Cheap Replacement Windows

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Cheap replacement windows is not the best terminology; think of it as a decent window at a reasonable price. While we never recommend that consumers sacrifice quality simply for price, we do understand that cost is a huge concern for most homeowners. Here are four quality replacement windows for under $500 installed and out the door.

-- Price Range: $400 to $500 fully installed --

Inexpensive Window Number 1

The Simonton Asure Series was introduced in 2012 and is essentially an updated version of the Reflections 5050. While it is Simonton's entry level window, it's still a good buy for the price. Instead of a cheap, thin frame, it has a rather bulky profile that does mean less viewing area, but will still offer decent performance numbers. Contractors always recommend an upgrade to the mid range model, but assuming you get a good installer who doesn't cut corners, you will be well served with the Simonton entry level window.

Price Range
$425 - $475 installed

See All Simonton Windows Prices

Affordable Window Selection 2

As a rule, Ply Gem gets decent reviews from contractors and homeowners. The Pro model is a step up from their Contractor model and is actually a composite window of sorts, instead of a strict vinyl window. To be more specific, it is a painted uPVC that is the updated version that was once called the Grandview 4000 - made by by Great Lakes. The Ply Gem Pro Series lacks the reinforced sash of their Premium model, but offers a stainless steel spacer and a decent warranty. Expect decent but not great performance numbers; U-factor of .29, AI 0.19 DP 30 and an SHGC of .27.

Price Range
$425 - $475 installed

See All Ply Gem Window Costs

Cheap Replacement Windows Number 3

The Milgard Styleline Series is a modern, somewhat plain looking vinyl window. It offers a thinner frame (and uneven sight lines which may or may not bother you) than the slightly more expensive Tuscany, but lacks some bells and whistles such as weep hole covers, vent locks and has a slightly odd looking locking mechanism. The thinner frame generally means slightly worse performance numbers than the Tuscany. The Styleline is available on the west coast and is a good option if the Tuscany is a bit out of your price range.

Price Range
$550 - $500 installed

See All Milgard Windows Pricing

Affordable Replacement Windows Selection 4

The Sunrise Essentials Series is basically an entry level window from a great vinyl window manufacturer. The frame isn't as strong as their better models, it is available in less color options and it is only available in a slider, double hung or fixed window stlye. Performance numbers will be just okay and it really can't hold a candle to the standard Sunrise window, but it's a good inexpensive window by and large.

Price Range
$475 - $500 installed

See All Sunrise Window Prices

Cheap Replacement Windows Number 5

The Silverline 9500 Series is the premium window from Silverline and the window that gets the most attention from buyers and installers. When it comes to a decent budget vinyl window, this model is often thrown out as one of the options. It's available in many of the big box stores and it gets decent numbers: AI 0.14, U-factor 0.30, & DP 45. The window also offers a thick frame (.85) and double strength glass. Contractors often suggest that if consumers are going to go with the 9500 series, that they upgrade to the foam fill and get the argon gas fills.

Price Range
$425 - $475 installed

See All Silverline Windows Cost

Inexpensive Window Number 6

The Reliabilt 3500 window is the high end vinyl window from Reliabilt that is actually a relabeled Atrium 8700 window. Reliabilt windows are often sold through the big box stores such as Lowes and Home Depot and the per window cost can seem very low. However, be sure to note that typically the windows listed on these particular sites have no upgrades or add ons that can help with the overall performance of the window (and add to the cost of the window.) It's similar to the MSRP on a car - essentially the base price.

Price Range
$350 - $425 installed

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Cheap Replacement Windows Q And A

Here is our section that involves homeowner and consumer questions and answers where we talk brands, options, prices, comparisons, disappointments, victories, installation issues, and more. If you have a question for us, fire away.

Editor John M.

Cloudy Vinyl Windows

My 3,000 sq home has a sunroom with beautiful wall of picture windows facing east. It’s 13 yrs old and the finish on the exterior glass is terrible, no cleaning can improve, they all have a cloudy view with the morning sun. Now I’ve notices the vinyl trim between the windows is beginning to crack. 12 windows total, mounted in two groups (3 each-small windows on top) 6) 3’x3’ and 6) 3’x7’

I priced (Pella vs Anderson) the bid was just under $40,000. I’m looking for a more reliable replacement but not for 10% of my home cost. I Currently have a local window companies giving bids. I admit I’m not impressed with their material engineering knowledge. How is a better quality vinyl identified? Is there a good, better, best glass framing techniques, quality? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Andy - Homeowner - January, 2024

Website Editor's Answer

Andy, it's a bit technical to explain what specifically quality companies do over cheap vinyl window companies. Instead, I would look at top brands and trust that those vinyl windows will last much longer over cheap, crappy brands.

Editor John M. - January, 2024