The best acoustic panels for sound deadening

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Acoustic panels have they've always been essential for recording studios, podcasters, and home musicians, but they're useful in other venues as well. In an effort to achieve peaceful quiet – or better sound system performance – non-musicians have started using the best acoustic panels to dampen sound in offices, gaming rigs, home theaters and even noisy apartments.

in this article

What are the best acoustic panels?

How do acoustic panels work?

How to choose the best acoustic panels

What are the best acoustic panels?

Select publisher: Dekiru Acoustic Panels

More quiet: ATS audio board

For recording studios: Auralex Acoustics Studiofoam Wedgies

For home theaters: Bubos Art Acoustic Panels

For drums: TroyStudio Acoustic Studio Panels

For Offices: Pro Studio Acoustics Panels

Panel Art: Bubos Art Acoustic Panels

Big value: Audiosoul Acoustic Panels

High score: Fstop Labs Acoustic Foam Panels

1. Dekiru Acoustic Panels

While most sound dampening panels are all functional and small form factor, these acoustic panels from Dekiru look really great. These single foot hexagonal panels are perfect for noise reduction in studios, home theaters, offices or game rooms. We like them for the latter because they're super thin (0.4 inches) so they fit behind a desktop gaming rig. But even though they're so thin, they block out almost every noise with an NRC rating of 0.92. You can also choose from a few different colors depending on your room decor, and you get 12 panels with each pack.

2. ATS audio panel

These ATS panels are another attractive sound deadening solution and block virtually all noise with an NRC rating of 1. This means that 100% of the sound will be absorbed by these panels. Constructed from a solid wood frame and jute (a plant-based fabric) these panels are built to last (they also blend better than those “egg cage” foam panels).

Unlike some acoustic panels, which can cost hundreds of dollars, ATS keeps its prices competitive and affordable. These sound-deadening panels work in everything from conference rooms to music rooms to bedrooms, blocking out background noise from chatty coworkers and noisy neighbors. Some users say that the black color absorbs both sound and light, while helping to reduce glare from large screens and displays.

3. Auralex Acoustics Studiofoam Wedgies

Creating a recording studio? Get these Studiofoam wedgies from Auralex. Featuring an NRC rating of 0.8, the panels are ideal for absorbing loud music, but are also suitable for quieter endeavors such as singing or podcasting. Each square is 12 by 12 inches and you get 24 of them so you can cover a lot of wall/ceiling space with just one pack. They are also very light so you can mount them with double sided tape or something similar.

4. Bubos Art Acoustic Panels

If you want to reduce sound without your room looking like a music studio, check out these Bubos acoustic panels. Made to look like wall art, they blend in with your decor without looking like acoustic panels. But despite their political appearance, the art panels have an NRC of 0.9, which should absorb almost all sound.

Measuring 48 inches tall and 12 inches wide, the six-pack here should be enough for most spaces (as long as you don't need wall-to-wall coverage). Because they're so beautiful and not intended for full coverage, we think they work best for living rooms and home theater setups.

5. TroyStudio Acoustic Studio Panels

Drummers need some serious sound deadening gear (if they want to stay on good terms with any neighbors or roommates). These TroyStudio acoustic panels are up to the job, working great for drum rooms as well as music studios, offices or home theaters.

The package includes six 12 by 12 panels, but they're pretty cheap, so we recommend buying a few packs to cover the walls and ceiling. Noise reduction is very solid with an NRC of 0.75, so you should get better sound (no echo) and the ability to jam without disturbing anyone.

6. Pro Studio Acoustics Panels

Another worthwhile set of acoustic panels is this pack from Pro Studio. They are easy to install and ideal for home offices with an NRC rating of 0.65, which is more than enough for phone and computer audio. Made in the USA, the panels come in a pack of 12, and each measures a square foot. They also come in two colors – half the panels are black and half are blue – adding some vibrancy to your walls.

7. Bubos Art Acoustic Panels

If you want some acoustic panels with flair, check out these photo panels, also from Bubos. They come in a few different looks, from landscape photos to abstract designs to panels with wooden decorations. But it's not all looks: The panels have an NRC rating of 0.95, meaning they'll effectively block sound from getting in or out. The artwork/photo panels are 0.4 inches thick and include eight 12×16 inch panels. Wood panels are 12.8×77.2 inches.

8. Audiosoul Acoustic Panel

The value depends on your personal needs and preferences, but this bundle of acoustic panels from Audiosoul is very good. You get 52 one-square-foot panels—enough to cover at least one or two, if not more, walls—all for $40. And they are also very stable, despite the low price, effectively reducing even very loud noise. Customer reviews are also excellent, with the panels boasting a 4/5 star rating on Amazon with over 4,300 reviews.

9. Fstop Labs Acoustic Foam Panels

These acoustic panels from Fstop Labs are another highly rated option from Amazon. They currently have a 4/5 star rating and nearly 4,000 reviews, with users happy with the panels' appearance and efficiency. Some users have said that the panels take a while to expand after unrolling (about a day or two), so don't expect to use them right away.

How do acoustic panels work?

If you're not familiar, acoustic panels are pieces of foam or fabric that are attached to your walls and ceiling to absorb sound, effectively eliminating echoes and preventing sound from escaping. With the best acoustic panels, you can enjoy TV or music at full volume, practice the drums or take noisy Zoom calls — all while family or roommates are doing their work in the next room. In addition, the sound reduction effect can also improve the sound performance of the home cinema by stopping sound reflection from the walls.

Although their main purpose is to prevent sound from escaping a room, the material used for the best acoustic panels can also reduce outside noise from entering. This means less street noise, quieter neighbors, or respite from a noisy family while you work, meditate, or read.

How to choose the best acoustic panels

They may all look like blocks of foam, but not all acoustic panels are created equal. Here are some things to consider when shopping for the best headphones.

NRC: Sound deadening materials are rated on a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) scale of 0 to 1, with 0 representing no sound absorption and 1 representing all sound absorption. This scale is more easily understood as a percentage, rather than a decimal. For example, an NRC of 0.3 is 30% noise absorption and so on.

Size: Make sure you check the size of the earcups and measure their intended space. Foam panels can be cut, but you don't want to end up with too few panels after installation.

Place: Ideally, acoustic panels cover every wall and ceiling, but this is neither realistic nor absolutely necessary for most people. If you're trying to find the best acoustic panels for home theaters, a minimum setup might be one panel opposite each speaker (to “catch” the sound) and one next to the subwoofer. For home offices or gaming facilities, you can only use walls that are shared with bedrooms, for example.