house with yellow siding and one window
Windows

Cheap window replacement: 2024 buyers guide

Join the 3,696 people who have received their free, no-obligation quote over the last month.

Invalid ZIP Code

Enter details in under 3 minutes.

Customers who replaced less 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.

Our research found that Milgard also has some of the best customer reviews compared to its competitors, and it offers a full lifetime warranty on some of its windows. 

In addition to conducting a survey, we performed in-depth research on the best window brands, shadowed a window installation crew and interviewed industry experts to help you choose an affordable window company without sacrificing quality.

How much does window replacement cost?

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.

Does price affect window quality?

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.

What is the cheapest type of replacement window?

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. 

Aluminum

Vinyl

Fiberglass

Wood

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.

Is it cheaper to replace your own windows?

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.

Benefits of DIY installation

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. 

Benefits of professional installation

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.

Two Renewal by Andersen window installation contractors installing a new window.
Renewal by Andersen crew members showed us their window installation process. James Kiefer, Homefront

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.  

Can you finance replacement windows?

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.

Can you choose to only replace a window’s glass?

Yes, you can decide to only replace window glass; the project can be significantly cheaper than replacing the entire window. 

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

How do you choose a cheap window company?

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.

CompanyOverall Rating
Renewal by Andersen4.7
Castle Windows4.4
Champion Windows4.4
Pella Windows4.4
Harvey Windows + Doors4.3
Marvin Windows & Doors4.2
Simonton Windows4.0
Industry Average4.1
Based on our window brand rating methodology section and the average ratings of 14 providers we’ve reviewed

Brand reputation

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. 

CompanyReputation and Reviews Rating
Harvey Windows + Doors4.8
Renewal by Andersen4.7
Champion Windows4.3
Marvin Windows & Doors4.3
Castle Windows4.0
Pella Windows3.9
Simonton Windows3.9
Industry Average4.0

Warranties

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. 

CompanyWarranties Rating
Champion Windows5.0
Castle Windows5.0
Renewal by Andersen4.7
Pella Windows4.7
Harvey Windows + Doors2.3
Marvin Windows & Doors2.3
Simonton Windows2.3
Industry Average3.7

Window options and installation services

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. 

CompanyWindow Options and Installation Services Rating
Marvin Windows & Doors4.8
Renewal by Andersen4.4
Champion Windows4.4
Pella Windows4.4
Harvey Windows + Doors4.4
Simonton Windows4.3
Castle Window4.3
Industry Average4.2

Energy-efficiency features

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. 

CompanyEnergy-Efficiency Rating
Renewal by Andersen5.0
Castle Windows5.0
Pella Windows5.0
Harvey Windows + Doors5.0
Marvin Windows & Doors5.0
Simonton Windows5.0
Champion Windows4.0
Industry Average4.8

Compare top choices for cheap window replacement

To help ensure you’re paying for a quality product from a reputable brand, we created a proprietary methodology to rate window brands. The chart below shows how each window brand stacks up in terms of pricing and warranty offerings. 

Provider Our Rating Glass and Hardware Warranty Labor Warranty Average Project Price Get Started
4.7
10–20 years 2 years $10,252 GET ESTIMATE
4.4
Limited lifetime Limited lifetime $12,970 GET ESTIMATE
4.4
10–20 years 2 years $12,807 GET ESTIMATE
4.3
10–20 years 0 years $9,603 GET ESTIMATE
Provider Our Rating Glass and Hardware Warranty Labor Warranty Average Project Price Get Started
4.7
10–20 years 2 years $10,252 GET ESTIMATE
4.4
Limited lifetime Limited lifetime $12,970 GET ESTIMATE
4.4
10–20 years 2 years $12,807 GET ESTIMATE
4.3
10–20 years 0 years $9,603 GET ESTIMATE
No results were found.
Pricing information shown is averaged from our October 2023 survey of 1,500 homeowners who purchased replacement windows for their homes.

Milgard

Energy Star Certified
GET ESTIMATE

Champion

Energy Star Certified
855-240-6348 GET ESTIMATE

Champion

4.4
Champion review page

Harvey

Energy Star Certified
GET ESTIMATE

Harvey

4.3
Harvey review page

Renewal by Andersen

Energy Star Certified
855-795-1355 GET ESTIMATE

Renewal by Andersen

4.7
Renewal by Andersen review

Pella

Energy Star Certified
866-593-1560 GET ESTIMATE

Pella

4.4
Pella review page

Final take: Milgard Windows and Doors is the top cheap window replacement company

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.”

Our rating methodology for replacement window providers

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:

  • Window options and installation services
  • Brand reputation and reviews
  • Energy-efficiency features
  • Warranties 

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 July 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.

Go Back to Top
More on this topic...
How much does window replacement cost?
house roof with windows
11 types of windows for your home
spacious living room and kitchen interior in home with large wall of windows
Best window installation companies
closeup of window opening
Best replacement windows for your upgrade
new window being installed by hand
Best storm windows
florida beach home closeup of windows and shutters
Renewal by Andersen window review
interior view outward toward fall foliage
Best window brands
windows-homefront
Advertiser disclosure

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.