Acoustic Panels Buying Guide
Understanding the difference between acoustic treatment and soundproofing
The Critical Difference
⚠️ Acoustic panels DO NOT block sound from entering or leaving a room
Acoustic foam panels absorb sound within a room to reduce echo and improve sound quality. They do NOT provide soundproofing against outside noise. This is the #1 misconception about acoustic treatment.
When to Use Acoustic Panels
Perfect For:
- ✓Recording studios and podcasting rooms
- ✓Home theaters (reducing internal echo)
- ✓Rooms with hard surfaces and lots of echo
- ✓Improving audio quality for video calls
- ✓Music practice rooms (instrument clarity)
NOT For:
- ✗Blocking neighbor noise through walls
- ✗Stopping traffic or outside sounds
- ✗Preventing your sound from leaving the room
- ✗Soundproofing a bedroom for sleep
- ✗Creating privacy between rooms
Acoustic Panels vs. True Soundproofing
Acoustic Panels (Absorption)
- Reduces echo and reverb within a room
- Improves audio clarity for recording/calls
- Easy to install (adhesive strips)
- Affordable ($50-200 for a room)
- Removable and renter-friendly
- Lots of aesthetic options and colors
True Soundproofing (Isolation)
- Blocks sound from entering/leaving room
- Prevents neighbors from hearing you
- Stops outside noise (traffic, people)
- Creates true isolation between spaces
- Requires construction (expensive)
- Permanent modifications to walls
Types of Acoustic Panels
1. Foam Panels ($1-3 per panel)
Most common and affordable. Open-cell foam absorbs mid-to-high frequencies. Good for home studios and podcasting. Install with adhesive spray or Command strips.
Best for: Budget builds, covering large areas, temporary installations
2. Fabric-Wrapped Panels ($15-40 per panel)
Dense fiberglass or mineral wool core with decorative fabric covering. Better absorption across all frequencies. Professional appearance suitable for living spaces.
Best for: Home theaters, living rooms, professional studios where aesthetics matter
3. Bass Traps ($30-100 each)
Thick, dense panels specifically designed for low-frequency absorption. Place in room corners where bass accumulates. Essential for music production and home theaters.
Best for: Music studios, home theaters, rooms with boomy bass problems
4. Diffuser Panels ($40-150 each)
Instead of absorbing sound, diffusers scatter it evenly around the room. Creates a "live" sound while reducing harsh reflections. More advanced acoustic treatment.
Best for: Professional studios, audiophile listening rooms, balancing with absorption
Placement Guide
- 1
First Reflection Points
Place panels where sound reflects off walls between you and speakers. Have someone move a mirror along the wall—where you see the speaker reflection, place a panel.
- 2
Corner Bass Traps
Low frequencies accumulate in corners. Place large bass traps in upper corners where walls meet ceiling for maximum effect.
- 3
Ceiling Coverage
Sound reflects off ceiling between you and speakers. Cover 25-40% of ceiling for optimal results without over-dampening.
- 4
Back Wall Treatment
Place diffusers or absorbers on wall behind listening position. Prevents slap-back echo and creates depth.
Key Takeaway
Acoustic panels solve echo and reverb problems—they make the sound inside your room better. If your goal is to block outside noise or prevent sound from leaving your room, you need actual soundproofing (mass, decoupling, sealing gaps). Many people buy acoustic foam expecting soundproofing and are disappointed. Know your goal before purchasing: better audio quality = acoustic panels; noise blocking = soundproofing solutions.
Need help choosing the right solution?
Not sure if you need acoustic treatment or soundproofing? We can help you identify the right approach for your situation.