Good Vinyl Windows
Here are our top picks for good vinyl windows that won't break the bank when shopping for replacement windows. Please note: these aren't necessarily our picks for the best vinyl windows, nor are they inexpensive vinyl windows. However, they are very solid vinyl window options that will serve many U.S. homeowners given the right price point and coupled with professional installation.
Often, these windows provide some of the best value for your hard earned money. This is because they typically use the same mainframe as a company’s premium series, just without the handful of bells and whistles. Of course, this isn’t always the case. However, for the most part, a good quality vinyl windows offers a solid combination of affordability, durability and energy efficiency
Last Update: January 20, 2025
Quality Vinyl Windows: Tuscany
The Milgard Tuscany series is a solid vinyl window that performs well at a nice price point. Additionally, the Tuscany series will run 10% to 15% more than their low end Styleline and has a slightly thicker extrusion than the Styleline. It offers some nicer features, including a better locking mechanism, spacer system, exterior screen, weep holes and vent stops. The Tuscany is a more energy efficient option over the Styleline, offering a .29 U-value, .21 SHGC - an upgrade to a 3D Max Glass package. The Tuscany is a good west coast option.
Milgard Tuscany Windows Reviews
Soft-Lite Classic
The Classic series is an upgrade from the Bainbridge, but includes several nice upgrades: upgraded screens, sash and frame fills, and includes a lifetime glass breakage provision. Standard features include fusion welded frames, Delta locks, vent locks, an intercept spacer, locking screen latch, and a drip cap.
The Classic is very similar to the Soft-Lite Pro Series, but here are the differences between the two; the Classic uses an Intercept spacer, has a non-reinforced meeting rail, single strength glass and uses a 3/4" IGU. The Pro uses a Super Spacer, has a reinforced meeting rail, double strength glass and uses a 7/8"IGU. The Classic is a small below the Pro in terms of overall strength, performance and durability.
Soft-Lite Classic Reviews
Simonton 5500 Series
Simonton is sometimes referred to as the Ford of the window industry - a nice solid option that isn't super flashy, but gets the job done. The Simonton 5500 model is the high end Reflections Series and is also known as the Prism Platinum model. The 5500 Series comes with the super 366 glass option, double strength glass, their super spacer, and the same frame as is on the 5300 Series. Homeowners can expect performance numbers of roughly .30 U Value, .18 SHGC and .17 air infiltration.
Simonton 5500 Windows Reviews
Amerimax Craftsman Portrait Series
The Amerimax Craftsman Portrait series is the company's mid range vinyl window that offers some very nice features. These include the SuperSpacer system, has triple weatherstripping and uses a double strength glass. Similarly to the Amerimax Masters Grande window, the Craftsman uses even sightlines and pretty similar energy efficiency numbers.
The Amerimax Craftsman Portrait ordered in a number of different styles and configurations. The window comes standard with a fusion welded sash and frame, beveled exterior frame, dedicated pocket sill, slim line extrusion, brass roller system (slider), contoured pull rail, metal reinforcement meeting rail and dual action cam locks. The window gets a 4.4 out of 5 star rating.
Good Vinyl Windows: Anlin Catalina
The Catalina series is the company's entry level vinyl series. It includes a host of additional ordering options that includes fourteen frame color options, two glass packages, two casing styles, five hardware materials and 3 grid patterns.
The Catalina is available as a single hung, slider, picture window, combination, as well as a number of geometrical shapes and options. Additionally, the Catalina has a frame depth of 2 7/8" and an extrusion thickness of .080 inches. Also, the window uses a double strength glass, has equal sightlines, a single vent latch, silver coated glass and a Platinum Elite spacer system. The Anlin Catalina gets a 4.5 out of 5 star rating.
Anlin Catalina Reviews
Apex Insignia Series
The Insignia series is relabeled Alside 8000 window with some nice extra features added on. In truth, the vinyl window is quite good, although often the price point on the Insignia is higher than I'd like to see. Honestly, I make this comment on a lot of windows.
Apex Energy Solutions is a franchise style business. This means that each branch is privately owned. Furthermore, the branch in your area might adhere to best practices or not. Therefore, make sure you get reviews on your specific branch to make sure that past customers are happy with the window, installation, and the project price point.
Apex Insignia Reviews
Good Vinyl Windows: ecoSmart
The ecoSmart series is an "eco-friendly" vinyl window that is touted as both an excellent performer and an environmentally friendly alternative to your standard vinyl window. I'm going to take the company at their word in terms of the environmentally friendly claim. In terms of performance, the window is quite good, but I wouldn't put it in the great category like I would for the Sunrise Restorations or the Okna EnviroStar.
The ecoSmart does have some very nice features and options. Specifically, these include a pinch fusion welded frame, a true sloped sill, high density foam fills (the company website claims that the R-factor of the ecoSmart is 7x greater than a non foam filled frame), a composite sill reinforcement, a vinyl exterior shield, an I-Core spacer system, two integral lock / tilt latch mechanisms, as well as a number of different glass options.
The ecoSmart is available as an awning, casement, slider, double hung, garden window, bow or bay, and sliding patio door. One interesting note, you have to really search the website to discover that the windows are made by Great Lakes Windows. I always find this interesting and wondering why they try to market the window as a standalone unit. All in all, the ecoSmart window is a decent performer with some nice features. Additionally, I would certainly consider this vinyl window given the right price point and good installation. The Great Lakes EcoSmart Window Series gets a 4.4 out of 5 star rating.
Harvey Classic Series
The Classic series is the company's most popular model and comes in a variety of options that includes 28 exterior color options and 6 interior color options. Similar to the Harvey Slimline window, the Classic has a block & tackle balance system, although the bulkier mainframe will offer more strength and durability.
With the Energy Star package that includes grids, low-e and argon fills, the Classic Series achieves a .30 U-factor, STC rating of 28, 3.33 R-value, .14 AI, DP35, .27 SHGC and .49 VT. These are all respectable numbers, but not outstanding. This Harvey window is comparable to Anlin Del Mar windows. The Harvey Classic Window Series gets a 4.3 out of 5 star rating.
Good Vinyl Windows: Platinum 3000
The Ideal Platinum 3000 window is a premium vinyl window that has some nice fatures. These include a fully fusion welded frame and sash, 7/8'' double strength insulated glass, Duralite warm edge spacer, a reinforced sash rail, foam filled sash and frame rails, foam wrap on the jambs, an ultra view half screen, a tilt and lock mechanism, dual tech lock, as well as low E and argon fills on the standard glass.
The Platinum 3000 delivers impressive performance numbers. For now, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and say that this Ideal window is a very solid vinyl window for the price point. The Ideal Platinum 3000 Window Series gets a 4.7 out of 5 star rating.
Okna 400 Series
The Okna 400 window, also known as the Precision Weld Series, is the economy vinyl window option from Okna. The 400 Precision Weld model can be ordered as a double hung, picture, slider, or hopper window. It is also available as a replacement or in a new construction set up. The Precision Weld is one of our top selections for the best cheap replacement window currently available on the market.
The Okna Precision Weld includes some great standard features. These include a fusion welded frame, 3.25" depth frame, a Heatseal spacer, a full integral interlock, double weatherstripping and fully extruded sash handles. In terms of color options, the 400 model can be ordered in an interior white, almond or cocoa. On the exterior, it comes in white, brown, bronze, cocoa, sandstone, almond, as well as a number of additional custom colors. Hardware comes in the three interior frame colors.
Related Topic: Best Impact Windows
* Best Vinyl Windows