If you’re in the market for new windows, two big names you may be considering are Window World and Andersen. Both companies have been around for decades and sell replacement windows across the United States.
But they differ quite a bit when it comes to their products, prices, warranties, and more.
This comprehensive guide compares Window World and Andersen window product lines across several categories. We’ll take an in-depth look at factors like materials, energy efficiency, cost, warranties, and reviews to help you decide which is best for your home and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
Before we dig into the nitty gritty details, here is a high-level overview of how Window World and Andersen window products, prices and warranties stack up against each other:
| Category | Window World | Andersen Windows |
| Materials | Vinyl, aluminum, wood, fiberglass | Vinyl, wood, fiberglass, composite |
| Product Lines | 400 Series (entry-level vinyl) | 200 Series (entry-level vinyl) |
| AmericanCraft (mid-range) | 100 Series (mid-range) | |
| Estate Collection (high-end) | Architectural Collection (high-end) | |
| Cost | $189 – $599 per window | $302 – $954+ per window |
| Warranty | Lifetime glass breakage warranty 10 years – materials & workmanship (partly transferable) | 10 years – glass & materials (transferable) |
| Energy Efficient Options | Low-E, argon fill | Low-E, argon fill, triple pane |
As you can see, Window World’s windows start at a lower price point and the product portfolio covers more of the low to mid-range spectrum. Andersen has higher-end offerings and longer, more comprehensive warranties across the board.
Now let’s dig deeper into how they differ across some of the most important window categories.
Materials Comparison
The materials used to construct replacement windows impact everything from durability and insulation to cost, maintenance needs and aesthetics.
Window World Materials
Across its three product lines, Window World offers windows made from:
- Vinyl – Durable, insulating and affordable. Available primarily in white or almond with optional wood laminate interiors. Offered at all price points.
- Aluminum – Strong and durable but conducts heat. Available on 400 Series in limited styles.
- Wood – Beautiful natural material but requires heavy maintenance. Offered as an upgrade in the Estate Collection.
- Fiberglass – Scratch-resistant and durable. Available as an upgrade on Estate Collection windows.
So core materials lean towards vinyl and aluminum, with some wood and fiberglass offerings in the high-end lines.
Andersen Materials
Andersen uses a mix of materials across its product portfolio:
- Vinyl – Offered in wide range of interior and exterior colors on 200 Series windows.
- Fibrex® (fiberglass & polymer composite) – Unique Andersen composite that’s durable, strong and low-maintenance. Offered across the product line.
- Wood – Natural beauty and insulation. Available on 400 Series and Architectural Collection windows.
- Aluminum-clad wood – Low-maintenance wood windows. Offered on Architectural Collection.
They leverage a lot more composite and wood materials, even on mid-range windows. This can increase cost but also enhances aesthetics and functionality for many homeowners.
Cost Comparison
Of course, cost is a major factor for most homeowners shopping for new windows. Window World is known for its incredibly affordable prices, while Andersen focuses more on quality and performance.
Window World Pricing
As an exclusive installer, Window World keeps costs low by eliminating the middleman and passing factory-direct savings down to the consumer. Their pricing breaks down as:
- 400 Series – Vinyl windows offering basic functionality. $189 – $349 per window
- AmericanCraft – Mid-range vinyl, fiberglass and wood windows. $409 – $529 per window
- Estate Collection – High-end custom wood windows. $559 – $599 per window
They offer frequent discounts off these prices too.
So Window World’s prices are extremely competitive, which matches their positioning as a budget-friendly window provider.
Andersen Pricing
Known for premium products, Andersen windows fall more into the mid-range and high-end of the market. Pricing across the main product lines includes:
- 200 Series – Entry-level vinyl windows with basic features. $302 – $500+ per window
- 100 Series – Mid-range, high-performance Fibrex windows. $605 – $740 per window
- Architectural Collection – Custom wood and wood-clad windows. $954+ per window
As you’d expect with extremely high-end windows, the Architectural Collection prices run even higher but are competitive for completely custom windows.
Efficiency Comparison
Energy efficiency is another key factor that impacts your utility bills, indoor comfort, environmental footprint and more. Efficient windows have higher R-values, reflect solar heat gain, and minimize air leaks.
Window World Efficiency
Even the basic Window World 400 Series comes with features like low-emissivity (Low-E) glass and argon gas fill which boost efficiency. As you move up the product line, you get more efficiency gains from improved weatherstripping, double-strength glass, foam-filled frames, and wood materials.
Specific efficiency specs like U-factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient numbers are not readily published on their website. And none of their options hit the maximum efficiency tiers. Still, their windows can provide decent efficiency improvements over older models.
Andersen Efficiency
As a leader in high-performance windows, Andersen offers best-in-class energy efficiency across its entire product portfolio.
Even the 200 Series vinyl windows meet ENERGY STAR® v6 requirements in all climate zones. And levels continue to improve from there.
The 100 Series and Architectural Collection lines boast NFRC efficiency ratings as high as:
- U-factor – 0.16
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – 0.17
Plus they maximize air tightness and utilize advanced glazings like triple pane glass. So you can count on excellent energy conservation from Andersen windows.
Comparison of Warranties
When investing in new windows for your home, you want the peace of mind that they are backed by strong warranties in case any defects occur. Let’s examine what’s covered under Window World and Andersen’s warranties.
Window World Warranties
With every window installation, Window World provides the following assurances:
- Lifetime Glass Breakage Warranty – Covers any accidental glass breakage at no additional cost. Fully transferable.
- 10 Year Limited Warranty – Covers frame, sash, vinyl and moving parts from defects in materials and workmanship. Transferable to one subsequent owner.
So most components are covered for 10 years, while glass breakage is protected forever.
Not the longest hardware coverage, but the lifetime glass policy is better than what some brands offer.
Andersen Warranties
Known for superb quality and durability, Andersen bolsters that with industry-leading warranties like:
- 10 Year Limited Warranty – Fully transferable coverage for glass breakage and manufacturing defects.
- 20/10 Year Pro Rated Warranty – Prorated coverage against glass defects, accidental glass breakage and frame/sash defects.
- 20 Year Pro Rated Finish Warranty – Prorated against flaking, peeling, blistering, chalking, fading or cracking finish defects.
The 20/10 policy plus long finish warranty provides extended peace of mind that your sizable investment is protected. And all policies are fully transferrable to new homeowners.
Customer Reviews
Checking reviews from those who’ve purchased and installed these windows can provide great insight into real-world benefits or issues. Let’s compare Window World and Andersen windows reviews.
Window World Reviews
Window World receives consistently positive homeowners reviews across various online sites:
- Google – 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 5,800 reviewers
- ConsumerAffairs – 4.7 out 5 stars based on nearly 1,300 Window World reviews
- BBB – A+ rating accredited with Window World. 3.98 out of 5 star average across 25,000+ BBB reviews
Most homeowner praise their affordable pricing, good quality and materials for the cost, prompt installation and friendly staff. You’ll find some complaints around communication issues or installation problems but overall very positive reviews.
Andersen Windows Reviews
Reviews for Andersen windows are also overwhelmingly positive, though focused more on long-lasting quality versus great value:
- Google – 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 3,100 reviewers
- BBB – A+ rating accredited with Andersen. 4.05 out of 5 star average across nearly 2,000 BBB reviews
- Houzz – More than 22,000 Andersen window reviews averaging 5 out of 5 stars
Happy customers praise Andersen offering the “best windows money can buy”, investing in advanced engineering for superior efficiency and noise reduction, and providing beautiful aesthetics that vastly improve curb appeal.
Negative feedback is very minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some common questions homeowners have around Window World, Andersen, and their quality/value comparisons include:
As an exclusive installer and manufacturer, Window World keeps costs low through vertical integration efficiencies. Producing everything in their own factories reduces material and labor expenses. They also purchase glass and other components in very high volumes at steep discounts. This cost structure lets them maintain high profit margins while passing dramatic savings down to consumers. So prices stay ultra-low compared to big name brands.
For the incredibly affordable price point, Window World windows offer fairly decent quality and materials. Their entry 400 Series is basic vinyl built for affordability over longevity. But the mid-tier and custom wood lines compete well on quality with other brands in those price ranges. They may not achieve best-in-class quality marks, but solid products for the money.
Some brands offering comparable quality and features to Andersen include Pella, Marvin, Milgard, and Jeld-Wen. While not 100% on par, these brands occupy the same premium price tiers and quality echelons as Andersen. You can expect leading-edge efficiency, gorgeous aesthetics, and outstanding craftsmanship.
There is no single “best” window company. Andersen takes top marks for engineering, energy-efficiency, sound insulation and overall quality. But the staggering prices make them unrealistic for many homeowners. Window World provides incredible value at budget price points. And brands like Pella, Milgard and Marvin balance quality and cost. The right window comes down to your home, budget and needs!
The Verdict
While impossible to proclaim one brand outright “better”, after comparing these brands across materials, efficiency, cost, warranties and more – Andersen clearly comes out ahead for window quality and performance while Window World dominates on price accessibility.
Andersen innovates constantly to push efficiency boundaries through advanced glazings and engineering. Their materials and craftsmanship enable completely custom home designs.
And their warranties back up the structural integrity and lifelong durability. You pay dearly, but get some of the finest windows money can buy.
Conversely, Window World makes quality home upgrades attainable for the average homeowner on any budget. Their vertically integrated process keeps manufacturing costs at rock bottom. Expert installation and strong warranties ensure increased comfort. Vinyl and basic wood designs balance cost versus custom aesthetics.
We hope this comprehensive window brand comparison equips you to select replacement windows tailored to your specific home improvement needs and budget!