The Best Soundproof Curtains—Tested for Noise Reduction, Style, and Value

When you don’t want the noise of busy streets and bustling crowds disrupting your peace, soundproof curtains can help block it out. In addition to absorbing and muffling sound, these window coverings often act as blackout curtains to increase privacy and block light. However, not all the options available today are equally effective at keeping spaces quiet.

After researching dozens of popular noise-canceling curtains and testing 10, we found seven sets we recommend. Our favorite is the Pony Dance Blackout Insulated Soundproof Curtains, which offer excellent sound reduction, are easy to clean, and aren’t overly heavy or hard to hang. Plus, they come in over 20 colorways and almost twice that many sizes. Read on to see what we like about each of the rest of the best soundproof curtains that made our list. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Pony Dance Blackout Insulated Soundproof Curtains
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: BGment Insulated Blackout Soundproof Curtains 
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3. UPGRADE PICK: RYB Home 100% Blackout Soundproof Curtains
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4. BEST DOUBLE-LAYERED: Moondream 3-in-1 Blackout Thermal Soundproof Curtain
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5. BEST INSULATED: H.Versailtex Linen Blackout Soundproof Curtains
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6. MOST ATTRACTIVE: Deconovo Faux Linen 100% Total Blackout Curtains
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7. BEST FOR HOME STUDIOS: Filmcraft Heavy-Duty Studio Soundproof Blanket
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Soundproof Curtains Comparison

Our Top Picks

We selected the sound-absorbing curtains below for their appearance, performance, ease of hanging and cleaning, and value. Any one of these sets of noise-blocking curtains can aid in preventing ambient noise and light from infiltrating indoor spaces.

Best Overall

Pony Dance Blackout Insulated Soundproof Curtains

Buy at Amazon

What We Like

• Reduced sound by 10 decibels during testing
• Available in dozens of colors and sizes
• Triple-weaved fabric blocks light well

What We Don’t Like

• Holds wrinkles and may require steaming

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Product Specs

• Material(s): Polyester
• Colorways: 20+
• Ease of installation: Easy

Our Ratings: Appearance 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4.8/5

If you’re looking for sleek and effective soundproof curtains, this set from Pony Dance may fill the bill. In testing, these sound-deadening curtains​ reduced noise levels by 10 decibels, making them one of the top performers despite their lightweight construction. Made from 100 percent polyester, the panels feel luxurious and come in over 20 colors and almost 40 sizes to fit virtually every style and window.

While this pick is available in everything from black, brown, and navy to mint green, blush pink, and pure white, the manufacturer recommends darker shades if you want significant light blocking in addition to sound reduction. However, even the lighter shades are estimated to filter 85 to 95 percent of light, and the gray curtains we tested proved that to be true. 

Installation is versatile, as these curtains are designed to accommodate both rod pocket and tab installation. Also, the fabric held up well to washing, but we did have to steam it afterward to fully remove the wrinkles. 

What our tester says: “Even though hanging these using the rod pocket was a bit trickier than simply sliding the rod through the tabs, we really liked the sleek final look. Plus, once we had them in place, the soundproofing and light-blocking they offered made them a definite favorite.”—Stacey L. Nash

Get the Pony Dance soundproof curtains at Amazon.

Best Bang For The Buck

BGment Insulated Blackout Soundproof Curtains

Buy at Amazon

What We Like

• Affordable, machine washable, and dryer safe Fabric is true to color and drap
• Fabric is true to color and drapes nicely
• Good sound absorption, reducing by 5 decibels during testing

What We Don’t Like

• Lightweight fabric isn’t 100 percent blackout

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Product Specs

• Material(s): Polyester
• Colorways: 30+
• Ease of installation: Easy

Our Ratings: Appearance 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4.5/5

These budget-friendly soundproof blackout curtains from BGment are a solid choice for effective noise reduction at a reasonable cost. Made from polyester, they are insulated to absorb sound while balancing and maintaining room temperature to reduce thermal energy usage. 

These curtains are surprisingly lightweight given their light-blocking, temperature-control, and soundproofing capabilities. Not only did they absorb about 5 decibels of noise in our sound test, they also kept our room noticeably cooler during the day and warmer at night. Plus, the triple-weave polyester fabric had a nice drape and blocked out a significant amount of sunlight. 

BGment’s curtains for sound reduction​ come in almost 40 colors and about 20 sizes, ranging from 45 to 120 inches long and 38 to 70 inches wide. The two-panel set has metal grommets for easy hanging, and the fabric is machine washable in cold water on a gentle cycle and can be tumble dried on low heat. 

What our tester says: ”We love being able to wash and dry these curtains. Even though they always come out with a few wrinkles, they’re easy to smooth with a quick steam, which is way better than hauling them to the dry cleaner.”—Stacey L. Nash, Product Reviews tester and writer  

Get the BGment soundproof curtains at Amazon.

Upgrade Pick

RYB Home 100% Blackout Soundproof Curtains

Buy at Amazon Buy at RYB Home

What We Like

• Removable inner lining for extra sound and light blocking
• Color is on both sides of each panel
• Absorbs sound well, reducing it by up to 10 decibels

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy soundproof curtains; require a sturdy hanging system

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Product Specs

• Material(s): 70 percent polyester, 30 percent linen with detachable felt liner
• Colorways: 10+
• Ease of installation: Easy

Our Ratings: Appearance 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4.5/5

These high-performing soundproof blackout curtains from RYB Home are a worthwhile upgrade for those wanting heavier-duty curtains. Designed with a detachable felt liner between two layers of fabric, they offer excellent sound-reducing capabilities, cutting noise by 10 decibels during testing. Because both exterior layers are the same color (as opposed to showing color on the front and white on the back), this set also provides a more high-end, polished look. 

Beyond aesthetics and soundproofing, the three-layer design also blocks all sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays, which helped keep our room warm at night while preventing rising temperatures during the day. Available in a variety of colors and sizes (including customizable dimensions if ordered directly from the brand), these acoustic curtains offer easy maintenance. Though the inner liner isn’t machine washable, it is removable via a hook-and-loop system, which allows you to clean the rest of the curtains on a gentle cycle and dry them on low. Like the other washable curtains we tested, they will need a light steaming to get rid of their wrinkles. 

Get the RYB Home soundproof curtains (various sizes and colors) at Amazon or RYB Home. 

Best Double-Layered

Moondream 3-in-1 Blackout Thermal Soundproof Curtain

Buy at Amazon Buy at Moondream

What We Like

• Layered design includes blackout fabric and thermal insulation lining
• Reduced sound by up to 6 decibels
• Adjustable hem length with provided hem tape and instructions

What We Don’t Like

• Dry clean only

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Product Specs

• Material(s): 100 percent polyester first layer, 99.99 percent polyester and 0.01 percent aluminum second layer, and 100 percent recycled cotton third layer
• Colorways: 10
• Ease of installation: Easy

Our Ratings: Appearance 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.8/5; Ease of Cleaning 2/5; Value 4.5/5

The multilayered design of these Moondream 3-in-1 curtains makes them a top pick for blocking sound and light while providing thermal insulation. Each panel combines a blackout fabric, an insulated lining, and a thick cotton fabric backing to create a heavy soundproof curtain. In our tests, they reduced noise by up to 6 decibels, just shy of the manufacturer’s claim of 7 decibels. They also kept the temperature of our room more consistently and blocked all incoming light.  

While this pick only comes in four sizes, each curtain has a surged bottom edge that allows you to customize its length using the included hem tape. Even though it took us a few tries to get everything straight, being able to adjust the hem is a definite bonus, especially if your windows aren’t a standard size. Also, installation is easy thanks to reinforced, rustproof grommets, but care isn’t quite as simple since these curtains are dry clean only. They’re also a bit spendy, even if you only need a single curtain. 

Get the Moondream soundproof curtains (various sizes and colors) at Amazon or Moondream.

Best Insulated

H.Versailtex Linen Blackout Soundproof Curtains

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• Natural look and attractive color options
• Stylish copper finish on the grommets
• Lightweight yet reduced sound by up to 5 decibels

What We Don’t Like

• Does not provide full blackout

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Product Specs

• Material(s): Polyester blend
• Colorways: 20+
• Ease of installation: Easy

Our Ratings: Appearance 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 3.8/5

These thermal-insulated curtains from H.Versailtex not only absorb sound but also reduce energy costs by preventing warm or cool air from entering or escaping. During testing, they helped regulate room conditions, even when outdoor temps changed by 30 degrees Fahrenheit from night to day. They also reduced sound by up to 5 decibels in our sound test.

Made of a woven polyester blend that looks like textured linen, these sound-absorbing curtains block at least 85 percent of sunlight and UV rays. They’re available in over 20 colors and patterns and have attractive copper grommets, which increase their durability while making them easy to hang and adjust. They’re also machine washable, tumble-dry safe on low, and safe to be smoothed with a steamer or warm iron. The only downside is that they only come in six sizes, which could be an issue if your windows aren’t a standard size. 

What our tester says: “Of all the machine-washable curtains we tested, these held up the best. Because they have a textured finish, light wrinkles barely showed. They basically came out looking new.”—Stacey L. Nash, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the H.Versailtex soundproof curtains (various sizes and colors) at Amazon or Walmart.

Most Attractive

Deconovo Faux Linen 100% Total Blackout Curtains

Buy at Amazon Buy at Wayfair Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• Rich color options
• Luxurious linen appearance
• Provides excellent blackout and thermal energy benefits

What We Don’t Like

• Manufacturer recommends washing by hand

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Product Specs

• Material(s): Polyester blend
• Colorways: 40+
• Ease of installation: Easy

Our Ratings: Appearance 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Ease of Cleaning 3/5; Value 4.5/5

These Deconovo blackout curtains prove there’s no need to sacrifice style just to enjoy the benefits of sound-minimizing curtains. Made of soft, durable polyester, these attractive curtains have a textured weave that mimics fine linen, giving them a luxe look. They’re available in a range of decorator-loved hues and basic neutrals and come in 11 sizes to fit most standard windows. 

We tested a light green set of these faux-linen soundproof curtains, and they reduced sound by 5 decibels and blocked out almost all incoming light. They also resisted wrinkles better than most others, but we did have to hand-wash and air-dry them. If necessary, you can smooth any wrinkles that appear using a cool iron, but ours didn’t even come wrinkled from shipping and showed minimal wrinkling after washing. 

Get the Deconovo soundproof curtains (various sizes and colors) at Amazon, Wayfair, Walmart, or Target. 

Best For Home Studios

Filmcraft Heavy-Duty Studio Soundproof Blanket

Buy at Amazon Buy at B&H

What We Like

• Grommets on all sides for easier draping and hanging
• Doubles as a protective blanket for transporting equipment
• Absorbs sound well, reducing noise by up to 10 decibels

What We Don’t Like

• Not decorative at all; very industrial look

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Product Specs

• Material(s): Polyester blend
• Colorways: 1
• Ease of installation: Moderate

Our Ratings: Appearance 2/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Ease of Cleaning 2/5; Value 4.3/5

Since a home studio has different needs than other rooms, those outfitting this space may want a professional product rather than residential curtains. Designed to dampen sound, minimize unwanted noise, and block light on movie sets, stages, and recording studios, the Filmcraft studio soundproof blanket is a relatively affordable pick that’s as versatile as it is effective. Measuring 80 inches long by 72 inches wide with grommets on all sides for easier hanging, this sound-minimizing curtain also doubles as a protective blanket to cover set pieces and instruments in transit. 

We tested this blanket in a bedroom by using clamps to attach it to a curtain rod. It reduced noise by 10 decibels, matching the top score achieved by just two other picks. Though it isn’t as attractive as either of those options, it would work well in a studio or as a packing blanket. For those playing shows or working on sets. Because it’s designed for professional use, it comes only in black, in a single size, and its price rivals some of the soundproof curtains we tested. 

Get the Filmcraft soundproof blanket at Amazon or B&H. 

Also Tested

We tested the following options, and while they offered some soundproofing, they didn’t perform as well as our top picks.

• While we liked the Nicetown Custom 100% Blackout Curtain Panels for their excellent light-blocking and temperature control, they only lessened noise by 2 decibels in our tests.
• We tried the Stalwart Multi-Purpose Heavy-Duty Moving Blanket as a potential thrifty alternative to curtains, but it still only blocked 3 decibels.
• Like the Nicetown curtains, the Miuco Room-Darkening Blackout Soundproof Curtains only reduced noise by 2 decibels, although they do block light well and include helpful tiebacks.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing Soundproof Curtains 

To test soundproof curtains for possible inclusion on our list, we hung each set in a room with a single window for 3 to 7 days. We used a decibel meter to measure the level of ambient room noise, then had someone play a trumpet outside the window and measured the decibels again.  If the curtains had thermal properties, we evaluated the temperature difference in the morning, afternoon, and evening while the curtains were hanging versus when they were not. If they had blackout features, we observed how much light filtered in throughout the course of the day and whether we could see in the window from outside. When possible, we also washed and dried the curtains according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

We then scored the curtains according to an established rubric that considered appearance, soundproof quality, light blocking, and thermal abilities. We factored in the quality of the fabric and the durability of construction, eliminating products that didn’t meet our standards and assigning awards to ones that did.  

What to Consider When Choosing Soundproof Curtains 

Good noise-reducing curtains help absorb sound waves and reduce noise pollution, so they’re ideal for a bedroom, living room, home office, or home theater. Many can even double as blackout curtains or thermal curtains to help reduce natural light pollution and heating or cooling costs. 

Types of Soundproof Curtains 

Shopping for soundproof curtains starts with choosing one of three types: insulation curtains, audio insulation sheets, and industrial blankets.

Insulation Curtains 

Insulation curtains look similar to regular window curtains found in most homes and can come in a range of designs as well, from neutral colors to bold patterns. The main difference is that insulation curtains are made with heavier materials that block some noise. Insulation curtains also often function as blackout curtains since the thicker material that insulates the room from sound also works to block sunlight.

Thermal insulation curtains also help lower energy bills. The same thick material that works to absorb sounds can contain thermal energy, adding a layer of insulation that prevents air from entering or escaping through windows.

Audio Insulation Sheets 

While audio insulation sheets aren’t technically curtains, they can be hung to function like curtains. Audio insulation sheets are typically designed with grommets to allow them to hang from a curtain rod, making them easier to install than acoustic panels.

Audio insulation sheets can block more sound than insulation curtains and industrial blankets because they are constructed with multiple layers of heavy fabric, which makes them a nearly soundproof fabric. They also function as blackout curtains due to these multiple layers. However, the amount of fabric required to craft audio insulation sheets makes them a more expensive option.

Industrial Blankets 

Industrial blankets are primarily intended to protect furniture and other fragile items during the moving process. Because of this, they are made with thick and padded material, which allows them to serve as sound-eliminating curtains. Though you probably don’t want to use them to soundproof an office or other professional space long term, they can serve as excellent temporary soundproof divider curtains.

Some industrial blankets are designed with grommets, which makes them easier to hang. Otherwise, you’ll have to find a way to drape them over windows or rig up a hanging mechanism so that they can help absorb outside sounds. Industrial blankets are one of the most budget-friendly options for soundproofing walls or creating a soundproof doorway curtain to reduce outdoor sounds in your indoor space.

Size and Weight

Before purchasing soundproof curtains, check to confirm that the product is available in the appropriate size. Measure the length and width of the window, and look for a curtain that is wide and long enough to sufficiently cover it. Ideally, soundproof curtains should cover a portion of the wall, in addition to the window, especially in small spaces like apartments, to be most effective.

If possible, choose a curtain that is up to three times as wide as the window and 10 or more inches longer. Floor-to-ceiling soundproof curtains can be even more effective at noise reduction. Heavier soundproofing curtains are more effective at absorbing sounds and keeping your space quiet than lighter ones. This is especially true for lower-frequency sounds. If deciding between two soundproof curtains, the heavier option may be the better choice.

Material

The materials used to make soundproof curtains will affect not only the way they look but also how well they block and absorb sounds. More fibrous options, such as velvet curtains, can be more effective at noise reduction. Suede and polyester are also quality options to consider.

Many soundproof curtains on the market are crafted with triple-weave fabric, making them denser and more effective. Thermal soundproof curtains also offer additional insulation as well. Thermal insulation can both help to reduce energy costs and also make the curtains more effective at absorbing sounds. A general rule of thumb to keep in mind when looking for soundproof curtains is that more material usually equals better soundproofing capabilities.

Rods

Before hanging a new set of soundproof curtains, consider the curtain rods currently installed to see if they’ll work. Since soundproof curtains are heavier than traditional curtains, make sure the curtain rod can support the weight of heavier curtains, or consider installing new curtain rods.

Depending on their dimensions, soundproof curtains could weigh 8 pounds or more, compared to about 2 pounds for traditional light-filtering curtains. In addition to rod strength, shoppers may also wish to consider buying a wraparound curtain rod. This style of curtain rod is more effective at blocking sounds since it attaches to the wall at a curve and allows the curtain to provide a more complete sound barrier.

Color 

The color of the sound-blocking curtains won’t affect their noise reduction, but it will certainly visually affect a living space. Based on personal preferences and needs, consider acoustic curtains that match the aesthetic of the room—such as modern, vintage, or farmhouse, for example—and coordinate with the decor as well.

Installation and Maintenance 

Finally, consider how easy it will be to install and maintain the soundproof curtains. One of the easiest ways to help soundproof a space is with insulation curtains that have grommets along the top for simple installation from a curtain rod.

Depending on their design, audio insulation sheets and industrial blankets may be more challenging to install. If possible, try to preview the manufacturer’s installation directions before making a purchase. Also, take note of the manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions for each potential purchase. Machine-washable options are easier to maintain. 

FAQs 

Hopefully, you now know more about soundproof curtains and how to choose the best product to reduce noise in your home. If you still have questions like where to buy curtains or how to take care of them, check out the following section for more information.

Q. How can I soundproof my curtains?

To increase the noise reduction of your existing curtains, add more layers of fabric. For best results, choose heavy and tightly woven fabrics, as they are more effective at reducing the amount of noise that enters your space. Ideally, the curtains should cover the full length of the wall—both above and below the window—since this will allow them to create a seal to block more sound. 

Q. Do drapes block sound?

Yes, traditional drapes will block some sound. However, the amount of sound absorption will vary significantly based on their thickness and the quality of the seal they create over a window. For example, heavy velvet curtains soundproof​ better than lightweight cotton ones. 

Q. How can I inexpensively soundproof a room?

You can soundproof a room in several ways without spending too much money. One idea is to use an industrial blanket, or even just thick regular blankets, to help soundproof windows and the surrounding wall space. The thick material can help to block a lot of noise from entering your space.

In addition to purchasing soundproof curtains for door and window openings, there are many other DIY soundproofing tricks you can use to minimize noise. For example, you can place weatherstripping tape around your windows and door frames as well as seal gaps between doors and their thresholds with a rubber doorstop to further soundproof a room.

Q. Do soundproofing curtains actually work?

Yes, as evidenced by our tests, even low-quality soundproofing curtains work. All the soundproofing curtains we recommend reduced noise levels by 5 to 10 decibels, and those that didn’t make our list still brought them down by 2 to 3 decibels. 

Q. What are the materials to look for in soundproof curtains?

For soundproof curtains, look for dense, heavyweight fabrics like velvet or polyester. Multi-layered acoustic fabrics with thermal linings also make excellent soundproof curtains. 

Q. Can soundproof curtains reduce your energy bill?

Yes, soundproof curtains can reduce your energy bill by providing thermal insulation and improving temperature control in your space.

Q. Do people sleep better if they have soundproof curtains?

Yes, if external noise is disrupting people’s sleep, soundproof curtains can help them sleep better by creating quieter spaces that allow for deeper, uninterrupted sleep. 

Meet the Tester

Stacey L. Nash has written about home and garden products, home design and decor, and general indoor and outdoor home improvement for 5+ years. She’s passionate about research and hands-on testing to find the products that add true value to homeownership and daily life. She lives on 12 heavily wooded acres, where she and her family put home and outdoor products to the test while avoiding bears and cougars. 

Additional research provided by Deirdre Mundorf and Jasmine Harding.

 

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