Window World Vs. Pella

Replacing your home’s windows is an important step toward improving its value, energy efficiency, and aesthetic. However, with all the window products on the market, we know shopping around can feel overwhelming.

We’ve researched and reviewed two of the top window companies known for expansive product selections and superior energy efficiency to help you find the best option for your home. Keep reading to discover the ins and outs of each company and how they stack up against one another.

What’s Our Take on Window World Vs. Pella?

We compared Window World and Pella to understand which company is the best for new windows. After looking at each provider’s service offerings, products, prices, and more, we settled on Window World as the top choice.

We awarded Window World the “Best Window Selection” superlative for its impressive catalog of high-quality window options. The company is almost always more affordable than Pella and has a high BBB rating, indicating good business practices.

We named Pella the “Best for Energy Efficiency” for its commitment to high-quality, energy-efficient windows and customer education. While the brand has a stellar BBB rating and a long-standing reputation, its products might be unaffordable for some homeowners.

Check out the table below to see other important comparison factors. Then, read on for in-depth comparisons of these two window companies:

Window World	Factor	Pella
✓	Our Pick
Best Window Selection	Superlative	Best for Energy Efficiency
4.3 / 5 stars	Our Rating	4.2 / 5 stars
A+	BBB Rating	A+
$550–$850	Average Price Range (per window)	$1,200+
Yes	Offers Free Consultation	Yes
Yes	Energy-efficient Windows Available	Yes
Yes	Offers Custom Financing	Yes
Limited Lifetime Warranty	Warranty Offered	Limited Lifetime Warranty
Get a Quote	Get a Free Estimate	Get a Quote

What Is The Difference In Cost, Window World Vs. Pella?

Window World is high on our list for affordability. With windows often ranging from $550 to $850, this brand is well-known for its lower prices that don’t sacrifice quality. Pella windows, on the other hand, can get pricey — sometimes exceeding $3,000 per product. Even Pella’s simplest options, like single and double-hung windows, start around $200 higher than Window World’s. One thing to note when comparing Window World and Pella’s window costs is that Pella offers wood and fiberglass windows, which are always more expensive than vinyl. These additional material offerings drive up the company’s overall price point.

The bottom line: Homeowners seeking affordable vinyl replacement windows should go with Window World over Pella. Homeowners seeking high-end window materials should choose Pella as long as they don’t mind paying a premium price.

If you’re on a budget and struggling to decide between Pella 250 and 350, check out our article on the pricing comparison between Pella 250 and 350 to help you make an informed choice.

The table below shows how much different types of windows cost from each brand:

Window World Cost	Window Type	Pella Cost
$300–$600	Double-hung	$500–$1,100
$300–$1,000	Casement	$500–$1,500
$400–$800	Awning	$400–$1,500
$300–$950	Picture Window	$700–$1,700
$500–$900	Sliding	$800–$2,000
$100–$2,000	Bay/bow	$3,000+

Warranty Coverage

An important factor to consider along with replacement window pricing is the warranty coverage* you’ll get for your investment. When comparing Window World and Pella warranties, we found Window World’s coverage to be the most comprehensive and straightforward.

Window World offers a lifetime limited warranty on all replacement windows and patio doors. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own the home. Window World’s warranty guarantees the following product standards, or you’ll receive a free repair/replacement:

• Vinyl frame components won’t peel, rot, blister, or corrode.
• Mechanical elements like locks, balances, and hardware will be free of material and workmanship defects.
• Double-pane insulated glass units (IGU) won’t come with defects that result in clouded vision, film, dust, or moisture in the dead air space of the window.

Pella offers different warranties for each window series, which makes coverage confusing with various loopholes, limitations, and conditional exclusions.

Pella generally provides limited lifetime warranty coverage for the frame and non-laminated glass materials and two-year warranty coverage for labor defects. However, some coverage limitations may apply to your Pella windows, depending on their material:

• Pella Vinyl Windows Warranty: 10 years for laminated glass, five years for blinds and shades, 10 years for DuraColor exterior paint.
• Pella Wood Window Warranty: Lifetime coverage for wood deterioration, aluminum cladding peeling, and non-laminated glass; 10–20 years for wood products, depending on the home’s location.
• Pella Impervia Fiberglass Window Warranty: Limited lifetime coverage for Duracast framing, two years for labor, 10 years for paint finish, 10 years for specialty fiberglass-resin windows, 20 years for glass.

*Product warranties for both companies may vary by window series and location. Read the fine print of a sample warranty before purchasing.

Read also: Comprehensive Review of Pella Vinyl Windows

What Types of Windows Are Offered, Window World Vs. Pella?

When comparing Window World and Pella’s product offerings, we found Window World to have the best selection of window types and customizations. Although Pella offers standard window types that many homeowners need, Window World goes a step further to offer more designs in an expansive list of colors and finishes.

Pella is the winner for material offerings, with three window frame options for buyers to consider. However, the company offers fewer color customization options, which may hinder some shoppers from finding their perfect fit. Window World specializes solely in vinyl-framed windows, which limits its material selection. However, vinyl tends to be the top choice for replacement windows anyway, so this isn’t a deal-breaker for most shoppers.

Find more details about each company’s product selections and certifications below.

Window Types Offered

Window World and Pella offer basic window types like single-hung, double-hung, casement, awning, and sliding windows. Both companies offer bay windows and specialty designs for homeowners seeking architectural flare. However, Window World is the clear winner regarding window type selection. It advertises two additional styles — garden and acrylic block windows — that Pella does not.

The table below provides a full comparison of each brand’s window types:

Window Type	Window World	Pella
Awning	✓	✓
Bay/bow	✓	✓
Casement	✓	✓
Double-hung	✓	✓
Awning	✓	✓
Picture	✓	✓
Single-hung	✓	✓
Sliding	✓	✓
Specialty	✓	✓
Impact/storm	✓	✓
Transom	✓	✓
Basement Hopper	✓	✓
Acrylic or Glass Block	✓
Garden	✓

Window Materials Used

Pella offers three product lines with wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and vinyl windows. This is an impressive selection, as many window companies only offer vinyl windows. Window World is one of these companies; its replacement windows feature vinyl frames for a low-maintenance, affordable product.

Although vinyl is the most popular window material in the industry — and undoubtedly the cheapest — homeowners seeking the classic appeal of wood or unbeatable durability of fiberglass should go with Pella. Neither company offers solid aluminum windows, which are sleek and strong but lack insulation. Instead, Pella offers aluminum-clad wood windows with wood interiors and aluminum exteriors for longer-lasting durability and fewer long-term maintenance requirements.

Window Material	Window World	Pella
Vinyl	✓	✓
Wood		✓
Fiberglass		✓
Aluminum		✓

Window Customization

Customization is an important buying factor for many homeowners trying to match replacement windows to their current decor or enhance their curb appeal with something new.

Window World provides 13 interior framing and hardware colors, 20 exterior finishes, three privacy glass options, and 11 grille patterns to help homeowners design the perfect product. Conversely, Pella offers five interior and exterior colors, four glass types, six grille patterns, and two screen options.

Though both companies offer a high level of window customizability, Pella slightly surpasses Window World by offering window screen options. However, Window World offers far more color choices and grille patterns than Pella, ultimately making it the best choice for customizability.

Check out our full review of Window World for more information on its customization options.

Window Efficiency

Window World is an ENERGY STAR partner offering certified window products for each of America’s climate zones. It’s also certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), an energy performance standard in residential windows and doors. Window World windows feature low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, argon fills, and warm-edge spacers for extra insulation. All of its replacement window products have vinyl framing for superior thermal performance.

Although Window World is a good choice for energy efficiency, Pella’s true commitment to the cause is clear.

Pella windows are ENERGY STAR and NFRC-certified, with some products achieving the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2023 designation. Pella’s energy-efficient windows feature Low-E coatings, multi-pane glass, and insulative framing. Homeowners in harsher climates can choose between four insulated glass options, each with Low-E coatings and argon gas fills. Select Pella product lines offer triple-pane glass to further improve energy efficiency.

We like Pella’s transparency about other performance specifications like Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings and U-factor. STC ratings measure how well a window blocks outside noise. Pella’s double-pane double-hung windows have Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings of 26, while the triple-pane models have a 28 STC rating. These are relatively standard ratings for residential windows.

U-factor measures insulative power on a scale of 0.20 to 1.20 for residential windows. The lower the score, the better the energy efficiency. Pella windows have U-factors ranging from 0.22 to 0.34. Read this document for more product specs on Pella’s energy-efficient windows.

Then, explore our full Pella Windows review for more information on its energy-efficient window lines.

Who Has Better Service, Window World Vs. Pella?

When assessing the companies’ approach to customer service, we prefer Window World. Because Window World shoppers get new windows directly from the company, they’re more likely to have consistent, reliable customer experience. Pella sells windows through various retailers, which may result in service inconsistencies for some buyers.

Don’t just take our word for it; read the sections below for specific information about each company’s installation processes and customer reviews.

If you’d like to compare more window companies, check out our Harvey Windows vs. Andersen review.

Installation Process Comparison

We like Window World’s no-frills approach to installation. The company makes and sells all of its window products, so you won’t have to go through multiple retailers to find what you need. Plus, you’ll deal with Window World representatives and installers from consultation to cleanup, giving you a more streamlined, consistent customer experience.

If you like having flexibility for your replacement window project, Pella might be your best choice. The company sells windows through a retailer network, which provides easier access to the products but may yield inconsistent sales tactics and pricing.

The short sections below dive a little deeper into each company’s installation protocols:

Read Also: Review of Kolbe windows vs Marvin

Window World

Window World’s installation process is pretty standard. Once the company manufactures your custom windows, you’ll schedule a day for the installation. A certified installer will walk you through the process beforehand, checking to ensure the correct products go in their respective spaces.

Your Window World crew may consist of several people; the faster the job gets done, the less time your home will be exposed to the elements. One part of the installation team will remove the old windows while the other half installs the new ones. After replacing your windows, the crew will clean up the project area and answer any of your questions.

This video provides a firsthand look at Window World’s installation process:

Pella

Pella installations differ from Window World’s because you have several options for who performs the job. Pella’s product lines are distributed nationwide at home improvement stores and other retailers. For this reason, you can hire an independent contractor, use a home improvement store installer, or tackle a DIY installation.

Your fourth and best option is to explore products at a Pella showroom and hire one of the company’s installation experts for the job. We prefer this method because Pella specialists are more likely to provide high-quality products and installations that align with the brand’s standards. By choosing a window replacement installer directly through the company, you’ll also take advantage of the Pella Care Guarantee, which covers labor and installation defects for up to 10 years.

Watch this video for a look at Pella’s window installation process:

Read also: Our full review of Pella windows

Customer Reviews Comparison

Window World and Pella both hold an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This score reflects ethical business practices, transparent advertising, and appropriate licensure. While BBB accreditation indicates a company’s standing, real customer reviews are the best measure of its trustworthiness in day-to-day operations. We researched customer reviews for Window World and Pella and found the following themes:

Positive Customer Reviews

Customers are pleased with Window World’s installation process, claiming it’s quick, efficient, and thorough. They also rave about the professionalism of Window World representatives, saying the consultation experts and installers ensured a smooth, friendly experience.

Pella customers have good things to say about its products. They note positive, professional sales experiences and windows that perform as advertised. One customer noted excellent insulation of their Pella replacement windows, saying they keep outside temperatures out. Many other satisfied customers applaud Pella’s installation process, noting how clean their homes looked once the process was complete.

Read Also: Comparison of Pella Proline and Lifestyle

Negative Customer Reviews

Customers complain of long wait times and unreliable communication from their Window World points of contact. Some buyers warn that they had to wait over six months to receive their windows, which came without some of the ordered parts. We want to note that Window World has responded to each customer complaint on the BBB website, including personalized details for each response. This effort shows the company’s commitment to making things right with disgruntled customers.

Some Pella customers express dissatisfaction with the company’s communication — a common criticism of top window brands. Pella buyers have made multiple complaints about unanswered phone calls and appointment inquiries. A few comments mention faulty installation practices that lead to defective windows.

Unfortunately, complaints of this nature are relatively frequent amongst window replacement companies — especially large, nationwide brands like Pella that operate through seller networks. The best thing you can do to avoid an unpleasant customer experience is to research your local Pella showroom options and home improvement stores to find the most reliable option.

Read Also: Renewal by Andersen vs Pella Overview

What’s The Availability of Window World Vs. Pella?

Window World and Pella are comparable when it comes to state availability.

Window World has locations in 48 states, excluding Alaska and Montana. You can search for your closest Window World location using its State Store Locator.

Pella has showrooms in 47 states, excluding Alaska, Mississippi, and Nevada. However, its window products are available in all 50 states. If you don’t have a local Pella showroom location, you can order windows online or shop for Pella products at your local big-box store.

If you’d like to explore replacement window products in a showroom but live in one of the states listed above, don’t worry. The next section covers other top window providers that may operate in your area.

Read Also: Overview of Rite Window and Window World.

Other Top Providers Vs. Window World Vs. Pella

While shopping for replacement windows, you’ll find many companies claiming to be the best. However, we believe window companies aren’t one-size-fits-all. You should research different options to see which option best fits your needs.

Kick off your search by seeing how some of the nation’s top window replacers stack up.

Company	Window World	Pella	Champion	Renewal by Andersen	Window Nation	Universal Windows Direct	Castle Windows
Our Rating	85.5	84.5	85.5	81.5	76.5	83.5	78.5
BBB Rating*	A+	A+	Not Rated	A+	Not Rated	A	A+
Average Price Range (per window)	$550–$850	$1,200+	$850–$1,200	$1,200+	$550–$850	$350–$550	$550–$850
Offers Free Consultation	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Energy-efficient Windows Available	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Offers Custom Financing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Warranty	Limited Lifetime Warranty for parts and labor	Limited Lifetime Warranty for parts, two years for labor	Limited Lifetime Warranty	Warranty Lengths Vary	Lifetime Plus Warranty	True Lifetime Warranty	Lifetime Warranty Guarantee

*BBB ratings are accurate as of June 2023.

For more comparisons read our in-depth review of Pella vs JELD-WEN and our review of Pella vs Reliabilt.

So, Is Window World or Pella Better for Your Home?

Window World is the best choice for replacement windows when it comes to product selection, affordability, and warranty coverage. The company has also received predominantly positive reviews from buyers who say it’s a solid option for customer service and installation.

While Window World is likely the best choice for most homeowners, Pella might be a better fit for those seeking energy-efficient wood or fiberglass windows. Both companies are committed to providing energy-efficient, money-saving window products, but Pella provides more online resources to help customers learn about its product specifications.

Read Also: Complete Review of Menards Windows

Before deciding on a company for your home’s replacement windows, we recommend getting estimates to fully understand potential costs. Use the forms below for free quotes from installers near you.

Methodology: How We Evaluated Window World Vs. Pella Against Our Review Standards

The Today’s Homeowner team knows it can feel impossible to research all the window companies on the market. With so many products, price points, warranties, and service options available, you may feel tempted to pick the first one you find. However, selecting a window provider that fits your needs is critical to your home value, energy savings, and budget.

We conducted in-depth research of the nation’s best window companies to develop rigorous review standards. We develop scores based on publicly available information, secret shopping, customer reviews, and product specifications. Our ratings emphasize what matters most to your replacement window search — a wide range of high-quality products with reliable installation and unbeatable curb appeal.

Companies can earn 100 points across five categories, which we then convert to a five-star scale.

• Product Offerings (40 points): Window World and Pella’s product scores depend on each company’s variety of window styles, window frame materials, hardware customizability, and glass options. The companies earned additional points for unique customization capabilities and information about their commitments to energy efficiency.
• Service Offerings (10 points): When evaluating this category, we considered Window World and Pella’s consultation structure, installation processes, and post-installation services. We also assessed real customer reviews to understand positive and negative feedback on each company.
• Affordability (25 points): Our affordability rating considers each provider’s average cost ranges for popular window types. We compared those figures to industry averages and factored in whether the companies offer multiple financing options to help customers afford their products.
• Warranty and Support (10 points): Reliable window companies back up their products with best-in-class warranty coverage. We read Window World and Pella sample contracts to understand any coverage limitations, exclusions, or unique benefits they provide. Companies will receive the maximum point value for this category if they offer lifetime warranties for both their products and workmanship.
• Company Reputation (15 points): Company reputation is an important factor in our review standards. We looked into each company’s standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Star reviews to ensure we are recommending ethical businesses. We also considered how many years of experience each company has in the window industry.

Read Also: Review of Marvin Windows vs Pella

We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.