Soundproof Windows Cost: Are They Worth the Price?

man installing window insert to block noise and drafts

In a world that’s getting noisier every day, peace of mind is becoming more valuable — and yet harder to find. Whether it’s the city traffic outside your doorstep or the noisy freeway a hundred yards from your backyard, it can seem impossible to find a quiet place even within your own home. That’s where soundproofing comes in.

Soundproofing isn’t always a cheap remedy, but it is always a worthy one. Let’s review what soundproofing is, a few different soundproofing methods, and finally, which soundproofing method meets the best balance between staying under budget and getting the job done.

Why Soundproof?

soundproof-window-noise

In order to answer that question, we need to examine what soundproofing is meant to protect against: noise pollution. Not as obvious as light pollution and not as scary as air pollution, noise pollution is easily overlooked as just another side effect of urban living. However, noise pollution poses significant health risks that should not be ignored.

Studies have shown that consistent loud noise can lead to increased stress and subsequent heart problems. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), noise pollution causes sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment among children, and even tinnitus. We all know how just one bad night’s sleep can ruin a day, so imagine struggling to sleep every night due to noisy disturbances (if you’re reading this, you probably don’t have to imagine).

The windows of your home are the main vectors for noise pollution. A thin layer of glass can’t block out nearly as much sound as a brick wall or a roof.

One-time fixes like noise complaints might work for loud block parties or for the aspiring musician living on the floor above you, but you can’t file a noise complaint against an airport, garbage truck, or city traffic. At the end of the day, noise pollution isn’t going to go away anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a solution. That’s where soundproofing comes into play.

What Is Soundproofing?

Soundproofing can be one of two things: keeping unwanted noises from getting inside your home or neutralizing the unwanted noises that are already inside your home. Respectively, these two different methods are sound reduction and sound absorption. Once you’ve determined which method you need, you can choose the best soundproofing materials to pair with the most effective method.

Sound reduction, the most popular goal, means keeping noise out. To achieve that goal, soundproofing your windows is the key, and there are three options.

  1. You can do a full replacement and install double-paned or even acoustic-grade glass and frames, but the process will be long, costly, and messy.
  2. You can install soundproofing curtains as a quick, extra layer over your existing windows, but this will reduce the amount of natural light that enters your home.
  3. You can install window inserts, a fast, easy method that is less invasive and costly.

All of these options are perfectly valid in terms of keeping the noise out, but they do have their drawbacks. Let’s go through them and compare their prices and efficacy.

Replacement Soundproof Windows

For many people, a full window replacement is one option that’s often suggested: just buy the best and forget the rest. However, assuming that you’re upgrading to double-panes, not counting installation, a full window replacement will cost up to $600-$800 dollars per window. And window replacement isn’t always the best option.

When factoring in installation, soundproof windows cost upwards of $1,000. Houses with non-standard windows can incur even higher prices for reinstallation because the replacement windows and frames will need to be custom-made. The good news is that, when all is said and done, you will have some sound cancellation for your home (though there are options that provide better soundproofing) — though your wallet will be much lighter.

Soundproof Curtains

Soundproof curtains are a tempting option for many homeowners. They satisfy that do-it-yourself crave, they’re easy to install, and they’re cheap, usually running in the $50-$200 range. Sound-canceling curtains are not nearly as effective as inserts or replacement windows in terms of blocking sound, but they are more versatile.

Soundproof curtains can be moved around the houses to trouble spots when needed. They can also be hung directly on the walls and function as sound absorbers. If you’re looking to put some padding between your daughter’s garage band and your home office, these just might do the trick.

The only big downside with curtains is that, well, they’re curtains. When they’re closed, they block out sound but also natural light. You can always open the curtains to let in more light, but then you’ll be letting in the sound, too.

Soundproof Window Inserts

interior storm windows

Window inserts are the unsung heroes of soundproofing materials, and they’re very simple to install. As the name implies, you just insert them within the window frame behind the existing window pane. They can be moved in and out of position with ease, and certain brands like Indow offer up to 70%* sound reduction in addition to added insulation — saving you energy and money.

Window inserts are far cheaper than full-on replacement soundproof windows. They typically cost about $30 per square foot, equaling around $350-$450 per window, but they can be installed by the buyer and are easily measured to fit any frame in your home. Ultimately, window inserts are not a middle-of-the-road compromise, but a fusion of the adaptability of soundproof curtains with the soundproofing abilities of replacement windows.

If you are worried about the cost of a window insert, consider what you are willing to pay per day for the benefits of reduced stress levels and improved sleep. Divide the total cost of the window inserts by the time you spend in the space. And if you share the space with one or more people, divide by each person. The result is a tiny daily cost that greatly enhances your daily life and happiness.

You can also consider the overall value of your home. Homes with noise issues are much harder to sell (and sell for smaller amounts) than a home with noise controlling window inserts.

If you think installing window inserts is the right method for you, there’s no smarter or greener choice than Indow. We align our prices around the needs of our clients and the wellbeing of our employees. You can work with an Indow expert to review your environment and get solutions that will be effective for your specific space.

Head over to our homepage today, get a free estimate on window inserts, and discover just how much peace of mind window inserts can buy.

*We want to ensure our inserts help solve your noise problem. Overall noise reduction depends on the amount of noise coming through your walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and existing windows. Noise reduction will be less when placed over double-pane windows. Read our full Noise Reduction Sheet to learn more.

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Customer Reviews

Excellent

4.49 Average 1509 Reviews

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Anonymous

Wonderful product

Posted 2 hours 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 week ago

Norbert M

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

Posted 2 weeks 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 1 month 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 3 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 3 months ago

Walter M

Easy to order and install.

Posted 3 months ago

Dianne F

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

Posted 4 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 4 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

Dean C

Installed noise canceling acrylic Indow window inserts to deal with the road noise at my condo, 4 lane state road is 40 feet from the condo. Expensive custom fit, but oh my gosh, they cut the noise by 75%! Decibel meter app I trust shows a 6 Decibel noise reduction, average Db over 30 minutes. Turns out 6 Db is letting only 25% of noise through! I am one happy camper…

Posted 7 months ago

Harry T

The Indow team was great from start to finish! They were very clear about each step. After installing the inserts my home has been significantly while still preserving the fabulous city views. For anyone who lives in a noisy street or city like NYC I would highly recommend it. Leave the chaos outside and come home to piece and quiet.

Posted 7 months ago

Paula S

From start to finish, we were very pleased with our rep, Reed, and the other staff at the PDX will call! The inserts themselves are stupendous! We purchased six total for the noisiest, road side(s) of our home. The outcome was beyond our expectations! Not only did the three rooms that bordered the road become at least 70% quieter, the other end of our home did as well! I cannot recommend Indow inserts more! The technology makes sense to add the inserts rather than purchasing new windows. Great results and thank you! Paul and Paula Spilsbury

Posted 8 months ago

JD

Brian was very helpful & informative. He helped me order the correct windows for my needs. They were shipped with the utmost of care & arrived ahead of schedule. Ultimately, the Indow Windows have been very helpful in muffling unwanted noises & they have helped save on our energy costs. Thank you, Indow Window!

Posted 8 months ago