Windows

Cheap window replacement: 2024 buyers guide

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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 best 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.

Compare top choices for cheap window replacement

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.

Provider Our Rating Glass and Hardware Warranty Labor Warranty Average Project Price Get Started
4.7
10–20 years 2 years $11,723 Visit Site
4.4
Limited lifetime Limited lifetime $14,223 Visit Site
4.4
10–20 years 0 years $12,540 Visit Site
4.3
10–20 years 0 years $13,348 Visit Site
Provider Our Rating Glass and Hardware Warranty Labor Warranty Average Project Price Get Started
4.7
10–20 years 2 years $11,723 Visit Site
4.4
Limited lifetime Limited lifetime $14,223 Visit Site
4.4
10–20 years 0 years $12,540 Visit Site
4.3
10–20 years 0 years $13,348 Visit Site
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.

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.

Best cheap window replacement brands

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.

Milgard

Energy Star Certified
Visit Site

Champion

Energy Star Certified
855-240-6348 Visit Site

Champion

4.4
Champion review page

Harvey

Energy Star Certified
Visit Site

Harvey

4.3
Harvey review page

Best of the rest

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

Energy Star Certified
855-795-1355 Visit Site

Renewal by Andersen

4.7
Renewal by Andersen review

Pella

Energy Star Certified
866-593-1560 Visit Site

Pella

4.4
Pella review page

Homeowners guide: How to choose the best cheap replacement windows?

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. 

Choose a reputable company 

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.

1. Check credentials

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.

2. Research reviews and reputation 

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.

3. Be clear on warranty coverage

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.

Assess window cost factors

The most impactful cost factors when buying windows include the following:

  • Brand: As with anything, brands have their own pricing models.
  • Customizations: Opting for special glass coatings, upgraded hardware and other customizations can drive up your window price. 
  • Energy-saving features: Expect to pay more for energy-efficient windows with features such as low-e coatings and argon gas filling, as well as triple-pane windows. 
  • Labor: Professional installation is a worthwhile cost. Attempting a DIY installation can leave you with expensive problems and may void your manufacturer’s warranty. Your location, plus an installation company’s certifications and years of experience, can affect labor costs. Service providers often charge more in metropolitan areas. Where the window installation takes place in your home also plays a role. Areas in your house that are more difficult or dangerous to work in will increase costs.
  • Window material: Vinyl and aluminum are the most affordable frame options, while wood and fiberglass windows run the most expensive. 
  • Window size: Understandably, the larger the window, the higher the cost. 
  • Window style: Standard styles, such as single-hung and double-hung windows, tend to be the most affordable options. More complex window designs, such as bay windows and skylights, are at the higher end of the spectrum. 

Understand window financing

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. 

Look for window discounts

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. 

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

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 rating methodology for replacement window providers

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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