When it comes to soundproofing, we all want the most effective solution to create a peaceful, quiet space. Be it for your home, office, or studio, the promise of soundproofing materials often comes with big claims—and sometimes, equally big disappointments. Not all products deliver what they promise, and some are downright overrated.
This doesn’t mean soundproofing is a lost cause, but knowing which materials to skip can save you time, money, and frustration. Let’s break down the most overrated soundproofing materials and why they don’t live up to the hype, so you can focus on solutions that actually work.
1. Egg Cartons: The Biggest Myth in Soundproofing
Egg cartons are often glorified as a DIY soundproofing hack. They’re cheap, lightweight, and seem to have the right shape for noise control. However, they’re far from effective.
Why They Don’t Work
Egg cartons might look like acoustic foam, but they don’t absorb sound effectively. They’re made of thin cardboard or polystyrene, materials that do very little to reduce noise or block sound transmission. At best, they slightly diffuse sound waves, but they won’t stop noise from entering or leaving a room.
The Better Alternative
Acoustic foam panels are a much more effective option. They’re designed to absorb sound waves and minimise echoes, giving you a noticeable improvement in room acoustics.
2. Thin Carpets and Rugs
Carpets and rugs are often marketed as an easy way to soundproof a space. While they do help with reducing some noise, their impact is minimal compared to proper soundproofing solutions.
Why They’re Overrated
Thin rugs or carpets primarily dampen high-frequency sounds like footsteps, but they do little to block low-frequency noise such as bass vibrations or external sounds like traffic. They’re also ineffective for soundproofing walls or ceilings.
The Better Alternative
If you’re dealing with floor noise, consider thick underlays or mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) beneath your carpet. For full soundproofing, you’ll need denser materials like rubber underlays or even floating floor systems.
3. Soundproof Paint
Soundproof paint is often marketed as a magical fix for noise problems. With claims that a single coat can reduce noise by several decibels, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to it. Unfortunately, the results are rarely as dramatic as promised.
Why It Falls Short
Soundproof paint contains heavy fillers that make it denser than regular paint, but it only provides a very small reduction in sound—typically a couple of decibels at most. It’s also ineffective for blocking airborne noise like conversations or music.
The Better Alternative
If you’re serious about soundproofing, consider adding a layer of acoustic drywall. While it requires more effort than painting, the difference in sound reduction is significant.
4. Curtains and Blankets as a Standalone Solution
Acoustic curtains and soundproof blankets are often advertised as a quick fix for noisy spaces. While they do offer some noise reduction, they’re not as effective as people expect, especially if used alone.
Why They’re Overrated
Most acoustic curtains and blankets primarily block high frequencies but struggle with low-frequency noises like rumbling traffic or loud bass. They also need to be very thick and dense to have any real impact, which can make them impractical for everyday use.
The Better Alternative
Instead of relying solely on curtains or blankets, pair them with other materials like acoustic panels or weather stripping around windows and doors for a more comprehensive solution.
5. Foam Panels for Soundproofing
Acoustic foam panels are often confused with soundproofing materials. While they’re excellent for improving sound quality in a room, they’re not designed to block noise from entering or leaving a space.
Why They’re Misunderstood
Acoustic foam panels absorb echoes and minimise sound reflections within a room, but they don’t prevent sound transmission through walls, doors, or windows. Using them as a standalone soundproofing solution often leads to disappointment.
The Better Alternative
For true soundproofing, combine foam panels with materials like MLV, acoustic sealants, or double-layered walls with insulation. This ensures both noise absorption and reduction.
6. Cheap Door Sweeps
Door sweeps are an inexpensive way to reduce sound leaks under doors, but the cheaper versions often fail to deliver noticeable results.
Why They’re Ineffective
Thin or poorly fitted door sweeps leave gaps that still allow noise to pass through. They may reduce drafts, but they’re not a reliable solution for soundproofing.
The Better Alternative
Invest in high-quality acoustic door sweeps paired with weather stripping around the edges of the door. For even better results, consider installing a solid-core door.
7. Bubble Wrap as a DIY Soundproofing Material
Bubble wrap is another common DIY solution that gets thrown around as a soundproofing hack. While it’s great for insulating windows in winter, it’s a poor choice for noise control.
Why It’s Overrated
Bubble wrap lacks the density required to block or absorb sound effectively. It may reduce a tiny amount of high-frequency noise, but it’s virtually useless for serious soundproofing needs.
The Better Alternative
Instead of bubble wrap, opt for window inserts or heavy acoustic curtains to address noise issues around windows.
Why Do These Materials Fall Short?
Soundproofing isn’t just about putting up any material that seems thick or dense. Effective soundproofing requires a combination of techniques that address both airborne and structure-borne noise. Overrated materials often fail because they target one type of noise or lack the density needed to block sound transmission.
How to Choose Soundproofing Materials That Work
To avoid wasting time and money, focus on solutions that are backed by science and proven to work. Here are some tips:
- Understand Your Noise Problem: Is it airborne noise, like conversations and music, or structure-borne noise, like footsteps and vibrations? Choose materials accordingly.
- Layering Is Key: Combining multiple materials, such as insulation, mass-loaded vinyl, and acoustic panels, creates more effective soundproofing.
- Density Matters: Heavier, denser materials like MLV and acoustic drywall are far more effective than lightweight options like paint or foam.
Final Thoughts
While some materials for soundproofing are heavily hyped, not all of them live up to their promises. Knowing which ones to avoid can save you from disappointment and help you focus on solutions that actually make a difference.
Instead of relying on myths or shortcuts, take the time to understand your noise problem and invest in materials that are proven to work. With the right approach, you can create a quieter, more comfortable space that genuinely improves your quality of life. Don’t fall for the hype—choose soundproofing materials that deliver real results.
