Replacing your home’s windows can get pricey in a hurry. But you don’t have to spend top dollar to get decent quality.
Sure, there are tradeoffs. But cheap window replacement companies like Universal Windows Direct offer options starting at around $350 per window, nearly $1,000 less than higher-end brands charge.
The right window can help keep you comfortable year-round while cutting down on energy bills. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re buying quality windows, not just the cheapest ones.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best affordable window replacement providers, highlighting their prices, features, and value so you can make a smart investment without overspending.
- Price Range: $1,200+
- Glass and Hardware Warranty: 10–20 years
- Labor Warranty: 2 years
- BBB Rating: A+
- State Availability: 47 states
- Installs its own patented Fibrex framing
- Includes a transferable 20-year warranty on glass and a 10-year warranty on nonglass materials
- Holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Doesn’t carry aluminum, fiberglass, or wood frames
- Can have long wait times between consultation and installation, according to customer reviews
You can purchase the following window styles from Renewal by Andersen:
- Awning
- Bay/bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Sliding/gliding
- Specialty windows with geometric shapes
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
What Are the Most Affordable Window Replacement Companies?
Here are our top picks for the six cheapest window replacement companies and what makes each of these top-rated window brands stand out among competitors:
Champion
4.3
Our Rating
Champion is our choice for “Best Customer Service” because of its over 65 years in the industry and excellent reputation for strong customer service. The company provides many communication options, including virtual consultations, an online chat feature, and in-home consultations, to make setting up your window replacement project easy.
Champion Windows 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 that its windows will help keep 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. The brand offers an extensive product selection, with nine window types, and has a reputation for reliability and installation, making it a solid choice for many homeowners.
Champion offers less variety than some other window replacement companies. It manufactures vinyl windows, but not single-hung window styles.
We also don’t like that Champion isn’t accredited or rated by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a helpful tool for vetting a company’s reputation. Champion has also 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.
| Our Rating | 85.5 / 100 |
| BBB Rating | Not Rated |
| Average Price Range | $850–$1,200 per window |
| Offers Free Consultation | Yes |
| Energy-efficient Windows Available | Yes |
| Offers Custom Financing | Yes |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty for all parts and workmanship |
| Window Types | Awning, Bay, Casement, Double-hung, Garden, Glass block, Hopper, Picture, Sliding, and Specialty |
Renewal by Andersen
4.1
Our Rating
Renewal by Andersen offers some of the best-quality window frames because of its patented Fibrex framing, which is highly durable but low-maintenance. The company uses high-performance, low-emissivity (Low-E) glass and argon gas insulation to manufacture some of the most energy-efficient windows and offers many window types, such as picture windows and double-hung windows.
Not only does Renewal by Andersen have patented Fibrex window framing, but the company also offers custom windows and multiple window series to fit any budget. We recommend looking into the company’s 100 Series options, which cost around $200 per window.
The company has also won the Energy Star Partner of the Year award, features NFRC certification, and boasts an SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certification that signals compliance with rigorous indoor air quality emission requirements.
Unfortunately, Renewal by Andersen has limited warranties. The company only offers a two-year warranty on professional installation and 10 years of protection for locks, hinges, and other components, which is notably less than many other window providers.
Customer reviews have two primary themes: persistent sales tactics and long installation wait times. If you request a quote from Renewal by Andersen, you may receive several sales calls and emails. While we like that Renewal by Andersen is a full-service installer, waiting several months for installation, as many reviews suggest, isn’t ideal.
| Our Rating | 75.5 / 100 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Average Price Range | $1,200+ per window |
| Offers Free Consultation | Yes |
| Energy-efficient Windows Available | Yes |
| Offers Custom Financing | Yes |
| Warranty | 20-year glass and Fibrex material warranty 10-year warranty for locks, hinges, and other components 2-year professional installation warranty |
| Window Types | Awning, Bay, Casement, Double-hun,g Picture, Sliding, and Specialty |
Window World
4.3
Our Rating
Window World earns “Best Window Selection” for its massive number of window and customization choices. The company has an impressive 200 locations throughout the United States, so you’ll have easy access to its products, repair services, and more.
Window World has an ample window selection, even offering single-hung windows, which are increasingly difficult to find. We love that the company has received many accreditations and accolades from third-party agencies, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Good Housekeeping Institute, and the BBB.
Window World has many window products and customization choices but lacks window material options. The company only offers vinyl window frames, which are a more affordable choice, but it still limits you to a specific look and type of maintenance.
| Our Rating | 85.5 / 100 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Average Price Range | $550–$850 per window |
| Offers Free Consultation | Yes |
| Energy-efficient Windows Available | Yes |
| Offers Custom Financing | Yes |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty for parts, glass, and installation |
| Window Types | Acrylic block, Awning, Bay, Casement, Double-hung, Garden, Hopper, Picture, Single-hung, Sliding, Specialty, Impact, and Storm |
Universal Windows Direct
4.0
Our Rating
If you’re looking for the most affordable windows, Universal Windows Direct has you covered with an average price point of only $350 to $550 per window. You’re unlikely to find a better window replacement company offering nearly endless customization options and a strong reputation for delivering high-quality products.
Universal Windows Direct provides some of the cheapest replacement windows on the market and offers impressive post-installation support to ensure proper window maintenance. With seven styles of windows and nearly endless customization options, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Universal Windows Direct is only available in 28 states and sells vinyl-framed windows, limiting your choices for window materials. However, vinyl windows are one of the most inexpensive window material options, so this may not affect your decision if finding the best price is your top priority.
| Our Rating | 80.5 / 100 |
| BBB Rating | A |
| Average Price Range | $350–$550 per window |
| Offers Free Consultation | Yes |
| Energy-efficient Windows Available | Yes |
| Offers Custom Financing | Yes |
| Warranty | True Lifetime Warranty for parts, frames, hardware, and installation; transferrable to a subsequent homeowner for 30 years |
| Window Types | Awning, Bay, Casement, Double-hung, Garden, Hopper, Picture, and Sliding |
Window Nation
3.8
Our Rating
Window Nation features a massive window and frame selection with numerous customization options. If you’re looking for a specific window style, color, hardware, or grille, Window Nation is worth checking out for its 1,500+ window and door style combinations.
When you schedule a free consultation, you can speak with a window technician about this company’s many product offerings or buy a custom window to fit the shape, size, and type of window needed to match your home.
We don’t like that Window Nation has limited availability throughout the United States. There are only 20 showrooms in total, which are primarily located in the Eastern area of the country.
| Our Rating | 76.5 / 100 |
| BBB Rating | Not Rated |
| Average Price Range | $550–$850 per window |
| Offers Free Consultation | Yes |
| Energy-efficient Windows Available | Yes |
| Offers Custom Financing | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime Plus Warranty for as long as the buyer owns the home |
| Window Types | Awning, Double-hung, Vent, Slider, Casement, Bay, Bow, Garden, Specialty |
Castle Windows
3.9
Our Rating
Castle Windows is our top pick for window warranties. The company features fantastic lifetime warranties on all products and services. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners seeking peace of mind and some of the best buyer protection available. This protection even covers labor, glass, and window units, provided the window remains in its original opening.
This family-owned company has an excellent reputation and an A+ BBB rating. We especially like that it offers lifetime warranties on all products and services ranging from window replacement to repairs, siding, roofing, and entry door services.
While Castle Windows offers reasonable prices and an excellent warranty, it’s a small company only available in 11 states. Its website also makes it difficult to compare pricing with other providers, meaning homeowners will need to rely heavily on custom quotes from the company to assess how much their windows will cost.
| Our Rating | 78.5 / 100 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Average Price Range | $550–$850 per window |
| Offers Free Consultation | Yes |
| Energy-efficient Windows Available | Yes |
| Offers Custom Financing | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty Guarantee on all products and workmanship |
| Window Types | Awning Bay Casement Double-hung Garden Hopper Specialty Sliding Transom |
What To Look For In Cheap Window Replacement Companies
Looking for affordable windows doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or other perks, like ENERGY STAR certification. Here are our quick tips when choosing a cheap window replacement company:
Assess the product offerings and warranties: The more options a company has, the more expertise and price options you’ll have to choose from, so look for companies with a broad range of product offerings. Remember that upgrading to energy-efficient windows—particularly ones with high energy ratings—can save you money over the life span of your new windows.
Look for discounts: If you have a tight budget, don’t be afraid to ask the customer service representative about any specials, coupons, or sales the company has. Some window replacement companies offer discounts for seniors, first responders, teachers, and veterans.
Vet the company: Always start by researching the window replacement company extensively. Does the company list its licenses and certifications on its website? What are past customers saying about their experiences with the company? Read customer reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google.
Consider several window materials: Window materials greatly impact the cost of window replacement. For example, wood windows are typically the most expensive, especially if they’re custom-made. However, vinyl and aluminum windows are usually cheaper and require lower maintenance, saving you money initially and over the years as you maintain your new windows.
What Factors Affect Window Replacement Costs?
Our research found that many window replacement companies offer windows starting in the $550 to $850 range. However, this will vary depending on the provider, window series, frame material, and other features you select. For example, Universal Windows Direct offers windows starting at just $350.
Here are some of the biggest factors that determine the cost per window:
- Window series: Each window company offers different window series designed for various budgets, needs, and features. For example, a company may offer a window series for hurricane windows or a high-end energy-efficient window line. If you’re on a budget, look for simpler window series options like the 100 Series by Renewal by Andersen, which costs around $200 a window.
- Window type: Bigger windows, like bay or bow windows, which contain multiple windows to make up a larger window, will always be more expensive than a single-hung window. The number of windowpanes also affects how much glass is used to manufacture a window. The more material and glass used, the more expensive the window.
- Customization: If you opt for specialty shapes, colors, or unique hardware or grilles, these choices will factor into and increase the cost of your replacement window. Stick with simpler options if you’re sticking to a tight budget.
What Types of Windows Do the Best Cheap Window Replacement Companies Offer?
Each window provider has its specialties, what it’s best known for, and different product offerings that may decide whether you choose one company over another. For example, if you’re looking for a customizable window or a less common window type, like single-hung windows or shape windows, this will narrow down your choices considerably.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what window types each cheap window replacement company offers:
| Champion | Renewal by Andersen | Window Nation | Universal Windows Direct | Window World | Castle Windows | |
| Awning | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Acrylic block | X | |||||
| Bay & Bow | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Casement | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Double-hung | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Single-hung | X | X | ||||
| Garden | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Picture | X | X | X | X | ||
| Hopper | X | X | X | X | ||
| Specialty/ Customization | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Sliding | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Transom | X | |||||
| Impact and Storm | X | X | X | X | ||
| Energy-efficient options | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Read also: Champion Vs. Renewal by Andersen Review
What Is the Cheapest Type of Replacement Window?
Aluminum and vinyl are the two cheapest window frame materials. We obtained this information by analyzing cost data, secret shopping, and speaking to Jeff Ludy, owner of Houston Window Experts.
Aluminum
The national average cost to replace a double-hung aluminum window is $1,058. Aluminum frames don’t handle heat transfer well in colder climates, so this may not be the best fit if you live in a northern state.
Vinyl
Installing a double-hung vinyl window costs an average of $1,137. This price is slightly higher than aluminum’s cost. 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
Fiberglass double-hung windows start at around $942, which doesn’t include installation. So, they’re 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 energy efficient than any other product on the market.
Wood
A wood double-hung window costs $1,356, making it the most expensive option on the market. In addition to the higher up-front 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.
*Costs sourced from data from RSMeans.
How To Save Money on Window Replacement
Window replacement is a large investment, but you can save on this home improvement project by following these tips:
- Buy in bulk: It may sound counterintuitive, but purchasing multiple windows at once can save you money in the long run. Window brands may offer discounts for bulk orders. Plus, installing energy-efficient windows throughout your home can greatly reduce monthly heating and cooling costs.
- Look for sales: Many window brands run promotional sales throughout the year. This is another reason to shop around and get multiple estimates for your project.
- Install during the offseason: Window installation is a seasonal business. Contractors are typically busier during the warmer months than in the winter. If you can hold off on window replacement until the winter, when business slows down, your contractor may offer a discount on labor rates.
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 up-front 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. However, DIY window installation may be extremely challenging for the average homeowner, so it’s best to attempt this only if you’re experienced in window installation.
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 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. Then, two team members—inside and outside—aligned the window and drilled it into place to install the new window. 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.
So, What Is the Best Cheap Window Replacement Company for Your Home?
The best cheap window replacement company for your home will depend on several factors, including availability, your needs, and your budget. Champion and Renewal by Anderson are two of our top selections for some of the most affordable window replacements.
If you’re set on a certain window material, color, triple-pane window glass, or other features, it may be more difficult to find the cheapest window replacement possible. Shopping around and comparing quotes can help you find the cheapest window options around, and remember, energy-efficient windows, while more expensive up-front, can save you money in the long run.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
FAQs About Cheap Window Replacement Companies
Single-pane and single-hung windows are the cheapest window replacement options because they use less glass. Vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum window frames are also usually less expensive.
According to Jason Hensler, President of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, “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 lifespan and thermal performance. It does not expand and contract, which is a leading cause to failures in alternate materials.”
Vinyl is also a solid option. According to Jason Milton, a project management lead in the window industry, “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.”
Cheap window replacements can last up to 20 years, though some will only make it 5 to 10, depending on certain conditions. If you live in areas that experience a lot of storms and high winds or a climate with extreme temperatures, your windows will likely degrade faster. Warranties are important when it comes to installing cheap windows.
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.
Look for cheaper window replacement companies and window types to save money on window replacement. Vinyl replacement windows are often the most inexpensive option on the market. Always DIY the window replacement project to save on window installation fees if you have the ability and experience to do so.
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.
Methodology: How We Ranked The Cheapest Window Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to provide you with the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our window company ratings emphasize what matters most to you—a wide range of well-designed products with reliable installation and great curb appeal.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with renovation and building experts. A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across five categories, converted to a five-star scale. We researched dozens of windows installation and replacement companies to develop the following formula:
- Product Offerings (30 points): Window installers can earn the maximum point value in this category if they offer a wide variety of window styles, frame materials, hardware designs, and glass and coating options. Companies earn more points if they design custom windows for your home. We also score the quality and energy efficiency of the windows each company installs.
- Service Offerings (10 points): When evaluating this category, we consider factors such as consultations, post-installation cleanup, and additional product offerings. We also look at each company’s installation team structure – including whether it uses certified window installers or subcontractors to complete work – as this can cause variances in quality.
- Affordability (25 points): Our affordability rating considers the provider’s average window prices and how they align with industry averages, as well as discounts and payment plans.
- Warranty and Support (20 points): A best-in-class window installer will back up its work with a solid warranty to give you added peace of mind. Companies receive the maximum point value in this category if they offer lifetime warranties for their products and workmanship.
- Company Reputation (15 points): To ensure we’re recommending worthwhile installers, we check each company’s reputation and standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider its years of experience in the window industry.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
