No, no commercially made residential windows hit the level we would call "soundproof". But some windows are much better than others! If you want to buy a soundproof exterior window, the primary thing you’re looking for is the STC rating. A higher number is better. Most window manufacturers produce various types of windows rated between about a STC 26 and STC 36, although some windows can be lower! An STC 26 window will block 50% of the noise of an STC 36 window. Use the STC rating!

Factors that affect the STC rating include thicker glass, multiple panes with a large air gap, and being well-sealed when closed. Laminated glass is a good upgrade as it will block more sound than tempered glass of the same thickness (about 20% quieter). Damping of laminated glass is reduced by cold weather, so in double glass construction, keep the laminated pane on the interior side of the window to maximize performance. With multiple panes, the more spacing the better. Every time you double the air gap, you’ll gain 2-3 STC points.

See our guide on how much soundproof windows cost for more details on noise reduction and cost comparisons.

YES! Soundproof window inserts are extremely effective! Our Fantastic Frame™ Soundproof Window Inserts can reduce sound through your window by up to 80% and reduce energy transfer by up to 60%. Even with a small air gap, these window inserts will reduce noise by 50% or more – even low frequency sounds like road noise! When soundproofing a house, installing these window inserts in every window can reduce energy bills by at least 40%!

Yes, we have three DIY solutions for you, listed from best to worst. For a deeper look, check out our article on how to soundproof windows DIY! Have a look at this handy dandy table that summarizes the potential noise reduction of each option below:

Option #1: Fantastic Frame™ Soundproof Window Inserts

The Fantastic Frame window insert is the best option for DIY soundproofing an existing window. You can install these with ease in just 30 short minutes (or hire a handyman!) and be well on your way to a quiet home! There’s no better way to reduce noise through a window than with these inserts.

Option #2: Soundproof Window Blanket or Mass Loaded Vinyl

A lot of people want to use blankets for soundproofing a window. From a technical standpoint, our Quiet Quilt™ 2-Sided Barrier Blanket is great at blocking noise. But from a practical standpoint, because it's so heavy and just as expensive as the Fantastic Frame™ window inserts, we don't recommend it. We tested our Quiet Quilt™ Acoustic Blanket for a more practical and budget-friendly soundproof blanket option. While primarily used for acoustics, in your normal residential window we typically see a 6-8db reduction, as these blankets are actually an STC 22.

Alternatively, mass loaded vinyl could be used to seal up a window as a soundproof window cover. We can cut a sheet out of a roll for you or you can get a 4'x4' or 4'x8' sheet to soundproof a window for less than $100. You can expect to see about a 6-9db reduction if it's well-sealed.

For more information, check out our article on soundproof blanket for windows.

Option #3: Soundproof Curtains

Your final option is soundproof curtains. If you look on Amazon or are on the path that soundproof windows home depot recommends, you’d think these curtains are the bee’s knees! Unfortunately, most curtains advertised as soundproof curtains aren’t soundproof at all! Rather, these are acoustical products meant to absorb reverberant noise to reduce echoes in a room. Chances are likely they aren’t great at that either unless they have a tested NRC Rating. If you don’t see an STC Rating or an NRC Rating, you have a seller capitalizing on people’s desire for peace and quiet.

We’ve tested a variety of curtains, and come up with a basic rule. If the curtain is heavy and thick, you can expect them to reduce noise 20-30%. Lightweight and thin curtains will not block noise or absorb it. Extend past the window to reduce the amount of sound going around the curtain. Just like the Quiet Quilt blanket, they need to be completely closed over the window to provide effective sound blocking. If you want sunlight, you'll have to use the Fantastic Frame Window Inserts!

Skylights are awesome for that natural light! Unfortunately, much like any other window, skylights are prone to air leaks and low mass. Sealing any air gaps with acoustical sealant will be your first step. Next, get our Fantastic Frame™ soundproof window inserts. While an insert is a little tricker to install on a skylight—we recommend installing these with a buddy—you’ll finally be able to enjoy that natural light without the rain . . . well . . . raining on your parade.

For more skylight window soundproofing tips, follow the link!

There are two things you want to look out for when soundproofing a glass wall:

1. 1. 1. The ceiling: Many offices with glass walls share dropped ceilings. Sound can easily travel over the glass wall and out of the room, and vice versa. The best fix for soundproofing a dropped ceiling is our CelluZorbe HD Backer Board installed on top of the existing ceiling tiles.
      2. The glass: If your ceiling is sufficiently blocked off from to prevent noise transfer over the wall, and you still hear voices (muffled or not), installing our Fantastic Frame™ window inserts will allow you to have the sleek office look without compromising on sound quality.

We go more in depth in our article about glass wall soundproofing.

No, window film is not soundproof. Window film is, however, an effective thermal treatment. It’s designed to block UV rays to reduce the amount of heat coming into your room through your window. It can be nicely paired with our soundproof window inserts to further improve energy efficiency.

No, placing foam over your windows will only help absorb sounds within your room to improve the sound quality. Like anything involving foam, it does not block sound.

Yes, triple pane windows are about as effective as double pane windows—depending on the exact construction. Use the published STC rating to compare any windows you are considering. Our Fantastic Frame™ window inserts will give a big noise reduction boost to both triple pane and double pane windows!

No, weatherstripping will not soundproof a windows. But weatherstripping can help seal air gaps around a poorly sealed window, modestly increasing soundproofing performance. If you have a poorly sealed the window, sealing the window improves performance!