There’s no denying that sound problems can be a huge pain. Whether you’re creating a tricked-out home recording studio, a palatial home cinema, or simply have paper-thin walls in your living room, controlling those issues is a must!
The physics of sound can be tricky. Due to the way that sound waves travel, it’s harder to control noise than most people think. While there are a ton of simple DIY solutions out there, you’re going to need something a bit more robust to see some noticeable results. That’s where sound dampening panels come in.
Also referred to as acoustic panels, the best sound dampening panels can help you address a range of audio problems. From reverb to sound transmission, these simple accessories can make a dramatic difference inside and outside of the room.
Best Sound Dampening Panels – Comparison Table
| Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Pro Studio Acoustics Wedge Foam Soundproofing Tiles | Premium Quality Acoustic Studio Foam Package Is Not Compressed Control Your Room's Acoustics | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | BUBOS New Acoustic Panels | Comes in a pack of six Made of polyester fiber Flame retardant | 4.2 out of 5 |
 | DEKIRU Upgraded Acoustic Panels | Made of polyester fiber 12 inches by 12 inches Beveled edges,Pack of 12 | 4.2 out of 5 |
 | Soundproofing Wedge Acoustic Studio Foam | Effective Design That Is Easy To Install Helps With Noise Reduction Economical Solution | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | Mybecca 6 PACK of 12" x 12" x 3" Frieze Greek Temples Acoustic Foam Tiles - Made in USA | Pack of 6 panels 80 to 90 percent noise reduction Triglyph shaped wedges, Made of polyurethane foam | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | IZO All Supply Egg Crate Foam Acoustic Foam | Comes with 12 panels Smoother egg crate design Available in 1 or 2-inch thicknesses | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | JARDEON Acoustic Panels High Density Bevled Edge Tiles 12'' X 12'' X 0.4'', 6 Pack | 12 inches by 12 inches Pack of 6 panels High density panels | 4.2 out of 5 |
 | Fstop Labs Acoustic Foam Studio Wedge Tiles | 12 inches by 12 inches Shallow pyramid design 2 inches thick, Pack of 12 | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | Six-Pack Acoustic Egg Crate Foam | Good for Craft Foam Can help increase sound clarity Great Use For Media Content | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | SoundAssured Dense Polyester Soundproofing Acoustic Panels | Made of high-density polyester Pack of six, Includes adhesive squares 12 inches by 12 inches | 3.6 out of 5 |
When Having Acoustic Panels Come in Handy
Sound absorbing panels are designed to provide some acoustic treatment to a room. There are many instances where having some type of treatment could benefit you.
Audio Recording Environments
The most obvious environment for the best sound dampening panels is a recording studio. Recording booths and even control rooms need to be as neutral as possible. You can’t expect to make good music when the microphone is picking up all kinds of echos or noise from the adjacent room. In a simple home studio, hanging up a few panels can improve sound tremendously and make listeners think you were in a professional recording booth!
Mixing and control rooms can take advantage of them, too. Most professionally designed spaces utilize everything from wall panels to bass traps to minimize sound issues. They manipulate how sound travels inside the room, ensuring that the mixing environment is pure and unaffected. More on that later.
Theaters
Acoustic panels are great for home theaters, too. Think about the last time you visited a public cinema. You probably saw huge sound absorbing panels or thick curtains lining the walls. Again, it’s all about improving sound quality inside the room so that the movie sounds as great as possible. In your home theater, the same principles apply.
Meeting Spaces
Here’s an instance that most people don’t think about. Acoustic panels are great for meeting spaces big and small. In massive conference halls, the best sound dampening panels ensure that the speaker’s voice doesn’t reflect off the walls and bounce all around the room.
For smaller conference rooms, panels do the same thing. However, they can also provide some noise reduction benefits. Noise transmission is reduced, allowing you to have private meetings without having to worry about others eavesdropping!
The Difference Between Soundproofing and Sound Absorbing
Now, before we dig deeper into how acoustic panels work, we need to clarify some things about soundproofing. The term “soundproof,” is often a catch-all term that people use to describe different goals. However, soundproofing and sound absorbing are two totally different things.
Soundproofing
To soundproof a room is to prevent noise from escaping. This is a great goal if you want to make a lot of noise in one room without disturbing others around you. Say, for example, that you’re building a theater. Soundproofing is what you would do if you want to pump up the volume without waking up the entire neighborhood!
Soundproofing is much more complex than just hanging sound panels. You can reduce noise levels to some degree, but you won’t achieve full isolation with acoustic absorption panels. That’s because sound relies on vibrations to travel through walls.
You can dampen the noise a bit with panels, but they won’t address the vibrations. To truly isolate a room, you have to manipulate what’s going on inside the wall. Therein lies the main difference between soundproofing and sound absorbing.
Soundproofing involves methods like decoupling the walls, installing Owens Corning insulation, adding layers of drywall, or spraying acoustic foam between the studs. It’s about changing the structural design of the space to improve sound isolation.
Sound Absorbing
Sound absorbing works a bit differently. Here, your goal is to absorb sound waves so that they do not bounce around the room.
Generally, acoustic panels fall into the “Sound Absorbing” category. Why is that? It’s because you’re installing the panels inside the room rather than changing the structure of the walls.
Absorbing sound isn’t going to eliminate it completely. But, it will dramatically reduce the travel distance of sound waves. This may provide some noise reduction on the other side of the wall, but it’s not going to address vibrations. So, there will still be some sound flowing through.
How Sound Absorbing Panels Work
Remember how we said that sound relies on vibrations to travel? Well, sound absorbing panels use those principles to stop sound waves in their tracks.
When those sound waves hit the panel, it creates friction within the fibers or pores of the panel. That friction quickly turns into kinetic energy and dissipates. Essentially, the materials of the panel turn sound energy to heat.
Some models may also use physical design to manipulate the way sound travels. Baffles and large panel absorbers usually have a distinct surface design. It could be curves, pyramids, or simple blocks. Whatever the case may be, the shape works as a diffuser.
It prevents the sound waves from bouncing on its planned trajectory. Instead of turning into echos and reverberations, the sound diffuses into nothing.
The cool thing about acoustic panels is that you can easily set things up to address the unique issues you’re facing. Place them in line with speakers or studio monitors to target a reflection point on the wall. Or, arrange them to create a corner bass trap and achieve a better low-frequency response.
Sound absorbing panels are quite versatile. They’ll even reduce sound transmission a bit, allowing you to experience some soundproofing benefits without major renovations.
Choosing the Best Sound Dampening Panels for Your Space
Sound dampening panels are not difficult to find. However, finding good products is not always easy. Price points and designs vary across the board.
To narrow down your options and find panels that work for your unique needs, keep the following in mind.
Material
The first thing you’ll need to look into is the material that’s used. You can find panels in everything from polyurethane foam to fiberglass. Polyester, Rockwool material, and even cotton are used as well. The most common material you’ll see is an open-cell foam.
Panels sometimes have a layer of fabric on top. Choose a soft material that can easily absorb sound waves. Avoid anything smooth and non-porous. Hard surfaces will only make reflections worse.
Density
In addition to the material, you need to think about density. The density of the material will affect the dampening effect. Denser materials create a thicker and more effective sound barrier.
High-density foam is your best bet. Materials like rubber and drywall work as well.
Contour and Shapes
Earlier, we talked a bit about how the contours of the panel diffuse waves. Make sure that you’re choosing shapes that work for your particular issue.
Universal shapes are the most common. They do a decent job of treating all sound frequencies. But if you’re dealing with high-frequency reflections, you may benefit smaller contours. High-frequency sounds have shorter wavelengths, so a more condensed design would be more effective at diffusing the sound.
NRC
The best way to gauge a panel’s effectiveness is to check its NRC rating. NCR stands for Noise Reduction Coefficient. This measurement reflects the material’s ability to absorb sound.
The NCR scale goes from 0 to 1. A rating of 1 means that all sound is absorbed while a 0 means that no sound is absorbed.
Installation
Finally, consider how the panels are to be installed. Some hang on the wall like a picture frame. Just tack on an anchor and use the brackets on the back to mount it. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.
Others will require spray adhesive. Those types of sound absorbing panels often provide better results because they can’t rattle on the wall. But, it’s a permanent installation.
Also, consider where you need to install panels. Sound dampening panels aren’t just for walls. You can get them as ceiling tiles, too. Those options may come with a unique installation process.
Best Sound Dampening Panels Reviewed
Still having trouble finding some good absorption panels to invest in? We have you covered. Here are some of the best sound dampening panels (best acoustic panels) that you can get on Amazon and use to control sound issues once and for all.
Pro Studio Acoustics Wedge Foam Soundproofing Tiles
Soundproofing your home or studio is easy with this set of acoustic tiles that come with 12 tiles in each pack. You get a combination of teal and charcoal tiles that match most spaces. Each tile is 12-inches by 12-inches and has a wedge design that absorbs more types of noises than other designs do. Once you remove the tiles from the packs, you need to give them a few minutes to decompress and reach the size that you see in the photos. These tiles have a noise reduction coefficient of 0.65 and can cover up to a small wall with premium foam.
Key Features:
- Premium Quality Acoustic Studio Foam
- Package Is Not Compressed
- Control Your Room’s Acoustics
BUBOS New Acoustic Panel
You don’t have to sacrifice style to treat your room. These panels are beautifully made and available in a wide range of designs. Some even have prints, turning the panels into a work of art. Best of all, they’re easy to install with some 3M tape.
The panels are made out of a polyester fiber. They’re also treated for fire protection.
Key Features:
- Comes in a pack of six
- Made of polyester fiber
- Flame retardant
- 12 inches by 12 inches
- NRC 0.95
DEKIRU Upgraded Acoustic Panels
Perfect for studios, cinemas, and offices, these panels offer good sound absorption. The polyester fibers capture sound waves to reduce noise and stop reflections.
The individual panels cover a square foot, allowing you to cover and much or as little wall space as you want. While they don’t have an intricate pattern for diffusion, the edges are beveled for better results.
Key Features:
- Made of polyester fiber
- 12 inches by 12 inches
- Beveled edges
- Treated with fire retardant
- Pack of 12
Soundproofing Wedge Acoustic Studio Foam
With this soundproofing acoustic studio foam, you can block noises and get a quiet space at home or work. The foam comes in tiles with a wedge pattern that measures 12-inches by 12-inches. Each of the four tiles included in the pack is two-inches thick. While you can choose a standard gray color, you can also choose from different colors such as teal and plum. The wedge design allows the tiles to absorb more noises and keep those noises from leaving the room. They are also Class A Fire Retardant, which can save on your insurance bills. As all of the tiles are compatible, you can use as many tiles as you need to cover your space.
Key Features:
- Effective Design That Is Easy To Install
- Helps With Noise Reduction
- Economical Solution
Mybecca 6 PACK of 12″ x 12″ x 3″ Frieze Greek Temples Acoustic Foam Tiles – Made in USA
Here’s another simple yet effective panel option. Like other sound dampening products on this list, these absorption panels are made out of dense polyurethane foam. However, there is nothing to indicate that these have been CAL 117 tested, so possibly not as flame proof as others in the list. The material is lightweight and fully capable of getting rid of echoes in any room.
When placed on walls, the panels provide up to 90 percent sound reduction. They reduce the number of sound waves that penetrate the wall, making adjacent rooms much quieter. Reflections and echoes are greatly reduced with these panels. The Mybecca panels are made in the USA and come in a variety of shapes and designs.
Key Features:
- Pack of 6 panels
- 80 to 90 percent noise reduction
- Triglyph shaped wedges
- Made of polyurethane foam
- 12 inches by 12 inches
- Many style options
IZO All Supply Egg Crate Foam Acoustic Foam
Take care of reverb issues with these egg crate panels. The pattern is not wedge-shaped like some other products. It features shallow contours with distinct peaks and valleys.
This design is perfect for addressing waves throughout the frequency spectrum. The sound absorbers are made of dense acoustic foam and manufactured in the United States. You can get the sound dampening panels in two different thicknesses based on your needs.
Key Features:
- Comes with 12 panels
- Smoother egg crate design
- Available in 1 or 2-inch thicknesses
- Acoustic foam
- 12 inches by 12 inches
JARDEON Acoustic Panels High Density Bevled Edge Tiles 12” X 12” X 0.4”, 6 Pack
This kit from Jardeon comes in a stylish range of 11 different color and design combinations. Each sound absorbing panel covers a square foot and is 0.4 inches thick. They are easy to install on walls and ceilings.
The panels are made out of high-quality and high density materials. They are much heavier than acoustic foam panels. The Jardeon acoustic panels are stringently tested for noise reduction quality and also safety qualities. They are SGS environmental protection tested E1 Class, Formaldehyde free and fire safe B1 Class . They’re also easy to clean and won’t fall apart with age. With some light maintenance, they can last for several years without a dip in performance.
Key Features:
- 12 inches by 12 inches
- Pack of 6 panels
- High density panels
- Long-lasting Polyester
Fstop Labs Acoustic Foam Studio Wedge Tiles
Standing waves, echoes, and other sound issues are no match for these sound dampening panels from Fstops Labs. Each 12-inch tile features nine individual pyramid shapes. Called a “mushroom” design, the pyramids are raised off the back panel.
This gives the sound a lot of space to move when it hits the panel. It can get trapped in the pyramid grooves, providing even better noise control.
Key Features:
- 12 inches by 12 inches
- Shallow pyramid design
- 2 inches thick
- Pack of 12
- Treated with flame retardant
Six-Pack Acoustic Egg Crate Foam
Get the privacy that you need at home or in a studio with these foam panels. Designed to resemble a traditional egg crate, the foam features raised sections next to valleys that absorb all types of noises, including instruments and voices. While you can use the panels to soundproof a room in your home if you want to game or play music, you can also use them to prevent noises from the street from getting inside. Each panel measures 12-inches long by 12-inches wide and is two-inches thick. With a noise reduction coefficient of 0.40, these egg crate panels are one of the best ways to soundproof a room.
Key Features:
- Good for Craft Foam
- Can help increase sound clarity
- Great Use For Media Content
SoundAssured Dense Polyester Soundproofing Acoustic Panels
Here are some good panels if you want a neutral or professional look. The panels are all white and flat, making it easy to blend your acoustic treatment with the wall.
Despite the flat look, the panels are built to address a range of sound issues. They’re made of compressed polyester fiber. The compression process keeps the fibers tight for impressive noise reduction.
Key Features:
- Made of high-density polyester
- Pack of six
- Includes adhesive squares
- 12 inches by 12 inches
- Fire retardant treatment
- NRC rating of 0.35
Check Out Our Other Handy Soundproofing Guides Here:
- How To Soundproof A Ceiling
- How Does Soundproof Wallpaper Work
- How To Soundproof A Room
- How To Soundproof A Door
- Tips For Controlling Noise Inside and Outside Your Home
- Cheap DIY Soundproofing Ideas
- Does Soundproofing Paint Work
- Common Causes of Home Noise Pollution
- White Noise vs Pink Noise vs Brown Noise
Conclusion
They might not seem like they would make a huge difference in sound quality and noise reduction, but the best sound dampening panels address a ton of sound issues. They’re simple accessories that work off the foundations of sound physics!
Affordable and easy to install, you can get these panels set up in no time! We’re willing to bet that you’ll notice the difference they make immediately.
