Quick Comparison: All Methods
| Method | Effectiveness | Cost | Renter OK? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door weatherstripping | Medium-High | $10-30 | Yes | Gaps, hallway noise |
| Door sweep | Medium-High | $15-40 | Mostly | Bottom door gap |
| Heavy curtains | Low-Medium | $50-200 | Yes | Window echo, some blocking |
| Window inserts | High | $150-500 | Yes | Traffic, street noise |
| Rugs + pads | Medium | $50-500 | Yes | Impact noise, echo |
| Mass-loaded vinyl | High | $100-300 | Yes (hung) | Walls, doors |
| Acoustic panels | Low (for blocking) | $50-200 | Yes | Echo, room acoustics |
| Bookcases + books | Medium | $0-200 | Yes | Wall mass |
| White noise machine | Medium (masking) | $20-80 | Yes | Sleep, irregular sounds |
| Moving blankets | Medium | $20-50 | Yes | Doors, temporary use |
By Location
Doors
| Solution | Effectiveness | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weatherstripping | ★★★★☆ | $ | Always do this first |
| Door sweep | ★★★★☆ | $ | Essential for bottom gap |
| Heavy blanket | ★★★☆☆ | $ | Easy, not attractive |
| MLV panel on door | ★★★★☆ | $$ | Effective but adds weight |
| Replace with solid-core | ★★★★★ | $$$ | Not for renters |
Windows
| Solution | Effectiveness | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seal gaps/caulk | ★★★☆☆ | $ | Do first, significant for drafty windows |
| Heavy curtains | ★★☆☆☆ | $$ | Helps, but limited |
| Cellular shades | ★★☆☆☆ | $$ | Better for insulation |
| Window inserts | ★★★★★ | $$$ | Most effective renter option |
| Window plug (blocks light) | ★★★★☆ | $ | Only if you don't need the window |
Walls
| Solution | Effectiveness | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seal outlets | ★★★☆☆ | $ | Often overlooked, easy |
| Bookcases + books | ★★★☆☆ | $-$$ | May already own, free mass |
| MLV panels hung | ★★★★☆ | $$ | Most effective renter option |
| Acoustic panels | ★☆☆☆☆ | $$ | Don't block, only absorb |
| Add drywall layer | ★★★★☆ | $$$ | Not for renters |
Floors & Ceilings
| Solution | Effectiveness | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rugs + dense pads | ★★★★☆ | $$ | Essential for hard floors |
| Talk to upstairs neighbor | ★★★★★ | Free | Most effective for footsteps |
| White noise | ★★★☆☆ | $ | Masking, not blocking |
| Ceiling panels | ★★☆☆☆ | $$ | Minor improvement only |
| Drop ceiling | ★★★☆☆ | $$$ | Needs high ceilings |
Recommended Priority Order
For most apartment situations, we recommend this order:
- Seal door gaps - cheapest, often most impactful
- Add rugs with pads - benefits multiple ways
- Talk to neighbors - free, addresses source
- Seal window gaps - cheap, often overlooked
- Heavy curtains - multiple benefits
- White noise for sleep - complements other solutions
- MLV or window inserts - for persistent problems
Start at the top and work down. Each step you complete makes the next more effective because you're eliminating the weakest links.