Best Single Hung Windows

There are some excellent single hung windows out there. Here are our picks that span the cost spectrum. These include the Okna 500 Series, Anlin Del Mar, PGT 5400 series, Amerimax Craftsman Portrait, and the Simonton Pro-Finish Contractor.

👉 (Get 2 to 3 local window quotes and compare pricing.)

Written by: Dane, Site Editor
Experience: 40+ years in window installation and replacement
Editorial Review: Replacement Windows Reviews Team
Original Publish Date - August 10, 2013
Page Last Update: June 16, 2026

Best Single Hung Window Basics

Of course, there is always going to be debate when it comes to single hung vs double hungs. Many contractors and installers say that

windows are cheap builder grade windows, while double hungs are better made and constructed. There used to be quite a bit of truth to that, but mainly due to the fact that manufacturers built single hung windows as a low cost alternative to the double hung.

Intrinsically, there is nothing about a single hung that would make it inferior to a double hung. In fact, with less moving parts, a well made single hung will do better in terms of overall energy efficiency than a similarly made double hung.

At the end of the day, the best way to compare windows is through performance numbers, specifically through window design pressure, air infiltration (or air leakage), U-factor and SHGC.

Best Single Hung Vinyl Windows

Explore our three picks for top vinyl single hung windows.

Premium Option: Okna 500 Series

The Okna Insul Tec window (also their 500 Series) is available in a single hung, and can be ordered as either a replacement window or in a new construction set up (this includes a nailing fin or a flange and J-channel). The efficiency numbers are awesome - U-value of 0.25, AI 0.02, SHGC 0.28, and DP50. In addition, it has some upgraded features. The sill wall is improved and it comes with a Duralite spacer. It is a good value for a mid-grade price.

» More On Okna Insul-Tec Window Prices

Mid Range Option: Amerimax Craftsman Portrait Window

The Amerimax Craftsman Portrait window is the mid range option and a step up from the Maters Grande series. It offers more robust weatherstripping and a better spacer between the window glass. Like the Masters Grande, it offers even sightlines and comes with a 20 year warranty on parts and labor. Performance wise, expect a u-value 0.28, SHGC 0.29.

» More On Amerimax Windows Prices

Budget Option: Simonton Pro-Finish Contractor

The Pro-Finish Contractor is available as a single hung and is a new construction window, meaning it comes with the nail fin that allows the window to be nailed securely into the rough opening. If you are looking for a replacement window, then the Simonton Asure is a very similar option, with a slightly better balance system the the Pro-Finish Contractor.

The Pro-FinishThe Pro-Finish uses the same sash design as the Simonton 5500 window (an upgraded version of the Assure model.) The Pro-Finish uses a decent mainframe and should come standard as a DP35. See our Consumer Reports Best Windows page to see how the Pro-Finish stood up to other vinyl windows.

» More On Simonton Pro-Finish Costs

Amerimax Craftsman Portrait vs Simonton Platinum Prism

We are looking to replace 16 windows in our house, a combination of double-hungs and sliders. We got a pile of quotes for a variety of windows, and after deciding that we do not need premium fiberglass windows, we have come down to the two lowest vinyl bids, Simonton Platinum Prism and Amerimax Craftsman Portrait (both double-pane). The Amerimax quote is about $1,400 less than the Simonton.

The Amerimax dealer made a big deal about the windows being made in Colorado (we are located in Denver) and that this ensures that the window will have argon in it, claiming that windows made at lower altitudes lose their argon upon being shipped to Denver b/c of the capillary systems they stick in the windows to ensure safe shipping. We are not sure whether or not give this credence?

The Amerimax quote is also for single-hung windows rather than double-hung. It is true that we often have trouble pushing the upper sash up enough to close our current windows, and to be brutally honest, we never clean the outside of our windows anyway, so perhaps the single-hung is fine. Is there something else we should consider about this?

A further question I have (which I can't seem to find an answer to) is whether one of these windows has narrower frames than the other, as I would like as much glass as possible since I feel our house can be a bit dark.

Of course, I would also like to know if either of these is more durable than the other, or has more issues with manufacture or operation, as I don't ever want to think about my windows again!

To throw a wrench in, the third lowest quote was from Zen Windows, for their Nirvana windows (which I understand are equivalent to Soft-Lite Classics). Their quote was $3,200 higher than the Amerimax, so unless there is a compelling reason to choose them over the Amerimax or the Simonton, we are not considering them. But I wanted to put them in in case there is such a reason.

Thank you for any input!!

Margaret - Homeowner - from 2026

[Site Editor's Response]

Hi Margaret, you've asked some good questions here. There is concern over windows made at lower elevations and shipped to elevations over 6000 ft. However, the capillary tubes help relieve the differences in pressure that would occur with the elevation change (assuming that the company does it correctly.) There should be a number of companies that manufacture windows in or around Denver though so you should have some options (make sure to ask about the elevation changes and capillary tubes to each of the companies to make sure that they use them and feel comfortable with the process, just to be safe).

If your two main bids are Amerimax and Simonton and the Simonton is more expensive, I'd say the clear winner is the Amerimax. I like this company and their vinyl windows.

I actually like single hung windows for the very reasons you suggest, plus there are less parts and components that can fail over the years. Many contractors automatically assume a single hung is a builder grade window, but many manufacturers have been making quality

windows because they offer better performance and still offer the ventilation.

Zen is a good window, and you are right it is the Soft-Lite Classic model. The Nirvana is better than the Craftsman Portrait, but I probably wouldn't pay the extra $3200. I'd go with the Amerimax, which is a good quality mid range vinyl window.

Tim - Site Editor - from 2026

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