Key Takeaways
Velux and FAKRO are the two names that come up most in skylight conversations. Here's how the brands actually differ and how to think about the choice.
If you're researching skylights, Velux and FAKRO are the two brand names you'll run into most often — both are established, well-known manufacturers, and both make products that are genuinely suited to Illinois homes. The right choice usually comes down to what matters most to you: broadest local support and product familiarity, or a wider range of size and shape options at a different price position.
Velux: The Established Market Leader
Velux is the larger, more established brand in the U.S. skylight market. That scale translates into a few practical advantages for homeowners: a wider network of installers and contractors already familiar with the product line, broader retail availability, and a long track record in the U.S. residential market specifically. If you want the option that's the most "known quantity" — easy to find parts for, easy to find installers experienced with it, and well represented in the replacement and repair market down the road — Velux is the safer default.
FAKRO: The Value-Positioned Alternative
FAKRO is a European manufacturer that has built a strong reputation as a value alternative to Velux, generally positioned to offer comparable functionality at a more competitive price point. One thing FAKRO is particularly known for is a broad product range that includes more unusual sizes and shapes than you'll typically find from the larger, more standardized product lines — useful if your project calls for a skylight configuration outside the most common dimensions.
How to Think About the Decision
- If you want the most widely supported option with the deepest bench of local installer familiarity, Velux is the lower-risk pick.
- If your project has an unusual size or shape requirement, or you're prioritizing value, FAKRO's broader range is worth a look.
- Both brands are legitimate, well-established manufacturers — this isn't a "name brand vs. off-brand" comparison, it's a genuine choice between two credible options with different strengths.
We don't have brand-specific pricing to share here since it varies significantly by skylight size, glazing type, and installation complexity — your best next step is a project-specific quote rather than relying on a general price figure. What we can tell you upfront is how each brand tends to fit different project needs, and help you land on the right one for your home.
Talk to a Local Installer
Skylight brand is only part of the equation — proper flashing and integration with the surrounding roof matters just as much for long-term performance as which manufacturer you choose. See our skylight installation page for how we approach that, and if a skylight project is part of a larger reroofing plan, our roof replacement page covers how we coordinate both.
More on Skylights
For a general sense of project cost ranges, see our post on what skylight installation typically costs in Illinois. If you're also planning gutter work, our guide on whether to replace gutters alongside your roof may be useful, and our full Gutters, Skylights & Add-Ons blog has more.