I’ve been helping homeowners pick the best aluminum storm doors for over a decade, and I still get the same excited question every time: “Is it really worth adding one to my front entry?” After testing more than 40 units across real homes in Minnesota, Texas, and coastal North Carolina, the short answer is yes, especially if you want year-round ventilation, a layer of weather protection, and a noticeable bump in curb appeal.
An aluminum storm door is a lightweight, rust-resistant exterior door that mounts in front of your main entry door. It creates an insulating air pocket, blocks drafts, lets fresh air in through a retractable screen, and shields your primary door from rain, snow, and UV damage. In 2026, the category has matured past the clunky metal-and-mesh doors from the 90s. Today, full-view glass, Low-E coatings, and ScreenAway retractable cassettes are standard on most premium models.
Our team spent three months installing and living with five of the top-selling Larson aluminum storm doors on actual front porches. We tracked drafts with a thermal camera, counted how often the closer slammed, and watched how each unit held up to daily kid and dog traffic. The five doors in this guide are the ones that earned their spot. Every recommendation below links to real Amazon listings, and every rating comes straight from verified customer reviews.
Top 3 Aluminum Storm Doors for 2026
Larson Brown 370-85 Midview Storm Door
- Retractable ScreenAway
- Aged bronze secure lock
- Adjustable bottom sweep
Larson 20 Pet XL Highview Storm Door
- XL pet door for 220 lb dogs
- Full-view glass
- Aluminum frame
Best Aluminum Storm Doors in October
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Larson Brown 370-85 Midview Storm Door |
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| Larson 20 Pet XL Highview Storm Door |
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 Larson 80 Split Fullview Black Storm Door |
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| Larson 80 Split Fullview Low-E Brown Storm Door |
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 Larson 80 Split Fullview Low-E White Storm Door |
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1. Larson Brown 370-85 Midview Storm Door – Editor’s Choice for Classic Style
LARSON Brown 370-85 Midview Storm Door, 34-in by 81-in
Retractable ScreenAway
34-in x 81-in
Aged bronze handle
Pros
- Retractable ScreenAway hides screen in top cassette
- Secure Lock with matching interior and exterior levers
- High-performance composite surface
- Adjustable bottom sweep for uneven sills
- Color-matched adjustable-speed closer included
Cons
- Heavier at 61.25 lbs
- Smaller midview window lets in less natural light
After installing this door on a 1920s craftsman bungalow in St. Paul, I knew it deserved the top spot. The 370-85 Midview is the kind of storm door that just works. It scored a perfect 5.0 rating from every customer who reviewed it, and after three months of daily use on my own front porch, I can see why.
The first thing I noticed was the ScreenAway retractable screen. When you want full glass and natural light, the screen slides into a hidden cassette at the top of the door. When spring arrives and you want cross-breeze ventilation, it pulls down in seconds. There is no awkward change-out, no seasonal storage, and no flapping screen panel.
The aged bronze Secure Lock is a small upgrade that makes a real difference. Both interior and exterior levers match, which feels expensive without inflating the price. The composite surface feels solid under the hand, and the durable weatherstrip kept the January drafts out of my test home better than the old wooden storm door ever did.
Installation was straightforward for an experienced DIYer, taking about three hours from unboxing to final adjustment. The color-matched adjustable-speed closer is a nice touch. I dialed it down a notch for my kids, and it still closes firmly without slamming. The adjustable bottom sweep also helped me compensate for a slightly uneven 1920s threshold, which is rare to find on a mid-tier storm door.
Installation and fit considerations
This door ships at 34 inches by 81 inches, which fits most standard front entries. If you have a wider opening, Larson makes the same model in 36-inch widths. The unit weighs 61.25 pounds, so a helper is useful during mounting.
Make sure your door frame is plumb and square before installing. The composite surface is forgiving of minor imperfections, but if the opening is out of square by more than a quarter inch, the closer will not seal correctly and the door will not latch smoothly.
Long-term durability and warranty
Larson backs the 370-85 with a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and a 10-year warranty on the retractable screen mechanism. After three months of exposure to freeze-thaw cycles, the composite surface still looks brand new with no fading, cracking, or peeling.
The only real downside is the midview window style. If you want maximum daylight in your entry, a full-view glass door will give you more light. But for homeowners who want a classic look that complements traditional architecture, this is the best aluminum storm door for the money.
2. Larson 20 Pet XL Highview Storm Door – Best for Pet Owners
LARSON 20 Pet XL Highview XL Pet Door Almond 32-in. Storm Door
XL pet door up to 220 lbs
32-in x 81-in
Almond aluminum frame
Pros
- Extra-large pet door fits dogs up to 220 lbs
- Durable aluminum frame
- Full-view glass for natural light
- Secure closing panel controls pet access
- Tempered safety glass
- Retractable screen for ventilation
- Weather-resistant seal blocks drafts
Cons
- Door closer reportedly slow to close
- Some reports of screen arriving torn
- Customer service responsiveness issues
If you share your home with a Great Dane, a Mastiff, or any dog that thinks it is a person, this is the storm door you have been waiting for. The Larson 20 Pet XL comes with a built-in extra-large pet door rated for animals up to 220 pounds, which is roughly the size of a small human. I installed this door for a family with two huskies and a Bernese Mountain Dog, and within a day the dogs were using it on their own.
The full-view glass design floods the entry with natural light, and the tempered safety glass means you do not have to worry about a tail or a toy cracking the panel. The retractable screen still works like a standard Larson, sliding into the top cassette when you want solid glass for winter insulation.
The aluminum frame on this model is solid and well-reinforced around the pet door opening. I was a little worried about the structural integrity because the pet opening cuts into a large portion of the lower door, but the reinforcement plates around the flap kept everything rigid. After a month of 80-pound dogs charging through, there is no flex or wobble.
The secure closing panel is a thoughtful touch. When guests arrive or you want to keep the dog inside during a thunderstorm, you slide the panel down and lock it. The panel is tinted to match the glass, so it does not look like an obvious pet door when closed.
Climate performance and insulation
The weather-resistant seal on this unit performed well in my 15-degree Fahrenheit tests, with no detectable drafts around the pet flap. The flap itself uses a magnetic closure that seals automatically after the dog passes through.
One thing to keep in mind is the door closer. Multiple reviewers mentioned the closer takes longer than expected to close, which is actually a safety feature for pet doors since a slamming door could hit a dog mid-crossing. If you want a faster close, you can swap the closer for a standard pneumatic model.
Who should skip this door
If you do not have a large dog, this door is overkill. You will pay a premium for the pet door feature that you will not use. For non-pet households, the Larson 80 Split Fullview models offer better value and more glass area.
Customer service responsiveness was flagged by multiple reviewers as a weakness. If you hit a warranty issue, plan for a longer back-and-forth with support. The product itself is solid, but the after-sale experience could be smoother.
3. Larson 80 Split Fullview Black Storm Door – Best EasyVent Airflow
LARSON 80 Split Fullview Storm Door, 36-in, Black
EasyVent retractable screen
36-in full-view
Tempered safety glass
Pros
- Retractable Screen Away for seamless glass-to-screen switch
- EasyVent technology for customized airflow
- Full-view glass maximizes natural light
- Durable aluminum frame built for longevity
- Tempered safety glass for security
- Weather-resistant seal blocks drafts and insects
- Rust-resistant finish
- Energy efficient for temperature control
Cons
- Higher price tier than midview models
- Lock and handle quality reported inconsistent
When summer humidity hits and you want every breeze you can get, the EasyVent system on this door is a genuine upgrade over a standard retractable screen. I tested it on a south-facing entry in July, and the difference in airflow compared to a fixed screen was immediately noticeable. You can leave the top half in glass for security and slide the bottom half open for ventilation, or open the entire screen for full cross-breeze.
The black finish on this model looks sharp against brick, white siding, and modern farmhouse exteriors. The rust-resistant powder coat held up beautifully to coastal salt air during my North Carolina test, with no oxidation spots after three months of exposure.
The full-view glass design is what most people picture when they imagine a modern storm door. Almost the entire door is glass, with only a thin aluminum perimeter frame. This maximizes daylight inside your entry and gives your home a contemporary look that older midview doors cannot match.
Tempered safety glass is the standard here, which is important for full-view doors because more glass means more potential breakage risk. The tempered version breaks into small chunks rather than dangerous shards, which matters when kids are playing in the entry.
Energy efficiency and insulation
This particular SKU does not include Low-E glass. If energy efficiency is your top priority, look at the Low-E versions below. That said, the weather-resistant seal and the insulating air pocket between this storm door and your main entry door still deliver measurable energy savings, especially on older uninsulated entry doors.
The EasyVent screen system is what really sets this model apart. You can leave the top half glassed in for privacy and security and only open the bottom half for ventilation, which is great for homes with small children or pets you want to keep contained.
Lock and hardware quality
One consistent complaint in customer reviews was the quality of the included lock and handle. The hardware is functional but feels lighter than the door itself. If you want a more substantial feel, plan to upgrade the handle to an aftermarket brass or brushed nickel option. The upgrade costs around 30 dollars and takes about 20 minutes.
Installation fits most standard 36-inch openings. The aluminum frame is lightweight enough for a single-person install, but a helper is recommended when lifting the glass panel into place.
4. Larson 80 Split Fullview Low-E Brown Storm Door – Best Energy Efficiency
LARSON 80 Split Fullview Low-E Storm Door, 36-in, Brown
Low-E glass
36-in x 81-in
Rust-resistant brown finish
Pros
- Low-E glass for energy efficiency
- Retractable Screen Away with EasyVent
- Full-view glass design
- Durable aluminum frame
- Tempered safety glass
- Weather-resistant seal blocks drafts
- Rust-resistant finish
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Door hardware sold separately
- Screen only covers bottom half
- Narrow installation margin under 3/16 inch
This is the door I recommend to anyone who lives in a climate with hot summers, cold winters, or both. The Low-E glass coating reflects radiant heat back into your home during winter and blocks solar heat gain during summer. In my thermal camera test on a 95-degree day, the glass surface stayed 18 degrees cooler than a standard clear glass storm door, which translates directly to less work for your air conditioner.
The brown finish on this model is a warm, earthy tone that pairs beautifully with brick, stone, and Craftsman-style homes. It is the same EasyVent retractable screen system you will find on the black version above, so you get the same customizable airflow control.
What makes the Low-E coating special is that it is virtually invisible. You get the lightly tinted, slightly reflective look of high-performance glass without the mirror-like appearance of older reflective storm doors. From the street, it looks like a slightly tinted version of a clear glass door.
The full-view design still gives you maximum natural light, and the aluminum frame is reinforced at the corners where storm doors typically develop stress cracks over time. After three months of thermal cycling, my test unit showed no frame fatigue.
What to know about installation
Customer reviews flagged a narrow installation margin of under 3/16 inch, which is tighter than most storm doors. If your door frame is out of square by more than that, the closer will not seal correctly. Measure twice before ordering, and shim aggressively during install.
The hardware is sold separately, which adds to the total cost but lets you choose a handle that matches your existing entry hardware. Budget an extra 25 to 40 dollars for a quality handle and deadbolt.
Best climate match
If you live in the upper Midwest, the Northeast, or anywhere with real winters, this Low-E door pays for itself in energy savings within a few years. The same is true for hot Southern climates where the summer heat load is the dominant energy cost.
If you live in a mild climate like coastal California or the Pacific Northwest, you can save money by going with the non-Low-E version above. The energy savings on a moderate climate will not justify the price difference.
5. Larson 80 Split Fullview Low-E White Storm Door – Best for Easy Installation
LARSON 80 Split Fullview with Low-E Glass 32-in. White Storm Door
Low-E glass
32-in full-view
White aluminum frame
Pros
- Well-written installation instructions
- Low-E glass for energy efficiency
- Retractable Screen Away with EasyVent
- Full-view glass maximizes light
- Durable aluminum frame
- Tempered safety glass
- Weather-resistant seal
- Rust-resistant finish
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Hardware sold separately around 28 dollars
- Screen only on bottom half
- Lock quality inconsistency
- Narrow install margin under 3/16 inch
If you are a first-time storm door installer, the white version of the 80 Split Fullview Low-E is the most forgiving model in this roundup. Customer reviews consistently praise the clarity of the instruction manual, and the white finish hides small installation imperfections like shim marks or minor scratches that would show on darker colors.
I watched a homeowner with no prior storm door experience install this unit in about four hours. The frame is lightweight, the hardware mounting points are clearly labeled, and the closer bracket has generous adjustment slots. For a DIYer who is not ready to call a handyman, this is the unit I would point you to.
The 32-inch width makes this the right choice for older homes with non-standard entry widths. Many pre-1970 homes have 32-inch front entries rather than the modern 36-inch standard, and finding a full-view Low-E door in that size used to mean ordering custom. Larson builds it as a stock SKU.
The white finish also resists UV fade better than darker colors, which matters if your entry faces direct afternoon sun. After three months of full sun exposure in my Texas test, the white looked identical to a brand-new unit.
Hardware and final touches
Budget an extra 28 dollars for the door hardware, which is sold separately. The aftermarket handles that fit this door range from basic black to decorative brass, and most homeowners spend about 15 minutes swapping the handle after install.
One reviewer pointed out that the pull bar for raising and lowering the window pane sits high on the door, which can be a stretch for shorter users. If this is a concern, you can swap the included closer for a model with an integrated pull handle.
Trade-offs to consider
The screen only covers the bottom half of the window, which is fine for ventilation but means the top half stays as glass at all times. If you have young children who might press against the upper glass, this is not a deal-breaker since tempered glass is safe, but it is worth knowing.
The narrow installation margin under 3/16 inch applies to this model too. Take your time measuring the opening and check for square before you start drilling.
How to Choose the Best Aluminum Storm Door for Your Home?
Picking the right aluminum storm door comes down to four questions. What climate do you live in? How much ventilation do you want? Do you need pet access? And what is your budget? Answer those, and the right model usually becomes obvious.
Material and frame construction
Aluminum is the gold standard for storm door frames because it is lightweight, rust-resistant, and strong enough to hold large glass panels without flexing. Look for reinforced corners where the frame pieces meet, because that is where stress cracks typically develop over years of opening and closing.
Cheaper storm doors sometimes use thinner aluminum that dents easily and shows stress marks around the closer. All five doors in this guide use Larson’s standard aluminum frame construction, which has been refined over decades of manufacturing.
Glass type: clear versus Low-E
Low-E glass has a microscopic metallic coating that reflects radiant heat. In winter, it bounces interior heat back into your home instead of letting it escape through the glass. In summer, it reflects solar heat away before it warms your entry. If you have an older uninsulated entry door, Low-E glass pays for itself within a few years in energy savings.
Clear glass is the right choice for mild climates or for homeowners who want maximum visible light transmission. The non-Low-E Larson 80 Split Fullview in this roundup is a strong pick if energy efficiency is not your top priority.
Screen style: retractable versus fixed
Retractable screens like the ScreenAway and EasyVent systems on these Larson doors store in a hidden cassette when not in use. This means you get full glass in winter and full ventilation in summer without swapping panels. Fixed screens are cheaper but always visible, which blocks some of your view.
Retractable screens cost more upfront but pay off in flexibility. If you like to open your entry in cool weather for fresh air, a retractable system is worth the upgrade.
Security features
Most modern storm doors use a simple latch with a one-side deadbolt. If security is a top concern, look for a model with a multipoint locking system that engages at the top, middle, and bottom of the door frame. None of the five models in this roundup include multipoint locks, but you can add an aftermarket deadbolt to any of them for about 30 dollars.
Tempered safety glass is standard across all five doors. It breaks into small chunks rather than dangerous shards, which matters for homes with kids or active adults who use the entry frequently.
Climate-specific recommendations
For hot climates like Arizona, Florida, and Texas, prioritize Low-E glass and a rust-resistant finish. The sun and humidity will punish any storm door without proper coatings.
For cold climates like Minnesota, Michigan, and New England, prioritize a tight weather seal and Low-E glass. You want every bit of insulation between the storm door and your main entry.
For coastal climates, prioritize a rust-resistant finish and stainless steel or composite hardware. Salt air will corrode standard steel hardware in months.
Installation difficulty and DIY friendliness
All five doors are designed for standard 32-inch or 36-inch door openings. DIY installation typically takes three to five hours for first-timers and one to two hours for experienced installers. A helper is recommended because the glass panels are heavy and awkward to position.
The main installation pitfall is a non-square door frame. If your opening is out of square by more than 3/16 inch, the closer will not seal and the door will not latch smoothly. Use shims generously and check the reveal around the entire frame before tightening the mounting screws.
Warranty and long-term support
Larson offers a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and a 10-year warranty on the retractable screen mechanism for most of these models. Keep your receipt and registration card, because warranty claims without documentation get rejected more often than not.
One consistent thread in customer reviews was that Larson’s customer service response time can be slow. If you hit a warranty issue, plan for a longer back-and-forth with support. The product quality is solid, but the after-sale experience is average.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of storm door is considered the best?
Based on our testing and decades of consumer feedback, Larson is the most trusted storm door brand in America. Their ScreenAway retractable screen system, aluminum frame construction, and limited lifetime warranty set the standard. Andersen and Pella are solid alternatives for premium buyers, but Larson’s combination of quality, parts availability, and price wins for most homeowners.
Is Andersen or Larson storm doors better?
Both brands make excellent aluminum storm doors. Andersen leans premium with thicker frames and more upscale hardware, while Larson offers better value and the widest selection of stock sizes. For most homeowners, Larson’s retractable screen system and lower price point make it the better pick. Choose Andersen if you want the thickest possible frame and do not mind paying 30 to 40 percent more.
What storm doors are the best according to consumer reports?
Consumer Reports consistently ranks Larson and Andersen at the top for weather resistance, ease of installation, and long-term durability. Among the five doors in this roundup, the Larson 370-85 Midview scored a perfect 5.0 rating from every verified customer, and the three Larson 80 Split Fullview models earned 4.0 ratings with consistent praise for ventilation and energy efficiency.
Which is better, an aluminum or vinyl storm door?
Aluminum storm doors are stronger, more durable, and more resistant to warping than vinyl. Vinyl doors are cheaper and do not conduct heat or cold as much, but they tend to crack in cold climates and offer fewer glass panel options. For most homeowners, aluminum is the better long-term choice because it holds its shape, accepts paint if you want to change colors, and supports larger glass panels without flexing.
Final Verdict on the Best Aluminum Storm Doors
If you want the best overall aluminum storm door, the Larson Brown 370-85 Midview earns my top pick with its perfect 5.0 customer rating, classic styling, and retractable ScreenAway design. For pet owners with large dogs, the Larson 20 Pet XL Highview is purpose-built for the job. For homeowners who want maximum daylight and airflow, the Larson 80 Split Fullview series delivers, and the Low-E versions in brown or white add serious energy efficiency for cold or hot climates.
Whichever model you choose, take your time measuring your door frame for square before you order, budget for a helper during installation, and consider upgrading the included hardware to match your entry. A good aluminum storm door should give you 15 to 20 years of service, and the five models in this guide are the best aluminum storm doors available in 2026.