One of the most important choices that you will make as a homeowner is the type of windows to select. Windows impact the comfort of your home, your energy costs, and even your home’s value and appeal. Among the top-notch window companies in the United States, two names invariably spring to mind: Marvin Windows and Andersen Windows.
They both have more than 100 years of experience, both are located in Minnesota, and both make some of the best residential windows available. But they are not identical. Every brand has its own materials, product lines, price point, and design strengths. If you’re torn between Marvin and Andersen, here is a detailed comparison to get you through it. At the end, you’ll know which brand is best for your home, climate, and budget.
The team of styleofhome.com is here for you to explore the advantages and distinctions between Marvin and Andersen Windows.
Marvin vs Andersen Windows: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Marvin Windows | Andersen Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1912 | 1903 |
| Headquarters | Warroad, Minnesota | Bayport, Minnesota |
| Signature Material | Ultrex fiberglass | Fibrex composite |
| Product Lines | Signature, Elevate, Essential | 100, 200, 400, A-Series, E-Series |
| Average Cost (Installed) | $800 – $2,500+ per window | $400 – $4,000 per window |
| Glass Warranty | 20 years | 20 years |
| Best For | Custom design, premium fiberglass, luxury homes | Wide budget range, broad availability |
| Customization | Excellent, especially Signature line | Excellent, especially E-Series |
| Energy Efficiency | Meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR | Meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR |
A Brief Look at Both Brands
Marvin Windows: A Family-Owned Tradition of Craftsmanship
Marvin began as a small lumber company in Warroad, Minnesota, in 1912. The family-owned company has been in operation for over 110 years and is now one of the most respected window manufacturers in North America. Marvin’s emphasis is on craftsmanship, design flexibility, and architectural detail. The brand has gained particular popularity among architects, custom builders, and homeowners who prefer a high-end and custom appearance.
Marvin led the way in developing the use of the brand’s signature material, Ultrex fiberglass, a pultruded fiberglass material. For luxury, historic renovation, and projects in extreme climates, Marvin is often the first choice.
The Most Trusted Name in the Industry: Andersen Windows.
Hans Andersen started Andersen Corporation in Hudson, Wis., in 1903, and the company’s headquarters are now in Bayport, Minn. Andersen is the window manufacturing leader in the U.S. and one of the most comprehensive window companies. They have options ranging from affordable composite windows to top-of-the-range aluminum-clad wood windows for upscale construction.
Andersen developed its own composite material based on a combination of reclaimed wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer, which they call Fibrex. The brand is also recognized for its franchise installation division, Renewal by Andersen, which offers a total service window installation to homeowners, selling and installing Fibrex windows.
Marvin Window Product Lines Explained
Marvin has three main collections, which cater to various requirements and budgets.
1. Marvin Signature Collection
Signature Collection is Marvin’s signature line. It comes with the Ultimate series, which has a wood interior and aluminum exterior, and the Modern series with fiberglass inside and outside for a modern and clean look.
This line is the most customized, featuring special shapes, oversized windows, simulated divided lights, and historically accurate details. It’s the number one option for luxury residences and architectural projects.
2. Marvin Elevate Collection
The Elevate Collection is comprised of wood interiors combined with tough, durable Ultrex® fiberglass exteriors. It is an option for those who would prefer to have the feel of solid wood indoors and fiberglass on the exterior. This line is more affordable than Signature Collection and is a balance between performance and beauty.
3. Marvin Essential Collection
Marvin’s all-fiberglass, all-Ultrex line is known as the Essential Collection. The most budget-friendly option for homeowners who desire a modern and clean appearance with minimal maintenance. While it doesn’t provide the same amount of customization as the more expensive options, it still provides excellent performance and longevity.
Important Note: Marvin is also the maker of Marvin replacement windows, a different replacement window line available only for sale and installation by Marvin-certified dealers. Infinity windows are manufactured with the latest in fiberglass technology, Ultrex fiberglass, and are sold ready to install.
Andersen Window Product Lines Explained
One of Andersen’s greatest strengths is the variety of tiers of products it offers that Marvin does not.
1. Andersen 100 Series
Made 100% from Fibrex composite, this is Andersen’s most affordable line. It claims to be twice as durable as regular vinyl and is an excellent choice for homeowners who are conscious of the impact on the environment and their wallet. There is less customization available than at higher levels.
2. Andersen 200 Series
The interior of the 200 Series is a true wood construction and features a low-maintenance vinyl-clad exterior. It is available primarily in the most popular sizes and styles, and has limited options for color and features to keep the cost low.
3. Andersen 400 Series
The 400 Series is Andersen’s most popular line. A combination of wood interior and Perma-Shield vinyl exterior provides homeowners with the beauty of wood and the strength of vinyl. The 400 Series Woodwright version features a Fibrex exterior with a more authentic and historic look.
4. Andersen A-Series
The A-Series is a part of Andersen’s top-line Architectural Collection. It has a wood interior with fiberglass and Fibrex composite exterior. This series is designed to top energy efficiency, and is often the most thermally efficient window in the Andersen window line, averaging U-factors as low as 0.17-0.20 in triple pane windows.
5. Andersen E-Series
The E-Series is the most customizable line that Andersen offers. Combines wood interiors with extruded aluminum exteriors and has over 50 exterior colour choices and custom colour matching, as well as a range of wood species options on the interior. The series is ideal for luxury residences, historic restoration, and special architectural forms.
Ultrex Fiberglass vs Fibrex Composite: Which Material Is Better?
The frame material directly impacts strength, durability, energy efficiency, and maintenance, making this one of the most crucial aspects to consider when comparing.
Marvin Ultrex Fiberglass
Made by saturating thin strands of glass with a special resin, drawing them through a heated die, and adding a thick acrylic finish, the pultruded fiberglass known as Ultrex is created. The material is:
- About eight times stronger than vinyl and roughly three times stronger than Fibrex in independent testing.
- A thermoset material, meaning it does not melt or lose shape in extreme heat (up to about 285°F).
- Highly resistant to fading, chalking, and peeling thanks to a factory-applied acrylic finish.
- Very stable, with a low rate of thermal expansion, which protects the seal between the glass and frame.
The drawback is that fiberglass can only be made in straight lines, so it’s not possible to create specialty or curved shapes.
Andersen Fibrex Composite
Fibrex is a composite material consisting of approximately 40% reclaimed wood fiber and 60% thermoplastic polymer (which is mostly vinyl). Fibrex is:
- Stronger and more dimensionally stable than standard vinyl.
- More flexible in manufacturing because it can be extruded into curved and specialty shapes.
- Made partly with recycled wood fibers, which gives it a sustainability advantage.
- Resistant to rotting, flaking, and peeling.
But Fibrex is thermoplastic, so it is a bit more susceptible to extreme temperatures. It still has plenty of vinyl, and in very sunny climates, the painted surface may wear out more quickly than the acrylic coating offered by Ultrex.
The Verdict on Materials
In terms of raw strength, low thermal expansion, and long-term color retention, Ultrex is the stronger material. Fibrex has unique advantages for design flexibility, curved shapes, or if you are looking for the eco-friendly story of recycled wood fibres.
Energy Efficiency: How Marvin and Andersen Compare
They both care about energy efficiency, and both have products that meet or exceed the ENERGY STAR guidelines.
Marvin Energy Performance
Marvin provides a variety of low-e glass coatings, double and triple-pane, and argon or krypton gas fill. Ultrex fiberglass frame provides low thermal conductivity, thus helping to reduce heat transfer. Depending on the type of Marvin window glass package, the U-factor is typically around 0.29 for Marvin Elevate windows, and even lower for Signature and Essential windows.
Andersen Energy Performance
The Andersen A-Series is one of the most energy-efficient window lines available, and the U-factors for triple pane windows can be as low as 0.20 or less, which are very stringent and meet the ENERGY STAR® 7.0 requirements. The U-factors for the 400 Series range from 0.28 to 0.33, and the more affordable 100 Series Fibrex windows have a U-factor of around 0.34.
What This Means for You
Both brands will provide homeowners with superb energy savings compared to the performance of older single-pane or basic vinyl windows. If you live in an extremely cold or extremely hot climate and desire the best thermal performance, however, the Andersen A-Series with 3-paned glass is one of the industry’s best! When frame stability is a top priority for homes in extreme heat, Marvin Ultrex is difficult to beat.
Marvin vs Andersen Windows: Price Comparison
| Brand | Series / Collection | Installed Price Per Window (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Marvin | Essential Collection | $800 – $2,000 |
| Marvin | Elevate Collection | $1,000 – $2,400 |
| Marvin | Signature Ultimate | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Marvin | Infinity from Marvin | $800 – $1,400 |
| Andersen | 100 Series | $400 – $1,500 |
| Andersen | 200 Series | $450 – $2,500 |
| Andersen | 400 Series | $500 – $3,000 |
| Andersen | A-Series | $1,100 – $4,000 |
| Andersen | E-Series | $1,000 – $3,800 |
| Andersen | Renewal by Andersen | $1,500 – $5,000 |
Pricing Takeaway
For those on a budget, the 100 Series and 200 Series are more entry-level options offered by Andersen. There is nothing as low-priced as the Andersen 100 Series available through Marvin. But if you look at the price level by level, then they’re about equal. Several industry professionals believe that for the same cost, Marvin Signature provides better value than Andersen E-Series due to the more powerful frame guarantee and customization options.
Marvin vs Andersen Windows: Warranty
The warranties from Marvin and Andersen are both good, although there are some differences in the details.
Marvin Warranty Highlights
- Glass: 20-year limited warranty.
- Non-glass parts: 10-year limited warranty.
- Exterior cladding finish: Generally, 5 years.
- Special coverage: Marvin offers a limited warranty for windows in saltwater environments, which is rare in the industry.
Andersen Warranty Highlights
- Glass: 20-year limited warranty (transferable).
- Non-glass parts: 10-year limited warranty.
- Installation/workmanship: 2-year limited coverage when installed by a certified dealer.
The amount of warranty is about the same, but Marvin’s guarantee is of extra coverage in coastal areas, which is really helpful for ocean living. Some installers also say that Marvin has a more efficient and streamlined warranty claims process.
Customization and Design Options
Strong customization is available from both brands, albeit in different ways.
Marvin Customization
- Up to 19 to 20 exterior colors on aluminum-clad lines.
- Wide range of interior wood species and finishes.
- Best-in-class custom shapes, oversized windows, and historically accurate details (especially in the Signature Ultimate line).
- Patented acrylic exterior coating that resists fading.
Andersen Customization
- E-Series offers more than 50 exterior colors and full custom color matching.
- Multiple interior wood species, including pine, oak, maple, and mahogany.
- Wide range of grille patterns, hardware, and decorative options.
- Smart home integrations, including motorized shades and smart locks on select lines.
So if color selection is a pure choice, then the Andersen E-Series will triumph. For ultimate architectural flexibility (divided lights, large window radius, custom shapes), Marvin Signature wins.
Marvin Windows: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Industry-leading Ultrex® fiberglass that is stronger than steel and resists thermal expansion.
- Excellent customization, especially for luxury and historic homes.
- Strong warranty, including coverage for saltwater environments.
- Family-owned company with a strong reputation for craftsmanship.
- Available through a wide network of authorized dealers.
Cons
- Typically, more expensive than the Andersen budget lines.
- There is no really low-cost entry-level product available to compete with the Andersen 100 Series.
- Fiberglass will not form to curved or specialty shapes.
- Availability and dealer experience may vary from region to region.
Andersen Windows: Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Widest range of price points, from budget to premium.
- Largest distribution and dealer network in the country.
- Fibrex® material is made partly from recycled wood fibers, which is more eco-friendly.
- A-Series delivers some of the best energy efficiency ratings in the industry.
- Strong brand recognition that can help with resale value.
Cons
- Fibrex is more sensitive to thermal expansion than fiberglass.
- The Renewal by Andersen branch is known for high-pressure sales tactics and higher prices.
- Painted exterior finishes may fade faster than Marvin’s acrylic-coated Ultrex in very sunny climates.
- Lower-tier products (100 and 200 Series) have limited customization options.
Renewal by Andersen: An Important Note
It’s easy to become confused about Andersen Windows and Renewal by Andersen. This is not the same as them.
- Andersen Windows is the manufacturer that sells through dealers, lumberyards, and retail partners like Home Depot.
- Renewal by Andersen is a separate franchise that sells and installs only Fibrex windows as a complete service.
By Andersen, renewal costs are significantly higher, as the installation, materials, and warranty are all included in one package. It is also well known for door-to-door sales and door-to-door initial price offers that are reduced later to make the sale appear to be a good deal. When comparing a Renewal by Andersen quote to a Marvin or standard Andersen quote, be sure that you’re comparing the same product specifications and the same total project costs.
Which Brand Should You Select?
The deciding factor between Marvin and Andersen will be what is most important to you.
If you select Marvin Windows:
- You are building a luxury or custom home.
- You want the strongest fiberglass frame on the market.
- You live in an area with extreme heat, cold, or coastal salt exposure.
- You value design flexibility and historic detail.
- You want a slimmer profile with more visible glass.
If you choose Andersen Windows, you will:
- You want a wider range of price points, including budget-friendly options.
- You prioritize broad availability and easy access to local dealers.
- You want top-tier energy efficiency (especially the A-Series with triple-pane glass).
- You are looking for the most exterior color choices (E-Series).
- You like the idea of a composite material that uses recycled wood fibers.
Both brands will offer great long-term value to most homeowners. It may be due to your budget, the type you are looking for, and of course, the dealers that are available in your area.
Marvin Windows vs Andersen Windows – Which One is Better?
The clear answer is that Marvin’s Ultrex is the better choice. It’s stronger, lasts longer, and is of higher quality compared to Fibrex. Ultrex is a smarter investment, especially since its price is similar to Andersen’s Fibrex.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why Marvin Windows are a great choice in the U.S. window industry, as are Andersen Windows. They are constructed to last, very energy efficient, have solid warranties, and come in a variety of styles.
If you want premium fiberglass strength, custom design, and luxury craftsmanship, Marvin is the stronger choice.
If you want a wider price range, broad availability, and best-in-class energy efficiency in the A-Series, Andersen is the better fit.
No matter which one you select, get quotes from at least three different local dealers, get a written warranty before you hire the dealer, and verify that the dealer is certified in the product line you wish to install. The installer is as important as the brand; a great window combined with poor installation will never provide the performance that you paid for.
You will be able to know that you have chosen the right windows for your home that will enhance comfort, aesthetic, and value for many years to come by taking the time to compare materials, product lines, energy ratings, pricing, and warranties.
