Making claims about what are the best vinyl windows is tricky business. We asked industry experts to give their own opinions on the best vinyl windows on the market. We will continue to add additional expert opinions to give consumers a variety of views and opinions.
Have a question about your replacement window project? Send us your window questions and/or price quotes for free advice — Bill — Site Editor
Editor’s Best Vinyl Windows
These are in no particular order as the right window for a particular customer will vary. 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.
1. Soft-Lite (Soft-Lite Review)
2. Okna (Okna Reviews)
3. Sunrise (Sunrise Review)
4. Milgard (Milgard Windows Review)
Editor’s Picks – from 2013
Best West Coast Options
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. 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. Simonton
2. Amerimax
3. Anlin
4. Milgard
5. Atrium
6. Superior
Jim – Window Distributor – in Los Angeles, California from 2010
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). The mid grade model will typically provide homeowners with the best long term value. Never underestimate how important the actual installation is – a bad install can make the best window
1. Great Lakes
2. Vinylax
3. Okna
4. Sunrise
5. PGT
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
Price: $180
Reviews On Reliabilt
Alside UltraMaxx Replacement
Consumer Reports Rating: 70
Price: $395
Alside Window Reviews
American Craftsman 9500 Series (from Home Depot)
Consumer Reports Rating: 69
Price: $220
Reviews On American Craftsman
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
