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. Check for air quality solutions while adding soundproofing to a space.

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.
 

Read more about types of soundproofing and how to block outside noise.

 

Best Soundproofing Material

Neighbors, barking dogs, cars – stop it before it reaches your ears. Adding these soundproofing materials 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.

 
man installing soundproofing window insert into existing window
 

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
 

Sound Absorbing Wall Panels

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.

 

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.