40% of English people currently complain about noise pollution in their homes. Yet, it is one of the essential conditions to benefit from optimal comfort in one's home. Fortunately, there is an infallible solution to reduce the propagation of harmful sounds: soundproofing, of which here are the most effective models available at the moment.
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Our selection
"Choose these sound absorbing panels designed by AP Acouspanel Building Acoustics, specialists in the field. These models offer an absorption coefficient of 0.67."
"Made with high quality soundproofing foam, this German made acoustic insulation is perfect for insulating an entire room."
"KeyHelm soundproofing panels are used in many professional recording studios around the world, making them a perfect solution for residential soundproofing."
"Acoustic foam tiles are among the most effective insulation devices available today, and these models from Advanced Acoustics confirm the trend."
Choose these sound absorbing panels designed by AP Acouspanel Building Acoustics, specialists in the field. These models offer an absorption coefficient of 0.67.
31,99 £ on AmazonOpt for Acouspanel's absorbent panels are made of flexible polyurethane. This material allows it to offer a resistance, an ease of installation as well as an exceptional absorption quality. These panels are 4 cm thick and can cover a surface of 2.16 m2. Designed to absorb mid and high frequencies, these insulating panels are perfect for soundproofing a recording studio or a performance hall. All in all, you won't be disappointed when it comes to interior soundproofing of a standard residence or even a business premises.
Effective and aesthetic, these insulators meet French and European manufacturing standards. You can use them to insulate the walls, but also the ceiling. They can also be used to insulate the attic. These models stand out thanks to their improved porosity coefficient which allows to obtain a high performance of acoustic absorption. The one of this Acouspanel insulating panel is 0,67, a nice score in terms of insulation.
Made with high quality soundproofing foam, this German made acoustic insulation is perfect for insulating an entire room.
9,19 £ on CdiscountThis second type of insulation is the perfect device for minimizing the noise caused by TVs and other video game consoles. This foam has been marked with the "textile trust" seal of approval which attests to compliance with the Oeko-Tex 100 standard.
With a thickness of 3 cm, this batch is made to insulate a surface of 2 m2. Its absorption coefficient is 0.65. It can be used without fear of danger, because it is a high quality insulation that does not contain CFCs. Dibapur Premium bubble foam is designed for walls, ceilings and all furniture.
KeyHelm soundproofing panels are used in many professional recording studios around the world, making them a perfect solution for residential soundproofing.
70,40 £ on AmazonOffering a medium-high frequency acoustic correction, these panels are particularly appreciated by sound engineers thanks to their propensity to correct echoes and reverberations. Indeed, the pyramidal shape was thought to ensure an absorption and a uniform reflection of the sound waves.
These insulating panels are designed for professional recording studios. It goes without saying that they will perform wonderfully in a residence or a professional room. Made of 100% polyurethane with a density of 30 kg/m3, this device offers an absorption coefficient of 0.55. These panels are delivered in packages of 20, which represents a surface of 5 m2.
Acoustic foam tiles are among the most effective insulation devices available today, and these models from Advanced Acoustics confirm the trend.
30,80 £ on AmazonChoose these insulating tiles that offer performance as well as aesthetics thanks to the varied patterns. With an absorption coefficient of 0.60 and a triangular design, these cellular polyurethane foam tiles are among the best sound insulators available today. Precisely cut digitally, they have a maximum thickness of 40 mm and a density of 30 kg/m3.
These models have passed their fire test and are perfectly suited for movie theaters, studios and other rooms requiring good acoustic control. It goes without saying that their insulation performance in a standard room leaves no room for doubt. This package sold by Advanced Acoustics can cover an area of 2.23 m2. Used to insulate walls and ceilings, these devices can also be used for furniture. All in all, these insulating tiles have it all, including the price.
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The best soundproofing in 2021
The best entry-level soundproofing
The best high-end soundproofing
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Acoustic Foam Pack of 24 ACOUSPANEL
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Dibapur Premium bubble foam
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KeyHelm Pyramid Soundproofing Panel
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Lot of 24 Advanced Acoustics acoustic foam tiles
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Choose these sound absorbing panels designed by AP Acouspanel Building Acoustics, specialists in the field. These models offer an absorption coefficient of 0.67.
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Made with high quality soundproofing foam, this German made acoustic insulation is perfect for insulating an entire room.
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KeyHelm soundproofing panels are used in many professional recording studios around the world, making them a perfect solution for residential soundproofing.
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Acoustic foam tiles are among the most effective insulation devices available today, and these models from Advanced Acoustics confirm the trend.
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Material
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Flexible polyurethane
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Acoustic foam
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Polyurethane
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Cellular polyurethane
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Thickness
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4 cm
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3 cm
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6 cm
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4 cm
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Coverage
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2.16 m2
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2 m2
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5 m2
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2.23 m2
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Sound absorption coefficient
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0.67
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0.65
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0.55
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0.60
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Use
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Ceilings and walls
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Walls, ceiling and furniture
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Walls, ceilings and furniture
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Walls, ceilings
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In order to choose the right insulator, you must first consider your needs. If the noises to be reduced are intense and frequent, you need an efficient and sufficient device to soundproof a recording studio. On the other hand, if you want to reduce impact noise or slightly reduce the sound environment, a standard foam insulator could be suitable. In short, it all depends on the degree of noise pollution you are exposed to.
The thickness of a sound insulator is a parameter that determines its performance. The thicker it is, the better it will absorb impact noise and other unpleasant sounds. Generally speaking, a 3 cm thick model will provide good results. On the other hand, if you wish to have an optimal insulation, opt for a product of 5 cm thickness or more. This will guarantee perfect soundproofing.
Soundproofing is a product designed to be easy to install. Generally speaking, there is no need to call in a professional to install them, except for mixed insulation. If you plan to install them yourself, choose synthetic polyurethane insulation. If you opt for natural insulation made of cork or cellulose wadding, the intervention of a professional is required.
You will have the choice between two types of insulation: synthetic and natural. Users and professionals agree that synthetic insulation performs better than natural insulation. If you want to insulate finished walls or ceilings, it is wise to choose synthetic insulation. On the other hand, if the building is under construction, it's best to opt for both types of products.
There are dozens of manufacturers in the thermal insulation market today, and each has its own arguments to make. If you are hesitating between several insulators, make the choice between the most well-known brands such as Acouspanel, KeyHelm or Isover. It is always safer to choose brands that have already proven themselves.
To achieve effective soundproofing, consider installing insulation at 3 key points in a room:
The walls
Insulating the walls will prevent unwanted noise from the neighborhood. To do this, you can opt for sandwich panels, masonry partition walls or the attachment of a framework between the ceiling and the floor. These techniques are very effective even when applied to a party wall.
Ceiling Insulation
If you are disturbed by the footsteps of neighbors or relatives living above you, opt for a soundproofing of the ceiling. You can opt for a glued sub-ceiling, the most commonly used technique at the moment, or suspended ceilings which create a mass-spring effect to absorb the level of footfall noise.
Floor sound insulation
If you want to insulate your floor so that you can move around freely without annoying the people living below you, opt for a thick covering to reduce impact noise. If you have the opportunity, cover the floor with a concrete slab, the best insulating device known today.
If we talk about soundproofing, synthetic products are the most widespread at present. Appreciated for their performance, but especially for their ease of installation which does not require the intervention of a professional, they are generally made of extruded polystyrene or polyurethane. These are recommended by acousticians and sound engineers worldwide.
Indeed, they are more adapted to ensure a uniform reflection of sound waves and correct echoes and reverberations. Thus, synthetic insulators are to be preferred if you have high requirements in terms of soundproofing. The disadvantage with this kind of product is that it is less affordable compared to natural ones.
Natural soundproofing is also very common. However, these are usually devices designed for both thermal and sound insulation. They can also be called mixed insulation. Generally speaking, they are made of cellulose wadding, glass wool or cork board.
The installation of this type of insulation is less obvious and requires the intervention of a professional. This difficulty of installation as well as the lower soundproofing performance compared to synthetics largely explains the fact that natural insulators are less popular compared to synthetics.
Soundproofing is the solution to reduce noise in a room. Made of sound-absorbing materials and designed to reflect sound more effectively, this type of product is intended solely for soundproofing and acoustic insulation. Also, it has very little effect on the thermal environment, unlike mixed insulation.
Mixed insulators are in fact thermal insulators that also bring their touch in sound insulation. Cork plates, glass wool or cellulose wadding play this double role. Thus, they are products designed to provide thermal and sound insulation at the same time. However, their performance in terms of sound insulation is largely inferior to clean soundproofing materials.
If you're looking for a way to soundproof a room, it's best to choose clean soundproofing. This is the best solution if you are building a movie theatre or a recording studio. On the other hand, if you want to kill two birds with one stone and ensure perfect thermal and sound insulation at the same time, opt for a mixed insulation. The best option is to install both types of products for optimal thermal and acoustic comfort.
For acoustic comfort
Soundproofing reduces the impact of external noise on your acoustic comfort. It also reduces impact noise, in case you drop a large object. If you like good music or good sounds, you will appreciate the effects of these products thanks to a better circulation of sound waves.
To increase the value of your home
A home with soundproofing will be worth more than a standard home. Indeed, the calm and serenity induced by less exposure to outside noise is now a luxury. Therefore, by offering a well insulated home or building, you can increase the price or rent.
So that you don't hear what's going on at home
If you like to sing at the top of your lungs, play a musical instrument or talk loudly, it can annoy the neighbors. With a good soundproofing system, however, you can make sure that outsiders can't hear what's going on or even know what you're doing.
So you don't hear what's going on outside
Your neighborhood is a little too noisy for your taste when you need to concentrate on your daily activities, invest in a high-performance sound insulator. With this device, outside noise will no longer bother you when you are relaxing, working or talking on the phone with your loved ones.
To be able to make videos without background noise
If you like to make videos or if it is even your source of income, you need a soundproof environment to work in good conditions. With good quality soundproofing, you'll have a lot less work to do and you'll be able to make excellent quality videos.
In our opinion, the best brands of sound insulators in 2022 are :
AP Acouspanel Building Acoustics is a company specialized in the design and marketing of accessories used in the world of sound treatment. The sound insulators of this brand are among the references in the field and are much appreciated by acoustics specialists.
KeyHelm is also among the references in the world of sound treatment and acoustic corrections. This brand is one of the world leaders in bass straps as well as other accessories including, of course, soundproofing.
Isover is part of the Saint-Gobain group, which has been marketing complete soundproofing solutions for over 75 years. This group specializes in the design of insulation made from recycled materials, notably glass wool.
Lafarge is a brand that needs no introduction. This construction giant has been around since 1848 and has made a name for itself in the marketing of ready-mix concrete. Having never stopped innovating, Lafarge now offers a wide range of products for sound insulation, including a mineral insulating foam with exceptional properties.
As its name suggests, this group markets cork-based products designed in the form of cork panels or rolls. Their products are designed for thermal and sound insulation at the same time.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Have fun arranging the plates
When placing the insulation boards on the walls, you don't have to line them up. Arrange them in a diamond pattern or cut the sheets to create patterns. By doing this, you'll add a significant aesthetic touch and it will increase the absorption performance of the insulation.
Equip the doors too
If you have interior wood doors with little insulation, add a few insulation boards to strengthen their soundproofing. If you want to soundproof a recording studio and do not have the possibility of padding the doors, this technique represents a more than effective alternative.
Caulk the doors and windows
Fill the gaps at the level of the roller shutters, wooden windows or doors. By doing so, you will reinforce the soundproofing of a building. Use silicone instead, it is an affordable and easy to apply product.
Kill two birds with one stone
By opting for a mixed insulation, you will benefit, with a single product, from thermal and sound insulation. Choose this technique if you have the opportunity. As explained previously, this kind of method is less effective in terms of thermal insulation, unlike the use of a clean sound insulator.
Vary the colors
Opt for insulators of different colors to sublimate the aesthetic aspect of the room to insulate. Grey, black and garnet colored panels would lead to a more than interesting result and will stimulate your creativity.
Acoustic insulation means the action to reduce the flow of noise between two spaces. The goal is to ensure more privacy between rooms. Thanks, to an efficient insulation, people will have a better ability to concentrate in the reception area, which is an essential parameter to stimulate creativity and productivity.
If you want to benefit from an optimal sound insulation, you must start from the structural works. Go for concrete and install a solid or hardscape slab to absorb sound. Then, insulate the walls with mineral insulation such as glass wool or rock wool, which are both thermal and sound insulators. Finally, opt, for a phonic insulation of good thickness to sublimate the general functioning.
In the framework of an impact noise, a place is in direct contact with the source of the sound. For example, the sound of footsteps above or the slamming of window sashes. Airborne noise refers to airborne sounds that reach our eardrums, such as the human voice, music or sounds from televisions. In both cases, good soundproofing can be the solution if these sounds are a problem.
In fact, most thermal insulation is also soundproofing. Minerals such as rock wool and glass wool particularly fit this description. Cork insulation also performs both functions. However, it is necessary to remember that these mixed insulators are much less efficient than the clean sound insulators.
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