reported and what we see in customer reviews. Customers report high prices. Some say the company charged more than any company they received an estimate from. However, our survey takers report low spending, only slightly above Milgard’s pricing. Buyers spent an average of $5,112 on window projects consisting of one to five windows and $13,367 on six to 10 windows.
Most Renewal by Andersen’s windows have a wooden interior frame and either an aluminum, composite or vinyl exterior. Its window styles include the following:
The brand’s limited warranty is transferable and includes the following:
Pella 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.
Our primary concern with the company pertains to the negative customer reviews it has received. We’ve noticed some recurring themes in these reviews, which are detailed below. Additionally, we’re not fans of Pella’s shorter glass and hardware warranty.
Pella has an A+ rating on the BBB, but its customer ratings and reviews are low. 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.
Our survey data shows buyers spent an average of $8,664 when buying one to five Pella windows and $13,010 when purchasing six to 10 windows.
Pella makes vinyl, wood and fiberglass windows. Its selection includes the following styles:
Pella’s warranties vary by window material.
When making a big investment in your home, upfront cost shouldn’t be your first priority. Don’t forget that forgoing quality can become a costlier issue down the line. It’s wiser to pay more upfront for a long-lasting, high-performing window than a cheap option that needs repair or replacement in just a few years.
You don’t have to sacrifice quality to find an affordable window replacement company. We recommend looking at the following factors to ensure a company is still on the up and up even with budget-friendly prices.
An Energy Star partnership and NFRC certification indicate that a window manufacturer produces quality products. Regarding window installers, if a company doesn’t have the industry licensure your state requires, walk away. You can find licensure information by looking at your state’s contractor license board website.
An online search can tell you whether the company has any lawsuits or negative media coverage. A good place to check is the BBB. There, you can also find customer reviews for most companies. We suggest reading as many reviews as possible across sites such as Trustpilot, Google Reviews, Yelp and Best Company. Note any patterns of poor product quality or customer service.
Ask to see a company’s warranty policy before purchasing, and be sure to read the fine print. A company with a weak warranty is likely one that either doesn’t stand behind its products or doesn’t want to do right by its customers. Reputable window companies commonly cover window glass for 20 years, nonglass window components for at least 10 years and labor for at least two years.
The most impactful cost factors when buying windows include the following:
Many window manufacturers and installers offer financing options or partner with a financing company to help you pay for window replacement. The easiest route is to get financing through the brand you purchase from, but you don’t have to if the terms don’t work for you.
You can also talk with your bank about a low-interest home equity loan or a home equity line of credit. If you don’t have much equity built up in your home, consider a personal loan. Just be sure you can make monthly payments and are comfortable with the interest rate and loan terms.
Another way to reduce your upfront expense is to look for window discounts. Many manufacturers offer discounts for purchasing windows in bulk instead of just one or two at a time. If your windows are old and drafty, they’re likely running your HVAC system pretty hard and increasing your monthly energy bill. Buying several new windows at once is more expensive initially, but their energy performance can save you money over time.
Some window replacement companies offer time-sensitive discounts and rebates. Check brands’ websites and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency for your state’s most up-to-date list of energy-efficiency incentives.
Another smart way to save on window replacement costs is to shop during the off-season. Window companies are at their least busy during the winter months. If you live in an area with milder winters, this can be a good way to get a deal from companies looking for business. However, remember that window replacement requires open window casings for a few hours or days, so this isn’t a good option if you live somewhere where temperatures are constantly below freezing.
Cheap window replacement doesn’t have to mean poor quality or service. The brands that made our list are certified by reputable organizations and produce high-quality windows.
We most recommend Milgard for cheap window replacement. Our survey participants reported it as having the lowest prices among top brands; plus, it has excellent customer reviews and lifetime warranty coverage for some window lines.
Harvey may be a good choice for those living in the eastern United States because it tailors its energy features to these climates. Champion is also a great option for full-service installation without breaking the bank.
You can get started with any of these companies by requesting a free quote online or by phone. We recommend getting a quote from a few companies and comparing them to find the best price.
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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