If you’re in the market for new replacement windows, Rite Window and Window World are two big names you’ll likely encounter. Both companies offer a range of vinyl window options at affordable prices, but there are some key differences between them.
Here’s an in-depth look at how Rite Window and Window World windows compare on factors like pricing, warranties, installations, customization options and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Rite Window | Window World |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $$ Higher prices, windows start at $700+ installed | $ Lower pricing, windows from $189 installed |
| Window Quality | Higher quality materials – thick vinyl, fusion welded corners, premium glass | Meet minimum standards but thinner vinyl and basic glass |
| Installation | Factory trained professional installers | Varies, done by subcontractors |
| Styles & Customization | Huge selection of styles and customization options | Limited to standard double hungs and sliders |
| Warranties | Lifetime on vinyl and moving parts, 20 years on glass | Lifetime on vinyl and moving parts, 10 years on glass |
| Energy Efficiency | Much better with multi-layer weatherstripping, triple pane glass, argon gas | Decent but not as good insulation and glass packages |
| Smart Home Features | Rite Connect built-in smart home integration | None, need to add separate devices |
| Financing | 12 mo. 0% same as cash, plus typical financing plans | Typical financing plans available |
Rite Window Overview
Rite Window is a national manufacturer and installer of replacement windows founded in 1946. They offer a full range of vinyl window styles, including single hung, double hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay and bow, garden, and specialty shaped windows.
Some benefits of Rite Window products include:
- Custom options – Rite Window windows can be customized with options like tinted glass, triple pane glass, obscure glass, and grid patterns. They offer some of the most customization options in the industry.
- High-quality materials – Rite Window vinyl frames are made of premium vinyl that resists fading and warping. Their glass packages provide excellent insulation and noise reduction.
- Good warranties – Rite Window windows have lifetime limited warranties on vinyl and moving parts, along with 20-year glass coverage.
- Professional installations – Rite Window handles the entire install process with their own factory-trained installers.
Some downsides are that their windows can be pricier than competitors. Lead times can also be longer for specialty custom orders.
Window World Overview
Window World is the largest window replacement company in the US. They manufacture and install vinyl windows under their own American-madeWindow World brand.
Benefits of Window World windows:
- Affordable pricing – Window World is known for having some of the lowest upfront window costs in the industry. This makes them appealing if you’re on a tight budget.
- Quick installations – Window World stocks common window sizes for quick delivery and installation. In many cases they can complete the entire process in a matter of days.
- Good basic warranties – Window World windows have lifetime limited warranties on frames and moving parts, 10 years on glass, and 1 year on labor.
- Nationwide availability – With over 200 locations across the US, Window World has wider accessibility and brand recognition in many areas.
Potential downsides include:
- Limited customization – Window World offers fewer options for custom shapes, glass grades, finishes, hardware and more compared to other brands.
- No specialty windows – You won’t find many bay, bow, garden or custom shaped window options from Window World.
- In-house only – Window World doesn’t allow you to buy just the windows for self-installation. You must use their installers.
Key Differences Between Rite Window And Window World
Now that we’ve reviewed some general pros and cons, let’s do a detailed comparison on key factors:
Pricing
One of the biggest differences between Rite Window and Window World is cost.
- Rite Window pricing tends to be about 15-30% higher on average than Window World. Their windows start around $700-800 per window installed depending on size and options. Triple pane upgrades can add another $100-300 per window.
- Window World pricing is known to be very affordable, with basic double hung vinyl windows starting as low as $189. Their more premium triple pane windows start around $300 installed.
It’s important to keep in mind you get what you pay for in terms of material quality and customizability with Rite Window vs. the budget costs of Window World.
We’ll explore the quality differences next.
Window Quality
When comparing the quality of Rite Window vs Window World, Rite Window windows tend to use thicker vinyl frames and higher-end glass packages.
Some key differences in vinyl frame quality include:
- Rite Window vinyl is .075 gauge extruded for durability. Window World uses thinner .070 gauge vinyl.
- Rite Window offers fusion welded corners on their frames for superior strength. Window World uses simpler inserted corners.
- Rite Window frames have internal structural reinforcement for stability. Window World’s frames lack internal support.
For glass, Rite Window offers more premium grades as options, including:
- Triple pane glass for excellent insulation
- Low-E 366 or 272 coatings to block UV rays
- Argon gas filled units for further heat/cold insulation
- High R-value Super Spacer between panes resists condensation
Standard Window World glass is double pane with basic Low-E and argon gas. You can pay more to upgrade to triple pane, but the glass quality is still lower than Rite Window’s.
Overall, while Window World windows meet basic quality standards, Rite Window offers thicker vinyl, sturdier construction, and better glass. This results in better insulation, durability, weather resistance and noise reduction.
Installation Process
Another major difference between the two brands is the installation process.
- Rite Window handles installations through their own factory trained installers. Each franchise location has dedicated, experienced installation crews. This allows them to ensure a professional install with minimal mistakes. Installs often take 2-3 days.
- Window World also uses their own installers. However, the installers may vary and are essentially subcontractors rather than direct company employees. The focus is on speedy installs, usually 1 day. But quality can suffer from rushed improper installs in some cases.
One advantage for Window World is installation is included with purchase. Rite Window charges extra for installation, typically around $200 per window depending on size and customization.
Window Styles and Customization
Rite Window offers one of the most expansive window collections in the industry. Choices include:
- Single & double hung
- Sliding
- Casement
- Awning
- Bay & Bow
- Garden windows
- Specialty shapes like triangles, trapezoids, hexagons, arches, octagons and more
Nearly all their windows can be customized with options like:
- Custom sizes, including 1/4 inch sizing adjustments
- Obscure, tinted, tempered & triple pane glass
- Interior and exterior color finishes
- Decorative grids in different patterns
- Decorative hardware finishes
- Insect screens
- Sunrise rechargable ventilation systems
- Integrated blinds & shades
- And more
In contrast, Window World’s selection and customization options are much more limited.
They focus mainly on standard double hung and sliding windows in common sizes. You won’t find specialty shape or bay/bow windows. Grid patterns and hardware finish options are minimal.
Rite Window is a better choice if you want truly customized windows. Window World’s streamlined selection makes ordering and installation faster and cheaper.
Warranties
The included warranties provide an indication of how long each brand expects their windows to last.
Rite Window warranties include:
- Lifetime limited warranty on vinyl and moving parts
- 20 years on glass
- 2 years on labor from certified installers
Window World warranties:
- Lifetime limited on vinyl and moving parts
- 10 years on glass
- 1 year on labor for installation
The warranties are fairly comparable, but Rite Window does offer twice as long glass coverage. This suggests superior glass quality expected to last longer without defects.
One unique perk Rite Window offers is a price guarantee. If prices on an equivalent Rite Window go down in your area within 2 months of purchase, they’ll refund the difference. This reassures you’re getting the best pricing.
Additional Pane Options: Tempered, Tinted & Obscure Glass
Along with basic clear glass, both Rite Window and Window World offer some popular specialty glass pane upgrades:
- Tempered glass is treated with heat for added strength and shatter-resistance. It’s ideal for locations vulnerable to impacts near doors or floor level. Both brands offer tempered glass.
- Tinted glass reduces glare and heat gain while preserving views. It’s great for warmer climates. Rite Window has 10 tint colors available in different shades and opacities. Window World has just 3 basic tint options.
- Obscure glass provides privacy while still allowing light through. Frosted and pebbled glass obscure visibility. Rite Window has a wide array of 18 obscure glass options from lightly frosted to completely pebbled. Window World has no obscure glass choices.
For the widest variety of tinting and privacy glass options, Rite Window is the winner. Their massive selection allows you to perfectly customize your windows.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a priority for most homeowners these days. Efficient windows reduce heating and cooling costs while making your home more comfortable.
Let’s compare how Rite Window and Window World stack up for efficiency:
- Glass – As discussed above, Rite Window offers higher grades of Low-E insulated glass. Their triple pane options provide excellent insulation for climates with extreme cold winters or hot summers. Their glass is superior for efficiency.
- Gas fills – Both fill the space between glass panes with argon gas for further insulation. Rite Window’s thicker frames allow for more gas fill space.
- Vinyl frames – Rite Window’s thicker hollow vinyl frames insulate better than Window World’s thinner frames.
- Weatherstripping – Both use high-quality weatherstripping around their window sashes to seal out drafts. Rite Window’s triple weatherstrip design provides better insulation.
- Spacers – Better spacers between glass panes reduce condensation. Rite Window uses top-of-the-line stainless steel Super Spacers. Window World uses basic aluminum spacers.
When you add up all these factors – glass, gas fills, vinyl, weatherstripping and spacers – Rite Window windows are distinctly more energy efficient, especially their triple pane options. This can lead to significant energy savings over time.
Smart Home Integration
Smart home tech is an increasingly popular option for homeowners to control their windows and security remotely.
Rite Window offers an integrated system called Rite Connect. This allows you to:
- Control locks, opening/closing and blinds with smartphones or voice assistants
- Create schedules for automatic window operation
- Monitor windows remotely while away
- Receive alerts for any security breaches
Window World has no proprietary smart window options. You would need to purchase third party smart devices separately to integrate intelligence and automation.
For the latest built-in smart home tech, Rite Window is the winner. Rite Connect allows for whole home integration and automation in one system.
Financing Options
The final factor we’ll compare is how Rite Window and Window World allow you to finance new windows.
Rite Window offers 12 months same as cash financing with zero interest if paid in full within 12 months. This allows you to pay for new windows gradually over a year.
They also finance projects through Wells Fargo with flexible repayment term loans from 2 to 10 years. Payments are structured with predictable fixed monthly payments and interest rates from 9.99% to 29.99% APR depending on your credit.
Window World finances through Wells Fargo as well. They offer convenient monthly payments for 6 months to 10 years terms also based on your credit score and approval.
The companies are fairly similar for financing windows through Wells Fargo over longer repayment terms. Rite Window’s 12 month same as cash option provides a bit more flexibility for larger projects.
Overall both make financing replacement windows simple and accessible for most homeowners’ budgets.
Rite Window Or Window World: Which Is The Better Choice?
Now that we’ve compared these two big brands across all major factors, which comes out on top – Rite Window or Window World?
For customization, window specialty options, and energy efficiency, Rite Window is the clear winner.
Their thick vinyl frames, unrivaled glass options, and specialty shapes allow you to truly customize your windows.
However, you pay more for this increased quality.
Window World wins for budget shoppers who want good vinyl windows at the lowest upfront price.
Their streamlined process also allows for very fast turnaround on installations.
There are certainly good reasons to go either way.
Keep this summary in mind as you make your decision:
- Rite Window pros – better materials, customization, energy efficiency, smart home options
- Rite Window cons – expensive, longer lead times
- Window World pros – very affordable, fast installations
- Window World cons – lower quality materials, minimal customization
You can’t go wrong with either brand. Choose Rite Window for superior quality and customization. Pick Window World to maximize value and convenience.
Whichever you select, be sure to get multiple quotes. Both companies offer promotions and sales that can help you save substantially on upgrades. With some shopping around, you can find a great price on replacement windows tailored perfectly to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Window World windows are very affordably priced for a few reasons:
1. Streamlined manufacturing of a limited selection of standard window sizes and options keeps production costs low.
2. As the largest window replacement company, they can benefit from economies of scale and bulk material discounts.
3. Minimal customization and simplified installation using subcontractors reduces labor expenses.
4. Their large size allows them to operate on thinner profit margins while still making profit from the overall volume of window sales.
So in essence, a mix of lean manufacturing, bulk buying power, and lower profit margins enables Window World’s discount pricing model. The tradeoff is windows with cheaper vinyl materials and less custom work compared to other brands.
According to various consumer surveys and reviews, some of the best replacement window companies include:
Pella – Known for high-end wood, vinyl, and fiberglass options with excellent warranties.
Marvin – Offers ultimate customization possibilities but at premium prices.
Andersen – Popular high-end brand with fiberglass and wood windows.
Milgard – Western US brand appreciated for good value and quality.
Simonton – Mid-range vinyl windows with lots of styles and affordable pricing.
PGT Innovations – Leading US manufacturer of impact-resistant windows and doors.
JELD-WEN – Reliable mid-priced vinyl and wood windows.
Rite Window – Offers a huge selection of custom vinyl windows.
The “best” window company ultimately depends on your budget, material preferences, and customization needs. Do your research to pick the right balance.
There is no definitive “best window company” since different brands have relative strengths and weaknesses that appeal to different homeowners. However, a few brands consistently rise to the top of reviews and ratings:
1. Pella is regarded as one of the best for high-end wood windows and excellent warranties.
2. Andersen makes some of the best wood-clad fiberglass composite windows which are durable and energy efficient.
3. Marvin likely offers the best possibilities for completely custom windows in any material, style, and configuration.
4. Milgard gets high reviews as the best vinyl window manufacturer with their proprietary Ultra glass technology.
5. Simonton makes very affordable but still quality windows, earning recognition as the best value vinyl window brand.
6. PGT Innovations is appreciated as one of the best for impact-resistant windows in hurricane zones.
While no one company is the unequivocal “best”, focusing your search on brands with proven reputations for quality and service in your area is smart.
Window World manufactures all of their replacement windows under their own American-made “Window World” brand. So when you buy Window World windows, you’re getting windows made by Window World.
The Window World brand offers basic to mid-range quality vinyl windows focused on value pricing. Their lineup includes single hung, double hung, and sliding windows in standard sizes and limited options.
As the exclusive manufacturer and installer, Window World controls pricing and quality. This enables them to offer vinyl replacement windows that are very affordably priced compared to other major brands who use third-party manufacturing.
Unlike Window World, Rite Window is a retailer and installer, not a window manufacturer. Rite Window provides several premium window brands to choose from:
1. Okna Windows – Their flagship custom vinyl window line made in the USA.
2. Windsor Windows – Another top quality vinyl window brand.
3. Therma-Tru Doors – For fiberglass entry doors.
4. Velux Skylights – Skylights.
5. Sunesta Retractable Screens – For outdoor patio screen systems.
Within these brand families, Rite Window allows you to select different window styles, sizes, glass types, finishes, hardware and more. Their retail model focuses on providing a wide array of window customization options.
Closing Remarks
We’ve covered a detailed comparison of the similarities and differences between Rite Window vs Window World. Key takeaways:
- Rite Window offers superior materials, energy efficiency and customization, but costs more.
- Window World provides maximum affordability and faster turnarounds, with fewer options.
- Consider your budget, design needs and climate to decide which is better for your home.
With the right research and quotes, you can find great replacement windows that enhance your home’s comfort, aesthetics and value while fitting your budget.