The Best Soundproofing Materials of 2024 for Muffling Noise

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Soundproofing Materials of 2024 for Muffling Noise and hope the blog can help you.

Find the right soundproofing material to improve acoustics in your home, workshop, or studio—whether you’re running loud equipment, starting a podcast, or trying to block out noisy neighbors.

Silence is golden for so many of us: DIYers who use loud power tools, night-shift workers who must reduce unwanted noise for daytime sleeping, anyone recording music or podcasts, and students or entrepreneurs just trying to get some work done at home. Whether the goal is rest or activity, installing the best soundproofing material is sure to help achieve greater peace and quiet by providing ample sound absorption. 

Cutting down on the decibels can be daunting, however, as there are many different types of soundproofing solutions, and each works differently. The best soundproofing material catches and absorbs sound waves to control their passing through barriers, leaving your home quieter and increasing audio quality. Our top pick is the ATS Acoustics Panel thanks to its simple installation and effective noise level reduction.

Read on to learn more about soundproofing materials and find a product that fits your needs, style, and budget.

  1. BEST OVERALL: ATS Acoustics Panel
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  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: SoundAssured Soundproofing Acoustic Studio Foam
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  3. BEST DECORATIVE: Bubos Art Acoustic Panels
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  4. BEST SOUND INSULATION: Rockwool Soundproofing Fire Resistant Wool Insulation
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  5. BEST SOUNDPROOF CURTAINS: Nicetown 100% Blackout Curtains Noise Reducing Drapes
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  6. BEST ACOUSTIC UNDERLAY: FloorMuffler Premium Underlayment
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  7. BEST ACOUSTIC CAULK: Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant With Cleanup Wipes
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  8. BEST FOR CARS: Kilmat Automotive Sound Deadener Noise Insulation
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  9. ALSO CONSIDER: Nicetown 3 Pass Noise Reducing Thermal Curtains
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A man hanging sound insulation in a ceiling
Photo: lowes

How We Chose the Best Soundproofing Material

Before putting this list together, we wanted to ensure we were suggesting the best soundproofing materials on the market. In order to do that, we had to perform extensive research and compare the best features and capabilities of all these products.

First, we looked for sound-absorbing products that spanned the different types of soundproofing materials. Then, we compared NRC and STC ratings between those products to offer the most effective models. Finally, we looked at all the chosen products and sorted them by the most common categories that shoppers would require. The end result is a list of some of the best soundproofing materials available.

Our Top Picks

From soundproof foam to acoustic panels to mineral wool and more, the following are some reliable sound-absorbing products for home and professional use. When comparing these products, shoppers will want to keep their most important considerations in mind, whether it’s cost, performance, ease of installation, or any additional features offered.

Best Overall

ATS Acoustics Panel

 ATS Acoustics Panel on a white background

Photo: amazon


Product Specs 

  • Type: Acoustic panel
  • Rating: NRC 1.0
  • Extra features: Light control, styling

What We Like

  • Excellent noise absorption of sound waves; 2-inch-thick construction with a solid wood frame 
  • Comes in several colors to match a current entertainment center or studio 
  • Easy to install compared to similar options; can be snapped to hang or attached to a wall 

What We Don’t Like

  • One of the more expensive panel options on the market

For those who don’t find foam panels or rubber sheets especially attractive, these jute-covered acoustic panels are bound to please. The 2-foot by 4-foot panels are 2 inches thick and have solid wood frames that make them a snap to hang or attach to a wall. Though available in a few different colors, neutral options like ivory and natural tend to suit homes and offices best. 

The sound-absorbing ATS Acoustic panel offers a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) rating of 1.0, which describes how a product absorbs sounds. On a scale of 0 to 1.0, a product with a rating of 1.0 is the most effective at reducing noise. The jute fabric will also do its part to minimize light reflection—especially helpful for folks who need to sleep in after the sun rises. Plus, it can help reduce sound vibrations. However, if all that’s required is echo control, there are less expensive options that will do the trick. 

Get the ATS Acoustics soundproofing material at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

SoundAssured Soundproofing Acoustic Studio Foam

 SoundAssured Soundproofing Acoustic Studio Foam squares in multiple colors

Photo: amazon


Product Specs 

  • Type: Panel
  • Rating: NRC 0.65
  • Extra features: Light control

What We Like

  • Lightweight acoustic foam is easy to install; can be installed with spray adhesive or double-sided utility tape strips 
  • Affordable option compared to other soundproofing materials available 
  • Available in several colors to match a current entertainment center, studio, or exercise room

What We Don’t Like

  • Not the most effective option available; may not limit sound transmission as well as other options 

Soundproofing is serious—but it doesn’t have to look that way! The budget-friendly SoundAssured Soundproofing Studio Foam wedge panels are available in a host of colors, including blue, green, and purple. These sound-dampening panels come in sections that are 1 foot square and 2 inches thick to keep noise to a minimum. They’re sold in a set of four, and shoppers can purchase several sets in different hues to create a fresh, exciting pattern at an attractive price. 

Installation of these acoustic foam panels is easy with spray adhesive or double-sided utility tape strips. They’ll also do a decent job of absorbing light, keeping excess light reflection to a minimum. With an NRC rating of .65, they’re adequate but not as effective as some other options. So, while they’re great for catching echoes and creating better sound quality for in-home studios and offices, they won’t fully block that cacophonous garbage truck as it rolls down the street.

Get the SoundAssured soundproofing material at Amazon.

Best Decorative

Bubos Art Acoustic Panels

 Bubos Art Acoustic Panels on a white background

Photo: amazon


Product Specs 

  • Type: Panel
  • Rating: NRC 0.95
  • Extra features: Style, flame retardant

What We Like

  • Available in several colors and styles; infinite loop, dark marble, gray/gold marble, and more 
  • Excellent NRC rating; 0.95 rating provides excellent sound reduction of sound waves in any room 
  • Easy to install; installs with some double-sided foam tape

What We Don’t Like

  • Outfitting an entire room can get expensive; only comes with 6 panels per purchase 

For those whose home office or studio calls for something a bit classier than the eggcrate look or a network of ridges, rely on the sound-absorbing Bubos acoustic panels. The 12-inch by 12-inch squares (sold in packs of six) come in various solid colors as well as a variety of interesting patterns. Choose a simple, client-friendly design or go full-traveler mode with a world map background.

These sound-dampening acoustic panels are made from 100 percent polyester, so they’re safe for families and pets, with no off-gassing, dust, or other possible harmful materials. They’re also flame retardant. 

Outfitting an entire room with these stylish squares could get expensive, since each package only covers 6 square feet. However, they’d make an attractive addition as an inset design surrounded by ridged acoustic panels. 

Get the Bubos soundproofing material at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Sound Insulation

Rockwool Soundproofing Fire Resistant Wool Insulation

 Rockwool Soundproofing Fire Resistant Wool Insulation on a white background

Photo: lowes


Product Specs 

  • Type: Insulation
  • Rating: NRC 1.05
  • Extra features: Fire-resistant

What We Like

  • Easy to install during a renovation; cuts easily and fits with friction 
  • Water-, fire-, and moisture-resistant in case of flood, fire, and additional renovations 
  • Won’t take up space on walls; hides out of sight behind the drywall

What We Don’t Like

  • Requires full access to stud bays in order to install properly 

When it comes to adding a layer of soundproofing behind the drywall, it’s tough to beat Rockwool’s Soundproofing Fire Resistant Wool Insulation. This effective solution can reach an NRC rating of 1.05, creating a solid foundation for soundproofing rooms or studios. 

This batt insulation consists of mineral wool, which does a good job of reducing and absorbing sound while also resisting moisture, water, and fire. And, because it hides behind the drywall, it leaves room for creatively decorating the space after the renovation. However, although this product easily fits in 16-inch stud bays, it requires unobstructed access to those stud bays.

Get the Rockwool soundproofing material at Lowe’s.

Best Soundproof Curtains

Nicetown 100% Blackout Curtains Noise Reducing Drapes

 Nicetown 100% Blackout Curtains Noise Reducing Drapes on a white background

Photo: amazon


Product Specs 

  • Type: Curtain
  • Rating: Not available
  • Extra features: Light control, style

What We Like

  • 2 times more effective at absorbing sound waves than traditional curtains
  • Blocks sunlight and UV rays while blocking sound; prevents 100 percent of harmful UV light from entering the space
  • Available in several colors and sizes to match a room’s current fixtures and decor 

What We Don’t Like

  • No NRC or STC rating available; may not be as effective as other soundproofing materials

These soundproof and blackout curtains from Nicetown feature two layers of thick, triple-weave polyester fabric. This design allows them to absorb sounds up to two times more than traditional curtains, keeping the room quiet and peaceful. The two-layer design also adds a barrier of insulation to prevent warm and cold air from escaping or seeping in from outside. However, there isn’t an NRC or STC rating available.

As a bonus, these sound-absorbing curtains block 100 percent of sunlight and UV rays from entering a room. These acoustic drapes are available in multiple sizes and 16 color options to match different room decors and personal preferences. When needed, safely machine-wash these curtains in warm water with a mild detergent and iron them on low heat. 

Get the Nicetown soundproofing material drapes at Amazon.

Best Acoustic Underlay

FloorMuffler Premium Underlayment

 FloorMuffler Premium Underlayment on a white background

Photo: homedepot


Product Specs 

  • Type: Underlayment
  • Rating: 73 STC
  • Extra features: Moisture barrier

What We Like

  • Very effective noise reduction; comes with a 73 STC noise rating 
  • Simple installation process; can be installed under any flooring material 
  • Hides out of sight and will not take up any space 

What We Don’t Like

  • Requires a new floor upon installation; can drive up the cost quickly 

Anyone installing a new floor who would also like to benefit from some noise reduction should consider FloorMuffler’s Premium Underlayment. If the user plans correctly, the layer can be installed under laminate, engineered, or solid hardwood floors to create up to 73 STC—making a real difference in the amount of sound that travels through the floor.

This product installs easily underneath the flooring material of choice. It has adhesive strips along its length to seal the rows together as well. This creates an effective external noise barrier and serves as the moisture barrier almost all flooring materials require. Plus, it installs underneath the floor, keeping it out of sight. The only downside to this product is the user has to be willing to install a new floor over it, meaning it requires more planning and a larger budget than other soundproofing options.

Get the FloorMuffler soundproofing material at The Home Depot.

Best Acoustic Caulk

Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant With Cleanup Wipes

 Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant With Cleanup Wipes on a white background

Photo: amazon


Product Specs 

  • Type: Coating
  • Rating: No rating available
  • Extra features: Insulation

What We Like

  • Easy to apply; can be used very easily with large caulking guns 
  • Comes out white and is paintable for a seamless look
  • Complements insulation and underlayment installations; does not take up space and isn’t easily visible 

What We Don’t Like

  • Requires large caulking gun, which is a separate purchase

Home soundproofers looking to go the extra mile with their noise-reduction efforts will want to give Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant a try. This acoustic-coating product

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