The Best Soundproof Foam Panels:
7 Cheap & Effective Solutions

Soundproof foam panels are pretty popular, especially in recording studios.

They help absorb sound and improve the acoustics in the room instantly.

But how do they work? Are they effective? Where can you get such panels?

In this article, we’ll be talking about soundproof foam panels, what they are, how they work, and where to get them.
Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com

Let’s get it on! ?

What are soundproof foam panels?

A soundproof foam panel is a type of acoustic panel that’s commonly used in recording and music studios.

These acoustic foams are made of materials like polyester and polyether. Due to their nature, they form open cells both inside and outside of the material.

Installing these materials is easy. All you need is an adhesive like green glue.

But you need to be careful. If you directly stick these panels on the wall, taking them off will prove to be cumbersome. Plus, it may damage your wall and the acoustic foam.
Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com

To be safe, use cardboard panels and stick them on the walls instead. Then, install the acoustic foams on the cardboard panels.

How do soundproof foam panels work?

The general principle is that soundwaves are carried through a medium like air or solid objects.

Once soundwaves hit these panels, they get trapped inside the open cells. Eventually, the energy in the waves would die down leading to a dampening on the noise.

However, these panels do not block sound. The ones that block sound from passing through are solid objects which serve as barriers.

So if you’re looking for a material to block sound, you will be disappointed with soundproof foam panels. All they do is absorb the soundwaves, reduce the echo, and make the room seem quieter.

This is the very reason why they’re perfect for professional recording studios.
Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com

What to consider when buying soundproof foam panels?

These panels come in different designs, patterns, colors, thickness, and of course, price. That’s why we’ve prepared this section to arm you with knowledge on what to consider in buying soundproof foam panels.

Here’s what you should consider in buying acoustic foam panels:

  • Thickness: When it comes to soundproofing, the thicker is always better. If you need to absorb low-frequency sounds, you would need thicker panels.
  • Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC): NRC represents how much sound the material can reduce. They’re rated 0 to 1 with 0 the lowest and 1 the highest. The closer to 1 the better.
  • Patterns: One thing to remember is that the patterns don’t have any significant effect on sound absorption. The patterns are more about aesthetics than performance.
  • Size and Price: These two go together since the larger (and thicker) the panel the more expensive it gets. Make sure to measure first the area you would like to cover.
Now that you know what to consider, let’s proceed with the cheapest yet effective soundproof foam panels in the market.
Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com

Where to get soundproof panels?

When choosing the right soundproof panels, make sure they meet what you need. Also, the design might matter much to you so watch out for the patterns too.

1. Foamily Studio Foam Wedges

If you’re into soundproofing even way before, then the Foamily brand might not be new to you.

These panels come in different colors which look great in a studio. Each foam tile covers exactly 1 square foot of 1-inch thick acoustic wedge.

The main issue these foams address is the bouncing of the sound which causes echo and reverb.
Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com

In a studio setting, when these foams are positioned correctly, they will eliminate the low-frequency sounds coming from the speakers.

Get Foamily Foam

Other details:

  • Size: 12” x 12”
  • Thickness: 1”
  • Colors: Charcoal, Burgundy, Red, Ice Blue
  • Price: $15-$25

2. Mybecca Acoustic Panels

Mybecca is known for its home furniture products like fabrics, carpets, pillows, and others. They’re known for having durable and quality products.

These studio foam wedges from Mybecca help eliminate standing waves and flutter echoes. The best thing about them is how they can reduce 80%-90% of noise.

This foam is used in factories, recording and broadcast studios, churches, and more. This proves that Mybecca acoustic foam panels are that of high-quality.
Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com
Get Mybecca

Other details:

  • Size: 12” x 12”
  • Thickness: 1”
  • Colors: Blue, Orange, Purple, Lime Green
  • Price: $10-$20

3. IZO All Supply Soundproofing Foam Panels

IZO All Supply’s acoustic foam tiles help increase sound clarity in a room or space especially when installed on the ceiling.

With a thickness of 1 inch, these foams have an overall NRC rating of 0.40 — pretty good for its price.

Their foams are considered as light-weight and can easily be applied anywhere. They’re ideal for small-sized rooms or studios who are on a budget.
Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com
Get Izo

Other details:

  • Size: 12” x 12”
  • Thickness: 1”
  • Colors: Charcoal, Blue, Burgundy, Green, Purple, Red
  • Price: $15-$20

4. TroyStudio Soundproofing Foam

TryoyStudio’s egg crate acoustic foam panels have different functions — noise insulation and thermal insulation.

Their foams have a soundproofing layer which makes up its triple-acoustic insulation.

Also, they’re flame retardant, environment-friendly, and odorless — perfect for home use.

Get TroyStudio

Other details:

  • Size: 19” x 16”
  • Thickness: 0.7”
  • Colors: Black
  • Price: $15-$25

5. RHINO Acoustic Absorption Panels

Rhino’s acoustic absorption panels are made of 100% polyester fiber that comes in 6 panels covering 6 square feet.

The foam tiles are lab tested with an NRC rating of 0.95. These are commercial grade results perfect for any use.

At the same time, the panels are labeled as B1 Class Flame Retardant. They’re also odorless and has no effect whatsoever on the air quality.

All in all, these foam panels from Rhino are perfect for professional studio room use down to the family home theater.
Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com
Get RHINO

Other details:

  • Size: 12” x 12” and 16” x 12”
  • Thickness: 0.4”
  • Colors: Dark Gray, Matte Black, Silver Gray
  • Price: $45-$55

6. Auralex Acoustic SonoFlat Absorption Foam

Absorption foams from Auralex are world standard and are effective in attaining accurate sound. Lots of studios, broadcast facilities, schools, theaters, and churches use their foams.

These foams have an NRC rating of 0.95 which is excellent. The edges of their acoustic foams are beveled making them more stylish.

They’re pricier than the ones mentioned previously but you can count on it since they’re also twice as thick.

Auralex claims the foams to be durable and not deteriorate over time as they are partially formulated out of soy components.
Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com
Get Auralex

Other details:

  • Size: 12” x 12”
  • Thickness: 2”
  • Colors: Burgundy, Charcoal, Purple
  • Price: $80-$100

7. LUXHIVE Soundproofing Acoustic Foam Panels

LUXHIVE’s acoustic foam panels are probably one of the best in the world. They have superior deadening material for noise reduction and unwanted sound control.

Their 1-inch foam panels have a true 0.85 NCR rating. At the same time, these panels are 100% non-toxic and heat resistant since they’re not made of solid gasoline polyurethane foam.

Their foams are made with 0% volatile organic compounds which are completely safe for commercial and residential use.

Out of all the panels in this list, LUXHIVE’s soundproofing acoustic foam panels are the most expensive. Aside from being highly effective, they have a money-back guarantee policy if you’re not completely satisfied.
Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com
Get Luxhive

Other details:

  • Size: 12” x 12” and 16” x 12”
  • Thickness: 1”
  • Colors: Gray
  • Price: $100-$110

Wrapping things up…

Soundproof foam panels aren’t only good in absorbing sound. Among all the soundproofing solutions there is, they are the most aesthetic.

Remember, soundproof foam panels aren’t meant to block the sound. Instead, they help dampen it by absorbing the sound waves making the room quieter as well as improving the acoustics.
Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com