Polaris Windows is based out of Toledo, Ohio and has been in the business of windows and doors for over 75 years. The company is not well known outside of Ohio, but they do enjoy quite a good reputation by those in the know. Their UltraWeld series is one of the best vinyl windows on the market. Their ThermalWeld drop down is also quite good. Browse below to check out our Polaris Windows reviews.
Company Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Price Point: 8.0 out of 10
Bottom Line: Definitely get a bid on either the Polaris ThermalWeld or the UltraWeld.
(Always collect 3 to 4 additional bids)
Bill — Site Editor
Polaris Windows Reviews And Series
The company sells three main series or models: the entry level ValuSmart, the upper mid range ThermalWeld and the top tier UltraWeld. The company sells the most of the ThermalWeld for one reason: it is the window sold by Universal Windows Direct, which relabels it the UniShield Plus. (Lots of companies relabel windows so not a red flag in my book.)
Polaris Valusmart Series
The ValuSmart is the company’s entry level series. It is still a decent vinyl window, but the jump up to the ThermalWeld series is definitely what I would suggest for most homeowners interested in having a window that provides better ROI.
Bill – Site Editor
Valu-Smart Question
Hey Bill, I had a question regarding the Polaris value smart series. I know it’s their entry-level series, but I wondered how it compared to the ply Jim contractor, which we also received a bid on. Both of the prices were very similar between the two beds I was curious which one you would recommend between these two. We don’t plan to be in the home for any longer than five years.
Sophia – Consumer – from 2024
[Editor’s Response]
Sophia, thanks for the question. Between the Polaris value, smart, and the ply, Jim contractor, my pic would be the value smart. It’s probably one of the better entry-level final series on the market. The plain option is not bad, but I just think the Polaris is the better brand overall.
Bill – Site Editor – from 2024
Polaris Windows Reviews | ThermalWeld Series
I don’t want to pay a fortune for windows. I got a quote for the Polaris ThermalWeld series, but they came in at $8,200 with low-e glass, argon fill and grids. That is for 12 windows, but is still more than I want to pay.
Hoop – Consumer – from 2023
Website Editor Reply
Hey Hoop. So that’s actually a pretty great price you got on the Polaris ThermalWeld series. That is a very good window and if you can pair that up with good installation, I think you will be well served!
Hooper – Consumer – from 2023
Polaris Windows vs Atrium
I am in the process of replacing a large number of windows in my new property. I need twenty four windows of which fourteen are sliders, two are pictures, two are non-moving and six are casements.
Ideally I want colonial grids with white inside and black or bronze on the exterior. As I have just purchased the property, I obviously don’t want to pay a fortune on windows right now. Andersen came in at $37,000 and then with discounts was $26,000. I also got quotes from Vista windows for $13,500, Atrium 8700 series for $11,600 and Polaris Ultraweld for $14,400. Are any of these decent windows? I am really not sure which to go with.
Kristin – Consumer – from 2021
[Contractor Response]
I wouldn’t even look at the Atrium or Vista if I were you. You can’t go wrong with the Polaris Ultra, they are great windows.
Michael – Installer – from 2021
More on Atrium windows reviews.
Polaris Windows Cost
All of these price estimates are in comparison to vinyl windows only. It is from 1 to 10 – 10 being the expensive option.
ValueSmart Series: 5.0 out of 10
Thermaweld Series: 7.0 out of 10
Ultraweld Series: 8.5 out of 10
More on replacement window prices.
Polaris vs Sunrise
When it comes to the higher end windows you are looking at names such as Polaris Ultraweld, Okna, Sunrise, SoftLite and HiMark.
Some of the Gorell products can also fall into this category along with the Energex Elite windows. Middle range I would consider Simonton, Vista, Wincore and even PlyGem as good choices. There are so many window companies that brand themselves as top contenders, but are not as good as some of those I have already listed when it comes to their structural and thermal ratings.
Holland – Installer – from 2022
Advice on Polaris Thermaweld Windows
I am busy replacing all my aluminum windows with vinyl. The windows are double hung and I will be carrying out the installation myself. I believe the Polaris Thermaweld Window are a good choice, but could do with some advice on them. I want a quality window, but don’t want to pay a heavy price.
Loretta – Consumer – from 2022
[Contractor Response]
While I understand that price is a major factor and the ThermalWeld windows are alright, I wouldn’t say they are the best, you will find better windows at a similar price. Have a look at the UltraWeld Windows they are also Polaris and are considered a top of the range window when it comes to vinyl.
Henry – Installer – from 2022
UltraWeld Windows Reviews
The UltraWeld series is the company’s premium window and one of the best vinyl windows out there. I would put it in the top 20 list.
Polaris vs ProVia
I LOVE your newsletter – Q and A columns, polaris windows reviews page, etc Great work! Two questions: Which is a better window- better value- the Provia Endure vs Polaris ThermalWeld or UltraWeld? I have narrowed my choice between the two, but need help!
Interestingly, I was told by an installer/estimator that there is now very little difference in how the Polaris ThermalWeld v UltraWeld is built. As well, I was told ThermalWeld now uses the same basic construction in its frame as the UltraWeld, therefore very little difference between the two windows. Yet everything I read says the UltraWeld is a better window.
I used to think shopping for a mattress was a nightmare until i stared to learn about replacement windows!!!!!! Help!
Bill – Consumer – from 2022
[Editor’s Response]
Bill, they are both really really good. I might say the Polaris over the ProVia, but so close in terms of quality. I don’t think you can go wrong with either – I would focus more on the company doing the install, that’s going to be the difference maker here.
Bill – Site Editor – from 2024
Good Window Choice
I have a lot of experience with Polaris and feel their UltraWeld is a great window. When it comes to bay and bow windows, Polaris is the best, even when you compare them to known brands such as Simonton. Their energy efficiency is excellent, they are visually appealing and have good performance numbers.
What I have noticed is that they now offer a super spacer and their u-factor has improved to .28. Personally I have always preferred the stainless steel spacers and Polaris now offer this in their Ultraweld design, making these strong and durable. What many people don’t realize is that stainless steel has low conductivity and many window companies say they have stainless steel spacers, when in fact they have tin plated steel spacers, so watch out for that.
Matt – Installer – from 2019
Polaris vs. Andersen and Stanek
I am busy replacing some windows and have narrowed my search down to three estimates. The first is from Andersen on their Renewal series, the second is Polaris and the third is Stanek. I went on recommendations given to me by friends and family that had used each of these window companies and each one came with glowing reports.
A friend who had Stanek windows installed has had them for over seven years, where my other family and friends had their installations done recently. The Polaris stood out because of their price and foam filled frame, but I am concerned as one of the replacements is a sliding door and I am not sure how they will do on this. From what I can see Stanek and Andersen look stronger when it comes to their frames, even though they are slightly more expensive. I could really do with some advice on which is the better choice.
Nancy – Consumer – from 2018
[Contractor Response]
You have narrowed your search down to some good window choices, though I wouldn’t pay a high price for any of them. Whatever you do don’t take your windows from one and sliding door from another, it is going to look strange on your home, try and stick to one company for all the windows and doors that you need. Have you looked at other window companies such as Okna, SoftLite or Gorell? They are also all great window companies and they have really nice looking windows that are durable.
If you have already looked at the other companies and want an answer out of the three you have listed, I would have to say go with the Polaris windows. They are good value for money. They are strong windows and I have them installed in my own property and have never had any problems with them. Ideally you want the UltraWeld range and not the ThermalWeld range.
Wayne – Installer – from 2017
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