Name: 7 Best Acoustic Foams to Isolate Your Studio
Item: Best Acoustic Foams
Author: Alfredo Vilar

The main function of an acoustic foam is to reduce the so-called airborne noise through insulation, absorption and damping.

An acoustic foam is therefore used to soundproof a place. To carry out the phonic treatment of a room, it is necessary to take into account several elements, in particular the surface of the room and the frequencies of the sounds to reduce.

Need an acoustic foam? You need to compare commercially available products. Learn about their strengths and weaknesses before you decide. Follow the guide.

What is acoustic foam?

Acoustic foam is a polyurethane insulation composed of several cells. It is light and exists in several thicknesses.

Who is it for? It is mainly designed for sound engineers, but it can also be used by individuals and other professionals.

It has several variations, the most common of which are: egg crate, smooth foam, combination foam and wedge foam.

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It is available in several colors and textures. Interested in this product? You should know its main uses and how it works.

What is the purpose of acoustic foam?

As the name suggests, acoustic foam is a sound insulator. What does this mean? It protects against external noise that can disturb the comfort of a house, a studio or a workplace. In the field of music or production, it ensures another function: it guarantees the quality of sounds.

It eliminates echoes, resonances, and all other sound disturbances in the environment.

Imagine a basketball hitting a hard floor with great pressure. Then imagine it hitting a soft floor.

In the first case, it will bounce with great force, while in the second case, its bounce will be weak. The effect of acoustic foam on sound can be likened to this phenomenon.

It lowers the echoes, then the ambient sounds that circulate in the space. On contact with the jerky surface of the foam, the sound waves lose their strength.

The 6 main selection criteria for choosing a good acoustic foam

You are looking for a soundproofing foam but you don’t know which one to choose? There are criteria to guide you to the right product.

1. The price

The price is a decisive element in the choice of your soundproofing treatment. We advise you to go for a polyurethane foam produced in quantity. You can find it easily and at a low price.

2. Finishing

The aesthetics of the foam counts for a lot! This is especially true for public areas such as movie theaters or recording studios.

There are foam sheets in different colors or with a fabric finish.

There are also different shapes and profiles of foam plates, cells, pyramids, spikes … to combine performance and aesthetics.

3. Efficiency

To achieve perfect sound insulation, it is necessary to determine whether the noise frequencies are low, medium or high. The higher the frequencies, the thicker the acoustic foam should be.

There are coefficients that indicate the level of performance of a soundproofing foam.

Generally between 0 and 1, this noise reduction coefficient (NRC) is indicated by frequency range. You will find it on the product sheet. The closer the coefficient number is to 1, the more effective the foam is.

Another important coefficient is the Sound Absorption Coefficient (SRC). However, it is not often displayed on product sheets. However, this value is essential in the choice of your soundproofing treatment.

If you are unable to determine the frequency of the sounds to be absorbed, go for a classic foam and complete this phonic treatment with different elements such as bass traps or suspended panels.

4. Security

Acoustic foams made of fireproof polyurethane, melamine and polyethylene guarantee that they will not burn in case of fire.

However, it is preferable to go for top-of-the-range foams, based on melamine, which are classified M1 for establishments receiving the public.

5. Packaging

Depending on the surface to be covered, it may be wise to purchase tiles, panels or rolls.

6. The environment

If you must install foam in a damp room, be sure to choose the material accordingly.

Acoustic foam absorbs moisture. As a result, it presents a risk of mold growth and significantly reduces the life of your installation.

In this case, prefer the honeycomb profile or smooth and waterproof in humid environments.

We propose a classification with comparison to guide you in your choice of acoustic foam.

Best Acoustic Foams to Insulate Your Studio

1. Donner 50-Pack Acoustic Panels Sound Proof Foam Panels for Walls

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Advanded Acoustics introduces its new slider foam tiles with a streamlined design. The Slider tile is made without removing any foam so that each tile absorbs sound efficiently.

Each slab measures 305 x 305 mm. The maximum thickness is 70 mm and the minimum thickness is 20 mm. This batch contains 16 tiles which allows to cover a surface of 1,48 m².

Pros

This lot allows to cover 1,48 m² ;
aesthetic design;
the noise reduction coefficient is 0.85. (0.15 at 125 Hz, 0.46 at 250 Hz, 0.90 at 500 Hz, 0.98 at 1,000 Hz, 1.03 at 2,000 Hz, 1.11 at 4,000 Hz) ;
fireproof and non-combustible.

Cons

Only one color available.

This professionally made soundproofing foam has a density of 30 kg per cubic meter, efficient, safe and design. It allows you to soundproof all types of spaces.

Advanced Acoustic is a company specialized in the manufacture and the marketing of acoustic foam and in the phonic treatment.

2. 24 Pack Acoustic Panels, 12 x 12 x 2 Inches Sound Proof Foam Panels for Walls

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Advanded Acoustics presents these acoustic polyurethane foam tiles with a density of 30 kg/m³. The tiles are precisely and digitally manufactured in a triangular shape.

The maximum thickness is 40 mm and the minimum is 20 mm. Each tile measures 305 mm by 305 mm and this batch of 24 tiles covers 2.23 m².

Pros

Ce lot permet de recouvrir 2,23 m² ;
atténue efficacement les hautes fréquences ;
le coefficient de réduction de bruit est de 0,60 ;
garantie ignifuge et incombustible.

Cons

Available in one color, dark grey;
difficult installation. These tiles are not self-adhesive and are not sold with adhesive strips;
Foam tiles may have a strong odor upon unpacking.

Overall, this product offers excellent value for money. Made of polyurethane, this professional acoustic foam is efficient, standardized and safe. Advanced Acoustic specializes in the manufacture and marketing of acoustic foam.

We recommend this foam to insulate a cinema room, a studio and for domestic use. Ideal for large and small spaces.

3. Auralex Acoustics Charcoal Studiofoam Panels

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Auralex offers precision acoustic control assemblies to eliminate unwanted sound effects from a room. The panels measure 305 mm by 305 mm with a thickness of 50 mm.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Easy to install (glue included) ;
different colors and designs;
eliminates early reflections and unwanted sounds;
no matter the size of the room.

Cons

High price!

The Auralex equipment is extremely qualitative. However, it requires a substantial budget, hence the third place in our ranking.

Whatever the size of the room to be soundproofed, you will find what you are looking for with Auralex acoustic foam.

4. LEIYER Upgrade 12 pack Acoustic Panels

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LEIYER offers you its acoustic foam panels for the phonic treatment of your spaces. Each panel measures 1″ X 12″ X 12″

Pros

Ideal for soundproofing a small space, office or studio;
can be used on walls, doors, windows and ceilings;
affordable price;
wear-resistant;
several colors (red, blue, black).

Cons

Reduces only the echoes;
not suitable for large spaces;
difficult to install.

LEIYER foam adapts to any surface. Perfect for reducing echoes, it does not provide absolute soundproofing. This acoustic foam ages very well but requires careful assembly.

Finally, the larger the room, the more the absorption of echoes will be reduced. This acoustic foam is ideal for domestic use. We do not recommend it for professional use such as in a recording studio.

5. 18 PACK Acoustic Foam,Self-adhesive Sound Proof Panels

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HEMRLY commercializes acoustic foam panels for soundproofing. Sold with adhesive, these panels measure 12 x 10.5 x 0.4 Inches.

Sold in several colors, you can easily make different combinations to soundproof and decorate your rooms.

Pros

Affordable price;
sold with high quality adhesive strips for easy installation;
several colors, blue, burgundy, grey, red;
fireproof foam, incombustible.

Cons

Efficient and effective in small spaces only;
delicate unpacking ;
strong odor upon unpacking.

The aesthetics of these acoustic foam panels allow you to decorate your space in addition to soundproofing it. The affordable price and ease of installation make it one of the leaders on the market.

However, we do not recommend HEMRLY foam for large spaces. Indeed, its noise reduction performance is really reduced depending on the size of the room to cover.

Ideal for domestic or professional use in small to medium-sized spaces.

6. TroyStudio Acoustic Studio Absorption Foam Panel

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TroyStudio offers high quality acoustic foam panels. This set contains 6 acoustic panels, each measuring 12 x 12 x 2 inches

Pros

The lot which covers 2,23 m² ;
reduces echoes and reverberations ;
can be installed on walls, doors, windows, ceilings and floors;
suitable for recording studios, vocal booths, home theaters and control rooms;
flame retardant.

Cons

One color;
suitable for small and medium spaces;
strong odor upon unpacking.

This TroyStudio product does not provide absolute soundproofing, but it does reduce echoes and reverberation considerably. We recommend it for domestic and semi-professional use only.

7. Fstop Labs Acoustic Foam Panels

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Fstop commercializes foam panels for the soundproofing of your spaces.

Sold by unit, it measures 2” X 12″ X 12″. With its Mushroom Tilessurface and its density of 50/lbs per cubic yard,, the foam adsorbs and reduces noise.

Pros

Easy to install, the plate is self-adhesive;
the original color, light grey. Aesthetics;
fireproof;
light resistant, does not yellow.

Cons

The offer to sell by the unit;
non-standard dimensions;
does not isolate noise from the outside.

Basotect melamine foam complies with the Din4102 B1 standard and has almost unlimited application possibilities. However, with its low density, this foam is recommended for soundproofing small spaces.

The European laws requiring builders to use standardized materials use it in public places.

Best acoustic foams : Honorable Mentions

Clearsonic S2466x2 (S5-2D) Sorber

This fiberglass acoustic foam has a light grey textile covering. It is presented in the form of a panel with two sections linked together with a ribbon.

Each section measures 1670 x 609 x 38 mm. It has many advantages, but also some weak points.

Pros

With no feet, the Clearsonic S2466x2 (S5-2D) Sorber acoustic foam is easy to install.
It can be combined with Clearsonic Shield sound absorbers made of acrylic material for better sound isolation.
Mounted in a home studio, it provides a matte, airy sound.
Lightweight, it is easy to move

Cons

While this product is effective, its price is too high considering the quality of the materials it is made of. The glass wool and the fabric are not expensive.
It is too large and does not fit all means of transportation. You have a small car? You need to rent a larger vehicle to bring them home.

The Clearsonic S2466x2 (S5-2D) Sorber is a foam designed for music lovers. It can be used for studio isolation.

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EQ Acoustics Classic Wedge

The EQ Acoustics Classic Wedge foam is a sound insulator adapted to all uses. It allows to isolate rehearsal studios, offices, recording studios or home theaters.

It comes in packs of 16 panels, each measuring 300 x 300 x 50 mm. This foam is available in grey.

Pros

Its absorption coefficient reaches up to 0.85. It ensures the quality of recordings and prevents noise from escaping.
Sounds of high or medium frequencies, it absorbs them easily.
It adapts to all rooms, whatever their size.
Eliminates resonance.
Easy to install.
Not expensive.

Cons

This foam is sold without mounting hardware. To install it, you must purchase tape, glue or FlexFit separately.
Since it only absorbs high and medium frequency sounds, it must be reinforced with Bass Trap to isolate low frequencies.
Fragile, it is damaged under strong pressure. When opening its packaging, take precautions to avoid damage.
It gives off a strong odor at first, but this fades once the room is aired.

Are you on a budget and want to insulate your bedroom or studio? You can opt for this EQ Acoustics Classic Wedge foam. Despite its fragility, it is effective.

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The t.akustik HiLo-N25

The t.akustik HiLo-N25 is a foam with a density of 16.5 (+/- 1 kg) per m3. It has a rectangular shape, with a length of 1000 mm and a width of 500 mm.

As for its thickness, it is 25 mm. Finally, its spikes are 15 mm. This insulation equipment is available in grey.

Pros

Sold by the piece, it can cover a large or small room. You can buy the quantity of foam that suits you.
It allows to soundproof the car: it limits vibrations and eliminates resonances. To do this, it must be installed on the door.
The t.akustik HiLo-N25 foam is suitable for home use, i.e. it helps to soundproof a studio at home.
It can also be used to protect fragile objects, to decorate the house or to store equipment in a flight case.

Cons

This HiLo-F foam is not pressure resistant, as its resistance is 40%. You must handle it carefully when installing it.
It does not come with mounting hardware.
It can be considered as a maintenance accessory because of its multiple functions.

The t.akustik HiLo-N25 is a multifunctional foam. You can use it to improve the comfort of your vehicle, to store your valuables or to insulate your home studio.

Mousse Ingeniously

This product is intended for the sound insulation of all types of rooms. Ingeniously foam is available in 50 x 50 cm square panels with a thickness of 5 cm.

It attracts many people because of the advantages it offers. However, it has some disadvantages that should be noted.

Pros

Self-adhesive, Ingeniously panels are easy to stick on their support.
This foam absorbs low, medium and high frequency sounds.
Fireproof, it protects your studio from fire.
Made of PVC, it is environmentally friendly and moisture resistant. And it’s easy to maintain.
Ingeniously foam is a multipurpose product. It can be used for studio set-up, classroom insulation, movie theater insulation, boat insulation, and building decoration.
In addition to its sound insulation capabilities, it can also regulate the surrounding temperature.
It can take many forms depending on the needs of the consumers.

Cons

This foam gives off a strong odor, which disappears after a good airing.
Fragile, it changes aspect under pressure, but it takes shape again after 5 to 6 hours at rest.
Fixation to be reinforced with adhesive tape or scotch.

Ingeniously Foam is designed for both home and professional use. It allows you to minimize sound leakage in different areas: the office, the bedroom and, especially, the studio.

Mousse Retyly

The foam of the brand Retyly is intended for the sound insulation of studios, offices or houses.

It is available in several pieces of 30 x 30 cm. A pack of insulation includes a dozen foam panels.

Pros

Retyly is a recognized brand. It is distributed by selected sellers.
Retyly’s after-sales service is both efficient and responsive to customer requests.
This foam eliminates standing waves as well as fluttering echoes in some rooms (usually small and medium).
It eliminates noise from plumbing fixtures, television or rain. It limits the propagation of sound in the house.
Waterproof, it supports humidity and air.
Resistant, it keeps its aspect in front of the compression.

Cons

The Retyly foam is not available in all stores. You have to do some research on the internet to find it.
Expensive product, but efficient.

This Retyly brand soundproofing is one of the most popular products among consumers due to its performance and quality. By purchasing it, they can also enjoy an excellent after-sales service. However, it is more difficult to find than the others.

Mousse Sodial

The Sodial foam is a thin insulation of 2.5 cm thickness and dimensions 30 cm x 30 cm. It exists in a unique color: black. This product is delivered in packages of 12 pieces of insulation. What can it be used for?

It allows to isolate the noises in the professional premises, the house and the studios (of recording or repetition). It also helps to keep control rooms free of outside noise disturbances.

Pros

Like Retyly’s foam, Sodial’s foam is only available through authorized dealers.
Superior product.
It resists pressure. After prolonged storage in a box, it returns to its original shape when exposed to air.
It effectively eliminates reverberations, resonances and annoying noises.
This foam is solid and resistant to various weather conditions.

Cons

It requires the use of double-sided tape or glue to attach. It is not self-adhesive.
The 12 foam panels can only cover an area of 1.08 m². Thus, it takes several packs to insulate an entire room.
Too thin for some uses, especially for studio insulation, but effective with reinforcement.

Sodial is known for its quality products. This acoustic foam is one of its best creations. Despite its weaknesses, it attracts many users because of its resistance and long life.

Conclusion

We recommend Advanced Acoustics and Auralex Acoustics. Two companies specialized in sound treatment.

The first one will address to the musicians or video makers beginners or amateurs. Their products have a good quality/price ratio and can allow you to soundproof your rooms at a lower cost.

If you are a professional and you want high end equipment, the Auralex Acoustic brand is made for you. Auralex has designed a complete line of acoustic foam to set up your studios and reduce unwanted sounds.

However, if you are just looking to reduce echoes or reverberation, the TOOGOO or A2S foam will do the job perfectly.

As you can see, the choice of the acoustic foam is important when you want to realize the sound treatment of a room. In addition to the dimensions of the plate, the design, the color or the material can come into play!

Important note: The purchase of acoustic foam implies a shipment in parcel post.

The foam is often compressed by the seller to reduce shipping costs. Here, no need to worry, just open the package and take out the foam sheets, leaving them at room temperature. They will regain their shape within 72 hours.

Although mostly used by professionals, acoustic foam is also well suited for domestic use. Whether it is to absorb the noise of a washing machine, a VMC. or to attenuate the noises of the neighborhood!

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