Soundproof Your Home: Window Inserts & The Basics

Soundproofing windows depends on how sound is coming into your home and what noise is disturbing you. Soundproof windows work against traffic noise, barking dogs, & noisy neighbors – and they do this with window insulation. Soundproofing window inserts provide inside window insulation that both reduces and absorbs sound. Find out if they'll work for you:

Simple soundproofing window tricks by blocking noise from entering.

Sound Reduction

shows graphically how reduction occur

Sound Absorption

shows graphically how absorption takes place inside an indow window

Types of Window Soundproofing

Sound Reduction — Decreasing noise from its original level by blocking it. Sound-reducing products prevent noise from entering a space.

Sound Absorption — Decreasing noise from its original level by stopping its movement within a space. Sound-absorbing products stop noise from bouncing off surfaces.

How to Increase Sound ReductionHow to Increase Sound Absorption
Seal gaps in window (caulk, weatherstrips) Add furniture
Sound-dampening curtains Hang acoustic panels
Install sound-reducing blinds Lay plush rugs
Install interior storm window inserts Purchase plants

Now that you know the difference, decide whether you need sound reducing or sound absorbing products.
Don't know which product you need? Noise generated outside calls for sound reducing products to stop noise from traveling through windows, ceilings, doors, and walls. Noise generated inside requires sound absorption products to reduce echo.

If outside noise is your issue, Indow is here for you. Noise travels via vibrations in the air and insulating, air sealing inserts block that noise from entering your space. Can't decide? You may need both.

Indow products can be used to block outside noise from entering while sound absorbing materials inside can minimize reverberation. Keep in mind, sound reducing products, like inserts, will provide a more noticeable difference in noise than sound absorbing products.

Learn more about the two types of soundproofing and soundproofing materials

Diagram of a soundproof window with original glass and acrylic acoustic insert.

How to Soundproof a Window with Inserts

Installing window inserts is an easy and effective way of soundproofing windows. Indow Acoustic Grade window inserts can reduce and cancel noise – up to 70% of outside noise when placed over single-pane windows and up to 50% of noise coming through double-pane windows. In an office or home, soundproofing windows is easy with our inserts that press into your existing window frame—no hassle, nails, or adhesives required. But how much does it cost to soundproof windows?

Woman installing Indow insert for the simple soundproofing in windows.

Indow inserts are edged with silicone compression tubing to create a seal for your soundproof window. Getting an exact fit is essential in soundproofing a window, since gaps and spaces allow sound to seep inside. This precise fit also creates a more comfortable, energy efficient space while the low profile practically disappears into your window frame. Our custom-made inserts offer simple soundproofing for any window shape.

Watch this 2 minute demo by window expert, The Craftsman Blog:

*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.

Sound Absorbing Treatments

Despite your best room soundproofing efforts, the sound that does penetrate can be absorbed once it's in the room to minimize reverberation. It's best to avoid minimalist style of exposed brick and wood floors. Consider hanging Acoustic panels. Also, plush rugs with sound dampening rug pads, wall hangings, upholstered furniture and plants will help absorb sound.

Indow Inserts Are Featured In:

Indow inserts are featured in: The New York Times, Wired, Popular Mechanics, Bloomberg, Treehugger, Sunset, This Old House, Dwell, KGW8

“Indow significantly improves insulation and leakage, as well as noise reduction.”

-RD Gentzler, Architect
House Beautiful, How to Soundproof Your Windows Without Actually Renovating

Customer Reviews

Excellent

4.49 Average 1496 Reviews

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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 1 month 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 5 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 5 months ago

Cynthia M

Very happy with the reduction in noise. Easy to install and use. Great customer service.

Posted 6 months ago

Juli E

We are thrilled with our Indow window inserts! I'd been on the lookout for a more permanent solution to leaky windows in our third floor living space. I discovered Indow on social media but since then have learned of friends who'd had Indow recommended to them by their rennovation contractor. The entire process went smoothly with friendly reps at hand to talk through questions during measuring, etc. They fit perfectly and help us to maintain the beautiful design of the windows on our 100 year old home! Highly recommend!!

Posted 7 months ago

Jen F

Worth the money!

Posted 8 months ago

Elizabeth H

For townhouse living, this solved my problem with noise from my neighbor's with my kitchen window. A considerable decrease of noise indeed! Measurements were a bit frustrating so I recommend using a laser measurement device and following directions to use a string for the diagonal. They look great and were easy to push into place. I highly recommend as an alternative to buying a new window.

Posted 8 months ago

Anonymous

Easy to install, and instantly stopped drafts and dampened outside noises very effectively!

Posted 8 months ago

Robert C

The process could've been smoother with the sending of the measuring kit. There was a delay with weather in Oregon but then it felt like my kit was still delayed due to other reasons. Most new homes (like mine) have textured paint and it can also be inside your window frames. I measured everything out but I still have little tiny gaps due to the texturing. Not indows problem but just be aware you made need to sand or fill in those gaps yourself to get a perfect seal. I did the acoustic grade inserts and they have reduced some noise but they will not completely block or significantly reduce road noise. This is most apparent with deep or lower frequencies like truck exhausts or modified street racing cars that are quite popular these days. Taking the inserts out to open your windows isn't an easy task. The little metal hook they provide needs to be either bigger or you can attach something to it as a way to leverage yourself. Overall the process was average. I think they're definitely a good option for weatherproofing and some sound reduction depending on the type of windows you have. I would purchase again.

Posted 8 months ago

Shelley C

The process for ordering and installing the Indow Widnow inserts was so easy. They sent the measuring information and it had great instructions. The inserts were delivered by UPS was crushed on one corner, but the company had packed them well, so there was no damage. We installed them the same day. It works best if you have two people completing the installation. We felt the results immediately and are glad we spent the money to make our home just a little more efficient.

Posted 8 months ago

Barry B

The insert fits like a glove and insulates the window! No more frost and condensation on the interior of the window! Thank you for an easy, effective and attractive fix!

Posted 8 months ago

Susan A

The support during the entire process was wonderful, thank you so much for the extra quiet space!

Posted 9 months ago

Volodymyr R

Very good good quality. Overall very satisfied with this product and service. Thanks

Posted 9 months ago

Jane H

Our home was built in 1913 and has beautiful old wavy glass single-paned windows. I’m so glad we were told about Indows and didn’t have to replace the original windows. We live in Canada but had no difficulty placing the order and were very impressed by how accurately the company met its deadlines, including cross border delivery. The Indows inserts blend in perfectly with our home and the existing window frames. You don’t see them unless you’re actually looking for them. But what we did notice was how much warmer the rooms feel the minute the inserts were installed! I can’t speak to any heating bill savings because they just went in this week, but our home feels much, much cozier. Our contractor who took all the measurements and installed the Indows says: “Excellent instructional videos: clear and informative. Very impressed with the design and the product. Overall, the ease of installation is quite impressive. Working with all the staff at the company was great – everyone was very helpful.” I’m already recommending this company to any of my friends who live in drafty older homes and want to reduce their heating/cooling bills and do some good for the environment.

Posted 9 months ago

Anonymous

Don't be afraid of buying an older home with single pane windows. This company has you covered. Their inserts are super high quality and fit well thanks to the laser measuring kit they send. Highly recommended!

Posted 9 months ago

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