--- title: "The Best Soundproofing Panels to Control Unwanted Noise" description: "The best soundproofing panels are easy to install and excellent for blocking unwanted noise. See how we narrowed 40 options down to seven top picks." date: "2024-03-27" modified: "2024-03-27" authors: - name: "Bob Beacham" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-beacham/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-soundproofing-panels/" categories: - "Interior" - "Reviews" - "Tools & Materials" - "Walls & Ceilings" tags: - "Commerce" - "MPR" --- # The Best Soundproofing Panels to Control Unwanted Noise ![A section of wall covered in black and white soundproofing panels with a tv, guitar, and microphone set up in front of them.]() *Photo: amazon.com* Soundproofing panels are not just for recording studios and theaters. They can also successfully manage noise in homes and offices, making them more peaceful spaces for work or relaxation. Many are affordable and easy to install, and some provide a decorative aesthetic. The challenge is choosing the right ones, and for those new to technical aspects such as noise reduction coefficients, the jargon can be confusing. In this article, we explain what potential buyers need to know in straightforward language. After looking at over 40 different products, we assembled this list of the best soundproofing panels for a variety of purposes. 1. **BEST OVERALL:** [TroyStudio Thick Acoustic Foam Panels]() 2. **BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:** [SD SODOCT Egg Crate Acoustic Foam Panels]() 3. **BEST DESIGN:** [Bubos Decorative Art Acoustic Panels]() 4. **BEST FOR RECORDINGS:** [Auralex Studiofoam Wedgies]() 5. **BEST FOR OFFICES:** [Ekkogo Soundproof Wall Panels]() 6. **BEST COLOR RANGE:** [Sonic Acoustics Hexagon Soundproofing Panels]() 7. **BEST LARGE PANEL:** [ATS Acoustics Soundproofing Panel]() ![A person working at a computer at their desk with ear buds in and a wall of black and white hexagon soundproofing panels on the wall in the background.]() *Photo: amazon.com* ## How We Chose the Best Soundproofing Panels Noise can be managed in different ways. In living spaces and offices, absorbing as much sound as possible is the goal. In home theaters, recording studios, and auditoriums, the goal is to shape and redirect the sound to create a particular atmosphere. To provide solutions for as many different people as possible, we chose top soundproofing panels from a variety of different categories. Noise reduction coefficient (NRC) is a key feature that we discuss in more detail below, and it’s represented by a rating that indicates how efficient a panel is at absorbing sound. In addition, we considered aesthetics, ease of installation, and [cost](). We also sought some expert input. Joe Cuschieri, executive director of the [Institute of Noise Control Engineering](), says, “When dealing with noise or sound, there are two considerations: transmission and absorption. If the objective is to improve the sound quality in the room, then installation of sound absorption materials will reduce reverberation and improve the acoustics.” However, he goes on to say that if the problem is intrusion, meaning sound from other areas, “This type of noise improvement will be more complex, and a professional may be required to modify a wall partition.” ## Our Top Picks According to our research, the following products are the best soundproofing panels available right now. We have given each product a category so that potential buyers can easily identify those that are most suitable for their specific needs. Choosing the overall best soundproofing panels was never going to be an easy task, but these from TroyStudio are the most versatile. While not the cheapest, they are still competitively priced. The 3D shape and dense foam structure will make a difference to the acoustic performance in many settings, whether in offices and homes or practice and recording spaces. At 2 inches thick, they provide good sound deadening and are able to combat echo and reverb. The material is flame-retardant to the California Technical Bulletin 117-2013 standard (which addresses fire safety protection against smoldering and open flames), nontoxic, and easy to cut. Lightweight enough to be used on walls or ceilings, these panels can be installed using double-sided tape, spray adhesive, or small pins or screws. **Get the TroyStudio soundproofing panels at** [**Amazon**]()**.** SD SODOCT's egg crate soundproofing panels stand out for their combination of acoustic performance and a low price point. They can be a good solution for offices and home theaters where only modest sound suppression is required, for YouTubers creating a small home studio, or for gamers trying to maximize their experience without disrupting the household. The product’s thickness is 1 inch at the peaks and half an inch in the valleys, so it will conform to unusual surfaces. The egg crate shape delivers the same acoustic clarity even when fixed around corners or on sloping ceilings. SD SODOCT's panels are easy to cut and can be installed using double-sided tape or adhesives. **Get the SD SODOCT soundproofing panels at** [**Amazon**]()**.** While several manufacturers offer soundproofing panels in multiple colors, Bubos takes it to another level with a range of eye-catching graphics and panoramic scenes. These make attractive features on office or living room walls while also offering effective sound deadening. They may only be 0.4 inch thick, but Bubos panels are high density to effectively absorb sound. The result is an impressive 0.85 to 0.95 NRC depending on the panels chosen. They are relatively simple to install using the supplied nano tape, which is designed to be removed without affecting the wall covering. However, some care is required to ensure proper panel alignment. **Get the Bubos soundproofing panels at** [**Amazon**]() **or** [**Walmart**]() **(8 pack, 32 inches tall by 48 inches wide).** Auralex Studiofoam Wedgies are widely regarded as one of the most cost-effective soundproofing panels for recording studios. While particularly useful for music, they are also suitable for voice broadcasts and can be used in streaming setups. Home theaters benefit from the excellent performance, too. The high-quality, flame-retardant foam that Aurelex uses doesn’t degrade over time. Additionally, Wedgies are precision profiled for the best acoustic response and can be used with base traps, diffusers, and more for more accurate sound management. They are light and easy to install, though a few users thought the included mounting tape lacked strength. Adhesives are another option. Although good value for their purpose, a minimum pack size of 24 and the gray color means they may not be the best choice for offices and living spaces. **Get the Auralex soundproofing panels at** [**Amazon**]()**.** There are two approaches to fitting soundproofing panels in offices and other commercial spaces. One is to make them a decorative feature, and the other is to choose panels that blend in with the background so they go virtually unnoticed. These high-performance square panels from Ekkogo are ideal for the latter, though with a little creativity, they can also be used decoratively. The high-density polyester material offers an exceptional NRC of 0.95. Panels are fire-retardant, odorless, and nontoxic so they can be used in locations with children or animals. Being lightweight, these panels attach to surfaces using double-sided tape or adhesive, though none is provided. **Get the Ekkogo soundproofing panels at** [**Amazon**]()**.** Sonic Acoustics uses high-density polyester to create hexagonal soundproofing panels with excellent noise reduction. There are dozens of colors to choose from, so it’s hard to imagine a space where they couldn’t be used. The low-profile style works well where something subtle is demanded, while the 3D panels offer more eye-catching appeal. These soundproofing panels are flame-retardant, nontoxic, and fade-resistant. They are easy to cut to shape (which won’t impact performance) and can be installed using tape, adhesive, or “liquid nails” on coarse surfaces such as concrete or block walls. Surprisingly, these panels are also affordably priced. **Get the Sonic Acoustics soundproofing panels at** [**Amazon**]()**.** The ATS Acoustics soundproofing panels are a little different from most, and not just because of their large size of 48 inches tall by 24 inches wide by 2 inches thick. This is an exceptionally high-quality product handcrafted in the USA. Each panel consists of a wooden frame that is filled with acoustic Roxul AFB mineral wool and then covered in 100 percent jute. Available in four standard colors but limitlessly customizable, these panels have a surface similar to an artist’s canvas so it can be painted. This creates the possibility of having soundproofing panels that are also unique works of art. Several retailers rate NRC as a perfect 1.0, though ATS Acoustics itself gives the figure as 0.95. That’s still among the very best available. Each panel weighs 12 pounds. A comprehensive installation kit for drywall, concrete, or wood walls is included, but installation requires a little more work than simply applying adhesive. **Get the ATS Acoustics soundproofing panels at** [**Amazon**]()**.** ## [Jump to Our Top Picks](<#recap>) ## What to Consider When Choosing Soundproofing Panels It’s important to understand that soundproofing panels don’t stop sound coming in from outdoors. They should perhaps be called sound-absorbing or sound-reducing panels. Some muffle sound within a space, others reshape and redirect sound so it is canceled out. The following section explains the key issues. ### Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) NRC is a rating given to indicate how efficient a panel is at absorbing sound. The lowest is zero, the highest is 1. It is usually expressed as a decimal—0.5, for example—but occasionally as a percentage. The closer the NRC rating is to 1 the better. Anything less than 0.25 will be fairly ineffective. Good budget-friendly panels are expected to have a rating of around 0.4. Technically NRC varies with frequency, and total noise reduction is impossible. The very best soundproofing panels can reach 0.95. Some retailers may quote 1 (perfect), but most reputable manufacturers do not. The sound absorption coefficient (SAC) is another rating scale that measures lower frequencies than NRC. These may be more important to musicians and audio professionals. However, figures are hard to find and are probably only relevant to those creating high-end recording studios. ### Material Similar [materials]() are used in most soundproofing panels, but construction varies. Some panels consist solely of acoustic foam, which is fairly easy to cut to shape and glue in place. However, while this can be relatively easy to fit, and very effective when done properly, it can also look untidy. More aesthetically pleasing soundproof panels often have a wooden frame, acoustic foam or mineral wool infill, and a fabric cover. It can be tempting to DIY panels from carpet, egg boxes, etc. However, while these can help reduce high-frequency noise, they are not effective against the lower frequencies that can be the most disturbing. ### Size and Thickness Soundproofing panels come in a wide variety of sizes. Squares and rectangles are commonly available in sizes ranging from 12 inches square to 24 inches by 48 inches (which can be mounted vertically or horizontally). Hexagonal models, often 12 inches by 14 inches, are also popular. As previously mentioned, acoustic foam can be cut to more or less any shape required, though this might impact the performance of some. In terms of thickness, while a thicker panel might often mean higher performance, it shouldn’t be taken for granted. Always check the NRC. ### Surface Pattern Solid surfaces such as doors, walls, and windows create echo because sound bounces off them. Having a soft or textured surface can help absorb and redirect those sound waves. Wood-framed soundproofing panels usually have a relatively smooth fabric surface, though materials like jute might be used to give a slightly coarser texture. They may appear to be solid but they are not, and thus can absorb sound. The other approach is a surface that is patterned with 3D triangles or pyramids, as found in acoustic foam panels. These channel or redirect sound waves so they cancel each other out. In professional installations, these can be tuned to produce specific results, hence why acoustic foam is usually the choice for recording studios. ### Placement and Installation In homes and offices, the placement of soundproofing panels can be somewhat arbitrary, and indeed choices like the Bubos art panels are designed to be installed as you would a painting or picture. Manufacturers may offer additional installation advice. In more sensitive situations such as home theaters or sound studios, a period of experimentation is recommended where practical to assess which placement produces the desired results. There are a number of options in terms of physical installation. Some of these panels can be hung just like a picture, while others are self-adhesive, and some can be glued. ## FAQs The information compiled above is intended to help in your selection and installation of the best soundproofing panels for your particular situation. Some additional general questions about these products and their uses are answered below. ## Author Bob Beacham is an engineer by trade and has spent 35 years working on everything from auto parts to oil rigs. He is also an avid DIY enthusiast. Bob started writing for the BobVila.com team in 2020 and covers tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement projects.