Do Soundproofing Curtains Work? Sound Absorbing Drapes Review

The rise in noise pollution has adverse effects on our health. Our ears can handle loudness only up to a certain level before it becomes damaging. Even the low-level noise from the traffic or your neighbor’s yard can have lasting effects. This noise, when disturbs your sleep it can cause hypertension, anxiety restlessness.

One solution is soundproofing. Many people falsely believe that it can cost a fortune to soundproof a room or house. Yes, to some extent, an entirely sound blocking project is indeed an expensive endeavor. But who said you need that level of soundproofing? For a typical person whose intention is to block the noise from disturbing their daily life and at the end of the day, have a night of sweet sleep. 

There are many budget-friendly methods of achieving these. Some of them are temporary, while others are more lasting. One such approach is the use of sound-absorbing curtains. They are easy to implement and can last for a long time. I am not talking about regular shades but those made specifically for such purpose. Many companies produce these blinds with different articles to deaden the sound. You can get adequate soundproofing for less than $100 and if you are willing to compromise a little a $50 budget will be enough for this project.

Back in 2018, I decided to try them out for myself and check if they perform as good as they are advertised or are they another hoax. I was amazed at the results, the drastic reduction in echoes, and the nearly no noise from the outside was a huge surprise. Though they failed to block all the noise, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting them to do so in the first place. But considering the total costs and the final result, the project was worth all the efforts and money. I wrote a guide on some of the best curtains back in 2018.

Now after nearly a year, I decided to test other brands and check if there are more reliable options out there. Last time I was able to get my hands on only a few curtains, and my article was limited to those five brands. But now, after testing over 15 different brands, I can finally say that these are the 10 best soundproof curtains available out there.  

All the options presented below are selected based on a six-factor criterion. They are sorted in ascending order, but that doesn’t mean the lowest appearing product is any inferior. They all are capable of dampening the noise. In this guide, I have listed all the pros and cons, so you can decide if a particular product fits your needs. You might find a lower-ranked drape more suitable due to the color range or money-back guarantee. Before we dive into a detailed review, let’s look at the list of the best noise reducing curtains.

What Material Is Used In Noise Canceling Curtains?

When it comes to dampening the noise, the material plays a significant role. A thin material won’t be able to block the sound waves and will be useless in such a scenario. The material used in typical drapes isn’t dense for sound absorption. The soundproof curtains, on the other hand, are made up of materials like vinyl, velvet, fiberglass, and polyester. These materials, due to their thickness and other properties, muffle the sound by trapping it inside them. Do they work? The simple answer is yes, they work perfectly for this job. 

How Do The Soundproofing Curtains Work?

The question is, how they work? They deaden the noise by absorbing the echoes and acting as a buffer between the window and the sound. For understanding how reducing echoes lead to less noise, take your iPhone or Android phone into the washroom and play the music. You will hear it playing louder, and the music quality will fell off. Now do the same thing in a closet or place your phone under a blanket. Notice the difference between both. The second will have a muffled noise while the first had an amplified sound. We are trying to achieve the same thing with the sound-absorbing curtains.

Here the drapes will be the substitute of those blankets. There will be a notable decrease in the noise. And focus on the wording, there will be a decrease, not 100% soundproofing. You can expect a reduction of 70-90% depending on the level of noise entering through the windows and all this for less than $100.

How To Choose The Right Curtains For Noise Reduction?

Many companies use the term “soundproof” as a marketing tactic to advertise ordinary thick curtains as noise-blocking drapes. Those curtains, in reality, only absorb the echoes and give you a false sense of soundproofing. In reality, they fail to reduce the significant amount of noise compared to any high-class soundproofing curtain. When buying the curtains, keep the below points in your mind.

Size Of The Curtains

The size will play a vital role in the whole soundproofing process. The wrong size will compromise the performance. Unlike the usual curtain purchasing, where you match the height and width with the window, here you will buy longer and wider curtains. First of all, take a measuring tape and measure the length from top to the floor and also calculate the width. Once done, you will now buy the curtains 8″ longer and 4″ wider than the measurement taken. It will ensure that the results meet your expectations. Don’t worry, the curtains in this guide incorporate the above points.

As emphasized above, purchasing drapes for reducing noise is a totally different process as compared to buying fancy curtains matching your interior. If you want more satisfying results, acquire four panels instead of two. The logic behind this is that by doubling the number of panels, the materials will be more effective. 

The Material Type

The material is the most important thing you have to consider before investing in any product. The top of the line soundproof drapes use velvet, vinyl, or polyester as the primary material. Most of the curtains in this article are using 100% polyester, and some have a slight percentage of vinyl. The list includes few brands offering velvet curtains too in case you prefer them. 

You won’t have to research anything as the top-performing curtains in this guide will be sufficient enough. The only thing you need to worry about is the design best suitable for your room. But with the various options available, I hope that you will be able to find a good match.

Weight Of The Curtains

Weight should be an essential factor in your decision-making process. While weight itself has nothing to do with the process of soundproofing. However, the mass of a curtain will tell us about the quality of a curtain. If it is lightweight, then there is a high probability that either the quantity of material used was inadequate or low-quality article was used. But keep in mind that this is not the best factor to assess a blackout noise reduction curtain. You can observe this in the chart above that even though heavier curtains tops the list, but the heaviest of them all isn’t the best.

Washability

This property has nothing to do with the soundproofing itself, but it is a factor you should be looking for if you plan to use the curtains for the long term. These drapes tend to collect dirt over time, and their coloring will highlight this fact. Within two years, they would need a wash. If you bought a cheaper option, you might be willing to replace them every 2-3 years. But if you invest a little more and choose a washable drape, you won’t need to replace them frequently. Most of the products included are indeed washable, but there are a few who don’t take water well.

The Price Of Products

The costs are going to be a big part of the decision-making process. As this is an inexpensive method, the costs will be low. The influence of this is quite evident in the chart above. Most of the soundproofing curtains are below $50, and buying a pair of them won’t exceed the $100 budget we set at the start of this project.

Impact Of Reviews

How can someone decide whether the product’s performance matches the advertisement or not? The online shopping experience has made it simple. If you visit any trusted online retailer, you will find the customer reviews about the product. If a product fails to deliver on the promises, there will be more negative comments as compared to the positive reviews. The contrary is also true.  

So the step should have immense significance in your final decision. You should go for the products with a high number of 4 and 5 stars reviews and an overall 4+ rating. The top recommended curtains in this guide are  Nicetown 3 fiber soundproof curtains. They have over 6500 reviews with an overwhelmingly positive response. The second option is Best Home Fashion Insulated drape with 5500+ reviews. The high number of sales is a testament to their performance.

Pros and Cons of Soundproof Curtains

If you are looking for a low-cost soundproofing solution for your windows, you won’t find a better solution than the noise reducing curtains. For only $50, you will be able to block 55-65% of the sound. Hanging two drapes will help in bringing the noise dampening to 85-90%.

There are many reasons for using them over other solutions. But that doesn’t mean they are flawless. They aren’t perfect, and depending on the level of noise, its performance varies immensely. In some areas with a high noise level, they are totally ineffective. Its ability to block the sunlight can be a major plus or will alienate someone. Overall the pros outweigh the cons. I have listed both of them below.

Other Solutions

If you want even more soundproofing, you can use them in conjunction with methods. You can use weatherstripping tape to block the gaps between the window and walls, and after that hang the sound-absorbing curtains, there will be a significant increase in performance. 

If you are willing to spend more than using double or triple-pane windows will bear good results. They are capable of deadening the noise by 60-70% on their own and though soundproofing curtains in the mix, and you have a near 100% noise deadening. But keep in mind that these are not easier to install and you will need a professional for this job. If you add all the expenses, it is a costly venture. 

You can achieve nearly the same results as the above with a simple DIY project. These window inserts are a capable soundproof method. A window insert is simply an airtight frame designed to block all the gaps in a window. They further provide a barrier against soundwaves. All you need is a wooden frame, take the measurements of your window for a perfect fit, and foam. These inserts alone can absorb 40-45% of the noise, and combining them with the noise-reducing drapes will provide some excellent results. These inserts are removable. You can make your window inserts by following this guide.

You may have noticed that even these methods work best in combination with the noise-reducing blackout drapes.

Best curtains detailed review

As I stated in the start, I have tested 15 different curtains. There is a noticeable difference in the performance of each brand. But the constant thing I noticed was that the heavier curtains tended to outperform their competitors with only one exception. Some curtain’s performance or lack of it, has earned them only a mention and I haven’t included a detailed review on it. So, some curtains are intentionally left out due to their below-par performance.

So, without wasting any time, let’s get started with the top soundproof curtains.

#1. NICETOWN Blackout Curtains Panel

Nicetown blackout curtain panels are the best panels out there when it comes to dampening the noise from the road. I got my hands on them back in 2018 and found them the best option out there at the time. And to my surprise, they still perform better than the other competing brand. The low price point and high quality is a combination you don’t see very often. But somehow Nicetown perfectly fits that category. The company uses 3 pass microfiber for reducing noise. Due to material and technology, those can trap the sound inside them and extinguish it. 

They can easily absorb 60% noise, and if you use four panels instead of two, you will be able to achieve 85-90% sound reduction. These curtains are capable of absorbing the echoes. The exact result will depend on the amount of noise you are trying to block. If you are expecting to suppress some road noise or trying to keep your neighbors’ dog barking out of your home, then these are the perfect product.

The Nicetwon blackout noise reducing curtains are available in different sizes. Once you have measured the height and the width of your window, you can rest assured that Nicetown will be offering a fit for those measurements. You can find the curtains of length 63 inches to as long as 108 inches with a width of 42 to 53 inches.

Nicetown noise-reducing blackout curtains are the second heaviest curtains on this list. The use of 3 pass microfiber makes it bulkier than the other and for a good reason. It weighs just above 7.4 pounds. Due to its density, it can absorb more sound. I advise you to buy more sturdy rods for hanging these drapes.

The ready-made soundproof curtain is made up of 100% polyester. And the stuff is superb at both noise reduction and thermal insulation. The use of a triple microfiber further enhances its performance. Furthermore, there is no chemical coating, and the drapes are eco-friendly.

The price varies depending on the size. For the smallest size, you would be able to buy four panels, and your expense won’t exceed $50. On the other hand, the 52″ W x 108″ L two panels will cost nearly the same. Irrespective of the options you will get decent noise cancellation.

The Nictown’s blackout noise-absorbing drapes are one the most rated curtains on the Amazon. Most of the comments are positive and praising the brand. While there are few negative comments too. They are mostly due to the buyer’s high expectations or the quality of grommets. But once added they hardly make 5% of the customers.

Pros & Cons

#2. Best Home Fashion Thermal Insulated

They are one of the best noise reducing curtains available in the market along with Nicetown’s offerings. The performance is evenly matched with the other brands in this post. I would say when it comes to performance they are nearly as good as the Nicetown drapes. Even though it falls a bit short in soundproofing when compared to the latter, the versatile color range makes up for that. With 25+ colors to choose from you won’t have to compromise on this front.

They also feature similar technology to that of their competitor in the form of triple weave fabric. Along with 100% polyester, they give Nicetown curtains a run for their money. The product has over 5500 reviews and more than 90% of them are positive.

Pros & Cons

#3. H. Versailtex Heavy Premium Blackout

If you are looking for a premium quality noise-canceling curtain, then H. Versailtex Heavy Premium is for you. These curtains are eco-friendly too. They are also made up of 100% polyester. As for the size, there is only 100″ W and 108″ L option available, but fortunately, they will cover even the big windows and will reduce echoes significantly. They weigh 4.6 pounds, another good criterion for sound dampening. And you get eight 1.6 inch copper grommets on each of the panels.

The quality of the product can be assessed by the fact that they come with an 8 years quality and 30 days money-back guarantee. In case you are not satisfied, you can return them. Furthermore, you’ll get to choose from a variety of colors.

Due to the thickness, they are also able to block UV rays and you will find them marketing it quite heavily. The ability to block 85% of the noise is above average. If we move on to the customer sentiments, we find positive signs from there as well. Even though the number of reviews is low but most of them are 4 and 5 stars. To sum it up, if you want a stylish yet effective option they should be on top of your list.

Pros & Cons

#4. Flamingo Microfiber Noise Reducing Window Curtains

The only new curtain to crack the top five rankings in my list. These curtains are made from 100% polyester, which as we have seen previously not only deadens the noise but also saves energy costs due to their thermal insulation. Similar to Nicetown and Home Fashion they also take the aid of a three-ply technology for better performance against noises. If you are looking for a good blackout curtain then you are in luck as they are quite adept at that. The thickness of the material ensures that the ultraviolet rays don’t enter your room. The color range is limited but their design compensates for that to some extent.

You will get 2 panels with dimension 14.3 x 10.2 x 2.9 inches. They will be able to cover most of the windows. I was a bit disappointed when despite being the denser of all on the list the results weren’t that effective.

The reviews are limited. So, a decision based on this can’t be made. But fortunately, I tested one myself. I would say even though the sound-absorbing performance is decent, but they are no match for the top 3 curtains. The price is on a higher side.

Pros & Cons

#5. NICETOWN Blackout Heavy Full Shading

Another drape on the list from Nicetown. They perform even better than the Nicetown blackout curtains. Even though they weigh less than the previously discussed product at 7.01 pounds, they dampen 12% more noise. The quality of production is quite evident. If you want a more elegant looking drape they are your best bet. There are 14 different colors to choose from. Though these features come at a price, you will find them around 20-30% more expensive as compared to most of the other curtains on this list. But if you ask my opinion I would highly recommend it. The extra soundproofing is worth the price.

If we look at customer opinions, they are the highest rated product. With over 2500 reviews and many more customers and the overwhelming majority are satisfied with the results. Although I should inform you that I bought them last year and at this review is from that perspective. By looking at the latest reviews it seems there is a drop in quality. Due to this uncertainty, I have moved them down the list.

Pros & Cons

#6. Deconovo Noise Reducing Curtains

Another good option is Deconovo curtains. They are superb at diminishing the echoes and noise coming through your window. The use of high-quality polyester enables them to dampen the sound by trapping it inside them. Another quality of these drapes is that due to the material and thickness they are excellent insulators. In winter, they will trap heat inside the room and save you some precious money in the shape of lower energy costs. They are useful in summer too, as they block the heat from entering the house and keeps the temperature lower inside. These drapes are washable, which is a plus point. They are available in a wide range of colors so they will perfectly match your interior.

The size range is limited. But it is not a major issue as their all the offerings are large enough to cover the windows of almost any size. The costs are quite low and using four panels will be way under the $100. So, if you are looking for soundproofing on a tight budget they are the perfect solution for you. The plethora of positive reviews indicates that the previous buyers are happy with the product. The only point against this particular drape is low weight and their ability to only reduce noise by 60-70%. But at this price point, it is not fair to complain about it.

Pros & Cons

 #7. AmazonBasics Noise Reducing Curtains

They are offered by Amazon themselves. As part of their AmazonBasics plan, they like the other products are inexpensive and if you buy a 4 pack bundle you get an extra discount. Add the Amazon Prime shipping on top of that and you get possibly the best deal. If you don’t have an Amazon Prime account, sign up with this link and you will get a free trial for one month. You can get these noise reducing curtains in six different sizes and the color options is decent too. Moreover, they also provide thermal insulation.

In a short time, they have garnered over 2000 reviews with most of them praising the product. You may be wondering if they are so great then why are they ranked so low. The reason for that is their washability. Even though they are supposed to be washable but when I washed them I ended up ruining them, to be fair the mistake was on my part as I didn’t read the instructions carefully. And unlike other brands on this list, they feel quite cheap.

Pros & Cons

#8. Yakamok 100% Blackout Soundproofing Curtains

Great material, near-perfect weight, and thickness. They could have been in the top five of the list. Actually, when I started writing this guide they were ranked at 4. But as I realized with its limited options it would be unfair to other curtains, because the gain in soundproofing wasn’t significant. And they are quite a new brand and aren’t extensively tested. All those points lead me to give them this spot.

They aren’t the most wallet-friendly option, but still, the 2 packs will be still below the $100 budget. The reviews are scares. Even though in my testing I couldn’t find any issues with it. Most importantly they are machine washable and the thermal insulation is a plus. And if you want an eco-friendly option they are among a few of them.

Pros & Cons

#9. Utopia Bedding Blackout Drapes

The material used in this brand is polyester. The performance is not the best in the range but their low price point makes them an attractive option. If you want a decent blackout curtain with some noise-reducing properties they are a perfect fit.

When it comes to customer satisfaction they are more of a top 5 drapes. With over 4000 reviews they are still able to maintain a high number of positive opinions. The main problem with them is the limited size and color range. Due to those two reasons and their mediocre soundproofing capabilities they are down to this number.

Pros & Cons

#10. Rose Home Fashion Blackout Curtain

This curtain has all the ingredients to be in the top 3. The use of multi-layered fabric gives it a premium feel in addition to above-average soundproofing. And if you want a blackout out curtain then choose a darker color for a 95% light blocking. though. The use of polyester and material thickness makes it a good barrier against the UV rays.

It has nearly 2700 reviews with a high number of positive opinions. But there are few negative things that brought it down this low. Firstly, the price, it is one of the most expensive curtains which uses polyester. Secondly, so few color options to choose from. And thirdly the limited choice of size.

If are willing to pay the cost and the size fits your requirement, give them a chance and you won’t regret it. If they only added a few more colors and sizes they would be definitely in the top three or four.

Pros & Cons

Installing Curtains

The installation of soundproof curtains is a straightforward process. If you follow the steps mentioned below you won’t require a professional. When it comes to noise dampening drapes, the placement can make a big difference. And the first step towards this is making sure that the rod extends at least a couple of inches beyond the frame of the window. Because this extra area will make sure that the sound from the edges gets absorbs. Similarly, installing the rod 3-4 inches above the window will ensure that the results are desirable.

The following steps will give you a clear picture of the installation process.

• Step 1: Mark the bracket locations on the wall with a pencil.
• Step 2: Once you have marked out the exact placement, use the drill to make a hole and put the anchors in it. And make sure they are capable of sustaining both the rod and the curtains.
• Step 3: Set the bracket and drive in the screws.
• Step 4: Install the rod and follow the provided manual for hanging the curtains.

Final Verdict

The noise reducing curtains are not going to block all the sound completely. They are not as effective as a thousand dollars soundproofing project. But for the price, they perform extraordinarily well. They will absorb 80-85% of noise entering through the window just with less than $100 investment. And I would insist once again, use four panels instead of two for a better result. Even with the four panels, you will be still under $100. You can improve the results and have a 95% sound-deadening by using weatherstripping tape to cover the gaps in the window. This will make it easier for drapes to absorb the noise more efficiently. And using a window insert can also help in this regard.

If you are looking to soundproof your room, you can check out my article on that. This guide used a combination of methods, including soundproof curtains, to achieve more substantial results.