What are soundproof panels? (best, worst, cheapest)

Soundproof panels are high mass boards that can reflect airborne noise. Some soundproof panels are better than others as they might have a higher mass, or, be made of various different materials. Soundproof panels should be used for partitions that do not have a high enough resistance to the passage of sound. They can help reduce levels of airborne noise, which is talking, music, TV, or dogs barking.

Soundproof panels are commonly used in bedrooms and on party walls. However, they can also be used on ceilings, especially in flats. Because soundproof panels have a high mass, they usually need around 9 screws to fix them to the wall. They can be installed directly to a brick or stud wall, but perform best when they are installed onto a clip and channel system.

How do soundproof panels work?

Soundproof panels work by adding mass to a partition so that more airborne noise is reflected. High-mass materials are harder for sound to travel through and so the vibrations are reflected away. This means soundproof panels keep noise out of a room and keep noise inside a room. They insulate a room against noise so that it is isolated from the rest of the building.

This is why ordinary plasterboard is not as good as acoustic-grade plasterboard; it has a lower mass so more sound can be transmitted. It also means that if you have a brick wall, it will naturally have a better resistance to the transmission of sound than a stud wall which has less mass.

Which are the best soundproof panels?

Soundproof panels are made of more than one material and perform the best as they reflect a wider array of frequencies. We have four different soundproof panels, each one includes another layer of soundproofing. Our best soundproofing panel is MuteBoard 4 which has five different layers of resistance to block noise. The first layer is acoustic plasterboard, which is a great material often used in wall soundproofing. Onto this, a layer of 10mm mass-loaded vinyl is adhered. This has a different level of mass so it is effective against a different core frequency compared to acoustic plasterboard.

The third layer is a closed-cell foam which adds the quality of isolation to the panel. Isolation is important as it reduces the transference of vibrations between different materials. Instead of every material being rigid, this layer is able to dissipate unwanted vibrations. It’s similar to the mini shock absorber, our MuteClip.

Lastly, another layer of mass-loaded vinyl but with a different mass to the first, is added. This gives you four distinct layers of auditory protection from noise coming through your wall, or ceiling. The panels are an easy way to get professional soundproofing into your room quickly.

What is the cheapest soundproof panel?

The cheapest soundproof panel would be a plain acoustic plasterboard. However, as this is only a single material panel, it is also the lowest in performance. If acoustic plasterboard is being used a part of a wider system with acoustic mineral wool and MuteClips, then it will perform far better. However, we wouldn’t suggest using it as a direct-to-wall solution alone because it wouldn’t reduce the noise enough.

Per half panel, acoustic plasterboard costs £14.75 (as of 2023). This does make the soundproof panel affordable, however, for the most effective solution, we would actually use the MuteClip. It reduces much more sound for money spent and is a better long-term solution to a variety of noise issues.

Are soundproof panels good for external noise?

Yes, soundproof panels are good for external noise because they are soundproofing, and soundproofing works both ways. If something has the ability to block noise, it means that noise cannot escape a space or enter it. Therefore, soundproof panels are a good choice to help reduce external noise from traffic or dogs barking.

Depending on the level of external noise, a system should be used. Soundproof panels alone might not reduce noise to an acceptable level. However, when they are used within a wider system that also has insulative mineral wool or a decoupled channel, a lot more sound can be blocked.

For external noise, you should also consider airflow and this abate sound transmission. Check the seal around your windows (we don’t deal with window soundproofing, but a window specialist can help you). Also, look for crumbling mortar and general cracks and gaps that can be filled in. Reducing the absorbency of a brick wall will improve the resistance to sound and is worth looking at ahead of soundproofing.

How many soundproof panels do I need?

The amount of soundproof panels you need should fully cover the wall or ceiling you are treating. If you leave part of the wall, or ceiling, untreated, it will not allow the system to perform well. Soundproofing is only as strong as the weakest area, so if part of the surface is left without panels, you won’t notice much difference.

In contrast, acoustic panels, which absorb sound, should be worked out by the about of reflective surfaces your room already has. In general, around a third of surfaces should be covered with absorbent materials. If you haven’t got a carpet, this is going to mean a lot more acoustic panels!

What is an acoustic panel?

An acoustic panel absorbs noise but does not block it like soundproofing. Acoustic panels are used to help attenuate sound inside a space by reducing reverberation which improves clarity but still allows noise to transmit inside and outside a space. Acoustic panels, unlike soundproof panels, do not have a high mass but do have an open structure. The open structure allows air to enter, and with it, sound.

When sound enters this material it becomes ‘trapped’ and cannot easily bounce off the wall or ceiling (which causes echo). You will often find acoustic panels in studios, cavernous spaces and offices. While they do not soundproof rooms, they will make rooms quieter. This is because reverberation allows past noises to exist with new noises and more sound is experienced at once. When this occurs, people tend to speak louder, in order to be heard over the din, and so the sound levels increase further.

Has soundproofing v/s sound absorption got you confused? We have a blog explaining it in full. By the end, you will understand why curtains, egg boxes, and pillows cannot give you peace and quiet from your noisy neighbours!