Marvin and Andersen are two of the market’s most widespread and popular window manufacturers.
Each window brand comes with their differences. Whether you’re considering Andersen vs Marvin windows for your next window renovation or want to learn more about them, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve covered everything you need to know regarding cost, materials, wood choices, customization options, and more.
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What Are Marvin Windows?
The Marvin brand first came into existence in 1912 as a lumber and cedar company.
Today, Marvin specializes in windows and doors.
They have several product lines (Marvin Essential, Marvin Elevate, Signature) with different wood choices, finishes, and materials.
Window types offered by Marvin include:
- Awning
- Picture
- Casement
- Bay and bow
- Single-hung
- Double-hung
- Sliding
- Corner
- Specialty shapes
The company keeps adding new products to its collections, mainly appealing to modern homes.
Marvin Window Average Cost
On average, Marvin windows cost from $1,000 to $1,500. This price is including professional installation and materials.
A single Marvin window installation costs around $1,200, together with labor costs.
Higher-end solutions can top $2,000 if there are custom specifications.
| Marvin Window Series | Window Cost | Installed Window Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Series | $650-$800 | $860-$1,020 |
| Elevate Series | $700-$1,000 | $1,050-$1,170 |
| Signature Ultimate Series | $1,000-$1,500 | $1,370-$1,470 |
What Are Andersen Windows?
The Andersen Windows & Doors company has been operating since 1903. The company today is among the most trusted and reputable window and door brands in the U.S.
They specialize in a range of window types:
- Awning
- Bay and bow
- Casement
- Double and single hung
- Gliding
- Pass-Through
- Picture
- Specialty shapes
Did you know? The double-hung window type is among the most common in America.
Andersen Windows Average Cost
Andersen windows come with a more affordable cost compared to Marvin.
On average, a single window installation is between $670 and $890 with the installation cost.
The installation cost alone ranges from $80 up to $300, depending on the upgrades, local service fees, window size, frame types, etc.
| Anderson Window Series | Window Cost | Installed Window Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Andersen 100 | $220 | $350 |
| Andersen 200 | $240 | $330 |
| Andersen 400 | $365 | $455 |
| E-Series | $910 | $1,000 |
| A-Series | $1,000 | $1,140 |
Marvin vs Andersen Windows Cost Breakdown
The cost of Marvin windows mostly depends on the collection.
- Marvin Essential – $880-$1,000
- Marvin Elevate – $1,100-$1,170
- Marvin Signature Ultimate – $1,360-$1,450
As far as Andersen windows are concerned, the cost breakdown looks something like this.
- Andersen 100 – $350
- Andersen 200 – $340
- Andersen 400 – $450
- Andersen E-Series – $1,000
- Andersen A-Series – $1,140
The installation costs for both window manufacturers depend on numerous factors.
- The floor on which the windows are installed
- Window size
- Customization options
- Limited access
- Type of property
Labor costs run from $30 to $50 per hour. However, most contractors bid flat rates with installation costs included.
Installation of different window types can also affect pricing.
For example, double-hung windows cost $130 to $630 per window, while single-hung solutions range from $80 to $370.
A casement window can cost up to $1,000, depending on the material, while sliding solutions range from $130 to $750.
What Is The Difference Between Marvin vs Andersen Windows?
In this section, we discuss the different options in window styles, finishes, customization, and accessories between Marvin and Andersen windows.
Marvin Wood Windows
Marvin has a more limited window selection compared to Andersen.
They have two lines of windows made from wood, the Elevate and the Signature Ultimate series.
All Marvin wood windows come with a 10-year warranty regardless of the style, wood choice, finish, and accessories.
However, some hardware and glass warranties can vary.
Marvin Elevate
All windows in the Marvin Elevate collection are made from pine wood.
There are three finish options:
- Clear coat
- Bare wood
- Designer black paint
As far as the Marvin Elevate’s exterior is concerned, it’s made from pultruded fiberglass and comes in five colors.
The dominant hues are taupe to dark.
The Marvin Elevate selection comes with a great accessory package and hardware finishes so you can select a custom solution to match your needs and preferences.
Marvin Signature Ultimate
The Marvin Signature Ultimate windows are your traditional-style solutions comparable to the A- and E-Series of Andersen windows. There are also some similarities with the 400 Series as well.
Marvin’s Signature Ultimate collection comes in 15 different window styles. The products include a range of awning and casement styles.
Seven of the 15 styles come in wood and have plenty of paint colors and interior stains.
You can also pick cladding in many colors, though not as many as with Andersen.
The advantage of Marvin windows is that they come with color matching, so homeowners can pick any color they like.
There are also plenty of hardware, glass, grille, and screen options with the Signature Ultimate series.
There should be no problem finding a matching package for any homeowner’s personal preferences.
Andersen Wood Windows
Andersen has several grades of wood windows in their collection.
They range from basic to some of the finest solutions on the market.
All Andersen wood windows come with a 10-year warranty regardless of the style, wood choice, finish, and accessories.
Hardware and glass warranties may vary.
Pro Tip: By purchasing Andersen Windows, you can expect a 70% return on investment thanks to the energy efficiency, low maintenance, and high quality of their products.
Andersen A-Series – Wood Interior With Fibrex Exterior
The top-level windows by Andersen come in six wood species, including mahogany, oak, and cherry.
They also have pine, an excellent option for more affordable projects and for homeowners looking to achieve a rustic appeal.
Their interiors come prefinished in more than ten paint and stain colors according to the client’s choice.
They have ten exterior finish colors as well.
You can purchase bare interiors, but they look much better with a factory finish unless you have professional finishing skills.
As far as customization is concerned, A-Series windows come with plenty of trim, hardware, glass, grille, screen, and innovative home solutions.
The glass types for A-Series windows include Low-E4 glass, SmartSun glass, Sun glass, and HeatLock coating.
Andersen E-Series – Wood Interior and Aluminum Clad Exterior
The E-Series window quality by Andersen matches that of the A-Series.
The E-Series comes with most choices available in the A, plus some extras.
All windows in this series come with aluminum cladding on the exterior. This feature allows for much better durability compared to leaving the wooden elements exposed.
You can choose from ten different wood species and different finishes (standard and custom) if you want to customize the purchase further.
The exterior cladding in the E-Series comes in 50 colors, not including the custom match options.
There are also plenty of accessory options like in the A-Series that will help the windows look truly custom.
Glass types for the E-Series include Low-E4 glass, SmartSun glass, Sun glass, and HeatLock coating.
Andersen 400 Series
The Andersen 400 window series is the top-selling line of the company.
The material is pine, and it comes with plenty of interior finish solutions.
There’s also a bare wood option available.
Due to its increasing popularity, you can find the 400 Series sold at local household improvement stores in its bare wood form.
The exterior of the window is clad in vinyl, and they also come with numerous accessories.
Some features of the 400 Series windows by Andersen include:
- Easy operation for daily usage
- Low-maintenance exterior that doesn’t need painting
- Superior strength inside and out
- Energy-efficient structure
- Weather resistance
- Awning, bay and bow, casement, tilt-wash, double-hung, gliding, picture, and specialty window types
Andersen 200 Series
The Andersen 200 Series windows come with pine frames, painted white or left bare.
Some colors also have a vinyl cladding option.
Overall, these are affordable, basic wood windows for those who want quality wood windows on a limited budget.
Andersen 200 Series features include:
- Great energy efficiency
- Easy operation
- Low-maintenance exterior with weather resistance
- Double-hung, gliding, and picture window types
Andersen 100 Series
The 100 Series is a new, entry-level series for windows.
The products in this category have the Ultrex construction and only come in a small option range.
Series 100 features include:
- Variety of dark colors with long-lasting finishes
- Eco-friendly and energy efficient
- Fibrex composite material construction
- Awning, casement, gliding, picture, single-hung, and specialty window types
Did you know? The awning window type in the Series 100 can stay open in the rain so homeowners can enjoy the fresh air and the relaxing pitter-patter sound of nature.
Marvin vs Andersen Wood Window Ratings
Andersen and Marvin wood window ratings from 1 to 5 look something like this.
- Andersen A – 5 for quality, 4 for wood choices and finishes, 5 for extras, and 3 for warranty.
- Andersen E – 5 for quality, wood choice, finishes, and extras, and 3 for warranty.
- Andersen 400 – 4 for quality and extras, 2 for wood choice, and 3 for finishes and warranty.
- Andersen 200 – 3 for quality, warranty, and extras, 2 for wood choice and finishes.
- Marvin Signature Ultimate – 5 for quality and finishes, 4 for wood choices and accessories, and 3 for warranty.
- Marvin Elevate – 4 for quality, 3 for finishes, extras, and warranty, and 2 for wood choices.
The overall ratings for these wood series, from highest to lowest, look like this:
- Andersen E-Series – 4.6
- Andersen A-Series – 4.2
- Marvin Signature Ultimate – 4.2
- Andersen 400 Series – 3.2
- Andersen 200 Series – 2.6
Due to the sophisticated and wide selection of wood choices, finishes, and accessories, and also due to outstanding quality, Andersen E-Series scores the highest in overall ratings.
Marvin Fiberglass vs Andersen Fiberglass Fibrex Windows
Both Marvin and Andersen offer fiberglass window options.
Below is an overview of their differences.
Marvin Essential
Marvin Essential is an affordable, all-fiberglass line of windows.
The window options include double-hung, casement, glider, and awning windows with additional shapes.
Overall, this collection comes with more than satisfactory window options.
The interior color options include black and bronze, while the exterior has six color solutions.
This window series also comes with multiple grille pattern options and hardware finishes.
Other customization options are pretty limited.
Marvin Signature Ultimate Modern
Marvin Signature Ultimate Modern windows are often referred to as the ones with simplicity and clean lines.
They come with fiberglass both in the interior and exterior.
There are four colors (inside and out), including three darker and one lighter, “clear anodized” colors.
All color choices have an industrial appeal.
As far as accessories are concerned, the choices are limited.
Nonetheless, these windows are attractive and have a contemporary vibe.
Andersen 100 Series
The Andersen 100 series are all-Fibrex windows that come at an affordable price.
This plastic and wood dust mixture is a pretty strong material.
Customization-wise, the Andersen 100 Series has five exterior and four interior colors that homeowners can match with their personal preferences, needs, or budget.
There are also four glass types to choose from.
Marvin Composite vs Andersen Composite Windows
As far as the composite window solutions are concerned, the two competitors are Anderson 100 and Marvin Essential.
The Anderson 100 series offers basic fiberglass windows, while the Marvin Essential has more premium windows that can compare with Pella’s Impervia solutions (more on them below).
Did you know? Before glass was invented, windows were made mostly of cloth, paper, flattened animal pieces, or thin marble slices. The Roman Egyptians produced the first “glass” windows around 100 A.D.
Marvin Ultrex vs Andersen Fibrex
Andersen’s composite windows are made to perform well in extreme temperatures without peeling, fading, or flaking.
The reclaimed wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer make a unique, Anderson-specific material called Fibrex.
Marvin, on the other hand, is the pioneer of using composite materials for windows and doors.
Marvin’s unique blend is called Ultrex fiberglass, which is marketed to be eight times stronger than vinyl and three times stronger than Andersen’s Fibrex.
The Ultrex fiberglass has a fade-resistant finish, comes with high-level durability, and can expand at the same rate as glass to achieve greater stability for the window.
Marvin vs Pella vs Andersen
Pella windows are an industry leader in quality windows for homes across the country.
Pella products come in a range of styles and types. The company offers a lifetime warranty on all single-hung windows, which is unparalleled.
Compared to Marvin, Pella offers a wider material choice.
Pella has vinyl windows, while Marvin only has wood, fiberglass, and aluminum.
However, Marvin has a higher-quality fiberglass collection compared to Pella.
Andersen windows are more expensive than Pella and Marvin, but that’s only because of their advanced features and top-notch quality.
Whichever brand you choose, consider different factors like warranty, styling options, personalization level, and whatever else is important to your specific needs.
Marvin Windows Pros
Well-tested durability is the biggest selling point for Marvin.
Consumers can choose between the “good, better, best” solutions to meet their needs and budgets.
Marvin Windows Cons
Marvin’s products also come at a price.
The exact cost depends on the features, product material, size, and more, but you can still expect a pricier investment than other competitors.
Pella Windows Pros
Pella windows have a wider option range compared to both Marvin and Andersen.
Pella also has vinyl windows, and the company keeps developing fresh, modern product lines.
Pella Windows Cons
Despite being more affordable, Pella windows are a bit less durable compared to the competitors.
Pella makes use of roll-formed aluminum for the construction, which keeps the retail and production costs low.
Pella may charge for some upgrades that Andersen and Marvin offer for free.
You may end up paying more if you opt for multiple customization options.
Andersen Windows Pros
Andersen serves more markets than both Marvin and Pella, and their focus is on making long-lasting, high-quality products.
Andersen windows have the best customer satisfaction ratings and receive very few complaints.
Andersen Windows Cons
The main disadvantage of Andersen is the price cap.
Given that you get a lot of value and durability with the purchase, the cost doesn’t have to be such a downside. However, it can be a deal breaker for homeowners with a limited budget.
Given their focus on quality, they have a slimmer option catalog compared to Pella.
Are Marvin Windows as Good as Pella?
Both Pella and Marvin are prominent, widely used product lines.
However, Marvin comes with a bit higher quality material and offers more customization options for free compared to Pella.
Marvin also has incredible durability that may hold color longer than Pella.
Are Marvin Windows Worth the Money?
Yes, Marvin windows are definitely worth the investment.
They come with a limited variety of wood choices and styles, but their products are well-built and feature a long lifespan.
So if you find a product that fully matches your needs and it’s made by Marvin, you can make your purchase without worry.
What Windows Are Better, Marvin or Andersen?
Both Marvin and Andersen are well-known window manufacturers.
Marvin has a broader market and is easier to acquire.
In terms of variety and the highest value for the money, Andersen is the better option.
Conclusion
Marvin and Andersen windows offer good quality, plenty of customization options, and a durable structure.
If your home renovation project doesn’t come with a budget, consider the Andersen E-Series solutions. Their wood choices, overall appeal, and accessories are hard to match.
As an alternative, the Marvin Signature Ultimate may also work for those on a larger budget, given its abundance of styles and personalization options.
If you’re after more affordable, low-maintenance options, consider fiberglass or composite blend windows like the ones in the Andersen 100 series.
A superior choice in terms of beauty would be the Marvin Essential or Signature Modern lines.
