When it’s time to replace the windows in your home, two big names likely come to mind – Window World and Home Depot.
As major retailers of replacement windows, both Window World and Home Depot offer a wide selection of window brands, installation services, and financing options.
But there are some key differences between these two home improvement giants that are worth considering. This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, costs, and reviews for Window World and Home Depot to help you decide which is best for your next window replacement project.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Window World | Home Depot |
| Window Brands | Window World (in-house), some private label options | Pella, Andersen, JELD-WEN, Milgard, MI Home Products, more big brands |
| Window Quality | Good overall but lower-end vinyl models | Excellent quality from top national brands |
| Window Prices | $189 – $689 per window installed | $309 – $998 per window installed |
| Selection | All Window World products | Extensive variety of brands and styles |
| Installation | By Window World’s own installers | Certified independent contractors |
| Warranties | Lifetime limited on windows and install | Brand warranties from 10 years to lifetime |
| Reviews | Very positive – lower cost main advantage | Positive – higher quality main advantage |
Overview of Window World
Founded in 1995, Window World is one of the largest window replacement companies in the United States. They manufacture and install a variety of replacement windows including double hung, slider, picture, bay, bow, and garden windows.
Window World sets itself apart by offering a lifetime warranty on parts and labor for windows and installation. They also have a price match guarantee.
Some key facts about Window World:
- Sells and installs vinyl and fiberglass windows
- Own manufacturing facilities in the U.S.
- Over 200 locations nationwide
- Warranty covers lifetime of windows for as long as you own your home
- Various financing options including 0% interest for 2 years
Overview of Home Depot
With over 2,200 retail stores across the US and Canada, Home Depot is one of the most ubiquitous home improvement retailers. They sell and install a wide array of major national and store brands of replacement windows.
You can shop windows online or in-store and utilize installation services.
Some key facts about Home Depot’s window offerings:
- Sells brands like Pella, Andersen, JELD-WEN, Milgard
- Professional installation available through certified independent installers
- Price match guarantee
- Windows come with manufacturer warranties
- In-store design consultations
Now that we’ve outlined the basic overviews of each company, let’s do a detailed comparison of the pros and cons of choosing Window World and Home Depot for your next window replacement project.
Window Quality Comparison
One of the biggest deciding factors when choosing between Home Depot and Window World is the quality of the windows themselves.
Window World Windows
Window World manufactures their own windows in addition to some private label brands. Their in-house manufactured offerings include:
- Window World Windows: Their standard double hung vinyl replacement window line that comes in a range of energy efficient glasses and options. Offered at their lowest prices.
- Window World Estate Window Collection: A mid-range fiberglass window line with various grid patterns and woodgrain finishes.
- Ultra Windows: Their highest end vinyl window line with premium features and options.
The benefits of Window World’s in-house windows are that you can often get lower prices when buying directly from the manufacturer. The downside is that these window lines are not as well recognized in the market compared to big national brands.
Reviews of Window World’s own manufactured windows are generally positive. Customers praise the affordability and the lifetime warranty. Some complaints about quality exist, but are reasonable given the lower prices and lighter vinyl frames.
Home Depot Windows
In contrast, Home Depot sells major national window brands including:
- Pella Windows
- Andersen Windows
- Milgard Windows
- JELD-WEN Windows
These big-name manufacturers have exceptional reputations for quality, innovations, and performance.
Brands like Andersen and Pella are considered some of the best windows money can buy.
Home Depot window buyers can expect thicker vinyl or composite window frames, high-grade hardware, advanced glass packages, and wood interior finishes from these brands.
The trade-off is the prices are higher for these premium name brand windows.
Between the two retailers, Home Depot offers the highest quality windows from brands that homeowners know and trust. While Window World windows will suit some budgets, you’ll make no compromises on quality when choosing Andersen, Pella, and other brands found at Home Depot.
Cost and Pricing
Pricing is often the make-or-break factor for many homeowners. Window World touts their affordability and price match guarantee. Home Depot also offers competitive pricing with in-store discounts, coupons and frequent sales promotions.
Window World Pricing
As the manufacturer, Window World can offer some of the lowest prices in replacement windows. Here are some average costs for Window World windows:
- Window World Windows (basic double hung vinyl window) – $189 to $389 per window
- Window World Estate Collection – $259 to $539 per window
- Ultra Window Series – $339 to $689 per window
- Additional costs for installation: $189 per window
Total project costs vary based on your home, window sizes, and customization. But with Window World, you can generally expect to pay under $400 per window all said and done. Their price match guarantee also ensures the lowest price on windows.
Home Depot Pricing
Home Depot sells premium name brand windows at competitive prices. Here are some average costs for Home Depot replacement windows:
- Andersen 100 Series (entry-level) – $309 to $709 per window
- Andersen 400 Series (mid-range) – $569 to $909 per window
- Pella 250 Series (vinyl) – $352 to $752 per window
- Pella 350 Series (fiberglass) – $568 to $998 per window
- Additional costs for installation: $100 to $250 per window
While more expensive at face value than Window World’s prices, Home Depot routinely offers 10-15% discounts on windows along with additional rebates of $100 off or more. This brings costs down significantly.
Shoppers can expect to budget around $500 to $800 for name brand, mid-range windows from Home Depot installed. Higher-end options with wood materials can run even higher.
The Bottom Line on Costs
Window World is the clear winner when it comes to price and affordability. However, given frequent sales and promotions at Home Depot, the price gap is not always as wide as it may seem. Home Depot offers outstanding windows that will last decades longer than cheaper vinyl models from discount retailers. The extra investment upfront is worth it over the lifetime of quality windows.
Product Selection and Options
From standard double hung windows to premium bay and bow window configurations, both Window World and Home Depot offer a myriad of replacement window options.
Window World Selection
As a manufacturer, Window World gives you access to all their own window collections and customization choices including:
- Range of vinyl and fiberglass frames
- Multiple grid, tint, hardware, and exterior color options
- Standard and custom sizing
- Specialty shapes like rounds, arches, triangles, trapezoids
- Bay, bow, garden, sliding, and picture windows
- Storm windows, exterior trim, window opening modifications
One downside is that Window World’s selection is limited to their own products. So you miss out on the variety of brands and products at other retailers. But overall, Window World still gives you plenty of selection to customize windows for your home.
Home Depot Selection
With 100s of name-brand windows sold from leading brands, it’s hard to beat the product selection at Home Depot.
You get access to popular national window lines including:
- Andersen windows: Fibrex composite, 400 Series, 100 Series, A-Series
- Pella windows: Impervia, Lifestyle Series, Architect Series
- Milgard windows: Tuscany® Series, Style Line, UltraTM, EssenceTM
- JELD-WEN windows: Siteline EX, VPI Quality Vinyl, Custom Wood
- MANY more brands and window types
No matter your material tastes, efficiency needs, style preferences, or budget – there are guaranteed options galore when shopping Home Depot’s selection.
The extensive variety gives you maximum choice to get the perfect windows tailored to your home.
The Bottom Line on Selection
While Window World offers a respectable selection, DIYers and custom window shoppers will appreciate the unparalleled options, brands, and styles at Home Depot. If you value choice, Home Depot is the clear winner for window selection possibilities.
Installation Process Comparison
Replacing your windows involves more than just purchasing the windows themselves. Installation is a huge factor that can make or break your window replacement experience. Let’s see how Window World and Home Depot compare when it comes to their window installation process.
Window World Installation
Window World has an in-house team of installers employed by each local showroom. Here is an overview of their installation process:
- In-home consultations with measurement and project scoping
- Windows manufactured at regional distribution facilities
- Installation scheduled and completed by Window World technicians
- All old windows removed and replaced with new windows
- Installers clean up and haul away old windows
- Lifetime warranty on installation for as long as you own the home
Window World handles the entire replacement process start-to-finish. Their installers are well-trained in fitting Windows World products.
Home Depot Installation
Rather than employ in-house installation experts, Home Depot contracts all window replacements to third-party installers and contractors. Here’s how it works:
- In-store design consultations with measurement service
- Windows ordered and delivered through Home Depot
- Certified independent installer is matched to your project
- Old windows removed and new windows installed
- Installer cleans up and removes debris
- Install work is warrantied by the installer
Because independent contractors conduct the installations, the specific installer experience can vary. Most Home Depot partner installers have undergone extensive training and certification though.
The Bottom Line on Installation
With their own dedicated installation teams, Window World provides exceptional start-to-finish service. Yet Home Depot’s network of certified installers gets similarly positive reviews.
Both offer smooth installations. Choosing window replacement installers with NARI and NWDA credentials is advised regardless of where you purchase the windows.
Warranties
The warranties that protect your investment on new windows also set Window World and Home Depot apart. This includes warranties for both the window products themselves and installation workmanship.
Window World Warranties
One big advantage of Window World is the lifetime limited warranty offered on their windows and installation:
- Lifetime limited warranty on Window World windows – Covers all parts and materials
- Lifetime limited warranty on installation – Valid for as long as you own your home
- 8 year glass breakage warranty – For Window World manufactured units
Coverage is transferable to one subsequent homeowner, continuing the reassurance of Window World’s lifetime warranties. Exceptions apply for certain exclusions like extreme weather and normal wear and tear.
Home Depot Warranties
Home Depot offers manufacturer warranties with its windows:
- Andersen: 20-year limited warranty up to lifetime limited
- Pella: 10-year on parts, 20-year on glass, lifetime on frames
- JELD-WEN: 20-year limited on vinyl windows
- Milgard: 10 years on parts, lifetime limited materials/workmanship
For installation, Home Depot provides:
- Warranty on installation work for 1-2 years provided by installer
The Bottom Line on Warranties
While big national brands carried at Home Depot have favorable warranties, none match the lifetime product and installation coverage from Window World. For the ultimate peace of mind, Window World is the clear winner when it comes to their industry-leading lifetime warranty protections.
Customer Reviews
Reading through unbiased customer reviews gives helpful insight into real experiences with Window World and Home Depot. Here’s an overview of what homeowners say about each company.
Window World Reviews
Overall, Window World gets very positive reviews from homeowners who use them for replacement windows:
- Affordability – Many praise their fair, reasonable prices
- Good experiences – Most had smooth installations and were happy with customer service
- Lifetime warranty – Customers value the reassurance of multi-lifetime coverage
- Minor complaints – Some quality concerns mentioned but not widespread
Look at some first-hand Window World reviews:
“We needed new windows badly but were on a tight budget. Window World gave us an affordable price with zero financing that fit our needs.”
“From the sales rep to the installers, the entire process went smoothly. Really happy with our modern looking new windows!”
“The lifetime warranty was a huge selling point. It’s hard to pass up windows that are warrantied as long as you own the home.”
Home Depot Reviews
Feedback from customers who purchase windows through Home Depot is also quite positive overall:
- Quality brands – Homeowners mention high-quality window products from brands sold
- Knowledgeable staff – Store employees are applauded for product expertise
- Wide selection – Customers mention the variety of brands and options as a plus
- Variable installation – Reviews on installers are mixed depending on location
Here are some examples of Home Depot window replacement reviews:
“I was able to make an informed decision after speaking to the Home Depot sales reps about brands and options for my project.”
“I love my new Pella windows. The quality and lifetime warranty are worth the higher investment over cheaper windows.”
“The installation process was quick and the crew did an excellent job. No issues or complaints.”
“Our installer was sloppy and didn’t fully insulate around one window. Make sure you vet installers carefully.”
The Bottom Line on Reviews
Both Window World and Home Depot earn largely positive feedback from homeowners who’ve used them for window replacements. Weigh reviews specific to your area for the most relevant insights. But all said – most customers have good overall experiences with either company.
FAQ – Common Questions about Window World and Home Depot
As the direct manufacturer, Window World is able to offer lower prices than big box retailers for a few reasons:
1. No middleman markups
2. High production capability
3. Lower material costs for vinyl windows
4. Limited advertising/marketing costs
While their windows are affordable, Window World does not compromise much on quality. Their prices simply reflect internal efficiencies as the maker of the windows.
Three brands that consistently rise to the top with stellar reviews are:
Andersen windows – Renowned for their Fibrex composite material
Pella windows – Offer exceptional wood, vinyl, and fiberglass options
Marvin windows – Known for premium wood window craftsmanship
While not budget brands, these manufacturers make some of the best reviewed, highest quality windows for the trade-off of higher prices.
According to many consumer reports and reviews, some of today’s leading replacement window companies include: Andersen Windows and Doors, Pella Corporation, JELD-WEN Windows and Doors, Marvin Windows and Doors, Milgard Windows and Doors, Simonton Windows, Atrium Windows and Doors.
As some of the largest manufacturers with outstanding warranties, product lines, and service – you can’t go wrong with these brands for overall value.
Some of the most popular and highest rated window brands available at Home Depot include:
Andersen Windows – Fibrex composite and pine/hardwood varieties
Pella Windows – Impervia, Lifestyle, Architect, Designer series & more
JELD-WEN Windows – Reliable vinyl & wood windows; customizable
Milgard Windows – Variety of high efficiency vinyl & fiberglass options
MI Home Products – Value-priced alternative with good performance
The Home Depot’s Hampton Bay – Affordable vinyl slider and hung options
With hundreds of options across these major national brands and more – you’re sure to find the perfect windows for your needs at Home Depot.
Bottom Line: Window World or Home Depot?
So when comparing Window World vs Home Depot for your next window replacement project, which retailer comes out on top?
Choose Window World if you…
- Are on a tighter budget
- Want the lowest upfront window costs
- Like having an all-in-one retailer handle the entire install
- Value lifetime warranties for the windows and installation
Choose Home Depot if you…
- Prefer having the top name brands like Andersen and Pella
- Want the widest selection of window types and options
- Appreciate being able to see windows in person before you buy
- Don’t mind paying more for premium window quality
Ultimately, Window World and Home Depot both offer viable options for replacing the windows in your home. Weight what matters most in your specific situation – whether it’s the bottom-line price, convenience, brand trust, or having the highest possible performance and features.
Carefully compare the windows themselves, included warranties, available tax credits and rebates, and full installation costs with any current promotions. This will position you to make the right replacement window decision between Window World or Home Depot.