The short answer
Impact windows cost more but protect your home all the time, with nothing to put up, and also cut noise and heat. Hurricane shutters cost less, but someone has to close or install them before every storm. If you travel, can't climb a ladder, or want to add value when you sell, impact windows usually win. On a tight budget, good shutters do the job.
Impact windows
- Always ready, even if a storm turns fast or you are away.
- Also block noise, UV and some heat.
- Cost the most, and every window must be replaced.
Hurricane shutters
- Cost less, and you keep your windows.
- Types range from cheap panels you store and bolt up, to accordion and roll-down shutters that close in minutes.
- Only work if they are up before the wind arrives.
Before you choose
- Ask your insurer what discount each option gets.
- Check that the product is rated for impact, not just wind.
- Protect the garage door too. It is often the weakest opening.
Questions people ask
- Do impact windows lower insurance?
- Often, yes. Many insurers give a discount for protected openings. Ask yours before you buy, and keep the paperwork.
- Is plywood good enough for a hurricane?
- Plywood is better than nothing for a short-term fix, but it must be cut, stored and installed right. Rated shutters and impact windows protect better.
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Last reviewed November 8, 2026.