Awntech vs SunSetter Retractable Awnings: An Honest 2026 Comparison
Last checked September 2026. Everything below about Awntech and SunSetter comes from the brands' own websites (linked under Sources). Prices, models and warranty terms change, so confirm the details with each company before you buy.
If you are shopping for a retractable patio awning online, Awntech and SunSetter are two names you will run into quickly. Both sell lateral-arm retractable awnings in manual and motorized versions, and both sell directly to homeowners. But they publish their prices differently, their warranties are written differently, and they are built and sold in different ways. This comparison sets the published facts side by side so you can decide which one fits your patio and your budget.
Awntech vs SunSetter at a glance
| Awntech | SunSetter | |
|---|---|---|
| Based in | Euless, Texas. Family business founded in 2003. | Headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin. Says it has been in business for nearly 40 years. |
| Where it's made (brand's wording) | "Made in the USA with domestic and imported materials" | "Designed and assembled in North America" (its Motorized Awning page says assembled in Malden, Massachusetts) |
| How it's sold | Online at awntech.com (says it ships in 3 business days) and through online retailers; has dealer and contractor programs | Direct from SunSetter by phone or online, and through Authorized SunSetter Dealers who can install |
| Retractable models | California, Destin, Key West, Maui, Mesa | SunSetter Series: Motorized, Motorized XL, Manual, Pro, Pro XL, Oasis freestanding (motorized or manual). Platinum Series: Plus, Plus XL, Beyond, Beyond XL |
| Published prices | Yes. From $259.95 (Mesa) up to from $1,499.95 (Key West, manual). Motorized versions start at $1,229.95 (Maui), $1,429.95 (Destin) and $1,749.95 (Key West) | No list prices on the site. You get a price through its build-and-price tool or a dealer |
| Sizes | Widths from 3.38 ft to 24 ft. Projections up to 12 ft, depending on the model | Widths from 8 ft to 20 ft. Projection up to 10 ft 2 in on standard models, and 11 ft 8 in or 13 ft 1 in on XL models |
| Fabric | 100% solution-dyed acrylic | SunSetter Woven Acrylic or Laminated on core models. Performance Acrylic and Sunbrella lines are also offered, with 60+ colors across the range |
| Motor | Motorized versions available with the motor on the left or right | Somfy motor with remote. Plugs into a standard outlet on an 18 ft cord |
| Warranty | 5-year limited, prorated after year one. Lateral arms excluded. Electrical and motor: 1 year | SunSetter Series: 5-year limited. Platinum Series: 10-year limited. An optional All-Weather warranty is available |
Price: one publishes it, one quotes it
Awntech lists prices right on its website. According to its retractable awning collection, the Mesa starts at $259.95 and the California at $649.95. The Maui starts at $979.95 manual or $1,229.95 motorized. The Destin starts at $1,179.95 manual or $1,429.95 motorized, and the Key West at $1,499.95 manual or $1,749.95 motorized. Prices go up with width and projection.
SunSetter does not post list prices. Its pricing page asks you to "build and price" your awning, and it regularly runs promotions (the page offered "Save $350" when we checked). The only way to compare the two fairly is to price the same width, projection, fabric and motor option with each brand.
Warranty: read the fine print on both
This is where the two brands differ most.
- Awntech, per its warranty page: retractable awning frames and structural parts carry a 5-year limited warranty that is prorated monthly. Defects are replaced free in the first year. In years 2–5 the buyer pays 1/60th of the retail cost for each month of use. The page says lateral projection arms are not covered. Fabric has a 5-year prorated warranty against excessive fading and mildew. Electrical parts and motors have a 1-year limited warranty. Weather damage, labor and shipping are excluded.
- SunSetter, per its warranty page: SunSetter Series awnings have a 5-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Platinum Series awnings have a 10-year limited warranty. SunSetter also sells an optional All-Weather Limited Warranty, which it describes as covering damage from severe weather and storms. It offers a 30-day home trial, with a 10% restocking fee on returns.
Neither brand wants its awning left open in bad weather. Awntech's warranty tells owners not to leave the awning extended in high winds, rain, snow or ice. SunSetter recommends retracting when heavy winds pick up and sells an optional wireless wind sensor for motorized models. SunSetter also says its awnings are built to withstand heavy winds while extended, citing independent lab testing.
Where they're made and how they're sold
Both brands make "American" claims, but in different words. Awntech says its products are "Made in the USA with domestic and imported materials." SunSetter says its awnings are "designed and assembled in North America." If country of origin matters to you, ask each company which parts are made where. We explain what those labels usually mean in "American Assembled" vs. "American Made".
How you buy is different too. Awntech sells standard sizes online and says it was the first company to ship fully assembled retractable awnings. Most buyers install the awning themselves or hire their own contractor. SunSetter sells direct and through a network of authorized dealers. It says a homeowner can install one with its guide, or a dealer or pre-screened installer can do it.
Which one fits you?
- Awntech may fit if you want a clearly posted price, a standard size, fast shipping and a lower starting cost. If you plan to keep the awning a long time, weigh the prorated warranty, the lateral arm exclusion and the 1-year motor coverage.
- SunSetter may fit if you want a well-known brand with a dealer network, a Somfy motor, a 30-day trial, and an upgrade path to its 10-year Platinum Series or the All-Weather warranty. You will need a quote to know the price.
Another option: Eastern Awning Systems Sunflexx
In the interest of full disclosure, 1800Awnings is the National Master Dealer for Eastern Awning Systems, so we have a stake in this one. If neither brand above is quite right, the Sunflexx retractable awning is worth a look. It is made in the USA. It uses Eastern's patented urethane compression shoulder joint and has certified engineered wind loads. The frame carries a 15-year warranty. It starts at $3,473 at 1800Awnings, so it costs more than either brand's entry models. That price reflects heavier engineering, not a like-for-like alternative. See how the Sunflexx is engineered.
FAQ
Is Awntech cheaper than SunSetter?
Awntech's entry prices are lower and easier to see: its retractable models start at $259.95 (Mesa), and its motorized models start at $1,229.95 (Maui). SunSetter doesn't publish prices, so you need a quote for the same size and options to compare them directly.
Which has the better warranty, Awntech or SunSetter?
SunSetter's is longer and simpler. It gives 5 years on the SunSetter Series and 10 years on the Platinum Series, with an optional All-Weather warranty. Awntech's is 5 years, prorated after year one. It excludes lateral arms and covers motors for 1 year.
Are Awntech and SunSetter awnings made in the USA?
Awntech says its products are "Made in the USA with domestic and imported materials." SunSetter says its awnings are "designed and assembled in North America."
Can I leave either awning out in the wind?
Both brands tell owners to retract in high winds. Awntech excludes weather damage from its warranty. SunSetter sells an optional wind sensor and an optional All-Weather warranty.
Sources
Written by Corey Courtright
Second-Generation Awning Manufacturer & Industry Expert
Corey Courtright is a second-generation awning manufacturer and a recognized innovator in aluminum TIG-welded structures within the awning industry. With over 38 years of hands-on experience, he has worked across every facet of the business—from fabrication and sewing to welding, installation, sales, and service—giving him a rare, comprehensive understanding of the craft. Starting his career as a pipe threader, Corey went on to build and lead multiple successful awning companies. Now based in Florida since 2016, he brings deep technical expertise, proven leadership, and a legacy of innovation to every project and insight he shares.