Velux windows are undoubtedly the leading brand in the roof window market, known for their durability, excellent insulation, and quality craftsmanship. However, their premium pricing can make them less accessible to some homeowners, and over the years, some impressive competitors have emerged in the UK market.
Several Velux alternatives provide similar features (often at much lower prices) without compromising on quality, performance, or efficiency.
In this guide, our experts examine the best alternatives to Velux windows available in the UK in 2025, and explore the key considerations such as cost, installation, maintenance, energy efficiency, and general quality.
Velux vs Best Alternatives: Cost Comparison
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Velux windows aren’t cheap, and many consumers will feel priced out of a roof window market dominated by Velux.
The high cost of Velux windows, from installation to essential accessories like blinds, is one of the primary reasons homeowners look for alternatives. While Velux windows can cost up to £700 per window, the prices of similar products from other manufacturers can be considerably lower without compromising on quality.
Here’s a breakdown of cost comparisons across various brands, factoring in window pricing, installation, and accessories:
| Brand | Price (Per Window) | Installation cost | Blinds cost | Avg Lifespan |
| Velux | £400 – £700 | High | £50 – £150 | 15+ years |
| Fakro | £200 – £600 | Moderate | £50 – £150 | 15+ years |
| Keylite | £350 – £500 | Low | £40 – £120 | 15+ years |
| Roto | £300 – £650 | Moderate | £40 – £130 | 15+ years |
| Toughened Glass Systems | £285 – £650 | Low | £30 – £100 | 15+ years |
Top tip: Because people often buy accessories (like blinds) without measuring up properly, you’ll tend to find second-hand blinds on sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace in as-new condition for a fraction of the price.
Our flat rooflight is a popular choice to rival Velux.
Why Consider the Alternatives?
While Velux windows are often praised for their quality, they are priced at a premium compared to alternatives like Keylite and Dakea, which offer competitive features and durability at more affordable rates. This makes these alternatives especially appealing for those seeking cost-effective options.
Installation Process: How Easy Are They to Install?
Installation costs are another important factor when choosing a roof window. Velux windows generally require professional installation, which contributes to their higher overall price. The complexity of installation can also lead to additional costs if modifications are needed to fit specific roof types.
Top Tip: We’d always recommend you shop around for a few fitter quotes, and that the fitters visit your home before quoting to avoid any surprises.
Alternative Brands Mean Simpler Installation
Brands like Keylite and Toughened Glass Systems offer windows that are easier to install. Fakro and Roto, while requiring professional installation, offer flexible flashing kits and a wider variety of options to suit different roof styles.
| Brand | Installation Complexity | DIY Compatibility | Flashing Kits* Available |
| Velux | High | Poor | Yes |
| Fakro | Moderate | Yes (for some models) | Yes |
| Keylite | Low | Yes | Yes |
| Roto | Moderate | Poor | Yes |
| Toughened Glass Systems | Low | Yes | Yes |
*Flashing Kits: materials used to seal and weatherproof your roof windows.
Maintenance: Keeping Roof Windows in Good Shape
Velux windows are known for their low maintenance, but like any product, they require periodic checks to ensure proper function. Velux recommends regular inspections to check for sealing issues, particularly if your windows are exposed to harsh weather conditions. Additionally, pricey replacement parts for accessories like blinds can add to the cost of maintenance.
Which Velux Alternatives Are Low Maintenance?
Keylite and Dakea windows are designed to be low-maintenance, with durable materials that reduce the likelihood of wear and tear. Fakro and Roto also offer sturdy designs that require occasional upkeep but are generally known for their longevity.
With argon gas-filled toughened glass, solar protection and high quality materials, our own rooflights and skylights are super low maintenance, too.
Energy Efficiency: Saving on Bills and the Environment
With energy bills soaring and environmental concerns on everyone’s mind, keeping a comfortable ambient temperature in your home is getting more and more challenging.
Velux windows feature excellent thermal insulation, with a typical U-value (thermal transmittance) between 1.0 and 1.3 W/m²K. This makes them a great choice for improving home energy efficiency, reducing heating costs, and enhancing comfort.
However, many Velux alternatives offer impressive U-value ratings too. The lower the U-value the better it insulates, and some of our own rooflights have a U-value of 0.9 W/m²K.
Which Velux Alternatives Are Most Energy Efficient?
Fakro, Keylite, and Toughened Glass Systems windows offer competitive U-values ranging from 0.9 to 1.3 W/m²K (low = good), making them strong contenders in the energy-efficient window market.
Dakea, although slightly less efficient, still offers decent insulation with U-values between 1.2 and 1.4 W/m²K.
| Brand | U-value (W/m²K) | Double Glazed | Low-E Coating* |
| Velux | 1.0 – 1.3 | Yes | Yes |
| Fakro | 1.1 – 1.3 | Yes | Yes |
| Keylite | 1.1 – 1.3 | Yes | Yes |
| Roto | 1.1 – 1.3 | Yes | Yes |
| Toughened Glass Systems | 0.9 – 1.1 | Yes | Yes |
*Low-E (low emissivity) Coatings: Thin, transparent coatings applied to windows to reduce the amount of heat that can escape, improving overall energy efficiency.
Overall Quality and Durability: Which Velux Alternatives Stand Out?
You might have heard the saying “Buy once, cry once” to refer to the false economy of buying cheap alternatives that don’t last as long.
However, in our experience, modern Velux alternatives like our own, Fakro, Keylite, Roto, and Dakea, offer genuine bang for your buck in terms of quality.
The Velux alternatives we’ve listed tend to use high-quality timber and aluminium frames, ensuring a long lifespan and weather-resistant performance, and high-performance coatings to protect against the elements.
Pretty much all the Velux alternatives mentioned in this post come with a substantial 10-20 year warranty too, for extra peace of mind.
Conclusion
While Velux windows are generally the go-to choice for roof windows, several alternative brands now offer comparable performance at more affordable prices.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-performance window, these alternatives provide excellent choices without compromising on quality.
Check out our own high-quality rooflights and skylights in a range of sizes, with attractive design and excellent thermal performance for energy efficiency.
Velux Alternatives FAQs
What are the best alternatives to Velux windows?
In our experience, Toughened Glass Systems, Fakro, Keylite, Roto, and Dakea are some of the best alternatives to Velux windows. They offer competitive pricing, similar quality, and excellent energy efficiency. Not to mention a handy 10-20 year warranty on most products.
Are Velux windows worth the higher cost?
Velux windows are worth the investment if you’re seeking a premium product with high durability and excellent insulation. However, modern cheaper alternatives offer similar features at a lower price, and are often easier to install yourself.