5 Best Soundproof Curtains At All Budgets (2023)

Soundproof curtains are great if you want to keep noise out (such as when you’re recording) or keep sound in (when you’re practicing and don’t want to bother the neighbors). While 100% soundproofing won’t happen with curtains, a good set of noise-canceling curtains can make a significant difference when you need to soundproof a room. If you’re not ready for structural changes, curtains work.

To find out once and for all which are the best soundproof curtains on the market, we set up a test lab at Killer Guitar Rigs HQ and played through our trusty Boss Katana. The test covered three main areas:

  • The quality of the curtains and how easy they were to hang.
  • How much outside ambient noise could be heard on a mic’d up recording through the amp?
  • How much noise was killed from the perspective of somebody standing outside?

Read more about our review process.

IMAGEPRODUCTRATINGPRICE
EDITOR’S CHOICE
RYB HOME Blackout Soundproof Divider Curtains
RYB HOME Blackout Soundproof Divider Curtains

Features: 9.8lbs weight, 2 separate panels, 3 layers of felt and blackout fabric

Benefits: Excellent sound reduction, total blackout, stylish look, soundproof layer can be removed

 

10
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BEST VALUE
WONTEX Noise Reducing 100% Grey Blackout Curtains
WONTEX Noise Reducing 100% Grey Blackout Curtains

Features: 5.43lbs weight, 2 separate panels, 3 layers of polyester

Benefits: Great sound reduction at affordable price, easy rail mounting, great color and size selection

8.5
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BEST BUDGET CURTAIN
NICETOWN Soundproof Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain
NICETOWN Soundproof Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain

Features: 1.4lbs weight, single large panel, 3 layers of felt and blackout fabric

Benefits: Best budget sound reduction performance, grommets pre-installed for easy hanging, attractive curtain

7.5
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Our Top 3

The Wontex 100% Grey Blackout Curtains strike an excellent balance between price and performance, making them our Best Value choice. They have a 3-layer construction for excellent sound deadening and are fitted with eight silver grommets for easy rail mounting.

They come with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee return policy. So, if you aren’t happy with these curtains, simply return them within the 60-day window for a full refund. These curtains are also available in 14 colors and 12 sizes, making it easy to find something that fits your needs.


Anyone looking for the Best Budget Curtains can’t go wrong with the Nicetown Soundproof Insulated Blackout Curtain. They look like any other household curtain, which makes a big difference if your practice or recording space is shared with others in the home. They come in a wide range of sizes and colors and, because they are machine washable, they are easy to care for.

Many of the lower-end soundproof curtains have a cheap-looking shiny finish, but the matte finish looks surprisingly high-end. Color representation is good and the quality of the grommets used for hanging on the rail is also strong.


For a combination of good looks and excellent sound reduction, the RYB Home Soundproof Curtains are a no-brainer for our Editor’s Choice as best soundproof curtains. They don’t offer as many color choices as some of the other brands, but the available options are all good-looking and sound-deadening is superb.

They are constructed with a linen-like fiber, backed with felt. There are three layers in total, and they mount to your curtain rod with 8 pre-installed 1.6” grommets. In addition to their excellent sound-reduction properties, they offer complete blackout in the room when closed. They are machine washable and hand-made. The middle layer provides the soundproofing, and is actually removable for occasions when you don’t want to deaden sound.


How We Tested

To ensure test standardization, we used various soundproof curtains in 52” x 72”. When that size wasn’t available, we used the next largest. During the test, we looked at overall quality, ease of hanging, how much noise was let in, and how much noise escaped. Air conditioning was turned off to prevent additional noise from contaminating the results.

KGR HQ is close to a moderately busy street and there are several trees close by, so bird noises are fairly common. While recording, we played the same lick each time, the opening bars to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Under the Bridge using the same guitar, a 2020 Epiphone SG Standard on the bridge pickup.

For testing how much noise escaped the room, we played AC/DC’s “Back in Black” as one of the team stood outside to observe. Both the test recording and the noise-escape test were performed with no curtains for reference before starting the product reviews.


Individual Reviews

Top Pick
Wontex Blackout Curtains

Wontex Blackout Curtains

Beautiful feel and easy mounting.

For a blend of price and quality, it's hard to beat these curtains. They offer great sound reduction, and make the perfect addition to any home practice room or studio.

We started off with the Wontex blackout curtains. These are domestic curtains designed for blackout and sound deadening.

The soundproofing properties come from the center layer, which is made from high-density black yarn.

The construction quality was good, and the 1.6” grommets made it easy to hang. The overall weight was just over 5lbs.

Once the curtain was hung, the difference in ambient noise in the room was night and day.

During the recording, there was still some faint traffic sound that was apparent to us, but we suspect if you didn’t know to listen for it, it wouldn’t be noticeable. We heard no birdsongs on the recording, so deduced that these curtains performed very well in high frequency soundproofing.

As for preventing sound escaping, these Wontex soundproof curtains held up very well. The guitar could still be heard when standing in the open air outside, but the volume was low enough that a neighbor who was inside their house would not have heard.

Pros
  • Hefty material
  • Excellent high frequency reduction
  • Great color selection
Cons
  • Panels were slightly uneven in length

Best Budget
Nicetown Soundproof Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain

Nicetown Soundproof Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain

Well made curtains at a fantastic price.

The quality of these curtains is good at any price, but getting such great construction at this low price is incredible. They make a noticable difference when it comes to sound dampening, and as a bonus, they are also 100% blackout, too.

These Nicetown curtains were one of the biggest surprises during our test. For such an inexpensive pair of curtains, they offer a lot when it comes to quality and noise-deadening performance.

Note that these come as single panels, so if you would prefer a pair, you will have to order two.

These are 3-layer curtains with standard 1.6” grommets pre-installed for easy hanging.

The fabric was soft and looked good, although some of the stitch finishing wasn’t quite up to the standard of the others. This small fault didn’t affect the sound-proofing qualities, so it wasn’t a major concern.

While recording, the faint sound of traffic was present, but it was significantly reduced when compared to the reference test with no curtains. High-frequency noises weren’t totally stopped either, but given the low cost (a bargain for sound-blocking curtains), the performance was more than adequate.

These curtains didn’t exactly fall down when it came to preventing noise escape, but it was more noticeable here than with the other curtains we tested.

Pros
  • Front and back of the curtains use the same attractive fabric
  • Good entry level choice
Cons
  • Stitch finishing subpar
  • Sold as single panel

Editor's Choice
RYB HOME Soundproof Divider Curtains

RYB HOME Soundproof Divider Curtains

Great sound reduction and colors to suit all tastes.

These curtains not only offer tremendous sound reduction, but they also provide 100% blackout, too, helping you control light as well as noise. They offer easy maintenance, and they look fantastic.

These RYB Home Soundproof Curtains performed so well during the test that we awarded them our Editor’s Pick.

They don’t come in the widest range of sizes and colors, but as this test is mostly about audio performance, that is only a minor point against them.

Again, these are a 3-layer curtain, but the soundproofing layer is removable, attaching and detaching by hook and loop. The overall quality was flawless and they looked great on the wall.

When it came to recording, we couldn’t make out any background noise whatsoever. This is not implying that they are 100% soundproof, rather that when put in a scenario where ambient noise is not significant, that noise can be stopped from reaching the microphone.

As for stopping noise getting out, these curtains were not completely successful, but noise was significantly deadened and certainly wouldn’t bother neighbors.

Pros
  • Dynamic design
  • Excellent quality
  • Easy care
Cons
  • Only 4 sizes to choose from
  • Color selection limited to 4 choices

Also Consider
Audimute Sound Absorption Sheet

Audimute Sound Absorption Sheet

Purpose built for maximum sound reduction.

With these curtains, you're getting a true sound reduction sheet. They may not blend into a living room like other soundproof curtains, but they offer some of the very best sound absorbption you'll find in any curtain.

This sound-absorption sheet was the one purpose-made soundproofing curtain we tested.

This curtain was made in the USA, so quality was as good as you would imagine.

There were 3 hanging grommets installed on each of the short sides, which unfortunately were very small in diameter. The sheet did come with screws and a mounting kit, but we found you can use small hooks to place through the grommets, and the hooks can be run over the rail for easy hanging.

This Audiomute sheet was one of the best performers when it came to killing noise coming in from the outside. There was no audible traffic noise, nothing from people passing by, and nothing from the birds. Perfect if you’re buying sound-deadening curtains for recording.

It also performed very well in reducing noise escaping to the outside. The music could still be heard, but once again, it would not be bothersome to passersby or neighbors.

Pros
  • No dangerous products used
  • Shipping is fast and free
  • Absorbs approx 85% of sound waves that contact the sheet
Cons
  • Not attractive enough to be left up like a curtain
  • Fibers in the quilting can bunch up

Also Consider
Bonzer Room Divider

Bonzer Room Divider

A big curtain ready for dampening big spaces.

This room divider curtain is a great option if you're trying to control sound in a larger space. Not only does it provide excellent sound dampening, but it's also thermally insulating, and can help to control the climate in whichever room you install it in.

This was another single-panel soundproof curtain, but it is divider curtain sized, and as such is large enough to only need one.

It is made from thick, triple-weave fabric, and is supplied with 14 1.6” grommets pre-installed.

Given that there was only one panel, there were actually fewer gaps for sound to leak through, which was apparent in the strong sound-dampening performance during the testing. Fit and finish were found to be good.

This curtain was another strong performer during recording. Only a slight hint of traffic noise was noticed, but it was certainly low enough to be edited out with a noise gate, and everything from higher frequencies was well-absorbed, making it a solid choice for anybody trying to soundproof a room to record at home.

Prevention of noise to the outside was right in the middle performance-wise. But critically, it was reduced to a volume at which neighbors would likely be unbothered, which is exactly what we would expect from good quality sound-deadening curtains.

Pros
  • Good quality of stitch work
  • 10 Colors available
Cons
  • Only single layer
  • Wrinkled from shipping

What Are Soundproof Curtains?

To begin this section, we will start by defining the word soundproof. It is quite a substantial claim for a manufacturer to declare their curtain soundproof. To be truly soundproof, a curtain must reject 100% of all sound trying to pass through it, no matter how loud, no matter the frequency.

In the majority of cases, manufacturers advertising their curtains as soundproof or noise-cancelling really mean sound-reducing or sound-dampening.

Curtains that reduce or dampen noise absorb the sound waves that try to pass through, rather than amplifying or reflecting them as happens on hard, smooth surfaces. This results in a drop in decibels from one side to the other, or in simple terms a reduction in heard volume.

In order to get closer to true soundproofing, a curtain must have a greater amount of mass. When picking up a pair of soundproof curtains, you will immediately notice the higher weight compared to standard curtains. The more available mass for absorption of sound energy, the bigger the drop in volume.

Because windows and doors have a much lower mass than the walls (particularly the exterior walls) that surround them, they are usually the biggest cause of sound leakage, either from inside to outside or vice-versa. This is why curtains are a great option for soundproofing.

Manufacturers often achieve this mass by making their curtains in layers (three or more is typical). Similar to how layering helps to keep warm, a greater number of layers also helps to trap sound and reduce volume.

It should also be mentioned that even if noise from outside isn’t a concern for you, a sound-deadening curtain can really help to tone down room noise from an aggressive echo to a gentle reverb. If you’re recording acoustic guitars and vocals, this should be something to consider. 

What Are The Different Types

There are a couple different types you can consider for your home studio or practice room. Both types are widely available and should fit almost any application.

Domestic Blackout/Insulating Curtains

These curtains are usually designed to block out light and maintain thermal insulation as their primary function. However, the same features that make them effective as thermal- and light insulators also makes them excellent sound insulators.

Because they have been proven to be effective at reducing noise from street-like traffic, voices, birds, etc., the manufacturers of these curtains often call them “soundproof curtains” or “noise-canceling curtains.” While they won’t stop all of the exterior noise from coming in and won’t stop all of the interior noise from getting out, they do provide a cost-effective way to significantly reduce sound transmission through your windows or doors. That said, if you’re also looking for light-blocking curtains as well as sound-deadening curtains, these are a no-brainer.

Audio Sound-Absorption Sheets

These sheets aren’t curtains in the truest sense, but they are usually supplied with hardware to hang them and pre-mounted grommets, making the process of hanging them on a curtain rail very straightforward.

This style does not offer the normal household curtain aesthetic as you would get from a domestic blackout/soundproof curtain, but because they are purpose-built for reducing sound, they are unrivaled in doing so.

Construction-wise, these sheets are most typically quilted, and the voids filled with cellulose materials. Their downside in comparison to standard curtains is that they are not usually machine washable, making care a little more difficult.

Soundproof Curtains - www.AcousticFields.com

How Should I Set Up My Soundproof Curtains?

For a basic sound-deadening application, soundproof curtains should be hung just like regular curtains, completely covering your windows and/or doors. For this reason, when measuring, always be sure to order curtains that are at least 12 inches taller than your windows (although floor-to-ceiling is preferable where possible), and around 24 inches wider.

Simply hanging the curtains will provide a noticeable drop in unwanted noise, but if you want to improve the soundproofing qualities of your setup further, there are a few extra steps to take.

Remember, sound travels in waves through the air, so if you can see daylight through the other side of the curtain or through any gaps, you are allowing sound to pass through (which is why so many noise-blocking curtains are also light-blocking).

Replicating professional studio levels of sealing with just sound-absorbing curtains is a nearly impossible task (especially in a home setting), but the more opportunities you eliminate for air to enter or escape your curtains, the more efficient they will be at reducing noise.

There are several ways to achieve a better seal around the windows.

First, you can try to install hooks all around the window frame and install more grommets in the curtains to match. This will pin the curtain to the wall and significantly reduce the amount of sound that can pass around the sides. This technique will not close all gaps but address much of the leakage. The downside is that extra drilling is required into your walls.

If you want to take it a step further, consider using duct tape to hold the curtains to the walls along the top and sides. This is about as good as a seal as you’re likely to be able to make and will result in a marked improvement in overall sound dampening, but the tape could potentially cause damage to the paint around the window.

What To Look For

In order to pick the right curtains for your situation, there are a few variables to consider:

Weight

The mark of a good soundproof curtain is its weight. Good sound-deadening curtains can weigh in excess of 10 lbs per pair, which in many cases is too heavy to be supported by a standard curtain rod and the associated wall mounts. You will need to ensure you have a heavy-duty curtain rod capable of supporting a heavy curtain. As well, you should make sure you use wall plugs that are rated to the correct weight to prevent the weight of the curtains from ripping the rail out of the wall.

Materials Used

The materials that the curtains are made of will significantly impact their sound-deadening qualities. The best fabrics for this application are usually tightly woven and multi-layered. Fabrics like felt, velvet, velour, and even suede make excellent noice blocking curtains.

Window Measurements

As we have pointed out, the greater the mass of the curtain, the greater its ability to absorb sound. For that reason, floor-to-ceiling curtains are ideal for soundproofing. If you don’t want them that long, be sure that they extend at least 12 inches below the windowsill to provide you with enough fabric to pin it back to the wall.


Final Thoughts

Noise blocking curtains are almost never truly soundproof, but they can offer an inexpensive way to reduce outside noise during your practice time or recording sessions in combination with other methods of soundproofing a room, such as acoustic panels. If you’re not doing structural work and have reasonably simple needs, soundproof curtains work for everyday sound absorption.

Remember that mass is the most important factor in making your typical noise-canceling curtains more effective at reducing noise. The heavier and more tightly woven the curtain, the better it is at external sound reduction and generally dampening sound.

As for reducing noise to the outside world, soundproof curtains help, but they don’t come close to stopping it altogether. If this is a big concern for you, try combining them with a slight reduction in volume and reevaluate the noise level, or consider doubling up on additional noise-canceling curtains.

Mostdouble as blackout curtains, which also carry extra benefits, including blocking out light (including harmful UV) and adding thermal insulation to your room. Not only that, but they look discreet, which is ideal if you want to keep your house looking like a home, and not a full-time recording studio.

To recap, here are our choices for the best soundproof curtains along with the main considerations to help you choose the best for you.

Happy shopping!

IMAGEPRODUCTRATINGPRICE
EDITOR’S CHOICE
RYB HOME Blackout Soundproof Divider Curtains
RYB HOME Blackout Soundproof Divider Curtains

Features: 9.8lbs weight, 2 separate panels, 3 layers of felt and blackout fabric

Benefits: Excellent sound reduction, total blackout, stylish look, soundproof layer can be removed

 

10
Check Price On Amazon
BEST VALUE
WONTEX Noise Reducing 100% Grey Blackout Curtains
WONTEX Noise Reducing 100% Grey Blackout Curtains

Features: 5.43lbs weight, 2 separate panels, 3 layers of polyester

Benefits: Great sound reduction at affordable price, easy rail mounting, great color and size selection

8.5
Check Price On Amazon
BEST BUDGET CURTAIN
NICETOWN Soundproof Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain
NICETOWN Soundproof Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain

Features: 1.4lbs weight, single large panel, 3 layers of felt and blackout fabric

Benefits: Best budget sound reduction performance, grommets pre-installed for easy hanging, attractive curtain

7.5
Check Price On Amazon
  • Simon Morgan

    Simon is an Orlando based musician, but originally hails from Newcastle, England. He started playing bass and guitar in 1998, and played the local scene throughout his teen years before running away to work on ships. These days his passion is budget guitars, amps and pedals - though he's not afraid of the finer things.