Finding out what number of panes is best doesn’t have to be a pain
Single-pane windows are the least expensive.
Double-pane windows offer increased insulation and noise reduction.
Double-pane windows hold up against extreme weather.
Single-pane windows are ideal for sheds and garages.
Triple-pane windows offer the most insulation and security.
Triple-pane windows are the most expensive.
Your windows help brighten your home while also protecting it from the elements and noise. Single-pane windows feature one pane (aka one layer) of glass, double-pane windows feature two panes of glass, and triple-pane windows include a whopping three panes of glass.
Double- and triple-pane windows also often come with insulating layers of argon gas between the panes, which enhances their ability to regulate interior temperatures. Explore all the winning and not-so-winning features when it comes to single-pane versus double-pane versus triple-pane windows in our guide below.
Single-pane windows are lighter and cost less upfront than double-pane windows, but they can be more expensive in the long run due to reduced energy savings.
Relatively inexpensive: Single-pane windows cost less than double-pane windows, making them ideal for folks on a budget. The average single-pane window costs around $50 to $75.
Lightweight: Since single-pane windows aren't composed of as much glass as double-pane windows, they're lighter in weight. This light weight makes them easier to install, which can reduce labor costs when you hire a local window contractor to install them.
Ideal for sheds and garages: Thanks to being lightweight, inexpensive, and fairly easy to install, single-pane windows make great fits for sheds and garages. However, their lack of insulation and noise reduction makes them less than ideal for residential homes.
Poor insulation: Composed of only one piece of glass, single-pane windows don't provide very strong insulation from the outdoor elements. This can lead to a drafty or overly warm home, depending on the season, as well as higher energy bills than if you opted for double-pane windows.
Poor noise reduction: The single pane of glass means these windows don't provide great noise reduction, so if you live in a city or on a street with a lot of noise, they're probably not the best option for you.
Double-pane windows offer better insulation and noise reduction capabilities than single-pane windows, but they're also more expensive upfront.
Insulation: Compared to single-pane windows, double-pane windows are made with twice as much glass, which offers better insulation from outdoor temps. This means that they can help to keep heat out during the summer and keep it in during the winter.
Energy savings: Because double-pane windows are better at insulating than their single-pane counterparts, they’re more energy-efficient windows. With double-pane windows, your HVAC system won't need to work as hard to regulate your home’s temperature, so you may save money on your monthly energy bills.
Noise reduction: Double-pane windows make for better noise-canceling windows than single-pane. This makes them particularly helpful for people who live in big cities or on busy streets.
Durability: Double-pane windows are stronger than single-pane windows thanks to having two sheets of glass instead of one. This durability means they can stand up to high winds and precipitation better than their single-pane counterparts.
More expensive: Because double-pane windows are made with more materials than single-pane windows, they also cost more, typically ranging from $100 to $300 per window.
Most effective when used on all windows: You really need a house full of double-pane windows (rather than just one or two) to see the full range of benefits. Otherwise, noise and the outdoor air can come in through the windows that aren't double-pane. However, installing double-pane windows all over the house can be too costly for many people.
Triple-pane windows add even more insulation than double-pane windows, giving them enhanced durability and a steep increase in energy efficiency. Of course, these perks drive up the overall installation cost.
Insulation and noise reduction: Triple-pane windows feature three times more glass than single-pane windows. This translates to a significant increase in insulation, even compared to double-pane windows.
More noise reduction: You’ll experience a modest increase in noise reduction capabilities with triple-pane windows over double panes, thanks to the extra pane.
Thermal regulation: The added insulation that comes with another layer of glass also improves your home’s thermal regulation, making it easier to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures all year.
Energy efficiency: Triple-pane windows are even better at insulating than double panes, making them the gold standard of energy-efficient windows. Your home’s HVAC system will appreciate this efficiency boost (and so will your bank account).
Durability and security: Triple-pane windows are extraordinarily durable, lasting 30 years or more when properly maintained. The added layer of glass also makes your home more secure, further protecting you from break-ins. It’s tough, after all, for intruders to break through three thick layers of glass. Windows with three panes also continue to work even if one or two panes break.
Most expensive option: There’s no way around it; triple-pane windows are a considerable investment, costing $300 to $600 per window plus at least two hours of labor. The extra layer of glass and related materials drive the cost up, but the decrease in monthly energy bills typically evens things out after several years.
Installation difficulty: Triple-pane windows are much heavier and bulkier than any other type of window. This means that installation is an absolute beast with plenty of potential pitfalls that could cost you more money.
Reduced brightness: Some triple-pane designs reduce the level of sunlight entering your home, with glazed windows being the primary culprit. There are only so many layers of glass that light can travel through before decreasing in brilliance, after all.
Work best in groups: Like double-pane windows, you won’t see many of the positive effects of triple-pane windows unless you change every window in your home.
Still not sure whether single-pane or double-pane windows are right for your home? Here's a breakdown of their benefits to help you decide.
Single-pane and double-pane windows look very similar. Often, you can't tell the difference between the two unless you closely inspect them to determine how many panes there are. Therefore, when it comes to appearance, single- and double-pane windows are tied.
Most attractive: Tie
Both single-pane and double-pane windows offer similar customization options, as well as the potential to add extra features, like removable storm windows and hurricane shutters. As a result, single- and double-pane windows are evenly matched on the customization front, as well.
Most customizations: Tie
Thanks to an added sheet of glass, double-pane windows are much more durable than single-pane windows. Durability is a particularly important factor if you live in an area with extreme weather, like strong wind or hail, which can cause more damage to less durable windows.
Best durability: Double-pane windows
Aptly, double-pane windows cost about twice as much as single-pane windows, so single-pane windows are definitely the more affordable option upfront. However, double-pane windows could save you more over time if you replace all of your windows with them, but this costs a lot more initially.
Best price: Single-pane windows
Single-pane windows are much less bulky than double-pane windows, which makes single-pane windows easier to install. An easier installation can also mean less expensive labor costs, potentially saving you some money.
Easiest installation: Single-pane windows
Thanks to two panes of glass compared to one, double-pane windows are much better at insulating your home. This increased window insulation results in better interior temperature regulation and higher energy savings.
Best energy savings: Double-pane windows
Both double-pane and single-pane windows have an average life span of around 15 to 20 years. However, because double-pane windows have an added layer of glass, it's often not as urgent to fix them when damaged, so they might be able to last longer than single-pane windows in some cases, saving you on any premature window replacement costs.
Longest life span: Double-pane windows
Thinking about making that jump from double-pane to triple-pane windows? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks of each window type to help you make an informed choice for your home.
Triple-pane windows cost 15% to 25% more than double-pane windows due to the added materials. Additionally, you’ll pay extra for labor, as triple-pane windows are notoriously difficult to install due to their extreme weight and bulk. Of course, the upfront cost of installing windows with three panes is eventually offset by a decrease in energy bills, but this takes anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the actual savings you experience.
Best price: Double-pane windows
Generally speaking, triple-pane windows are more energy-efficient than their double-pane counterparts, leading to a decrease in utility bills. These savings are modest, but they do add up over time. However, the quality of the window and its installation also make a huge difference here. Make sure your triple-pane windows have high-quality materials and that you hire an experienced pro who can install them properly to maximize your monthly savings on that energy bill.
Best energy savings: Triple-pane windows
Yes, triple-pane windows offer increased noise reduction over double panes, but this is contingent on a high-quality, professional installation. A poorly installed triple-pane window will not be a soundproof window like you may hope, and it will offer no better noise-canceling abilities than a double-pane window. If noise reduction is the main reason you’re shopping for new windows, ensure you hire a pro who can install them properly with an airtight seal.
Best noise reduction: Triple-pane windows
Both single-pane and triple-pane windows ship in a wide variety of designs to suit different tastes. If you want to customize your windows with added flair, the option is there. Additionally, it’s hard to tell the difference between these two types of windows without a close inspection. In other words, it is an absolute draw here.
Best appearance and most customizations: Tie
Even seasoned pros run into trouble installing some triple-pane windows onto pre-existing window units and frames. Windows with three panes, after all, are extremely heavy and bulky, placing a strain on these frames and, in some cases, damaging them. It takes a careful hand to install a suite of triple-pane windows successfully. If you want a fuss-free installation above all, think about buying double-pane windows.
Easiest installation: Double-pane windows
Just as double-pane windows offer increased durability over single-pane options, so do triple-pane windows when compared to double-pane windows. As previously mentioned, triple-pane windows last at least 30 years with proper maintenance and care. This added durability also helps triple-pane windows outperform double-pane windows with regard to wind resistance and dealing with extreme weather scenarios.
Best durability: Triple-pane windows
Both double-pane and triple-pane windows offer improved security over single panes due to the added thickness and additional layers. However, triple-pane windows are the champion here. Most intruders would be stopped in their tracks by the extra pane of glass.
Best security: Triple-pane windows
