Two of Andersen’s most popular wood window lines are the 200 Series and the 400 Series. They look similar but differ in options, sizes, and price. Here’s a focused comparison to help you choose between Andersen 200 and 400 Series windows.
200 vs 400 Series Windows: Quick Comparison
| Andersen 200 Series | Andersen 400 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Best value wood window | Best-selling premium wood window |
| Core construction | Wood core, Perma-Shield® vinyl exterior | Wood core, Perma-Shield® vinyl exterior |
| Styles | Most popular styles | Widest range of styles |
| Sizes & colors | Core options | More sizes, colors & grilles |
| Energy options | Solid, Low-E glass | More glass & performance upgrades |
| Specialty shapes | Limited | Bay, bow, arches, custom shapes |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ |
What the 200 and 400 Series Have in Common
Before the differences, it’s worth knowing how much these two lines share. Both are built on a solid wood core — the material homeowners want on the inside for warmth and the ability to stain or paint. Both wrap that wood in Andersen’s Perma-Shield® vinyl exterior, which is why neither line needs scraping or repainting the way a traditional all-wood window does.
Both lines also use Andersen’s Low-E4® glass as the standard insulating package, and both are backed by the same Andersen limited warranty structure. In other words, you are not choosing between “good” and “bad” — you are choosing how much selection and how many upgrades you need.
Andersen 200 Series Windows — Best Value
Andersen 200 Series windows give you genuine Andersen wood construction and clean, classic looks in the most popular styles — double-hung, gliding, casement, and picture. If you want a dependable, energy-efficient wood window at a friendlier price, the 200 Series is the smart pick.
The 200 Series works best when your project is straightforward: standard openings, a common exterior color, and no unusual shapes. That is the case for a large share of Philadelphia rowhomes and twins, where window openings repeat floor to floor and the goal is a clean, consistent replacement across the whole house. Because the option list is shorter, 200 Series orders also tend to be simpler to specify and quicker to turn around.
Where the 200 Series runs out of room is customization. Exterior color choices are limited to the core palette, grille patterns are fewer, and specialty shapes generally are not available. If your home has an arched transom or you want a deep bronze exterior, you will be pushed toward the 400 Series.
Andersen 400 Series Windows — Most Popular
Andersen 400 Series windows are America’s best-selling wood windows. They step up with a wider range of sizes, colors, grille patterns, and glass upgrades, so you get more design flexibility and performance. For most homeowners replacing wood windows, the 400 Series is the go-to.
The practical advantages show up in three places. Style range is the big one — beyond double-hung and gliding, the 400 Series covers casement, awning, picture, specialty shapes, and bay and bow assemblies, so an entire house can be done in one consistent line even when the openings vary. Color and grille selection is considerably broader, which matters when you are matching a historic district look or a specific trim color. And glass upgrades go further, including higher-performance Low-E packages for homes with heavy sun exposure.
The 400 Series also gives you a matching path to patio doors. If you are replacing windows and a slider or French door in the same project, the 400 Series gliding and 400 Series hinged patio doors keep the finishes consistent.
Window Styles: What’s Available in Each Line
| Style | 200 Series | 400 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Double-hung | Yes | Yes |
| Gliding | Yes | Yes |
| Picture | Yes | Yes |
| Casement | Limited | Yes |
| Awning | Limited | Yes |
| Bay & bow | No | Yes |
| Arched & specialty shapes | No | Yes |
Style availability can change by size and configuration, so confirm the exact options for your openings during your estimate.
Energy Efficiency in the Philadelphia Climate
Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey put windows through both humid summers and cold, windy winters, so the glass package matters more here than it does in a mild climate. Both series use Low-E coatings with insulating glass, and both will be a significant upgrade over single-pane or older aluminum-framed windows.
The difference is at the top end. If you have large west-facing openings that overheat in July, or a sunroom that never feels comfortable, the extra glass options in the 400 Series give you room to solve that problem. For a north-facing wall or a shaded side of the house, the standard 200 Series glass is usually plenty.
What About Cost?
The 200 Series sits meaningfully below the 400 Series per window, and the gap widens as you add options. Final pricing depends on window size, style, glass package, grilles, color, the number of openings, and the condition of the existing frames — which is why a real number requires a measurement visit rather than a chart.
One thing worth weighing: on a whole-house project, the labor to remove and install is similar whichever line you choose. That means stepping up to the 400 Series often adds a smaller percentage to the total project than the per-window difference suggests. For a broader look at budgeting, see our guide to Andersen windows and patio doors cost.
How to Choose
- Choose the 200 Series if budget matters most and the standard styles fit your home.
- Choose the 400 Series if you want more sizes, colors, and energy options — and the widest style selection.
- Choose the 400 Series if your home has bay, bow, arched, or otherwise non-standard openings.
- Mix them if it makes sense — some homeowners use the 400 Series on the street-facing elevation and the 200 Series on the back of the house.
Want the bigger picture? Compare every line in our Andersen window series guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Andersen 400 Series worth the extra cost over the 200 Series?
It is worth it when you need the additional styles, colors, or glass upgrades. If your openings are standard and the core color palette works for your home, the 200 Series delivers the same wood core and Perma-Shield exterior for less.
Are 200 and 400 Series windows made of real wood?
Yes. Both lines are built on a wood core with a vinyl Perma-Shield exterior, so you get a wood interior you can stain or paint and an exterior that does not need repainting.
Can I mix 200 and 400 Series windows in the same house?
Yes, and it is fairly common. The usual approach is the 400 Series where the windows are visible from the street or where a specialty shape is required, and the 200 Series elsewhere. Ask your installer to confirm the exterior colors match acceptably across the two lines.
How long do Andersen 200 and 400 Series windows last?
Both lines are built for decades of service when properly installed. Installation quality is the single biggest variable — a premium window fitted into an out-of-square opening without proper flashing will underperform a correctly installed value window every time.
Andersen Window Installation in Philadelphia, PA & NJ
ProView Construction is a certified Andersen contractor serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Browse all Andersen windows, compare the 100 Series, A-Series and E-Series, then request a free estimate or call 215-259-8886.
