Acoustic panels are one of the most useful materials for sound blocking. But, finding the right one can be tricky because of the misconceptions between soundproof acoustic panels and foams.
Many products in the market are not for soundproofing but are being sold as acoustic panels. Therefore, knowing the difference between them is essential so that you do not end up buying foams in place of acoustic panels.
To help you with that we have curated a list of the 10 best soundproof acoustic panels which will assist you in selecting the acoustic panel according to the soundproofing requirements of your room.
Top Picks For Best Soundproof Acoustic Panels
Our top picks for best soundproof acoustic panels are:
| Product | Features | Link |
| ATS Acoustic Panel (Best Overall) | – 1.0 NRC rating – Mounting hardware is available – Wooden frame – Fire resistant – 2-inch thick – Available in 4 colors | Amazon |
| Acoustimac DMD Stagger Acoustic Panel (Runner-up) | – Set of eight panels of equal size – Heat-resistant – 0.95 NRC rating – Wooden frame – Covers 32 sq. ft surface – Z clips for installation included | Amazon |
| TroyStudio Acoustic Panel (Best Budget Choice) | – 0.79 NRC – Fiberglass material – Controls echo and reduces sound – Set of two panels – Appropriate for smaller spaces like home studios or office cubicles – Fire resistant – 4 color options – 1-inch thick | Amazon |
Best Soundproof Acoustic Panels
1. ATS Acoustic Panels
ATS Acoustic Panels stands at No. 1 in our rankings for best soundproof acoustic panels. These panels are highly effective in decreasing the sound intensity and reverberation, as they have the perfect 1.0 NRC rating.
These 2-inch thicker soundproofing panels are available in four colors that can be adjusted in all types of rooms. You can mount them on walls or use them as acoustic ceiling panels.
Moreover, these panels have a wooden frame with insulation material and the covering of jute fabric. These can work as canvases too, so if you have an artistic mind, you can paint ATS panels.
One thing about ATS acoustic panels that might irk you is their cost. Nevertheless, the quality of sound absorption these panels provide is worth it.
Pros
- 1.0 perfect NRC rating
- Wooden frame
- Jute fabric covering
- Removes reberations and echoes
- 2-inch thick
- 4 color options
Cons
- Expensive
- Difficult to install
2. Acoustimac DMD Stagger Acoustic Panels
Acoustimac DMD Stagger is a set of eight sound-absorbing panels, which provides you with great value at a reasonable price. These are four charcoal and four gray-colored panels that you can stagger on any type of wall. Be it your bedroom, living room, office, studio, classroom, or any other setting.
With an NRC rating of 0.95 and a 2-inch thick wooden frame, it can absorb both low and high-frequency sounds. Moreover, these will ensure the safety of the environment against fire, as DMD Stagger panels are class A fire rated. Also, these are easier to install, as z clips are available through which you can stagger them.
One of the downsides of these soundproofing panels is that they are available in monochromatic shades only. Therefore, it will not blend in most of the colorful settings.
Pros
- Set of eight panels of equal size
- Class A fire retardant
- 0.95 NRC rating
- Wooden frame
- Covers 32 sq. ft surface
- Z clips for installation included
Cons
- Only available in monochromatic colors
3. Acoustic Design Works – Mondrian Kit of Acoustic Panels
Mondrian Kit by ADW is another set of soundproofing panels that will improve the aesthetic appeal of your interior. This set has a total of four panels of which two are large-sized rectangular-shaped, and two are small square-shaped panels. These panels provide you with ample contrastive color combinations.
Mondrian kit is made of fiberglass, that has an overlay of Guilford fabric. Though these are not much thicker, they have the NRC rating of 0.85, which will work considerably well against high and mid-level frequencies.
However, these acoustic panels cannot help you in deadening the low-frequency sounds. Therefore, the best use of these will be in less noisy spaces like bedrooms, personal offices, living rooms, etc. Moreover, these are pretty expensive too.
Pros
- Set of four acoustic panels
- Various color combinations
- 0.85 NRC rating
- Fiberglass material
- Guilford absorption fabric
- 1-inch thickness
- Mounting hardware included
Cons
- Expensive
- Nor suitable for blocking low frequency sounds
4. Rhino Acoustic Absorption Panel
Rhino Acoustic Absorption Panel is an affordable option for reducing echoes and sound vibrations. It is a set of six decorative panels that are available in four different colors. You can use these panels in your home studios, theaters, or offices, to mitigate the echoes and reverb time.
The panels are composed of high-density polyester fiber that has an NRC rating of 0.95. Rhino absorption panels are also flame retardants of class B that are considered appropriate for the fire safety of the environment.
However, Rhino absorption panels are very flimsy and are not quite capable of blocking sound completely. Therefore, you can only use them for controlling reverberations.
Pros
- Pack of 6 panels
- 0.95 NRC rating
- High density polyester fiber
- Class B flame retardant
- Ideal for personal offices, home theaters, studios, etc.
- Easy-to-install
- Available in 4 colors
Cons
- Very flimsy
- Not ideal for soundproofing
5. Acoustimac Sound Absorbing Acoustic Panel
The sound-absorbing acoustic panels from Acoustimac are another premium option for soundproofing. These panels are 2-inch thicker with an impressive NRC rating of 0.95 which can drastically decrease the sound transfer.
These panels offer six exciting color options that can lighten up any dull setting. Its wooden frame is packed with mineral wool absorptive material. Along with that, it has a coat of denser fabric. Moreover, these are class A fire-rated absorbing panels that will protect the rooms from rapid-fire ignition.
These can be mounted on both, the walls and the ceilings. These panels are great for soundproofing, however, they are highly expensive.
Pros
- 0.95 NRC rating
- Compatible for large spaces
- Mounting hardware available
- Wooden frame
- Class A fire rated
- 2-inch thick
- 6 color options
Cons
- Highly expensive
6. UA-Acoustics Diffuse Acoustic Panels
UA acoustic panels are for diffusing sound waves and are mostly used in recording rooms or music studios. It is a set of four panels that you can mount on walls or place at the corners of your room as a bass trap. These are wood laminated, elegantly designed panels that enhance your room’s interior look.
These panels are 2.1 inches thick and use the MDF and high-density foam as the absorptive material. As the panels can scatter the sound waves from 200 Hz to 5000 Hz, they can substantially remove the echoes & reverberations. However, these panels cannot significantly reduce noises as their NRC rating is only 0.68.
Pros
- 2.1 inch thick
- Wood laminated
- High density foam
- Scatters upto 5000 Hz
- Available in various aesthetic designs
- Suitable for acoustic treatment of music rooms
- Balances reverberations and echoes
- Easy-to-install
Cons
- 0.68 NRC rating
- Are not fire retardant
7. TroyStudio Acoustic Panel
TroyStudio Acoustic panels are one of the most budget-friendly acoustic panels. These are a set of two square-shaped panels that can help you in mitigating sound wave energy.
TroyStudio sound-absorbing panels are fiberglass made with one-inch thickness. Moreover, these are decent against mid and high frequencies as these have an NRC rating of 0.79. Also, these can reduce the echo and reverberations in the room. For low-frequency sounds its NRC is only 0.42 but these are more effective than acoustic foams.
The panels come in four distinct colors including gray, black, white, and gray. Also, these acoustic panels are fire retardant as these show class B flame spread.
Pros
- 0.79 NRC
- Fiberglass material
- Controls echo and reduces sound
- Set of two panels
- Appropriate for smaller spaces like home studios or office cubicles
- Fire resistant
- 4 color options
- 1-inch thick
Cons
- Unpleasant odour
- Not appropriate for larger rooms
8. BUBOS Decorative Acoustic Panels
The BUBOS Acoustic panels are inexpensive decorative soundproof paddings. It is a set of six panels on which various designs and pictures are printed. Using these soundproof panels you can not only improve the sound quality of your room but can add a sleek look to your interior.
These soundproof paddings are composed of high-density polyurethane foam that is a class B fire-resistant material. The BUBOS panels are effective for reducing the noise of mid-level frequency, as their NRC rating is 0.9.
However, you cannot use these for soundproofing noisy rooms like gyms or gaming rooms. These are more appropriate for controlling echo and reverberations for acoustic treatment.
Pros
- 0.9 NRC rating
- Easy-to-install
- Various designs and colors
- Most suitable for recording rooms
- Controls echo
- Class B flame retardant
- Acoustic treatment
Cons
- Not ideal for soundproofing
- Flimsy material as compared to wood or fiberglass
9. BXI Wood Acoustic Diffuser Panels
BXI Wood Acoustic Diffuser Panels are simple yet so effective acoustic panels. As the name suggests, these are for diffusing or scattering of sound so that reverberations and echoes are reduced in music or recording rooms.
These wooden panels are 2.8-inch in thickness with six partitions that allows the sound waves to scatter. These are DIY acoustic panels as you can paint them as well as use insulation material to enhance their soundproofing effectiveness.
Though these can be directly used in music rooms for improving sound quality, you cannot use them for soundproofing without the use of absorption material.
Pros
- Suitable for acoustic treatment of musical rooms
- 2.8-inch thickness
- Wooden frame with 6 partitions
- Scatter sound
- Controls echo and reverberation
Cons
- Requires insulation for soundproofing
10. ATS Acoustic Panel 24x24x2 Inches
ATS small-sized panels are also of the same quality as the 24 x 48 ones. These acoustic panels are suited for smaller rooms or you can use them twining with the large-sized panels. Having the perfect NRC of 1.0, these take care of all frequencies of sounds and can reduce reverberation time and loudness of sounds.
ATS square-shaped panels are 24 x 24 with 2-inch thickness. These have wooden frames and the upper covering of jute fabric. The sound absorptive panels offer four varying colors which you can add to your interior.
However, these panels are pretty expensive but they proved to be a good material for sound blocking. Also, these panels are smaller in size therefore, you would have to use more panels to cover the reflective surfaces.
Pros
- 1.0 NRC
- Wooden frame
- Suitable for smaller rooms
- Textured jute
- Limits noise and removes echoes
- 4 color options
- 2-inch thick
Cons
- Smaller in size
- Expensive
How Do I Choose Acoustic Panels? – Buying Guide
Choosing the right acoustic panels depends on two major things. The first one is to determine the soundproofing requirements of the space. This includes the structure, size, level of sound intensity, and reverb time of the space. After that, you would know which one would be apt for your room. Then you can look at the qualities of the panel by considering the NRC rating, thickness, material, and fire ratings of the panels.
Besides the requirements of the place and the quality of acoustic panels, the foremost thing is to know the difference between acoustic foams and panels.
Understanding The Difference Between Acoustic Foams And Panels
The acoustic panels are solid and rigid surfaces that help in blocking the transfer of sound waves hence can be used for soundproofing. These are usually composed of fiberglass or wood frames that are filled with insulation substances. Some acoustic panels also use high-density foams, but they are not as effective for decreasing the noise.
Whereas acoustic foams are softer, lighter, and porous material, sound waves can easily penetrate them. These cannot contain the sounds in the room hence are not suitable for soundproofing. Nevertheless, foams can mitigate the echoes & reverberations.
Size Of Your Room
Considering the size of your room is important because it helps you identify the reflective surfaces. In a small-sized room, the walls are closer, which means sound waves will directly hit the walls and create echoes & reverberations. Therefore, you have to cover the walls using acoustic panels vertically. Also, you can use smaller square-shaped panels too, for covering smaller spaces.
On the other hand, in larger rooms or open spaces, you must cover the ceiling. As the walls are apart, they are less exposed to the sound waves as compared to the roof. However, shielding them is still necessary, so use the rectangular panels horizontally to cover more area. To protect the ceilings, mount the acoustic panels on them.
Sound Intensity In The Room
Sound intensity is the volume of sound waves traveling per unit time, which is measured through the decibel scale. Human ears can hear sounds from 0 to 140 dB. However, if the sound intensity in your room is from 60 to 80 dB, then it would be considered a noisy place.
Your goal should be to maintain the sound intensity to 45 dB or lower than that. The recommended panels for this are the ones with a 0.85 or above NRC rating.
Reverberation Time Of Sound Waves
It is the fading time of 60 dB sound in a particular range, which is represented in seconds. It is also known as RT60. Higher reverberation time means more intensified noises in the room. Therefore, a major part of soundproofing is to control the reverberation time of the sound waves.
The RT60 of less than 0.3 seconds means the room is acoustically dead. Whereas the rooms with over 2 seconds RT60 are considered echoic. You can use more acoustic panels to cover the reflective surfaces. However, you should not use too many panels, especially in a music room, to avoid making it acoustically dead.
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) Ratings
The NRC rating is the indicator for determining the soundproofing efficiency of an insulation substance. The substance is tested at four fundamental frequencies, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. Then its performance average is calculated, which lies between 0 and 1.0.
Substances with a 1.0 rating are 100% sound absorptive. For an adequate soundproofing acoustic panel, the NRC should at least be 0.85.
Thickness Of Acoustic Panels
The NRC rating is necessary, but it only determines the sound absorption efficiency at four frequencies and does not account for varying frequencies. Therefore, the thickness must be kept in mind. The rule of thumb for the selection of soundproofing panels is thicker the panel, the better it is for sound absorption. Because they can absorb both high and low-frequency sounds.
In the market, acoustic panels are available in 1 to 3-inches thickness. Generally, the recommended ones are of a thickness of 2″ and above. We’ve discussed these phenomena in detail in our guide on sizing your acoustic panels.
Material Of Acoustic Panels
Mainly three types of materials are used in the manufacture of soundproofing acoustic panels. These are:
- Wood
- Fiberglass
- High-density foams
Wood frame absorption panels are considered ideal for soundproofing, as these are more rigid. Often these panels are filled with absorbing substances like rock wool, cellulose, foam, or denim insulation. The second-best material is fiberglass, as it is quite dense and thick, which makes it a viable option for soundproofing.
In comparison to wood and fiberglass, high-density foams are not as effective for soundproofing. However, you can use this type of panel for echo control in music or recording rooms.
Fire Ratings
Since acoustic treatment material absorbs sound energy, it converts that into heat. Therefore, having a fire-rated acoustic panel is essential for safety. Although the fire-rated panels are not completely fireproof, they show resistance to rapid ignition.
Several tests rate the flammability of insulation material. These materials are divided into three categories according to their flammability. Most effective are ‘class A’ materials whose flame spreads only under 25. Moderately effective are ‘class B’ materials whose flame spreading is between 25 and 75. Lastly, class C rated materials have the highest flammability, which is 76 to 200.
FAQ
How and where to place acoustic panels?
Try to cover the reflective surfaces of your room with acoustic panels, to get better results. In smaller and closed rooms, the walls are the immediate medium for sound travel, and it creates reverbs too. Therefore, you should mount panels vertically in these settings. However, for larger rooms and open spaces, ceilings provide that medium, therefore panels must be placed on ceilings. The horizontal placing of panels on walls is more appropriate in larger rooms to cover more area.
How thick should your acoustic panels be?
The thickness of acoustic panels varies from 1 inch to 3 inches. The thicker the acoustic panel, the better it is for sound absorption. The thicker panels can easily minimize the effect of both high and low-frequency sounds. Therefore, acoustic panels with over 2-inch thickness are recommended for better sound absorption.
Are acoustic panels better than acoustic foams?
Yes, in terms of sound absorption, acoustic panels give better results than acoustic foams. The reason is, acoustic panels are rigid, denser, and use insulation material that makes them more effective in absorbing sounds. While foams are composed of porous and light material, through which sound waves can easily travel outside the room and to the entire structure of the building.
Do acoustic panels improve sound quality?
Yes, definitely you can improve the sound quality by placing acoustic panels in your music rooms or recording rooms. As acoustic panels can control the sound vibrations and echoes, they reduce the buzzing effect of mixing different instruments’ sounds. Therefore, the placement of acoustic panels in recording rooms shows substantial enhancement in the quality of sound.
Can acoustic panels soundproof a room?
No, you cannot completely soundproof a room using acoustic panels. Nevertheless, they are apt for sound absorption. These can help you reduce the transfer of sound waves to a considerable extent by removing the reverberations and deadening the intensity of sound.
Final Thoughts
Selecting a soundproofing acoustic panel can be a daunting task because of many misleading products in the market. However, if you are thoroughly aware of the soundproofing requirements and the features of an apt acoustic panel, you can easily select one.
For the soundproofing requirements of your room, you must know the sound intensity, reverberation time, and most importantly, the size of your room. The qualities you should look for in acoustic panels are 2+ inches thickness, NRC rating over 0.85, fire rating of class B or above. Moreover, wood and fiberglass are the most effective materials for soundproofing.
After the evaluation of different products in the market, the ATS Acoustic Panels topped our list of best soundproof acoustic panels. The second best is Acoustimac DMD Stagger Acoustic Panels. In addition to that, TroyStudio Acoustic Panels can be your ideal budget-friendly option.