As an acoustic specialist, I work with people all the time who are searching for soundproofing solutions that will work on various projects. As a company, we’ve helped people and businesses all over the spectrum create soundproof rooms, ranging from residences and conference rooms to restaurants and auditoriums. With the right products and expertise, there’s no room that can’t be soundproofed.
Knowing which products to use can be challenging. That’s why I created this comprehensive list of the best soundproofing products in 2024.
Soundproofing vs. Sound Absorption
Before we dive into the list, I also want to talk about the differences between soundproofing and sound absorption because there seems to be some confusion. I have so many customers who seem to think they are the same thing, but they aren’t. In fact, they involve very different processes, at least from a technical standpoint.
Soundproofing
Soundproofing is when you use material to block sound from entering or exiting a room. You’ll often find soundproofing materials in recording studios, basements, and conference rooms.
Sound Absorption
Sound absorption is when you use materials to absorb sound created inside a room in order to create a better-sounding environment. You’ll often find sound-absorbing materials in restaurants, auditoriums, and large gathering areas.
10 Must-Have Soundproofing Materials in 2024
Now that we’ve discussed the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption, it’s time to jump into my comprehensive master list of the best soundproofing materials available in 2024. Let’s dive in!
Soundproofing Materials for Walls
When you want to soundproof a room, you should start with the walls. Here are several soundproofing materials you can use to soundproof walls:
1. AudioSeal® MLV Sound Barrier, RSIC-1, and Green Glue
AudioSeal® Mass Loaded Vinyl Sound Barrier
Our AudioSeal® Mass Loaded Vinyl Sound Barrier is environmentally safe and, when appropriately combined with multiple layers of sheetrock, RSIC-1 Clips, and Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound, creates a fantastic soundproof barrier. It’s ideal for almost any room because it creates a thick barrier that makes it difficult for sound to penetrate. That said, it’s very important to layer the products correctly. If layered incorrectly, it can cause a triple leaf which will allow sound to pass through more easily at 500Hz or lower.
This is more like three soundproofing products wrapped into one, but that’s because the sum is far greater than its parts. Using all three products together is the best way to create a soundproof wall.
2. OSI® SC-175 Acoustical Caulk
Acoustical Caulk
Our OSI® SC-175 Acoustical Caulk is specifically engineered to seal gaps and seams in construction assemblies to reduce sound leakage. As such, it’s an invaluable soundproofing tool, so I had to include it on this list.
3. Firestop Acoustical Putty Pad
Firestop Acoustical Putty Pad (Single Gang)
Our Firestop Acoustical Putty Pad is another product that might surprise people, but it’s an important soundproofing material for electrical boxes and outlets. Many people don’t think about how many holes and cracks are around these installations, and they’re responsible for a lot of sound leakage. You can’t put just anything around them because the material has to be safe and fireproof, which is where our acoustical putty pads come in.
Soundproofing Materials for Ceilings
Next, I wanted to discuss products specifically designed to soundproof ceilings. Ceilings are responsible for much more noise transmission than people think. So, here are the top soundproofing materials we offer for ceilings:
4. PrivacyShield® Ceiling Tile Barrier
PrivacyShield® Ceiling Tile Barrier 2’x2′
Our PrivacyShield® Ceiling Tile Barriers are installed directly over ceiling tiles to create a soundproof seal that blocks sound from entering or exiting the room through the ceiling. This nifty product is ideal for rooms with drop-tile ceilings and can be installed over new and existing installations.
5. Signature Sound Barrier Ceiling Tile
Signature Sound Barrier Ceiling Tile
Our Signature Sound Barrier Ceiling Tile is another soundproofing ceiling product. Unlike the PrivacyShield® Ceiling Tile Barrier, this ceiling tile is meant to replace the existing tiles in your drop ceiling grid system. It comes in a wide range of sizes, so it’s ideal for any installation.
6. PrivacyShield® Light Hood
PrivacyShield® Light Hood 2′ x 2′
Lighting fixtures are also responsible for lots of sound leakage. Unfortunately, you can’t just place something over a light fixture without risking your safety. That’s where our PrivacyShield® Light Hood comes in. It’s specially designed to be placed above lighting fixtures to prevent noise transmission without losing air flow.
Soundproofing Materials for Floors
Floors are another area responsible for a lot of sound leakage, especially for offices, apartments, and homes with multiple levels. That’s why we offer an acoustic floor underlayment ideal for blocking sound.
7. Iso-Step® Acoustic Floor Underlayment
Iso-Step® Floor Underlayment
Our Iso-Step® Acoustic Floor Underlayment is engineered to provide high-quality impact sound insulation. It must be installed above the subfloor and beneath the normal flooring, so installing this product during a renovation or initial development is ideal.
Soundproofing Materials for Windows
Windows are another area responsible for sound transmission and unwanted noise. Unfortunately, the truth is that most single- and double-paned windows just aren’t thick enough to provide soundproofing. That’s why we offer acoustic solutions designed to go over existing windows.
8. PrivacyShield® Window Seal Kit
Soundproofing a window is easy with PrivacyShield
Our PrivacyShield® Window Seal Kit is ideal for sound-sealing existing windows. It is specifically designed to block sound across all frequency levels without obscuring the look and texture of your windows.
Soundproofing Materials for Doors
So many of my customers are surprised when I tell them that if they want to soundproof their rooms completely, they have to soundproof everything, including their doors. Fortunately, there are some go-to products and materials we offer that make soundproofing your doors super easy.
9. PrivacyShield® Soundproof Door
PrivacyShield® Soundproof Door Closeup of Door Thickness
If you have the budget to replace your entire door, we highly recommend our PrivacyShield® Soundproof Door. This product provides top-of-the-line soundproofing for offices, music rooms, recording studios, band halls, and more.
10. PrivacyShield® Soundproofing Door Seal Kit
Acoustic Door Seal Kit
Of course, if you don’t have the budget to replace your entire door, we recommend our PrivacyShield® Soundproofing Door Seal Kit. It comes with everything you’ll need to completely soundproof your existing door, including:
Soundproof Your Home or Business with Acoustical Solutions
If you’re looking for the highest quality soundproofing solutions on the market, look no further. At Acoustical Solutions, we offer industry-leading soundproofing that stands the test of time. We also serve an array of clientele, including end-users, DIYers, professional contractors, architects, designers, and more!
To learn more about how Acoustical Solutions can solve your noise control problems, use our contact form, call one of our Acoustical Sales Consultants at (800) 782-5742, or visit us on the web at acousticalsolutions.com.
