The Best Materials for Soundproofing - A Comprehensive Guide

Here at Thinktanks, we’ve often explored how office noise impacts productivity and workplace satisfaction. Whether your space is an open-plan office, rows of cubicles, or something in between, creating an environment where your team can focus is critical to their well-being and success. Distractions can derail even the most focused of employees, leading to missed deadlines and reduced morale. The good news? The right soundproofing materials can transform your office into a space where ideas thrive and collaboration happens without disruption. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the best soundproofing materials to help create a quieter, more focused work environment. From acoustic panels and sound-absorbing curtains to soundproof wallpaper and Green Glue, we’ll break down what works best for different spaces and goals. You’ll get insights into how these materials function, their benefits and downsides, and how to incorporate them into your office design in a way that makes sense for your space and employees. 

How soundproofing materials improve the office experience

Noise disruptions are one of the most common complaints in modern workplaces, and the proof is in the data. Studies have shown that excessive noise can reduce productivity by up to 66%, with employees needing an average of 23 minutes to refocus after an interruption. 

Beyond productivity, constant background noise and office distractions can lead to increased stress levels and lower job satisfaction — two factors that directly affect employee retention and workplace morale.

Here are some of the ways that a well-planned office space with good soundproofing materials can make a real difference:

• Improved concentration: Reducing distractions helps employees stay focused, leading to better-quality work and faster completion of tasks.

• Enhanced privacy: Soundproofing improves confidentiality in meetings, phone calls, and private discussions, which is crucial in client-facing roles or HR matters.

• Lower stress levels: A quieter environment can significantly reduce stress and fatigue, fostering a healthier and happier workplace.

• Increased collaboration: Strategic soundproofing keeps noise under control without stifling creativity or teamwork, which is the ultimate goal for every open-office layouts.

Read our blog on office space planning to learn more about why it matters and how to plan an office that works for your team. 

Key components of soundproofing materials

When it comes to creating a quieter workspace, the effectiveness of soundproofing materials lies in their ability to address noise at its core. Different components work together to block, absorb, or dissipate sound to ensure a peaceful and distraction-free environment. 

Let’s look more closely at the different elements of soundproofing materials. 

Deflection

Deflection refers to a material’s ability to reflect sound waves back toward the source. A good soundproof material for deflection can be something rigid like drywall or mass-loaded vinyl because they create a barrier that sound waves struggle to penetrate. Deflection is particularly effective for blocking airborne noise, like conversations or the hum of office equipment.

Absorption

Sound absorption tackles noise by soaking up sound waves and reducing echoes. Materials like acoustic foam, fabric panels, and soft furnishings absorb sound energy and prevent it from bouncing around the room. It’s important to note that soundproofing and sound absorption aren’t the same — absorption focuses on improving acoustics within a space, while soundproofing aims to block out sound entirely. Learn more about soundproofing vs sound absorption. 

Decoupling

The objective of decoupling is breaking the physical connection that allows sound vibrations to travel through walls, floors, or ceilings. Materials for soundproofing that employ this technique include resilient channels or sound clips to create gaps or isolate layers, reducing the transfer of noise. Think of it as putting a buffer between noisy areas and quieter ones.

Thermal Conversion

Thermal conversion transforms sound energy into heat. Materials like dense acoustic insulation or foam work by absorbing sound waves and converting the energy into tiny amounts of heat through friction. While the heat produced is minimal, this process helps diminish sound energy and reduces noise effectively.

Constrained Layer Damping

Constrained layer damping (CLD) involves layering a viscoelastic material between rigid surfaces. When vibrations occur, the damping layer absorbs the energy and dissipates it as heat. This method is especially useful for reducing low-frequency sounds and structural vibrations, making it an ideal choice for walls, ceilings, and floors in office spaces.

13 best materials for soundproofing your workspace

The right soundproofing materials can completely transform a noisy office into a space where focus comes naturally. However, nothing’s perfect. Some of these options come with their own set of challenges, like tricky installations and downtime that interrupts your team’s flow. 

Here’s a look at the best materials for soundproofing that get the job done, along with the pros and cons of each. 

1. Acoustic panels

Acoustic panels are one of the most popular soundproofing materials for walls in office spaces, and for good reason. These panels absorb sound waves, reducing echo and improving acoustics in the room. They’re typically made from materials like foam or fabric-wrapped fiberglass and can be mounted on walls or ceilings.

There aren’t too many downsides to this one once your panels are up. Depending on your office and panel placement, installation can be a bit of a process, especially in a fully operational office. Plus, while they work wonders for reducing unwanted noise within a space, they won’t block sound from traveling between rooms. 

2. Mineral wool insulation (rockwool)

Mineral wool insulation, commonly known as rockwool, is a heavy-duty option for soundproofing walls, ceilings, and floors. It’s perfect for when you’re dealing with noise bleeding between rooms and floors because it’s dense, fire-resistant, and fits snugly between wall studs or under flooring. 

That said, rockwool is not exactly a quick fix — it works best if you’re already in the middle of construction or a major renovation, but it’s not the most office-friendly if you’re working with an existing setup. Plus, handling rockwool can be messy, which means protective gear is a must and cleanup can be a hassle.

3. Soundproof fiberglass

We love soundproof fiberglass because it’s one of the most effective soundproofing materials for blocking and absorbing sound. Its dense, fibrous structure traps sound waves, making it perfect for reducing noise and improving acoustics in almost any space. 

From conference rooms to huddle rooms, fiberglass is often the secret ingredient that turns a noisy workspace into a focused, productive environment. However, fiberglass installation typically requires professionals, which can be costly. Additionally, if not properly sealed or maintained, it may degrade over time.

4. Green Glue

Green Glue is an excellent product for projects where you’re tight on time or working with a limited budget. It’s an affordable water-based, non-toxic compound that’s easy to apply between layers of drywall and immediately starts reducing vibrations and noise transfer. It’s one of the best soundproof materials for quick fixes, especially when you need quick results without a major renovation. 

The only downside is that Green Glue works best as part of a layered system rather than on its own, since it requires multiple layers of drywall to perform at its peak. Plus, it won’t completely block noise in spaces with significant soundproofing challenges. 

5. Solid doors

If your office feels like every conversation leaks into the next room, swapping out hollow-core doors for solid ones can make a noticeable difference. Solid-core doors, like the name suggests, are dense, sturdy, and far better at blocking sound than regular doors, turning noisy meeting rooms into private, quieter spaces. 

But what if you don’t want to replace the entire door? Adding proper seals around the frame can work, too. Without gaps for noise to sneak through, you can enjoy a quieter office without changing the layout or flow of the whole space. 

6. Soundproof drywall (plasterboard)

What is the best material for soundproofing a new construction office space? Probably soundproof drywall. Built with layers of gypsum and sound-damping material, this soundproof drywall is made to absorb vibrations and cut down on noise transfer. It’s ideal for walls that separate high-traffic areas from quieter workspaces and open-plan offices where the noise travels freely from one space to another. 

Of course, this option isn’t always the easiest or most cost effective. Installing soundproof drywall means opening up your walls, which can be a bit disruptive (and expensive) if you’re in an already-functioning office. In other words, it’s a great long-term investment for new spaces, but it works best during renovations or in spaces you can temporarily clear out.

7. Window seals

If you work in a noisy space, you know that noise doesn’t just slip through walls — it creeps in through the windows, too. The best soundproofing material to block out window noise is actually quite simple: window seals. These simple additions dampen street noise, office chatter, or whatever’s going on outside by closing the tiny gaps around your windows. 

The best part of window seals is how easy they are to install. In just a few minutes, you can noticeably reduce noise without renovating your workspace or making costly upfront investments. They may be a small detail, but their impact is anything but.

8. Soundproof ceiling tiles

Ceiling tiles are one of the best soundproofing materials for noisy, open office environments. They typically come in hexagon or square shapes and work by absorbing sound and reducing echo in the office, which makes them ideal for shared spaces like meeting rooms or break areas. They’re also easy to install since they slot easily into standard drop ceilings. 

Their effectiveness typically depends on the material and thickness, meaning lower-quality options may not provide adequate noise reduction. They primarily absorb sound rather than completely block it, so additional soundproofing measures may be necessary for high-noise environments. 

9. Soundproof floor mats

Soundproof floor mats can be a quick and practical way to block noise — without tearing up your flooring. They’re great for reducing sound in specific areas, like under desks, chairs, or high-traffic zones. Plus, they’re easy to install and can even add a bit of extra comfort underfoot.

One thing to keep in mind is that while they help with reducing vibrations, these mats work best as part of a larger soundproofing strategy since they won’t completely cancel noise on their own. 

10. Acoustic foam

Similarly to acoustic tiles, acoustic foam is one of the best soundproofing materials for taming echo and improving sound clarity in a room. Whether mounted as wall panels or installed on ceilings, it absorbs sound waves, which, in turn, makes conversations crisper and reduces overall noise levels. 

Like many other solutions, though, acoustic foam doesn’t block noise from leaving or entering a space. This means that it’s perfect for improving internal sound quality but less effective for complete soundproofing.

11. Soundproof wallpaper

Depending on your office’s noise levels, sometimes the only soundproof room material you need is a good wallpaper to dampen the frequencies of moderate sound. Soundproof wallpaper is made with layers of sound-absorbing materials, like foam or fiberglass, that work to reduce noise while adding some style to your space. 

Of course, it’s not designed to tackle heavy-duty noise. Think of soundproof wallpaper as a supplemental layer — it’s great for softening internal sound but won’t block loud external noise. Still, for a quick and visually appealing upgrade, it’s a nice option that combines function with design.

12. Soundproof paint

Do you feel like your office walls vibrate every time someone shuts a door or conversations about weekend plans get a bit louder than normal? Soundproof paint might be just what you need. This thicker-than-average paint contains sound-dampening additives that help absorb vibrations and soften noise within a room. 

So, while it isn’t built to block major noise from outside sources or between rooms, it can be part of a larger soundproofing plan that can make a noticeable difference in creating a calmer work environment.

13. Soundproof curtains

This one depends entirely on the nature of your business or the space you need to soundproof. Soundproof curtains are ideal for offices where reducing both noise and blocking light is essential — like presentation rooms, shared spaces, or even a quiet break area. 

And, while they aren’t a substitute for structural soundproofing, they’re similar to acoustic panels — an easy, temporary solution that’s as simple to install as hanging regular curtains. Learn more about acoustic panels vs soundproof curtains.

Office pods: the future of soundproofing

So, what is the best soundproofing material of them all? It’s not drywall, acoustic foam, and it’s definitely not something that takes weeks of construction. The best soundproofing material isn’t actually a material — it’s a fully soundproof, out-of-the-box solution: office pods. These smart, self-contained, tech-enabled rooms create quiet spaces with a sleek design that integrates perfectly into any office aesthetic — without the mess of traditional soundproofing methods.

They’re easy to install and don’t require any construction, which means no disruptions to your team’s workflow. Pods can be assembled in mere hours, which means you can have your pods up and running on day one. 

They’re also completely portable, so they can scale with your office as your business needs grow. Need to reconfigure your office layout? Moving to a new office space? Just move pods to their new homes and employees will always have a quiet space to bounce ideas around, host stakeholder meetings, or simply take a quick breather. 

Soundproof office pods are built to adapt and give you the flexibility that fixed soundproofing solutions simply can’t. With tech-forward design, ergonomic furniture, and quick installation, you can give your employees privacy, focus, and functionality whenever (and wherever) they need it most. 

Transform your workspace with Thinktanks

Your office deserves more than quick fixes and disruptive construction projects. Elevate your workspace with Thinktanks’ soundproof office pods, designed to provide quiet, private spaces in any setting — even outside. 

Crafted from durable, sustainable resources like recyclable aviation-grade aluminum and the most soundproof materials for offices, these pods offer up to 32 decibels of noise reduction. With features such as ergonomic furniture, advanced ventilation systems, and customizable options, they’re built to integrate into any office layout and adapt to the evolving needs of your business.

It’s time to create a workspace that works for you and your team. Explore the Thinktanks collection and request your free quote today!