Making claims about the best vinyl windows on the market is tricky business. We asked industry insiders to give their own opinions on the best vinyl windows on the market. As always, we will continue to add additional expert opinions to give consumers a variety of views and opinions.
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Best Vinyl Windows | Editor’s Take
These are in no particular order (I actually listed them alphabetically). Truthfully, the right window for a particular customer will vary by company and the price quote. The real issue is that not all of these will be available in a particular area or city. In addition, distributors can be all over the board in terms of what they charge for the same window. This is one reason why comparing quotes is so important.
Anlin Del Mar – Harvey Tribute – Ideal Majestic – Ideal Platinum 3000
Okna 800 Series – Okna 600 Series – Soft-Lite Elements – Soft-Lite Imperial LS
Polaris UltraWeld – ProVia Endure – Sunrise Restorations – Sunrise Vanguard
Sunrise Verde – Vytex Fortis Series – Vytex Potomac-HP – ProVia Aspect
Bill – Site Editor
Best Vinyl Windows | Not Too Expensive
These might serve as my good list – so not the most expensive, but there is quite a bit of value in the following.
Amerimax Craftsman Portrait – Anlin Catalina – Anlin Coronado – Harvey Classic
Okna 400 Series – Okna 500 Series – PGT 2300 – PGT 5400 –
Polaris ThermalWeld – ProVia Aspect – Simonton Impressions 9800 – Simonton Reflections 5500
Soft-Lite Classic – Soft-Lite Pro – Sunrise Classic – Vytex Fortis
Bill – Site Editor
West Coast
I sell replacement windows in California and rank them in terms of windows, warranty and service. I would say the top four are very close in product quality, warranty and service. Now, once you get below those four the service and warranties become issues. As far as pricing, the best (lowest window cost) would probably be Amerimax and the Tuscany Series from Milgard. The Amerimax have lots of bells and whistles – the Tuscany has to be upgraded to include these same features. Obviously, my advice to consumers is to make sure that the installer knows the window and has lots of experience installing them and doesn’t cut corners.
1. Anlin
2. Amerimax
3. Milgard
4. Simonton
5. Atrium
Jim – Window Distributor – in Los Angeles, California from 2024
Affordable Options
In my area, this would be a partial list in no particular order that should be in the price range of most consumers. My advise would be stick with the mid range model, not the entry level and not the top-of-the-line (unless you can afford it). For instance, the mid grade model will typically provide homeowners with the best long term value. However, never underestimate how important the actual installation is – a bad install can make the best window
1. Ideal Windows – Platinum 3000 Series
2. Vinylax Windows – Fortis Series
3. Okna Windows – 500 Series
4. Sunrise – Classic or Standard
5. PGT – ClassicVue
Max – Window Contractor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Consumer Reports Top Picks
The following are the most up to date reviews according to Consumer Reports. Notice how much they differ from the top rated windows above. We advise readers to read our consumer and contractor replacement windows reviews section before making any purchase. For instance, Certainteed shows up in both lists (although different models), however because Certainteed does not manufacture their windows (they only make the vinyl extrusions) there are big variations in quality, which can affect the overall quality of product that a homeowner would install in their home.
Survivor Reliabilt 5600 (from Lowe’s)
Consumer Reports Rating: 73
Best Vinyl Windows
Price: $180
Reliabilt
Alside UltraMaxx Replacement
Consumer Reports Rating: 70
Price: $395
Alside Windows Reviews
American Craftsman 9500 Series (from Home Depot)
Consumer Reports Rating: 69
Price: $220
American Craftsman Windows Reviews
CertainTeed Bryn Mawr II
Consumer Reports Rating: 63
Price: $250
Reviews On Certainteed
CertainTeed New Castle XT (Similar to Bryn Mawr II)
Consumer Reports Rating: 63
Price: $250
Crestline CrestFit Vinyl
Consumer Reports Rating: 61
Price: $255
Pella ThermaStar 25 Series
Consumer Reports Rating: 44
Price: $215
Reviews On Pella
Related Topics
Okna Windows Cost
Harvey Windows Prices
Window Cost Estimator
