Champion Windows Vs. Pella Windows For Your Home

If you’re in the market for new windows, you’ve probably come across two big brand names: Champion and Pella. Both companies make high-quality windows, but they have some key differences that might make one a better choice for your home than the other.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Champion and Pella on the features that matter most when shopping for windows, like design, materials, energy efficiency, cost, warranties, and more.

We’ll break down the pros and cons of each brand so you can make an informed decision about which is better for your needs.

At A Glance Comparison

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick overview of how Champion and Pella stack up against each other:

Feature	Champion	Pella
Materials	Vinyl, composite, aluminum	Vinyl, wood, fiberglass, aluminum
Design Options	Double hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay/bow, garden	Double hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay/bow, garden, custom shapes
Energy Efficiency	Very good; triple pane glass available	Very good; triple pane glass available
Warranty	Lifetime limited	10 years
Manufacturing	Made in the USA	Made in the USA

Key Differences Between Champion And Pella Windows

Now let’s explore each of these factors more in depth.

Window Materials

One of the biggest differences between Champion and Pella is the material options they offer.

Champion Windows

Champion uses vinyl, composite, and aluminum for their windows.

• Vinyl – Champion’s vinyl windows are affordable, low maintenance, and hold up well in all weather. The vinyl is thick and impact-resistant.
• Composite – For a wood look with less maintenance, Champion offers composite windows made from vinyl exterior and real wood interior.
• Aluminum – For a contemporary look, Champion has aluminum-clad windows that are very durable and naturally corrosion and rust resistant.

Pella Windows

Pella offers more material options than Champion:

• Vinyl – Like Champion, Pella makes vinyl windows that are an affordable, low-maintenance choice. Their vinyl is durable and colorfast.
• Wood – For a classic, high-end look, Pella offers wood windows made from pine, oak, and other woods. These require more maintenance than other materials.
• Fiberglass – Pella’s fiberglass windows mimic the look of wood but are more energy efficient and durable. They hold up well to weather and insects.
• Aluminum – Pella’s aluminum-clad windows are very low maintenance and contemporary looking. They resist dents and corrosion.

So in summary, Champion has fewer material choices but reliable options, while Pella offers more customization.

Window Design Options

In addition to materials, the other major difference between Champion and Pella is the selection of window styles and types.

Champion Window Designs

Champion windows come in these popular styles:

• Double hung – With two sashes that slide up and down, double hungs are a classic and versatile design. Champion offers energy efficient double hungs.
• Sliding – For a sleek, space-saving look, Champions sliding windows glide horizontally to open.
• Casement – Hinged on the side and cranking open outward, casements provide full ventilation. Champion makes casements that are easy to operate.
• Awning – Top-hinged and out-swinging, awnings are great above other windows or over porches. Champion’s awnings have compression seals to block air infiltration.
• Bay and Bow – For more dramatic curved windows, Champion offers both bay (angled sides) and bow (arched curve) options.
• Garden windows – Champion’s garden windows are multi-panel combinations that project outward from a room.

Pella Window Designs

Pella offers all the same mainstream window styles as Champion, plus:

• Custom shapes – Pella gives you more flexibility to order windows in unique architectural shapes. They can customize to match existing windows.
• Casement and awning – Pella offers more opening options like crank open casements and reverse awning windows that swing inward.
• Double hung – Their double hungs feature a sash limiter for safer operation on upper floors.
• Sliding – Pella makes extra wide sliding windows so you can maximize views.
• Bay and Bow – You can choose from more curved bay and bow shape combinations with Pella.

So in terms of design, Pella gives you more room for customization, while Champion provides reliable options for typical home needs.

Energy Efficiency

With both Champion and Pella windows, you can choose high-performance options to reduce energy costs.

Champion Window Efficiency

• Their double panes have inner air chambers that provide excellent insulation.
• For optimal efficiency, Champion offers triple pane glass with three layers of silver coating to reflect heat.
• Composite and aluminum frames also improve thermal performance.
• Infill insulation inside the frame increases efficiency.
• Champion windows meet ENERGY STAR® requirements.

Pella Window Efficiency

• Like Champion, Pella also offers triple pane glass to prevent heat loss.
• Low-emissivity coatings on glass help block UV rays and hot/cold air transfer.
• Pella’s wood, fiberglass, and vinyl frames insulate well.
• Improved composite sash material and foam insulation in jambs increase efficiency.
• Pella also meets ENERGY STAR® guidelines.

Both brands give you excellent options for energy savings. Pella may rate slightly better for efficiency in professional testing, but both are high performers.

Warranties

The warranties that come with Champion and Pella windows also differ.

Champion Window Warranties

• Limited lifetime warranty – This covers the vinyl and hardware against defects, breakage, and corrosion as long as you own your home.
• 20-year glass warranty – The insulated glass is protected against seal failure causing fogging.
• 10-year screen warranty – Screens are protected against defects, phantom screens have a 5-year warranty.

Pella Window Warranties

• 10-year comprehensive warranty – This protects against defects in materials and workmanship.
• 10-year glass warranty – Insulated glass is covered for seal failure and internal fogging.
• 5-year exterior finish warranty – The exterior finish is covered against flaking, checking, blistering, and peeling.

So Champion provides better long-term protection, while Pella has stronger coverage in the first 10 years.

Cost and Value Comparison

In terms of bottom-line cost, Champion windows are generally more affordable than Pella.

Champion Windows

• As a mid-range brand, Champion offers very good quality and energy savings at moderate price points.
• Their vinyl and composite windows tend to cost 25-50% less than comparable Pella fiberglass or wood windows.
• New Champion windows installed often average $600 – $1,000 per window.
• This provides very good value for the features and warranty.

Pella Windows

• As a luxury brand, Pella leans towards the higher end of the market. Their products compete with like Andersen.
• Pella’s wood and fiberglass windows often cost 50-100% more than Champion’s equivalents.
• New Pella windows installed typically average $1,000 – $2,000 per window.
• You pay a premium for the wide selection, customization, and prestige.

While Pella offers greater luxury and customization, Champion provides impressive quality for the price.

Manufacturing

Both Champion and Pella make their windows in the United States.

Champion Windows

• Champion manufactures their windows in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Many of their materials and parts are U.S. sourced as well.
• Their domestic manufacturing results in quality control and helps support local jobs.

Pella Windows

• Pella produces their windows in Iowa at factories in Pella, Shenandoah, and Carroll.
• Like Champion, many of their materials and components are U.S. sourced.
• Their local facilities also allow tight oversight and quick distribution.

So if domestic production is important to you, rest assured both brands manufacture their windows in America.

Which Is Better For Your Home?

Now that we’ve compared these two brands in depth, let’s summarize which type of homeowner each might be better suited for:

For whom are Champion windows a good choice?

• Homeowners on a moderate budget who still want quality and performance.
• Those who only need basic styles like double hung and sliding windows.
• People who want excellent warranties and don’t mind limited material options.
• Those who appreciate great value for the cost.

For whom are Pella windows a good choice?

• Homeowners who want custom or luxury window features and have a larger budget.
• Those needing more complex architectural shapes and designs.
• People who value having many material choices like wood and fiberglass.
• Those who want the high-end Pella brand name and prestige.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Bottom Line

Champion and Pella both make exceptional windows that will enhance your home. Champion provides impressive quality, energy efficiency, and a great warranty at moderate price points.

Pella offers luxury features, completely customizable options, and premium materials for a higher cost.

Hopefully this detailed comparison helps give you clarity about which brand aligns better with your home, budget, and needs. Reach out to request quotes from each brand to get exact pricing for your specific window project.

With either Champion or Pella, you can be confident you’re making a sound investment that will boost your home’s comfort and style for years to come.