Our Soft-Lite Windows reviews explores consumer and industry experts on the Barrington, Bainbridge, Classic, Pro, Imperial LS and the Elements window series. Explore what homeowners and industry insiders think of their product lines and how they stack up to other manufacturers.
Company Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Price Point: 9.0 out of 10
Bottom Line: Soft-Lite is one of the premier vinyl window and door manufacturers. They have four great series to offer. Get a bid from one of their distributors and given the right price point, go for it.
(Always collect 3 to 4 additional bids)
Bill — Site Editor
Soft-Lite Windows Reviews And Costs
Soft-Lite is headquartered in Streetsboro, Ohio and has been in the fenestration business since 1934. The company is considered one of the top manufacturers of high end vinyl windows and doors. Their products are available through local companies across much of the mid west, north east, and Atlantic coastal states. Back in 2016, the company sold to Harvey Building Products, which itself is owned by Dunes Point Capital.
The company sells the following window models: the Barrington, Bainbridge, Classic, Pro, Imperial LS and Elements. The first two options are considered in the lower tier of all mid range vinyl windows, while the Classic and Pro are considered in the upper tier of all mid range vinyl windows.
The Imperial LS and Elements series are considered amongst the best vinyl windows on the market.
Soft-Lite Windows Warranty
The Warranty: The company offers a lifetime warranty on all of their vinyl windows and doors. As always, exclusions apply so do yourself a favor and read their warranty in full in order to know the most up-to-date warranty details.
Soft-Lite Classic Plus Reviews
Hi Bill, I have bids on the Okna 500dx vs Soft-Lite Classic Plus. Same price point more or less. I did see that the Okna 500dx outperforms the Classic Plus in Air Leakage by 400% (.02 for the Okna vs .08 for the Soft-Lite) and in Design Pressure by over 10% (DP50 vs DP45).
So based on this if they are at the same price or very close am I right to conclude that the Okna would indeed be a better choice? Thanks!
Johnnie – Homeowner – from 2023
[Site Editor’s Response]
Yes, the Okna 500dx is the winner in this head to head match up! Still the Classic Plus is a very good option in general.
Bill – Site Editor – from 2023
Soft-Lite Imperial LS Series
I now use the Okna and the Soft-Lite as my “go to” window, although it used to be the Simonton 5500. I feel that both the Okna 500 and Soft-Lites Imperial (or the Elements Series) are more energy efficient with better air infiltration numbers. My customers are very satisfied with the change for the most part, even if it means $50 to $75 more per window. At the end of the day, they are getting a superior product for a small increase in price.
Dale – Window Deler – from 2021
Soft-Lite Windows Cost
Soft-Lite window prices range from $400 to $800 fully installed. Patio sliding doors and/or french doors
Barrington Costs: $400 installed
Bainbridge Costs: $450 installed
Classic Costs: $550 installed
Pro Series Costs: $600 installed
Imperial LS Costs: $750 installed
Elements Pricing: $800 installed
Barcelona Impact Costs: $900 to $1200 installed
Soft-Lite vs. Marvin
I need all new windows, but I’ll probably sell this house in the next several years so I’m probably not looking to go spend $1000 per window. So I’ve narrowed it down the either the Marvin Infinity (fiberglass window frame) or the Soft-Lite Elements – the price quotes I have are equal on these two. So now I don’t how to make the choice between these two.
Danica – Homeowner – from 2021
[Contractor Response]
You have two very good windows there so you can relax because either one will serve you well (assuming good and equal installation). I would say that the Marvin window is maybe a little nicer looking, although not by much. I would say the Elements has better U-factor and air infiltration numbers. So if you can figure out which is more important to you; looks or energy efficiency, this could be a good way to choose. Either way, you should be happy.
Todd – Contractor – from 2021
See additional Marvin windows reviews.
Soft-Lite Elements Windows Reviews
We have bids for 10 double hung Elements – total for the bid came out to $10,233? Should I keep looking???
Susan – Homeowner – from 2024
Susan, I would say that’s a fair price on the surface of it all. Without knowing the full details of the project or seeing additional bids though, it’s hard to really say if that’s the best you can do. Price quotes are so all over the board it’s not even funny. Great window though and fair market price for the most part in 2024.
Bill – Site Editor – from 2024
Elements vs Imperial LS
I have researched the Elements and Imperial LS Series and they seem very similar to me. The glazing for the LS is an upgrade for about $20 per window, while it comes as a standard feature on the Elements — called the Edgetech Super Spacer. The Elements has a single tilt and lock mechanism and if you reverse the lock you can tilt the double hung sashes. There is a cove / bead design on the outside of the Elements, which I think makes it better looking up close. From the street, you really can’t tell. The Soft-Lite warranty on the Elements includes glass breakage, it is also available for the LS but at additional cost. I believe the Elements is roughly $50 more than the LS.
Rick – Homeowner – from 2020
Upgrades To The Elements
I think that the Elements Super Spacer system is better than the Imperial Intercept Spacer and the Elements have a Better View screen that comes standard. The Elements looks better than the Imperial (IMO) with the cove exterior and the tilt and lock feature.
Having said that, I still like the Imperial a lot and if you do get some of the upgrades they can be close in price – depending on what the dealer charges for upgrades, features etc. If I had to choose one upgrade on the Imperial it would definitely be the Super spacer, as well as the Better View screen. I would have either of these windows in my house for sure.
Gary – Industry Insider – from 2020
SoftLite vs. Simonton
I can’t fault Heartland Windows. They offer superior customer service, they are heavier than many of the other windows on the market and they use the latest technology hardware. SoftLite is a basic window in my opinion and perfect if you’re looking for a budget window. Simonton do manufacture good quality windows but you need to ensure you choose the right series to get the quality you are paying for. What do other people think?
Holden – Consumer – from 2019
[Contractor Response]
I’m confused how Soft-Lite is basic and Heartland is so superior? I have never heard of Heartland, whereas I don’t know of a contractor in my field who doesn’t consider Soft-Lite to be one of the best vinyl manufacturers. I do agree with your statement on Simonton though. You need to read more soft-lite windows reviews site in my opinion and you might come up with a different opinion on their quality.
Bill – Contractor – from 2019
See additional Simonton windows reviews.
Opinions On The Different Models
I’ve installed many Soft-Lites – Bainbridge, Barrington, Imperial Classics. But the overwhelming percentage of our jobs is with the Imperial LS. It’s my favorite vinyl window from there, but the Bainbridge and Classic are nice as well. The Elements and LS are fairly similar (exceot for the cove/bead frame, locking system, Super spacer and screen track which are standard for the Elements). I’d say the best vinyl product on the market right now is The Elements.
The Imperial Pro is the older Imperial model and is the older brother of the Barrington and Bainbridge Series. It’s a bit dated, but has good performance numbers and is a good replacement window that has minimal glass loss. The Imperial Pro still offers lots of option, has a fantastic sill and comes with a standard locking screen on all double hung windows. More importantly, the Imperial Classic and Pro tends to be sold by smaller dealers and contractors that offer competitive pricing. The Imperials have slightly higher DP ratings than the Bainbridge Series.
Mike – Window Installer – from 2019
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