Getting new windows is an essential part of preserving your home’s value, aesthetic, and energy efficiency, and even protecting your furniture and carpets from fading. However, most homeowners are quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of window providers on the market.
If you’re in the market for new windows but aren’t sure which company to use, this guide is for you. I’ve researched and reviewed two top tier window brands with a long history of positive customer reviews, excellent BBB ratings, and a vast assortment of window products. Keep reading for my in-depth comparison of Pella vs. JELD-WEN to learn how these two brands stack up against each other.
My Take: Pella Vs. JELD-WEN
My take on Pella vs. JELD-WEN is that Pella is the clear standout regarding window quality and service offerings, but JELD-WEN is a much more affordable choice.
Past customers frequently praise Pella for its outstanding white-glove window installation and high-quality windows. However, the brand’s windows are significantly more expensive than JELD-WEN’s and may be out of budget for some homeowners.
On the other hand, a significant downside of JELD-WEN is its lack of service offerings. The company doesn’t offer free consultations, which is usually standard among window providers.
Depending on my budget at the time, I would choose Pella over JELD-WEN because of its more energy-efficient, durable window options and simple, quality installation process.
| JELD-WEN | Pella | |
| My Pick | ✓ | |
| 77 / 100 | Our Rating | 84.5 / 100 |
| A+ | BBB Rating | A+ |
| $350 to $549 | Average Price Range (per window) | $1,200+ |
| No | Offers Free Consultation | Yes |
| Yes | Energy-efficient Windows Available | Yes |
| Yes | Offers Custom Financing | Yes |
| Limited Lifetime Warranty | Warranty Offered | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Visit Site | Get a Free Quote | Visit Site |
Cost: Pella Vs. JELD-WEN
JELD-WEN is one of the best window manufacturers for affordable and high-quality window products, usually at a low starting price of $350 to $549. Even at a lower price, it still offers custom window options and luxurious window materials like wood or wood-clad. However, Pella offers luxury wood and fiberglass windows, which are always more expensive than vinyl.
The bottom line: If you’re on a tight budget, consider JELD-WEN over Pella because it often offers the same types of windows at hundreds of dollars less than Pella. If you’re interested in high-end window materials, durable storm windows, or extras like customization, Pella is the top choice, as long as you don’t mind paying a premium price.
Read also: The Cost of Fiberglass
The table below shows how much different types of windows cost from each provider.
| JELD-WEN Cost Range | Window Type | Pella Cost Range |
| $400–$800 | Double-hung windows | $500–$1,745 |
| $290–$650 | Casement | $535–$1,784 |
| $280–$635 | Awning | $400–$1,770 |
| $500–$1,100 | Picture | $600–$1,500 |
| $250–$1,100 | Sliding | $800–$2,000 |
| $800–$1,500 | Bay/bow | $ 2,000+ |
Warranty Coverage
Both companies offer limited lifetime warranties, meaning that the coverage on parts of the window and the workmanship are limited by a certain length of time. I prefer a company like Castle Windows that offers lifetime warranties. However, each limited lifetime warranty is different, so let’s look at the fine print of Pella and JELD-WEN’s warranties.
Overall, JELD-WEN’s windows have limited warranty coverage on product materials like wood and metal-clad wood, composite, metal-clad vinyl, vinyl, and aluminum. However, you can find some of its vinyl options with a lifetime warranty, which Pella doesn’t offer.
Most Pella windows come with limited lifetime warranty coverage for the frame, labor, and non-laminated glass materials, based on the window material:
- Pella Vinyl Windows Warranty: Pella’s vinyl windows usually come with coverage for 10 years on laminated glass and DuraColor exterior paint but only five years for blinds and shades.
- Pella Wood Window Warranty: When purchasing wood windows from Pella, you can typically expect limited coverage for wood deterioration, non-laminated glass, and aluminum cladding peelings for 10 to 20 years.
- Pella Impervia Fiberglass Window Warranty: This warranty offers limited lifetime coverage for Duracast framing, 10 years for paint finish, two years for labor, 20 years for glass, and 10 years for specialty fiberglass-resin windows.
The verdict: Both companies offer limited lifetime warranties on most products, which I feel is lacking, especially since other companies provide true lifetime warranties. However, Pella tends to have more extended warranties with greater coverage. JELD-WEN is unimpressive in this area because of its limited workmanship and installation warranty and less than five years of total coverage, which feels lackluster offering compared to its competitors.
Read Also: Renewal by Andersen and Pella Comparison
Windows Offered: Pella Vs. JELD-WEN
Pella and JELD-WEN offer all the basic window types that most homeowners require, like single-hung, casement, awning, double-hung, and sliding windows. In addition, both brands offer bay and bow windows and specialty designs.
Read our article to learn more about the prices of sliding windows.
However, JELD-WEN reigns over Pella regarding window type selection, thanks to further color customization options and its garden windows, a type of greenhouse window that Pella doesn’t offer at all.
If you wish to explore other window options you can check out article on the best choice: Marvin or andersen, this would further guide your choices and help you make informed decisions.
Window Types Offered
JELD-WEN and Pella provide many window types, meaning that most homeowners aren’t limited in choosing the best window type and material for their homes.
Neither JELD-WEN or Pella offer acrylic or glass block windows, which are relatively common window product offerings amongst other window providers. However, JELD-WEN does offer garden windows where Pella doesn’t, so if you’re interested in creating a beautiful display space in the window for a mini-greenhouse, JELD-WEN is a better option.
In this respect, both companies are almost evenly matched, with JELD-WEN having only slightly better window style choices. Watch this video to view more windows and doors by Jeld Wen.
The table below provides a complete comparison of what each brand offers for window types.
| Window Type | JELD-WEN | Pella |
| Awning | X | X |
| Bay/bow | X | X |
| Casement | X | X |
| Double-hung | X | X |
| Picture | X | X |
| Single-hung | X | X |
| Sliding | X | X |
| Specialty | X | X |
| Impact/storm | X | X |
| Transom | X | X |
| Basement Hopper | X | X |
| Acrylic or Glass Block | ||
| Garden | X |
Window Materials Used
JELD-WEN and Pella offer an impressive selection of vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum, compared to many other window providers that only offer vinyl windows.
While vinyl is hugely popular among homeowners for its affordability and durability, homeowners won’t be limited with either JELD-WEN or Pella should they want a low-maintenance aluminum window or a classically beautiful wood window.
Window Customization
Window customization choices give you the power to match your replacement windows to your current decor, enhance your curb appeal, or give your home an entirely new look.
Pella offers a huge variety of window customization options, including five interior and exterior colors, six grille patterns, four glass types, and two screen options. In contrast, JELD-WEN provides multiple glass options, over 20 exterior colors, over 15 interior colors, and multiple grille options.
JELD-WEN far surpasses Pella in terms of how many colors are offered for interior and exterior window parts, so if matching a specific color scheme is your goal, check out its window offerings and more information in our full review on JELD-WEN.
On the other hand, Pella offers two unique window screen options, an unusual offering that allows you to choose a more durable and energy-efficient option for your home. Check out our full Pella review for more information on how its customization works.
Window Efficiency
Both of these window brands offer energy-efficient window options. However, Pella is the clear winner for taking its commitment to energy efficiency and savings to the next level.
Pella windows are ENERGY STAR and NFRC-certified. Some of Pella’s products even received the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2023 award. While some of JELD-WEN’s vinyl windows did receive this designation, Pella has far more product lines that meet the rigorous requirements for this award thanJELD-WEN and many other top window brands.
If you live in a harsher climate, Pella’s many energy-efficient window options, such as four insulated glass options with Low-E coatings and argon gas fills, are welcomed options that can save you money on your energy bills. In addition, Pella is transparent about its Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings and U-factor, which determines how well the windows block outside noise.
JELD-WEN has been a proud partner of ENERGY STAR since 1998. Many (but not all) of its windows meet or exceed the ENERGY STAR standards. Like Pella, Low-E glass coatings, fills, and insulated glass options are available, but JELD-WEN doesn’t offer these to the same extent as Pella.
If energy efficiency is your biggest concern, Pella is the provider to choose to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency, prevent faded furniture and carpets, and save on heating and cooling bills.
Read Also: Cost Analysis of Pella 250 Versus 350
Watch the following video by Danny Lipford to learn more about the benefits of Low-E glass for your windows:
Service: Pella Vs. JELD-WEN
I much prefer Pella for its service offerings because it has free consultations, Pella specialists trained to install its windows, and a unique Pella Care Guarantee.
As a window manufacturer, JELD-WEN lacks service offerings, doesn’t offer free consultations, and relies on independent contractors who are not trained per the company’s specifications to install its windows.
Below, you can find more specific information about each company’s installation process and what customers say about their experiences.
Read Also: JELD-WEN windows and doors
Install Process Comparison
Pella is the clear winner in this respect because JELD-WEN is a window manufacturer, meaning it doesn’t offer in-house installation. JELD-WEN also doesn’t offer free consultations, which is usually standard in the window industry.
Pella installation is multi-faceted as you can hire an independent contractor, tackle a DIY installation yourself, use a home improvement store installer, or, ideally, hire one of Pella’s installation experts for the job. I recommend the final option because Pella specialists are expertly trained in installing Pella windows to the company’s standards. If you use a Pella specialist, you also receive a Pella Care Guarantee, which covers labor and installation defects for up to 10 years — a massive plus over JELD-WEN.
Based on my research and experience, Pella is the better window provider for installation based on the many options available for window installation and the Pella Care Guarantee.
Read Also: Jeld Wen vs. Andersen Review
Customer Reviews Comparison
All window companies will have less-than-stellar reviews at some point. Still, looking for overall positive and negative customer review trends is vital to assess if a company has repeat issues.
Overall, Pella received positive reviews primarily focused on the Pella specialist’s white-glove installation process, how well insulated Pella windows are, and the unmatched high-quality performance of the windows. In contrast, negative reviews typically highlighted dissatisfaction with the company’s communication, specifically about unanswered phone calls, appointment inquiries, and occasionally faulty installation.
For JELD-WEN, customers were especially pleased with how easy it was to contact JELD-WEN about a replacement under warranty and the speedy replacement and response received. Negative reviews of JELD-WEN highlighted poorer quality windows and patio doors that shattered, prompting customers to express concern about the safety of its windows.
Like all brands, JELD-WEN and Pella have positive and negative reviews. JELD-WEN was praised for clear communication and a simple warranty process, while Pella was highlighted for its high-quality windows and excellent installation process.
Determine what is most important to you, then use this information from previous customers to assess which company will fulfill your priorities better.
Availability: Pella Vs. JELD-WEN
JELD-WEN and Pella are available in all 50 states, but the brands differ regarding where you can find dedicated showrooms.
Pella’s showrooms are located in 47 states, with Mississippi, Nevada, and Alaska excluded. But you can purchase Pella products in all 50 states online or at a local big-box store.
JELD-WEN trumps Pella in this category by being found in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You can also purchase JELD-WEN products through retailers like Home Depot, which gives you additional availability for where to shop.
Pella Vs. JELD-WEN Vs. Other Top Providers
So, how do Pella and JELD-WEN stack up against other inexpensive window companies in terms of price, service offerings, customer reputation, and more? Reference the chart below for a bird’s-eye view of Pella and JELD-WEN.
| Company | Renewal by Andersen | Champion | Window Nation | Universal Windows Direct | Window World | Castle Windows | JELD-WEN | Pella |
| Our Rating | 81.5 | 85.5 | 76.5 | 83.5 | 85.5 | 78.5 | 77 | 84.5 |
| BBB Rating* | A+ | Not Rated | Not Rated | A | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ |
| Average Price Range (per window) | $1,200+ | $850–$1,200 | $550–$850 | $350–$550 | $550–$850 | $550–$850 | $349 – $550 | $1,200+ |
| Offers Free Consultation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Energy-efficient Windows Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offers Custom Financing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Warranty Lengths Vary | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime Plus Warranty | True Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty for parts and labor | Lifetime Warranty Guarantee | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
*BBB ratings are accurate as of June 2023.
For more windows comparisons read our article on Pella windows vs Thompson Creek, Pella vs Reliabilt and Window World vs Pella.
So, Is Pella or JELD-WEN Better for Your Home?
Pella is my top choice for replacement windows because of its superior service offerings, warranty coverage, and more energy-efficient, durable windows.
However, JELD-WEN may be better for homeowners on a tight budget or those interested in DIY installation or garden window offerings. JELD-WEN offers online education, is more DIY friendly than Pella, and is affordable, making it a great choice for home improvement mavericks.
Before choosing a company for your replacement windows, look at other top providers, like Renewal by Andersen and Castle Windows, to get a cohesive view of the industry’s offerings and price points. Use the forms below to receive free quotes from window installers.
FAQs: Pella Vs. JELD-WEN
Are Pella windows considered high-end?
Yes, Pella manufactures energy-efficient windows with luxurious window materials like wood windows, clad wood windows, aluminum-clad wood windows, and vinyl-clad windows, which are durable, quality, and have a high-end finish. This is reflected in the company’s higher-than-average price point, which many customers say is worth the investment.
What is comparable to Pella?
If you’re interested in the high-quality, luxurious look of Pella windows but are intimidated by the high price point, consider Andersen windows or JELD-WEN windows. Both Andersen and JELD-WEN offer elegant windows, which you can find in wood-clad as an alternative to expensive wood windows.
Where can I find JELD-WEN replacement windows?
JELD-WEN windows can be purchased at big-box retailers like Home Depot, plus local window retailers. Use JELD-WEN’s locator to find retailers near you.
Methodology: How I Evaluated Pella Vs. JELD-WEN Against Our Review Standards
I strive to provide the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. My window company ratings highlight what matters most to you — a wide range of well-designed window products with reliable installation, affordable price points, and enticing curb appeal.
My 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.
Each company can earn a maximum of 100 points across five research categories. I compared JELD-WEN and Pella windows today using the following categories:
- Product Offerings (40 points): Window installers 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. I also scored the quality and energy efficiency of the windows each company installs.
- Service Offerings (10 points): When evaluating this category, I considered factors such as consultations, post-installation cleanup, and additional product offerings. I also looked 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): The affordability rating considers the provider’s average window prices and how it aligns with industry averages, as well as discounts and payment plans.
- Warranty and Support (10 points): A best-in-class window installer backs 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 I’m recommending worthwhile installers, I checked each company’s reputation and standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). I also considered how many years of experience it has in the window industry.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
