How to Soundproof a Window

90% of our window soundproofing inquiries come from residential customers. That said, we've compiled data from our thousands of residential inquiries to help understand the problem so we can provide the very best solutions!

One of the first things we try to find out is what type of noise is heard through the window. We found that most residential customers need help blocking traffic and other road related noises, which is why we wrote a whole article on reducing street noise in a home. Still, we had some others that commonly surfaced.

The other thing we ask — but is often offered unprompted — is what rooms need window soundproofing. When reviewing the data, we weren't surprised to see bedrooms right at the top of the inquiry list. The place where we sleep is the place where quiet is most essential! Some people might muscle through disturbances elsewhere in the house, but when it comes to disturbed sleep, it becomes a major health concern.

There are a lot of factors to consider when soundproofing a window because everyone has different goals and needs. That's why we look at the full picture. Here's our go-to window soundproofing checklist with the five key value points to consider.

Replacing an old single-pane window with a newer double pane, triple pane, or hurricane glass unit can improve insulation and reduce noise. The key is to look for the STC rating of the window before buying it.

Pros: Full visibility and function, potentially high STC (30-50% perceived noise reduction)

Cons: Expensive, requires contractor, potentially not as effective, permanent

A DIY window plug is typically made from rigid material combined with insulation and placed into the window opening.

Pros: 40-60% perceived noise reduction, potentially cost-effective, removable

Cons: No visibility, often unattractive, room for error, potentially expensive

The Quiet Quilt™ soundproof blankets have absorption on both sides and can be removable. They are designed to cover windows temporarily when noise reduction is needed. Read our article for more on using soundproof blankets for windows.

Pros: 40-50% perceived noise reduction, absorbs sound as well, removable

Cons: Covers window, industrial look, harder to remove (heavy), middle-of-the-road cost

You can use our Quiet Quilt™ Indoor Acoustic Blankets to block some sound while being lighter and easier to remove than the soundproof blankets.

Pros: Low cost, 30-40% perceived noise reduction, absorbs sound as well, easily removed

Cons: Covers window, industrial look

You can use mass loaded vinyl sheets to create a temporary or semi-permanent window cover.

Pros: Inexpensive, 30-40% perceived noise reduction, removable

Cons: Covers window, industrial look

Sealing gaps and cracks around a window frame with acoustical sealant is often the first step in window soundproofing.

Pros: Cheapest fix possible, works well on poorly-sealed windows, doesn’t affect visibility, up to 30% perceived noise reduction

Cons: Ineffective if already well-sealed

Interior or exterior shutters can add another layer between the noise source and the room.

Pros: Looks nice, creates airspace, possibly 20-30% perceived noise reduction

Cons: Only effective when closed, may require contractor, often has slots which limits sound blocking quality

Heavy curtains or shades are a common first attempt at reducing window noise but not a good one. They leave gaps and are usually not heavy enough to meaningfully block sound. Read all our thoughts on how effective curtains are at soundproofing.

Pros: Easy to install, affordable, and looks nice

Cons: Not effective for blocking sound, heavy curtains only effective when covering window (>20% perceived noise reduction)