The Best Soundproofing Panels of 2024 With Buyer’s Guide

Engineers know the secret to getting the best possible quality recordings is soundproofing.

However, finding the best soundproofing panels can be difficult because so many options are available on the market. 

Not all soundproofing panels are created equal. Some are better than others, and some are not worth your time or money. How do you know which one to choose?

After reading this article, you’ll have all the information you need to decide which soundproofing panel is right for you.

Also, at the end, there’s a buyer’s guide to help you understand sound treatment so you can be confident you’re finding the best acoustic foam panels your needs.

Let’s begin!

The Best Acoustic Panels of 2024 at a Glance

• Editor’s Choice: 
  Auralex Deluxe Plus Roominator Kit
• Best for Budget: 
  Primacoustic London 8
• Best for Renters & Podcasters: 
  Auralex Acoustics ProMAX & DeskMAX
• Best for Customized Solutions: 
  Audimute
• Best for DIY: 
  Mineral Wool Acoustical Insulation

If you want to make the process of acoustically treating your room as easy and “out of the box” as possible, then the Auralex Deluxe Plus Roominator Kit is for you.

Auralex is a leader in the acoustic space and develops high-quality products that work as advertised.

When you purchase the Auralex Roominator Kit, you will significantly reduce high-frequency smearing and problematic bass build-up to get that 3D listening experience.

If you still think that paying $1,000+ is too much for foam panels you put on the wall, take a look at this list of people who use Auralex.

Auralex will also give you a free room analysis to ensure that you place all the panels you purchase in the correct spot in your specific room to make your purchasing decision even easier.

The package does come with Auralex EZ Stick Adhesive Strips to put the foam onto your walls. However, some users have complained the adhesive loses grip over time, and the panels fall off the walls.

It is advertised by Auralex to be permanent, so if it does its job and you want to take off the panels one day, you will most likely destroy the paint on the wall. So it’s best to buy the Roominator kit to install in a room you won’t be moving out of any time soon.

Another critique of Auralex acoustic foam panels is that they are ugly. While they aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing, they do the job well. If you want a beautiful acoustic treatment for your room, then you’re better off making your own so you can choose a breathable fabric that suits your style.

Suppose you want easy-to-install soundproofing panels for your entire room. In that case, there is no easier solution than purchasing the Auralex Deluxe Plus Roominator Kit.

Suppose you’re not recording bass-heavy instruments or mixing at loud volumes. In that case, you don’t need to spend a fortune on sound absorption panels.

This is why I’d recommend the Primacoustic London 8 sound panels for those on a budget.

The Primacoustic is built using high-density fiberglass, a superior soundproofing material for absorbing soundwaves and improving the sound quality of a room.

The London 8 comes with four 12″x 36″ x 1.5″ acoustic panels and eight 12″ x 12″ x 1″ acoustic panels for good surface coverage of a 100-square-foot room.

While these acoustic panels are slightly thinner than I think you need for proper sound dampening (2″ for high-frequencies and 4″ for bass), they will still positively affect your recordings and playback.

Also, the Primacoustic design is much more elegant than acoustic foam panels, and you have different color options to choose from.

The included mounting hardware will securely fasten these acoustic tiles and panels to your wall, but if you aren’t handy, you may find installing it a headache.

If you are serious about getting the most out of your music but aren’t ready to spend lots of money on acoustic treatment, then the Primacoustic London 8 is a great starting place to expand upon as your studio grows.

The problem with acoustic and foam panels is that you must install them on your wall using adhesive or hooks. This damages the walls and, in the case of adhesive, can damage your acoustic panels.

This is where having stand-mounted acoustic panels is a lifesaver.

Auralex Acoustics ProMAX is a 48” x 24” x 3” foam panel that is mounted. on a high-quality stand.

These panels are incredibly portable, easy to store, and won’t damage your walls. They also are thick enough to do a great job at controlling both high-frequency and low-frequency sounds.

They are also great for podcasters, voiceover artists, and streamers who want to create a tighter vocal recording without hassle. They also have a desktop version of this product called the Auralex DeskMAX, a more elegant solution for these use cases.

The DeskMAX is a 2″ x 2″ x 3″ acoustic panel with a desktop stand for easy placement around your microphone.

The drawback of this type of solution is that it’s expensive. Also, if you want full room coverage, you will have to buy multiple, becoming one of the most costly solutions on this list.

If you are looking for non-destructive acoustic panels to treat your room, then the Auralex Acoustics ProMAX & DeskMAX are your best options.

If you’re looking for a premium noise reduction solution beyond acoustic panels for bedroom recording studios, you must check out the company Audimute.

They create custom panels that will meet every budget and need. If you have conference rooms that you want to be a better work environment, they can design soundproofing panels that will bring your space to life.

Let’s say you need a simple solution for windows, well they have soundproof curtains that you buy one and done. Need a solution for a bedroom door? They have you covered there as well.

Whatever solution you need, from an independent musician’s practice room to corporate offices, Audimute has an acoustic treatment solution for you.

They also manufacture environmentally friendly foam, made in the USA, that won’t deteriorate.

They also have a generous return policy and want to ensure you’re happy with any product you purchase.

Also, like Auralex, Audimute will do a free room analysis and recommend solutions that will fit your specific room and needs.

Audimute is a premium sound treatment company. They don’t offer a simple solution as a company like Auralex. However, their sound absorbing acoustic panels are like art pieces. They amplify your space’s creativity; for that reason alone, they are worth every penny.

Suppose you are looking for more than sound treatment and want a truly customized space. In that case, you must check the Audimute website and see what solutions are available!

The more affordable way to get quality acoustic treatment for your room is to build them yourself.

It isn’t as hard as you would think.

As long as you know your way around a table saw and have the materials, you can fully treat your room for around $600. This would include 4″ bass traps and 2″ high-frequency absorbers.

To build your acoustic panels, you would need high-density mineral fiber insulation. This mineral fiber (also known as mineral wool) will cost you less than cheap acoustic foam, and you can build them to fit any style and shape of room.

Because this is only insulation, you will need to build a frame around it, so it holds its form and wrap it in breathable fabric for looks.

If you want to know more about building your own acoustic panels, please check out this in-depth article here.

Buyer’s Guide

Sound treating can seem like wizardry. However, it’s not that complicated once you understand some basics.

The following buyer’s guide will help you to understand what to look for when searching for the best acoustic treatment for your project studio.

Soundproofing vs. Sound Absorption Panels

There’s a misconception about soundproofing and sound absorption. When you are treating your room acoustically, you are sound dampening. You are trying to control the reverberation and sonic build-up within your room.

Sound dampening does not block outside noise or keep loud music from escaping your room.

While soundproofing equipment generally involves more intense construction, like floating floors and walls.

This will prevent sound from coming in or out, thus effectively reducing noise and “soundproofing” a room.

Controlling High-Frequency Sound Waves

High-frequency waves have short cycles and ricochet off of walls. This causes reverberation, fluttering, and smearing of sounds.

Stand in a hallway and snap your fingers; the echo you hear is high-frequent.

Controlling high frequencies is easier than low frequencies. You need less mass to absorb high frequencies, and placing a few strategic soundproofing panels in your room can dramatically reduce these sound waves reflecting off surfaces.

Controlling Low-Frequency Sound Waves

Low-frequency waves have a long cycle. In fact, a bass wave can be as long as 51 feet! This means that a bass wave can’t breathe in a small room. A low-frequency wave collides with itself in small spaces, creating a standing wave.

A standing wave creates room nodes and modes, which are pockets of space where bass seems to disappear or be way too prominent. This wreaks havoc on music mixing as you will make decisions based on the room’s problems over what you hear from your speakers.

Bass Traps are the solution to helping control low-frequency waves. A bass trap is placed in the four corners of a room and needs to be at least 4″ thick for proper sound absorption.

Diffusers

Diffusers don’t absorb sound. Instead, they redirect it to decrease echos and flutter echoes. A diffuser will keep a room sounding lively.

They aren’t necessary for acoustically treating your room, but they are a great add-on to your standard acoustic panels.

FAQ

The Bottom Line

So, what’s the best soundproofing panel for you? It depends on your needs and budget.

But if you want the easiest solution, we recommend checking out the Auralex Deluxe Plus Roominator Kits. These kits have everything you need to get started and do an excellent job.

Ready to give them a try?