In This Guide
Walk into a hardware store looking for "soundproofing materials" and you'll find a confusing array of products, many of which won't help with your actual problem. The key is understanding the difference between materials that block sound (prevent it from passing through) and materials that absorb sound (reduce echo within a room).
Most apartments need a combination of both, plus attention to gap sealing—often the most important and overlooked aspect of noise reduction.
Blocking vs Absorbing: What's the Difference?
Sound Blocking
Materials that block sound are typically dense and heavy. They prevent sound waves from passing through a surface. Think of them as a barrier. Examples include:
- Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV)
- Drywall (especially multiple layers)
- Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
- Heavy curtains (limited blocking)
Sound Absorbing
Materials that absorb sound are typically soft and porous. They reduce echo and reverberation within a room by preventing sound from bouncing around. They don't necessarily stop sound from entering. Examples include:
- Acoustic foam panels
- Fiberglass insulation
- Fabric panels
- Rugs and carpets
- Curtains
Which Do You Need?
If noise is coming from outside your apartment (neighbors, traffic), you need sound blocking. If your room feels echoey and loud sounds within it are uncomfortable, you need sound absorbing. Most people dealing with neighbor noise need blocking, but absorbing materials can still help make your space feel calmer.
Sound Blocking Materials
Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
MLV is one of the most effective renter-friendly options for blocking sound. It's a thin, flexible, dense material that can be hung on walls or placed over doors and windows.
Mass-Loaded Vinyl Overview
MLV works by adding mass to surfaces. The heavier it is (measured in pounds per square foot), the more effective it is. Common weights are 1 lb/sq ft and 2 lb/sq ft. It's not pretty, so it's often placed behind furniture or covered with fabric.
Soundproof Blankets
Heavy moving blankets or purpose-made acoustic blankets can provide some sound blocking when hung over doors or windows. They're less effective than MLV but more affordable and easier to work with.
Window Inserts
These are secondary window panels that create an air gap between themselves and your existing window. The air gap is what blocks sound. They're effective for traffic noise and can often be installed without tools.
Sound Absorbing Materials
Acoustic Panels
Fabric-wrapped panels filled with fiberglass or foam reduce echo and make rooms feel quieter. They won't block your neighbor's TV, but they can make your space more pleasant by reducing the "liveness" of hard surfaces.
Rugs and Carpets
Essential for apartments with hard floors. A thick rug with a dense pad underneath absorbs sound within your space and reduces impact noise that travels to neighbors below.
Curtains
Heavy, tightly woven curtains provide some sound absorption and minor blocking. They won't solve serious noise problems, but they contribute to an overall quieter feel and help with light windows gaps.
Furniture
Upholstered furniture, bookcases filled with books, and other soft or dense objects absorb sound. Strategic placement along noisy walls can help.
Gap Sealing Materials
These are often the most cost-effective soundproofing materials because sound travels so easily through gaps:
Weatherstripping
Adhesive foam or rubber strips that seal gaps around doors and windows. Cheap, easy to apply, and often surprisingly effective. Focus on the door frame and the gap at the bottom.
Door Sweeps
Attach to the bottom of doors to seal the gap between door and floor. Look for ones with a flexible seal that presses firmly against the floor.
Acoustic Caulk
Flexible caulk designed to seal gaps that might move slightly. Useful for sealing around outlet boxes (from inside, where accessible) or baseboards. Requires landlord permission for most applications.
Draft Stoppers
Simple fabric tubes that sit against the bottom of doors. Less effective than door sweeps but completely removable.
Materials to Avoid (or Use with Realistic Expectations)
Egg Cartons
The classic "hack" that doesn't work. Egg cartons have minimal effect on sound. They were never designed for acoustics and have no meaningful mass or absorption properties.
Regular Foam (Mattress Foam, Packing Foam)
Normal foam does almost nothing for soundproofing. It's not dense enough to block sound and not structured properly to absorb it effectively.
Acoustic Foam (for Soundproofing)
This is worth clarifying: acoustic foam panels (like you see in recording studios) are great for improving sound quality within a room, but they don't block external noise. If you want to reduce echo for video calls, they help. If you want to block your neighbor's music, they don't.
Thin Curtains
Regular curtains provide minimal noise reduction. If you want curtains that help, look for heavy, tightly woven fabrics with thermal or blackout properties. Even these won't block significant noise, but they're better than standard curtains.
| Material | Blocks Sound | Absorbs Sound | Renter-Friendly | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass-Loaded Vinyl | High | Low | Yes (hang) | $$-$$$ |
| Window Inserts | High | Low | Yes | $$$ |
| Heavy Curtains | Low-Medium | Medium | Yes | $$ |
| Acoustic Panels | Very Low | High | Yes | $$ |
| Rugs + Pads | Low | Medium-High | Yes | $-$$$ |
| Weatherstripping | Medium (gaps) | None | Yes | $ |
Putting It Together
The most effective approach combines materials:
- Seal gaps first - Weatherstripping and door sweeps are cheap and effective
- Add mass where noise enters - MLV or heavy blankets on problem walls
- Absorb sound in your space - Rugs, curtains, and soft furniture
- Address specific weak points - Windows or doors may need extra attention
Start with the cheapest options and see how much they help before investing in more expensive materials.