How to Soundproof Windows: 8 Methods (With 2024 Costs)

Is your house full of unwanted noise? Odds are you’re looking for ways to cut out the road noise in your home. Luckily, soundproofing your windows is a relatively straightforward process. There are also methods you can try yourself at home with DIY installation before considering hiring professionals to help with installation. 

If you’re looking to block out extra sound in your home, we’ve included 8 sound-dampening methods to consider implementing this year, along with their prices and project ease.

Key takeaways

• The most common methods of reducing noise from windows include adding inserts, installing adhesive-backed weatherstripping, and upgrading to actual soundproof windows.

• Upgrading to new windows (storm or soundproof) is the most expensive method, followed by window inserts. The most budget-friendly method includes clear acrylic sheet inserts and weatherstripping.

• It’s best to hire professionals to use any noise-proofing method, including replacing or upgrading windows. This process can be very complex and requires expertise to install the new windows correctly the first time. 

Overview: how to soundproof windows

There are several ways to noise-reducing your windows, each with pros and cons. The good news is that with a range of options, you can find one or two that fit your budget and give your home the level of soundproofing you’re looking for. Some of our methods can also be completed as a DIY project if you want to save even more money by cutting out installation costs. However, if you’re looking for optimal soundproofing, looking at professional methods might fit your needs best.

Here are the options for noise-reduction windows we are going to look at in this guide:

• Window inserts

• Replacing old windows

• Acrylic sheets

• Installing adhesive-backing foam weatherstripping

• Sealing window gaps

• Sound-Reducing Window Treatments

• Storm windows

• Specialized soundproof windows

Option 1: add window inserts

• DIY Difficulty: Easy

• Cost: $273 - $496 per insert
  

Window inserts can be a highly effective measure for soundproofing your windows, and to make them even better, they’re an easy DIY project. Acoustic window inserts act as a sound barrier when installed along the interior of your windows. Most inserts come in kits you can find at a local window dealer that can also take over installation for you, or you can opt to do it yourself to save on labor fees. 

To install window inserts yourself, here are a few tools you may need:

• Tape measure

• Utility knife

• Caulk gun

• Caulk sealant

• Electric drill & drill bits (purchase drill sizes according to your kit)

• Rubber mallet

• Small, thin block of wood

Using the tools from the list above and any extras your kit requires, follow the manufacturer’s instructions from your kit to install the inserts correctly and block extra sound. 

Option 2: replace older windows with updated ones

• DIY Difficulty: Hire a pro

• Cost: $475 - $864 per window

Whether your existing windows are standard or soundproof, sometimes replacing old ones is critical to adding quieter qualities back to your home. Windows decrease in noise-reduction strength over time from basic wear and tear, which causes window seals and other materials to break from the weather and increases air leakage and sound. This option is best left to professionals for removal and installation and does cost more than window inserts since you’re replacing the entire window.

Option 3: Use clear acrylic sheets

• DIY Difficulty: Easy

• Cost: $47 - $100 per sheet

Acrylic sheets, or plexiglass, work similar to window inserts but are cheaper and easier to install. Whereas window inserts require you to purchase them from a dealer who can create custom sizes, you can find acrylic sheets in standard sizes at your nearest hardware store that can be adjusted manually to fit your windows. Acrylic sheets are more lightweight than traditional inserts and are just as effective at blocking out sound from their thicker material, which acts as a barrier when installed along the frame of your window. To achieve true noise-reducing efforts from a plexiglass insert, look for sheets that are at least 6mm thick. 

Here are a few tools you will likely need when installing acrylic sheets along your windows:

• Acrylic sheets

• Tape measure

• Jigsaw

• Window cleaner

• Foam weatherstripping

• Adhesive-backed foam strips

With these materials, follow these steps to install the acrylic sheets for a noise-limiting barrier:

1. Purchase an acrylic (plexiglass) sheet from your nearest hardware store that is at least 6mm thick. 

2. Use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of the inside portion of your window opening. Taking those dimensions, subtract ¼ inches from all sides of your acrylic sheet, marking it with a pen (this will be the markings you cut in the next step).

3. Setting your acrylic sheet aside, clean your window with your favorite window cleaner and let it dry to give the sheet and your foam strips a dust-free surface to adhere better to.

4. Now, take a jigsaw and slowly begin to cut the markings to cut the sheet to fit your window. Do not remove the protective covering on the sheet yet. 

5. Before you install your acrylic sheet, add padding around the edges of your windowsill with your foam weatherstripping to act as padding for the top of your sheet and to create more insulation. 

6. Now, it’s time to install your plexiglass sheets. Using your adhesive-backed foam strips, attach them to the back of your sheet along the sides and top. This will ensure your sheet fits snugly against the drywall. When your adhesive backing is on, position your sheet in your window opening and make sure it’s a snug, secure fit.

7. Once in place, test out your work to hear how noise-reduced sounds are and make adjustments as needed.

Option 4: install adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping

• DIY Difficulty: Low

• Cost: $5 - $10 per 10 feet of material

Weatherstripping foam is a common method for soundproofing windows. It is one of the most cost-effective materials, and you don’t need a professional to install it. You can purchase the adhesive-backed strips from your nearest hardware store or Amazon and place them along your windows the same day to quickly add more sound insulation to your home.

Follow these steps to add the weatherstripping material to your single-hung or double-hung windows:

1. Use soap and water to thoroughly clean the bottom sash of each window. The bottom sash is the lower casing that rises up along your v-channel (the track your bottom sash raises up on). 

2. Measure the length of your v-channel, then measure and cut your stripping to fit this length. You can find the v-channel after pushing the bottom sash all the way up. V-channels are located off to each side of the window frame. 

3. Remove the adhesive backing and press the first strip of your weatherstripping firmly into place along the v-channels. 

Option 5: seal window gaps with acoustic caulk

• DIY Difficulty: Low

• Cost: $10 - $50

Caulk is a wonderful sealant that can block out noises in your home when used to fill in air gaps or cracks along your windows. This DIY project is another one on the list that can be found at your hardware store and completed within a day; plus, it isn’t as complicated as installing weatherstripping or inserts. 

For this project, you need only a caulk gun and acoustic caulk sealant. Once the caulk is loaded in your gun, go over each window to seal gaps or cracks along the frame that let in excess noise. 

Option 6: purchase sound-reducing window treatments

• DIY Difficulty: Hire a pro

• Cost: $100+

One of the easiest ways to reduce unwanted sounds in your home is to upgrade your window treatments. Certain treatments, such as honeycomb shades, noise-canceling blinds, heavy curtains, or soundproof curtains, can effectively block out sounds by absorbing extra sound and serving as a barrier.

Option 7: install storm windows

• DIY Difficulty: Hire a pro

• Cost: $188 - $342

Storm windows are a type of window to consider upgrading if you want better protection from strong storms and soundproofing characteristics. Storm windows are installed over your current windows to provide an extra layer of insulation that includes a tighter seal, which blocks out the sounds. This might be the best method for you if you live in a state like Florida or others prone to hurricanes and strong storms. 

Option 8: install specialized soundproof windows

• DIY Difficulty: Hire a pro

• Cost: $700 - $1,800+

Of course, one of the best ways to soundproof windows is by installing windows specialized in soundproof qualities. Though these windows do not fully omit sounds, they are constructed with multiple panes that reduce noises by absorbing and filtering them, which makes transferring sounds much slower. These glass panes use polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which can reduce sound by as much as 50%. However, there are other noise-reduction options on the market with various strategies, such as using multiple panes, varying pane thickness, etcetera. Noise-reduction strategies vary per dealer, so you should always consult with the brands you’re deciding between to see which strategy would most effectively filter out noises around your home. 

Soundproof window costs

In addition to their noise-reduction qualities, style, and size are significant factors in soundproof windows. Noise-reducing windows are already costly per window due to their materials and intricate construction. Still, other types of noise-reduction windows are available that increase cost even more based on the features they include.

Type of soundproof window	Average cost per window
Medium-sized soundproof sash window	$700+
Medium-sized soundproof casement window	$800+
High-performance secondary window	$860+
Soundproof French doors	$1,800+

Cost comparison of window soundproofing methods

The chart below provides a cost-only breakdown of the various noise-reduction methods discussed in this guide.

Type of soundproofing	Cost
Adding window inserts	$273 - $496 per insert
Replacing older single-pane windows with updated double-pane windows	$475 - $864 per window
Adding clear acrylic sheets	$47 - $100 per sheet
Adding adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping	$5 - $10 per 10 feet of material
Sealing window gaps with acoustic caulk	$10 - $50
Adding sound-reducing window treatments	$100+
Installing storm windows	$188 - $342
Installing soundproof windows	$700 - $1,800+

How should you soundproof your windows?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the best method to minimize the sounds from your windows. Thankfully, there are several methods to decide from on this list after taking into account the following factors:

• Pricing: Soundproofing windows comes with a range of costs. From $5 weatherstripping rolls to $700+ per noise-reduction window, you can choose a method that best suits your budget. 

• Project difficulty: Some methods don’t require extensive labor, while others do. If you’re doing the project yourself, consider the difficulty of each technique and the details of each step, and choose one that you feel works best for your skillset and effort.

• DIY vs. pro: Consider whether you’d rather soundproof your window DIY style or hire a pro. Professionals are an excellent source to consider if you want proper installation the first time around, are considering completely upgrading windows, or don’t have the time to dedicate to this project. 

Soundproofing windows: the bottom line

Deciding to soundproof your windows can have several benefits beyond blocking noise. For instance, since you’re providing another layer to your window, each unit is getting better insulation and increased energy efficiency. This alone can better regulate temperatures within your home to help decrease energy bills. 

Another plus to insulating your windows is that there are various methods to choose from that fit every homeowner. You can replace your entire window by installing brand-new ones or conserve your current windows by putting weatherstripping strips over the seals, installing an acrylic sheet, or caulking gaps and holes.

Frequently asked questions

You can put several things on your windows to reduce extra noise. Window treatments are an excellent option that acts as another layer for sound to pass through, and there are even treatments specialized for noise reduction, like cellular shades. Other options include weatherstripping or inserts.

Noise-reducing window inserts work by fitting inside the frame of your window and acting as another barrier for light and sound to try to travel through. They are made from either acoustic glass or acrylic sheets. Their ends are slightly bigger to fit over the perimeter of the window to create a tight seal around the edges of the window frame.

The best noise-blocking windows are double—or triple-pane windows with laminated glass and heavy frame materials like fiberglass. Extra panes mean extra layers of glass that deepen sounds. These extra panes slow down sound travel and create a tighter seal around the window frame to further reduce noise.

The average cost of soundproof windows starts at around $700 and goes up to $1,800 or more per window. Cost factors for these windows include the high-quality construction, brand, and installation costs.