Consumer Reports Best Windows

Consumer Reports best windows is their list of top replacement windows that are available through retail stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. Their testing and results includes the replacement window cost and an overall rating from 1 to 100.

Comsumer Reports Limitations

The big downside to CR ratings is the windows that they test. This is especially true with vinyl windows, but less so with wood clad and fiberglass window frames. Check out our list of the best vinyl windows and you'll notice that not one of the brands or models that we recommended is tested by Consumer Reports. While they review companies such as Reliabilt, Alside, American Craftsman, CertainTeed, Crestline and Pella, none of these are near the top of our recommended windows. In fact, most of them are closer towards the bottom.

Home Window

Consumer Reports Pricing

The other downside to Consumer Reports is that the pricing tends to be a bit misleading to consumers. It is very similar to car msrp prices, where the price listed is the base price - before anything is added on to it. Window add ons and upgrades include better hardware, better glass options, sill reinforcements, grids, screens etc. Nor does it include the cost of installation, which can account for some 25% to 35% of the retail cost of the window itself.

















Consumer Reports Wood Windows


Manufacturer: Marvin
Model: Integrity Ultrex Clad 3
Retail Cost: $480
CR Score: 49


Manufacturer: Lincoln
Model: Fit 1
Retail Cost: $600
CR Score: 48

Manufacturer: Andersen
Model: A Series 1
Retail Cost: $500
CR Score: 47

Consumer Reports Vinyl Windows


Manufacturer: Simonton
Model: Pro-Finish Contractor
Retail Cost: $260
CR Score: 83


Manufacturer: Reliabilt
Model: 3900 Series
Retail Cost: $280
CR Score: 82


Manufacturer: American Craftsman
Model: 70 Series
Retail Cost: $170
CR Score: 78


Manufacturer: Reliabilt
Model: Reliabilt 3201 Windows Reviews
Retail Cost: $190
CR Score: 73


Manufacturer: Kolbe
Model: Latitude
Retail Cost: $450
CR Score: 72


Manufacturer: Simonton
Model: Reflections 5300
Retail Cost: $290
CR Score: 68


Manufacturer: Silver Line
Model: 3000 Series
Retail Cost: $200
CR Score: 68


Manufacturer: Pella
Model: Pella 250 Series
Retail Cost: $240
CR Score: 62


Manufacturer: Ply Gem
Model: Contractor Series 2000
Retail Cost: $200
CR Score: 48


Manufacturer: Pella
Model: ThermaStar
Retail Cost: $215
CR Score: 41

CR Fiberglass Windows


Manufacturer: Marvin
Model: Integrity Ultrex
Retail Cost: $450
CR Score: 65


Manufacturer: Pella
Model: Impervia
Retail Cost: $390
CR Score: 59