Velux vs Solatube
Compare the two most recognised skylight brands in Australia — Velux (the market-leading roof window brand offering conventional and tubular products) and Solatube (the market-leading specialist tubular daylighting brand) — on product range, pricing, light performance, installation and value for Australian homes.
Winner
Velux Australia
Best overall option once average cost, coverage, and specialist expertise are weighed together.
Average Gap
$1,516
Difference in average pricing across overlapping service types.
Market Range
$700 - $4,500
The full low-to-high range across both options.
Velux Australia
National (Danish brand) · Est. 1941
From
$1,500
Average
$2,783
Coverage
12 areas
Best for: Homeowners wanting the most trusted brand name in roof windows, the widest product selection, comprehensive flashing systems and strong warranty support — the first choice for quality-conscious renovations and new builds.
Solatube
National (US brand) · Est. 1991
From
$700
Average
$1,267
Coverage
10 areas
Best for: Homeowners wanting the best tubular skylight technology available — particularly valuable for rooms with limited roof access, hallways, bathrooms, and any space where maximum light output from a tubular system is the priority.
Side-by-Side Price Comparison
Compare overlapping service types directly so the right price anchor is clear before you request quotes.
| Service | Velux Australia | Solatube | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Roof Window (Installed) | $2050 | N/A | N/A |
| Opening Roof Window (Installed) | $2800 | N/A | N/A |
| Electric Roof Window (Installed) | $3500 | N/A | N/A |
| 160DS Tubular Skylight (Installed) | N/A | $950 | N/A |
| 290DS Tubular Skylight (Installed) | N/A | $1200 | N/A |
| Solatube with Daylight Dimmer (Installed) | N/A | $1650 | N/A |
Verdict
Velux and Solatube serve partially overlapping but largely distinct needs. Velux is the right choice when you want a conventional roof window — fixed, opening or electric — with the widest product range, strongest brand recognition and comprehensive flashing systems for all roof types. Solatube is the right choice when you specifically need a tubular daylight system — it outperforms Velux's own tubular products (Velux Sun Tunnels) through its superior Raybender technology and Spectralight tubing, which delivers more light with better consistency. For a standard roof window installation, Velux wins on product breadth and brand. For tubular skylights specifically, Solatube wins on technology and light performance.
Recommendation
Choose Velux if you want a conventional roof window (fixed, opening or electric) — the product range, flashing systems and national dealer support make it the benchmark choice for standard residential skylight installation. Choose Solatube if you specifically want a tubular daylight system — its patented technology delivers superior light performance compared to Velux's own tubular products, and the nationwide dealer network provides comparable installation support.
Skylight Comparison FAQ
Common questions about comparing skylight types, brands and installation options.
Solatube is cheaper on average in this comparison, but the right answer depends on your specific requirements including skylight type, roof construction, glazing specification, ventilation requirements and service area coverage.
Skylight type (fixed, opening, tubular or electric), roof type, flashing quality, glazing performance, installation complexity and whether the provider covers your location. Always confirm what is and is not included before comparing quotes.
Choose Velux if you want a conventional roof window (fixed, opening or electric) — the product range, flashing systems and national dealer support make it the benchmark choice for standard residential skylight installation. Choose Solatube if you specifically want a tubular daylight system — its patented technology delivers superior light performance compared to Velux's own tubular products, and the nationwide dealer network provides comparable installation support.