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Consumer Reports Windows

Explore our best Consumer Reports replacement windows for 2025 along with ratings, pricing, recommendations and more. However, before we dig into CR ratings and recommendations, a short word about how the company goes about their replacement windows ratings.

Consumer Reports only looks at those windows that can be purchased by consumers at stores like Home Depot, Dixieline, Lowes, etc. The company does NOT rate replacement windows that are available through local dealers (which accounts for roughly 90% of all windows and doors solid in the United States. Nonetheless, their ratings are instructive for many interested consumers. However, we have our own best vinyl windows recommended list if you'd like to check it out. Simply fill out our form and we'll send you the list. Cheers!

Tom - HWRC Editor

Preservation Collection

CR obviously likes the Preservation Collection quite a bit as they gave the window the highest score in the vinyl window category. And I will say this - the Preservation Collection is probably one of the best replacement windows you can buy off the shelves. However, it wouldn't crack my top 50 list, but for over-the-counter, I like this call. The Preservation is made by Alside Windows And Doors, although the window is marketed as a standalone series.

Reliabilt 3500 Series

The Reliabilt 3500 Series is really an Atrium 8700 series that has been rebranded (not uncommon in the industry, certain not a red flag). The 3500 series is one of the better performers in the Reliabilt line up, although it is still pretty limited in terms of custom options. This makes sense as it is often sold in the big box stores. Lastly, consumers can expect decent performance numbers, but not exceptional ones.

Jeld Wen V-4500 Series

The Jeld Wen V-4500 is the company's upgraded vinyl window over the V-2500 series. Like most windows that we are profiling here, the V-4500 series is sold through the big box stores like HD and Lowes. This vinyl window uses a simple design and lacks many of the quality features that make a great vinyl window (sloped sill, reinforced lift rail, etc.). Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the Jeld Wen vinyl windows in general. However, CR seemed to like this model.

American Craftsman 70 Series

The American Craftsman 70 Series is not a good vinyl window in my opinion. Maybe the brand has started making better windows, who knows? But in my experience, this is not the window you should be considering, unless you are flipping a home and need to save on costs. Even then, I'm not sure this is something I would do. Nonetheless, CR seems to like the window. It held up well in their tests. I must admit, I will keep an eye on this window, but until I talk with someone who routinely installs them (and likes them), I'm not changing my mind.

Best Consumer Reports Replacement Windows In 2014

Marvin Clad Ultimate

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $400
Rating: 88
Marvin Windows Prices

Marvin Integrity Ultrex

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $315
Rating: 87
Reviews Of Marvin Window Series

Andersen Tilt-Wash 400 Series

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $350
Rating: 85
Andersen Windows Prices

Pella ProLine

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $215
Rating: 82
Pella Window Prices

Andersen Tilt-Wash 200 Series

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $235
Rating: 80
Andersen Windows Reviews

Pella Precision Fit Designer Series

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $600
Rating: 79
Pella Windows Reviews

Peachtree 500 Series

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $350
Rating: 76

Crestline Select Clad

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $340
Rating: 66
Crestline Reviews

Weather Shield

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $395
Rating: 56
Weathershield Window Reviews

WeatherShield Custom Shield

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $395
Rating: 56

JELD-WEN Tradition Plus Premium Wood

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $360
Rating: 50
Jeld-Wen Window Reviews

Vinyl Windows

Reliabilt 5600

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $180
Rating: 73
Reliabilt Window Reviews

Alside UltraMaxx

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $395
Rating: 70
Alside Window Reviews

American Craftsman 9500

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $220
Rating: 69
American Craftsman Windows Reviews

CertainTeed Bryn Mawr II

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $250
Rating: 63

CertainTeed New Castle XT

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $250
Rating: 63

Crestline CrestFit

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $255
Rating: 61

Pella ThermaStar 25

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $215
Rating: 44

Fiberglass Windows

Pella Impervia

e.g. Suggested Retail Price: $255
Rating: 87

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