SoundSkins vs Dynamat is a very hot debate among the car enthusiasts looking for the best sound deadening material to improve stereo sound quality in the vehicle by reducing internal and external noises. In my research, I have concluded that both are capable of doing the job. Both have their pros and cons. In the end, it comes to the priority and what features you want from the soundproofing material.
Overall Dynamat with its wide range of products, which can fit in any budget, and much longer presence in the industry gives them an edge over the SoundSkins. On the other hand, SoundSkins are available in two different categories, i.e. SoundSkins lite and SoundSkins Pro and they have a commercial grade adhesive and are easier to install comparatively.
Here we will compare both products on different criteria that are important in absorbing the sound such as
- Density (Thickness)
- Ease of Installation
- Size
- Price
- Effectiveness
Products Range
First, take a look at the different products offered by both brands.
Dynamat
Dynamat Xtreme (36 sq. ft Kit contains 9 X 18″ x 32″ pieces)
Dynamat Xtreme Mega Pack (72 sq. ft contains 9 X 48″ x 24″ pieces)
Dynamat SuperLite (3X 18”x32″ pieces)
Dynaliner (Single sheet 1/4″ x 32″ x 54″)
DynaMat Xtreme Trunk Kit (20 sq. ft 5 X 18″ x 32″ x 0.067″)
Dynamat Hoodliner (32″ x 54″ x 3/4″)
SoundSkins
SoundSkins Lite Mega Kit (Covers 4 doors, 44 sq. ft.)
SoundSkins Pro Mega Kit (Covers 4 doors, 44 sq. ft.)
SoundSkins Lite Door Kit (Covers 1 door, 11 sq. ft.)
SoundSkins Rings Speaker Enhancer Kit (Covers one pair of speakers)
SoundSkins Pro Door Kit (Covers 1 door, 11 sq. ft.). You can order it through Amazon Prime. Click here for the 30-day Free Trial of Amazon Prime
Quick Overview of the Products
Dynamat Review
Dynamat is an established brand located in Hamilton, Ohio with a presence since 1989. They provide an acoustic solution for different markets. Their products are available in more than 50 countries around the world. You can find the Dynamat product range in many retailers like Best Buy, Pep Boys and online marketplaces like Amazon.
Dynamat is the most popular brand among auto enthusiasts due to their quality and range of products. They are specifically designed in a way that dampens the noise and vibrations in a car. Due to their wide range of products they will fit within any budget. They dominate the car audio and automotive acoustic solutions market due to their quality.
Product Highlights
- A wide range of products.
- Easy to install.
- Fire-retardant.
- Due to being an industry standard, many professionals will be able to fit it for you.
- Water Resistant.
- Deadens the external sound.
- Absorbs the echoes and vibrations.
- No chemical smell.
- Protective Coating of Aluminum.
- Long lasting material.
Pros
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- Deadens the noise
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- Heat resistant
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- Water resistant
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- Inexpensive
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- A wide range of products
- Established since 1989
Cons
- May require professional for installation
SoundSkins Review
SoundSkins is kind of a new entrant in this field. They started providing soundproofing solutions for cars in 2015. But in such a short time they have made a name in the sound dampening industry. The product catalog consists of SoundSkins Lite and SoundSkins Pro. The only difference is an additional layer of foil. They both use foam and butyl for water and heat resistance. This combination is responsible for absorbing the noise and providing a good stereo sound experience. Due to the scarcity of range in the lineup, you don’t have that much of a choice, so you will have to choose either Lite or Pro version.
Product Highlight
- Dampens the sound
- A single large piece makes it easy to install
- High strength commercial grade adhesive
- Eliminates the echoes due to a denser foam
- Water and heat resistant
Pros
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- Good for sound deadening
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- Waterproof
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- Heat resistant
- Easy to install
Cons
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- Fairly new entrant.
- Only a few products offered
SoundSkins vs Dynamat Comparison
Now we will compare the two products on the bases of five different factors that we have identified earlier. Comparison based on different factors stated below will help you in deciding the winner.
1. Size of the product
Every sound deadener comes in different sizes and dimensions. The bigger size will play a significant role in saving money. Let’s take a look at both the products and their sizes.
Dynamat has a size of 36 sq. Ft as compared to SoundSkins size of 11 sq. ft. Dynamat also has better dimension (21 X 13 X 3.5 Inches) versus SoundSkins’ (5.7 x 5.7 x 20.7 in). Even though SoundSkins have good quality products but that isn’t an excuse to provide such small-sized noise deadeners.
Winner
Dynamat is a clear winner here.
2. Thickness or Density
The thicker materials are better at absorbing the sound. So, while deciding the best product, it is only fair that we compare them in the thickness and weight department. SoundSkins weighs around 7.7 pounds and is 0.059″ thick while Dynamat is 0.069″ thick and weighs approximately 15 pounds. Even though both are thinner than the standard 0.08″ you won’t notice a significant difference.
Winner
Dynamat again has a clear edge over its competitor.
3. Ease of Installation
Ease of Installation seems to be SoundSkins’ fort as it is effortless to install for even beginners. Dynamat is not that difficult to fit either, you can install it with the help of online tutorials, but it can be a hassle for newbies and could lead to hiring a professional for the job.
Winner
SoundSkins have the upper hand here.
4. Effectiveness
When it comes to effectiveness, both products get the job done. Both are water and heat resistant and do an excellent job of dampening the noise.
Winner
It’s a tie between both.
5.Price
Price is another big factor in deciding which product you should buy. Fortunately, you won’t have to think about it much when it comes to pricing as both the products cost around 3$ per square feet.
Winner
There is no clear winner in the pricing department.
Final Thoughts
Both are quality products, so it is tough to call any of them a clear winner. If you are looking to deaden the noise in your car, both will do the job. Dynamat does have a slight advantage over SoundSkins due to its variety of products. SoundSkins, on the other hand, is much easier to install. So, it comes down to personal preference which product you like the most.
You can also take a look at the other soundproofing materials like Noico, or you can check our Dynamat comparison with Hushmat and FatMat. If you want a totally different solution than the soundproofing sprays like lizard skin are worth checking.
If you are looking to soundproof your home read my other articles on soundproofing.