How Much Do Smart Glass Windows Cost? [2025 Data]
Smart glass costs an average of $100 per square foot, and most projects come with prices between $50 and $150. Your total will depend on window size, the type of smart glass you want, and more.
Smart glass costs an average of $100 per square foot, including materials and labor. However, prices can range anywhere from $25 up to $200 per square foot depending on the type of smart glass you want, the size and type of window you’re working with, and a few other key factors.
Smart Glass Cost Factors
Smart glass costs depend primarily on the size of the window and the type of smart glass or film you’re buying. Depending on the retailer or manufacturer and the number of windows you’re upgrading, you could also pay between $50 and $150, including shipping and material costs.
Size
Smart glass costs and average of $100 per square foot, so the larger your windows are, the more you’ll pay for smart glass or film. It’s important to measure for your replacement windows before shopping for smart glass to ensure you get the right size panes, especially if your window frame manufacturer doesn’t offer smart glass and you have to install it retroactively. Below, you’ll find the cost of smart glass for windows based on common window sizes.
| Window Size (In.) | Cost for Glass Only |
|---|---|
| 24 x 36 | $300–$900 |
| 24 x 48 | $400–$1,200 |
| 36 x 48 | $600–$1,800 |
| 36 x 60 | $800–$2,300 |
| 48 x 60 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| 60 x 60 | $1,300–$3,800 |
Type
The type of smart glass or window film you choose will be a major factor in the final cost. Applying film or smart tint is usually the least expensive option, costing about $25 to $50 per square foot. More advanced technologies, like suspended particle devices (SPD) and polymer-dispersed liquid crystal glass (PDLC), cost more, up to $150 per square foot.
Number of Windows
The more windows you’re upgrading to smart glass, the higher your total costs will be, but most manufacturers will discount per-window costs if you order for multiple windows at once, and most installers will charge lower per-window prices for the installation. While your total will be higher if you upgrade multiple windows, your per-window cost will be lower.
| Number of Windows | Average Cost per Window |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,200 |
| 2 | $1,175 |
| 5 | $1,150 |
| 10 | $1,100 |
Brand
Smart glass is becoming more and more popular in single-family homes, so you’ll find that you have multiple manufacturers from which you can buy. Smart glass costs can vary by brand, so it’s a good idea to shop around to find the best value. Most manufacturers don’t publish prices online, so you’ll need to get estimates from two or three companies to compare.
Labor
An average of between $20% and 40% of your total costs will go toward labor, which is on the low end when compared with the cost to replace windows with standard glass. This is due to the high material costs. You can expect to spend between $100 and $300 per window or about $50 to $75 per hour for smart glass installation.
Labor costs can go up from there for larger panes of glass that take additional technicians to deliver and maneuver into place. You’ll spend more on labor if your window is located on the second floor and requires your professionals to use ladders and safety equipment to complete the installation.
Shipping
When you’re adding up how much smart glass will cost you, don’t forget to consider shipping rates. Some companies may include shipping for free if you buy in bulk. Otherwise, you can expect to spend anywhere from $120 to over $1,200, depending on the amount of smart glass you’re buying and how far from the warehouse you are.
Smart Glass Cost by Type
If you’re wondering how to make your windows more energy-efficient, smart glass can help. But, the type of smart glass you buy may affect the efficiency benefits, as well as the total smart glass cost.
| Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Electrochromic | $50–$100 |
| SPD | $50–$150 |
| PDLC | $85–$130 |
| Smart tint | $25–$50 |
Electrochromic Glass
Electrochromic glass, which costs $50 to $100 per square foot, relies on ions to push particles inside or outside of the window. This type of smart glass requires a small amount of electricity to work, but you can control it yourself to decide when you want added privacy and light-blocking features. You can control whether the window is more opaque or transparent, and the window will transition quickly, normally within a few minutes.
Suspended Particle Devices (SPD)
Suspended particle devices cost $50 to $150 per square foot. This technology involves suspending particles in liquid when the glass is turned off; then, the particles line up to allow light to come in when they are electrified. SPD is popular because it is dimmable, allowing more or less light to pass through. However, SPD doesn’t go completely opaque.
Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Glass (PDLC)
PDLC offers more control over the opacity of your windows and costs $85 to $150 per square foot. This technology uses liquid and solid crystals for more or less transparency. The inactive crystals make the glass darker, while the active crystals align to bring in more light. The change in opacity is instantaneous, so you can add privacy or opt for maximum natural light with the touch of a button.
Smart Tint
Smart tinting costs about $30 to $45 per square foot and works similarly to tinted eyeglasses. When light from outside contacts the window glass, the tint goes dark and blocks more UV rays from the sun. At night, the window goes back to transparent. This option may not offer as much privacy or control, but it works well if you are looking for a budget-friendly option to make your home more energy-efficient.
Ongoing Costs of Smart Glass
Your smart glass windows may come with other costs that you should budget for in the long term, like ongoing charges for electricity consumption or repairs.
Electricity
For smart glass that requires electricity, you can expect marginally higher utility costs over time. A window of 10 to 15 square feet will only use about 5 to 7 watts of electricity, or about the same amount needed for one LED light bulb. Over an entire year, one window with smart glass will only cost $1 to $2 in electricity, and it could save you more than that by blocking excess heat from the sun.
Repairs
If the smart glass gets foggy or breaks, you may need to spend $175 to $610 for the cost of window repairs. By keeping up with regular window cleanings and inspections, you can minimize the risk of damage and repairs.
Electrochromic Glass
Electrochromic glass, which costs $50 to $100 per square foot, relies on ions to push particles inside or outside of the window. This type of smart glass requires a small amount of electricity to work, but you can control it yourself to decide when you want added privacy and light-blocking features. You can control whether the window is more opaque or transparent, and the window will transition quickly, usually within a few minutes.
Suspended Particle Devices (SPD)
Suspended particle devices cost $50 to $150 per square foot. This technology involves suspending particles in liquid when the glass is turned off, then the particles line up to allow light to come in when they are electrified. SPD is popular because it is dimmable, allowing more or less light to pass through. However, SPD doesn’t go completely opaque.
Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Glass (PDLC)
PDLC offers more control over the opacity of your windows and costs $85 to $130 per square foot. This technology uses liquid and solid crystals for more or less transparency. The inactive crystals make the glass darker, while the active crystals align to bring in more light. You can program PDLC smart glass to go completely opaque or to dim at your command.
Smart Tint
Smart tinting costs about $30 to $45 per square foot and works similar to tinted eyeglasses. The tint goes dark, blocking more UV rays from the sun, when light from outside contacts the window glass. At night, the window goes back to transparent. This option may not offer as much privacy but works well if you are looking for a budget-friendly option to make your home more energy-efficient.
I don’t suggest any clients do DIY glass repairs to save money—I consider it dangerous if you’re not familiar with the work. If you don’t put the spacers the proper way or miss a spacer, your glass will become crooked and, over time, start moving and collapsing.
Maintenance
Keeping your windows clean is the best way to maintain them. Professional window cleaning costs $150 to $300, and you should schedule these sessions at least once per year or more often if you live in an area with heavy pollen or pollution. Fortunately, you may be able to skip using window treatments when you have smart glass, so you won’t have to spend time or money dusting blinds or washing the curtains.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install Smart Glass
Most of the cost to install smart glass goes toward the materials and shipping, so opting to install it yourself will only save you an average of $100 to $300 per window. While this is still a significant amount of money, it’s best to leave this work to a professional.
Handling window glass—especially panes for larger windows—can be challenging and leaves you with the risk of broken panes that you’ll need to replace. Even if you’re able to maneuver the glass to your window safely, you run the risk of water leaks and air leaks if you don’t install it properly. This can leave you with expensive property damage or negate the energy efficiency boost you’d get from professionally-installed smart glass.
It’s always best to hire a window contractor near you to install smart glass, especially if the window you’re working on is on the second floor or set in the roof. The pros can install new window glass within about 30 minutes to an hour per window, and you’ll be left with a lower risk of ongoing issues.
Cost of Common Smart Glass Add-Ons
Because smart glass can provide privacy and better insulation, you may not need to add additional window treatments or blinds. Still, there are other projects you may consider taking on when adding smart glass to your windows or upgrading to a more energy-efficient home.
Window seat cost: $1,000–$6,000
Electrical outlet and switch costs: $125–$200 each
Electrical panel upgrade cost: $1,200–$2,000
Solar panel installation costs: $18,400–$36,400
Window cleaning cost: $150–$300
3 Ways to Save Money on Smart Glass Costs
The great thing about smart glass is that it can actually save you money in the long run. Still, the upfront costs may have you searching for wiggle room in the budget for these upgrades. Luckily, there are many ways to save on smart glass costs.
Buy in bulk: If you need to cover multiple windows, you may save on smart glass cost per foot by buying more at a discount, and labor costs tend to be lower when you guarantee your professional more work.
Buy what you need: If you can get by with covering just one or two windows in a sunny part of the home, you’ll save on total costs by purchasing less glass or film.
Check for financial incentives: You may be eligible for tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act for upgrading to smart glass, according to the Department of Energy.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart glass will last for about 100,000 hours when turned on or activated. You won’t need to turn the windows on 24/7, so smart glass can last up to 20 years or more depending on usage. Smart window film may not last quite as long, but you can usually get about 10 years out of film products.
Smart glass may still work at night, but it depends on the type of smart glass. Some options, smart tint, are controlled by outdoor heat and light and therefore will turn back to transparent at night. Other types can provide a frosted look for some privacy at night. For example, you can turn PDLC smart glass completely opaque any time, day or night.
Smart glass doesn’t use a lot of electricity, and you can expect a standard window to add between $1 and $2 per year to your electric bills. Smart glass is proof that energy-efficient windows work. Although your smart windows may consume a little energy to operate, they can save enough energy to offset the costs. If you’re concerned about the minimal bump to your electricity consumption, you can opt for smart tint, which doesn’t require electricity to work.
