Most Effective Soundproofing Materials

The most effective soundproofing materials depends on where you are trying to soundproof and what noise you are trying to soundproof. How do you use the space and how does noise impact your use of it? There are different processes for how to soundproof a room for music vs how to soundproof a home office.

woman inside house with noise symbols showing two types of soundproofing

The Two Types of Soundproofing

First, a disclaimer: you can't completely soundproof a space as long as there is air. Anywhere air goes, sound goes too because sound travels via air.

There are two types of soundproofing:

Sound reduction, which stops sound from entering a space. Sound reduction will help keep your space free outside noises such as weather, outdoor conversations, and traffic.

Sound absorption, which stops sound already inside a space from echoing and reverberating.

explanation of noise reflection, absorption, and diffusion

Use these two types of soundproofing to:

  • Identify the weakest areas where sound will enter and treat those. Sound waves, like water, will travel the easiest path, so plug those up first.
  • Isolate problem areas. Sometimes it's easier to treat the source before the sound waves reach the space you want to soundproof.

Best Soundproofing Material

Neighbors, barking dogs, cars – stop it before it reaches your ears. Adding these soundproofing materials or soundproofing products to your home or office will reduce the sound that breaks through easy entry points like windows, doors, and even walls.

open wall with retrofoam added as insulation and effective soundproofing material

Soundproofing Spray Foam

Definition: Foam sprayed from a can that can be added as insulation to walls for insulation.

Best for: Existing walls, floors (between levels)

Mass Loaded Vinyl Sound Barrier

Definition: Heavy, versatile material that reduces noise wherever it is placed.

Best for: Hollow doors, between walls, floors, and ceilings, around pipes.

person with mask adding acoustic caulk to siding for soundproofing

Acoustic Caulk

Definition: Like regular caulk, acoustic caulk seals gaps in windows, walls, and doors and blocks air. Acoustic caulk has added noise blocking properties to stop sound vibrations.

Best for: Cracks in window frames, doors, walls, ceilings.

person with mask adding acoustic caulk to siding for soundproofing

Acoustic Window Inserts

Definition: Soundproof window inserts that fit onto existing windows to air seal. Made from high-grade acrylic to both reduce and absorb sound.

Best for: Single-pane windows, historic windows. They work on double-pane windows, but you will get less noise reduction.

decorative sound absorbing wall panels installed next to stairs

Definition: Decorative sound absorbing wall panels (yes, decorative, why should you settle for plain?) absorb noise within a space in an aesthetically pleasing way. They come prefabricated or available to customize with your own art.

Best for: Rooms where noise echoes – large, flat surfaces like walls with no windows.

Soundproof Underlayment

Definition: Soundproof underlayment is a rubber mat that you can place underneath other flooring materials to decrease sound transmission between levels. It can also eliminate noise from footsteps.

Best for: Creaking floors, upper levels.

Acoustic Floor Tiles

Definition: Acoustic floor tiles absorb sound during impact and from nearby sources.

Best for: Echoing room.

Comparing Most Effective Soundproofing Materials

Once you know where you are adding the soundproofing materials and what products you want, how can you compare which brand is the best? The best soundproofing material manufacturers will back up their product with a phone call discussing which types of noise it blocks or absorbs.

Many products also list their STC rating. STC, or Sound Transmission Class Rating, is a system that rates how well an assembly of building materials reduces or absorbs sound. The higher a product's STC rating, the better it is at soundproofing. See this STC rating chart for relative noise levels. It's a great way to compare products across brands and types.

The prices below are average for that type of window and may include installation costs. For example, the double-pane window cost is taken from Remodeling and is based on a 3×5 window. We tried to find windows that would have comparative STC ratings.

Watch Effective Soundproofing Materials in Action

Visit our YouTube channel for more tips on the best soundproofing material and how to most effectively block noise.

Soundproofing Windows with Indow Inserts

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Customer Reviews

Excellent
4.49 Average 1514 Reviews
Lyn K

I'm enjoying the units, however will need to wait until next year's colder weather to get a truer feel or read on how well they work - thanks

Posted 5 days ago
Glenn G

They work very well for my 3 Bedroom windows.easy to install.

Posted 1 week ago
Mike B

I purchased two Indow window inserts for two west-facing bedroom windows. These windows are exposed to the hot afternoon sun, making it difficult to cool the bedroom, and there is considerable outside noise. The Indow inserts work great at reducing the outside noise and keeping my bedroom cooler. I absolutely recommend Indow window inserts.

Posted 1 week ago
Ian W

Very professional from website to delivery and installation was well explained and easy. Noise reduction was quite noticeable and sealing from cold just as good if not better. Would recommend 100%.

Posted 2 weeks ago
Anonymous

Wonderful product

Posted 3 weeks ago
Tracie J

My husband and I can finally sleep all night without being woke up by outside noise! Indows are game changers if you live on a busy road, by a loud industrial business or just want a quieter inside environment. The customer service is pretty amazing too! Thanks Indow group for giving us back great sleep!!

Posted 1 month ago
Norbert M

fit perfect, weny in easyand make a diffrence with noise ,thank norbert

Posted 1 month ago
Jessica V

Easy DIY measuring, and an obvious immediate increase in warmth. Huge difference in a historic home with historic windows.

Posted 1 month ago
Anonymous

WE just took delivery of the two window inserts we ordered. they both fit perfectly. The most difficult part of the process was me trying to hold the laser measuring device still while taking the diaginal measurment! The Indow team was helpful and the ordering process was catch free. the finished product is just as they described. once installed, you can not even tell that they are there. I will warn you, if you have larger sizes they will come in a pretty large packing crate/box to protect them so be prepared. The only reason for 4 stars insted of 5 is they have just been istalled and we shall see how effective they are at reducing cold air, but they fit so snug that I anticipate they will be very effective. Just in time too, because our area is in a low temp/low wind chill pattern at the moment.

Posted 2 months ago
Craig F

The Indow I ordered was a perfect fit. It looks great and is an extremely well made product. The ordering process was seamless.

Posted 4 months ago
Catherine J

Noise reduction by at least 50%! I cannot hear most car that drives by now. My bedroom is so quiet! Thank you!

Posted 4 months ago
Walter M

Easy to order and install.

Posted 4 months ago
Dianne F

Window inserts help with sound since I live facing the street and the highway

Posted 5 months ago
Dianne

This is a 5 star company from beginning to end. I purchased the I inserts in 2017 because the bedroom on the second story faced the street. These are very effective for street noise. Noticed a problem on one of the windows recently and they quickly took care of it due to their warranty. Customer service personnel are very helpful. The price of the windows was acceptable for top quality of sleep and less noise during the day

Posted 5 months ago
Charles C

Recently purchased the acoustic window inserts for a couple of old windows facing a busy street and they've made a huge difference in terms of noise reduction! The measuring process was relatively easy with the laser measuring tool that Indow sent and the windows were delivered faster than expected. Martin was easy to work with and we would highly recommend Indow to those looking for window inserts.

Posted 7 months ago