Who Is the Best Window Manufacturer? Renewal by Andersen vs. Pella vs. Marvin vs. Others

What Are Your Window Replacement Options?

Before diving into company comparisons, let's talk about the three main paths you can take for your window replacement project: DIY, hiring a contractor, or working with a full-service company. Each has its pros and cons.

Option 1: You can DIY your window replacement

This path involves purchasing windows from a home improvement store or online retailer and installing them yourself.

• Pros: You can lower upfront costs by not paying for labor, and you have complete control over the project timeline.
• Cons: This option can require significant skill, time, and the right tools. Improper installation can lead to drafts and lack of energy efficiency, and can cause your windows to be difficult to operate. You are also responsible for any mistakes that arise.
• Best for: Experienced DIYers with carpentry skills who are comfortable taking on a complex project and its risks. Generally, it's recommended you have experience with this type of project if you’re going to do the install yourself.

Option 2: You can hire a general contractor

With this option, you purchase the windows separately (from a home improvement store or dealer) and hire a general contractor to install them, or you hire a general contractor and they will help choose and purchase your windows.

• Pros: You get professional installation expertise and, depending on the contractor, the flexibility to choose windows from any manufacturer.
• Cons: You may need to coordinate between the window supplier and the contractor. There’s no single point of accountability if something goes wrong, and the window warranty may not cover installation issues. Plus, you may have another warranty from the contractor—which means juggling multiple warranties and the hassle that can come with that. The windows you buy may be standard sizes and not custom made for your home’s specific openings.
• Best for: Homeowners who want professional installation and are willing to hire their own contractor for the project.

Option 3: You can hire a full-service window replacement company

Companies like Renewal by Andersen handle everything from the initial design consultation to manufacturing, installation, service, and warranty.

• Pros: You get one-company accountability from start to finish. The process includes expert design consultation, custom-built windows made to fit your home precisely, professional installation by certified experts, and a limited warranty covering both the product and installation—plus streamlined communication since you’re working with one company throughout the entire process.
• Cons: This option typically has a higher cost compared to DIY or hiring a contractor, and you have no flexibility to mix products from different manufacturers.
• Best for: Homeowners who want an easy process with one company handling everything and are willing to invest in a premium experience.

What Should I Look for When Comparing Window Companies?

Not all window companies are created equal. Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating your options.

• Material quality and durability: Look for companies that use high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand your local climate. Ask about the specific materials used in frames, glass, and hardware, as these impact long-term performance and maintenance.
• Warranty coverage: Compare the length of the warranty and what it covers—is it just the product or both product and installation? Look for transferability if you plan to sell your home and understand any exclusions. For example, some warranties cover material but not installation. Renewal by Andersen has the Nation’s Best Warranty^* coverage on our replacement windows, and it is fully transferable to any future homeowners.
• Installation process and service: Find out who will install your windows. Ask about their training and experience. Will you be on the hook for any damages during the installation process? Is installation included in the cost of the windows and doors or is it separate? Also, inquire about post-installation service.
• Customization options: Evaluate the range of styles, colors, and hardware available. Can the company provide custom sizing or are you limited to standard sizes?
• Customer reviews and reputation: Research customer satisfaction ratings, read reviews, and look for industry awards.

Renewal by Andersen vs. Pella vs. Marvin vs. Others: What’s the Difference?

A window and door replacement company can have the best service in the world, but it doesn’t matter if the products they sell aren’t well made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. Find out whether the company focuses on replacement or new construction. Do they specialize in a certain type of window, door, or both? What else do they make, if anything?

• Renewal by Andersen focuses on window and door replacement through its Acclaim^® replacement windows and coastal Acclaim^® Impact replacement windows. We also offer Ensemble^® entry doors and Andersen^® patio doors.
• Pella sells new construction and replacement windows, patio doors, entry doors, and storm doors.
• Marvin focuses mainly on new construction, but they do have a window replacement service called Infinity^® by Marvin^®. You can choose to work with this replacement service or go through their dealer network of retailers.
• Window World makes replacement windows with or without impact glass, entry doors, patio doors, garage doors, shutters, and siding.
• Champion manufactures replacement windows, entry doors, and sliding doors. They also build sunrooms, including sunroom windows.

What's their installation model?

Some window replacement companies are full-service, meaning they handle everything in the process from manufacturing to installation. Other companies manufacture and sell the product but work with other companies for installation.

Consider whether you need to select installers and manage the project yourself or if the company will take care of all that. Are the installers professionally certified by the company to install that product? Ask about their training and experience.

• Renewal by Andersen is a full service replacement window company, so we do everything for you, including installation. Every project starts with a free in-home design consultation. An install project manager takes precise measurements to make sure each window will be custom-made to fit the exact opening in the wall. Then your windows are custom built to order within 1/16^th inch of your home's opening—not pulled from a shelf. When it's time for installation, you can count on our Certified Master Installers. They'll remove and dispose of your old windows and doors, install the new ones with precision, and clean up before leaving—so the only thing you'll notice is how much better your home looks.
• Pella manufactures their replacement windows, and you can either choose your own contractor to install them or work with a Pella^® Certified Contractor from their network. It's not always a one-company solution.
• Marvin focuses mainly on new construction, but they do have a window replacement service called Infinity^® by Marvin^®. You can either choose to work with this replacement service or go through their dealer network of retailers.
• Window World does not make their own windows. They work with third-party manufacturers (associated Materials and MI Windows & Doors), and the windows are typically relabeled with the Window World brand. Window World has in-house installers, but it operates as a franchise model with independent dealers. Each franchise is independently owned and operated, so service quality can vary significantly between locations.
• Champion handles the design, manufacturing, and installation of their replacement windows. Their windows are manufactured in their factory in Sharonville, Ohio.

What materials are their windows made with?

What makes one type of window frame material better than another? Which frame materials should you consider, given your budget, they style of your home, time required to maintain, and your geographic location?

Look for companies that use high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand your local climate. Ask about the specific materials used in frames, glass, and hardware, as these impact long-term performance and maintenance.

• Renewal by Andersen Acclaim^® and Acclaim^® Impact windows are made of our exclusive Fibrex^® composite material, which combines the natural strength and insulating properties of wood with the low-maintenance qualities of vinyl.
• Pella offers wood, vinyl, and fiberglass windows.
• Marvin makes primarily wood-clad windows, along with fiberglass options.
• Window World makes windows with vinyl window frames.
• Champion makes windows with vinyl window frames.

The bottom line: When it comes to window frame materials, it’s about more than price. Fibrex composite material is a unique replacement window material. Think of it as the best of both worlds in window technology.

What does their warranty cover?

• Renewal by Andersen's clear and easy-to-understand limited warranties on Acclaim^® replacement windows translates to 20 years of coverage on standard glass and Fibrex^® material, two years of coverage on professional installation, and 10 years on handles, locks, hinges and other non-glass components. Best of all, our limited warranties are fully transferable, so the next homeowners can have the same protection if you decide to sell.
• Pella offers limited lifetime warranties that vary by product line and are typically not trasferable.
• Marvin's Infinity^® line has a limited warranty that requires maintenance, doesn't include service labor, and has geographic restrictions.
• Window World's limited lifetime warranty details and support quality can vary by franchise.
• Champion offers a limited lifetime warranty with less transparent details.

The bottom line: Renewal by Andersen's customers get the top-quality product we're known for, and our signature service—plus the Nation's Best Warranty.^* At Renewal by Andersen, we believe that a warranty should be more than just a length of time; what is covered and how it's covered matters.

Compared to top-selling window competitors in warranty coverage for transferability; required maintenance; geographic restrictions; labor, installation; clarity of terms; and additional benefits, Renewal by Andersen is an industry leader. So you can have peace of mind that we stand behind our products and service. Whatever the issue is, we’ll help take care of it for you.