Do Acoustic Panels Really Block Neighbor Noise?

What Can and Can't They Do?

Neighbor noise is one of the most common complaints in apartments, townhouses, and shared office buildings. Many people choose acoustic panels as a quick solution—but do they really block neighbor noise?

In short: Acoustic panels help, but they don't completely block sound transmission.

To understand why, it's crucial to understand the difference between sound absorption and sound insulation.

Acoustic Panels vs. Sound Insulation: Key Differences

This is where most misconceptions originate.

Acoustic Panels

Reduce echoes, reverberation, and reflected sound

Improve indoor acoustic clarity

Absorb mid-to-high frequency sounds

Doesn't significantly increase wall mass

Sound Insulation Materials

Prevent sound from passing through walls, floors, and ceilings

Requires a certain level of mass, airtight structure, and vibration isolation

Usually requires structural modifications to the walls

Acoustic panels are designed to control sound, not completely block it.

So, do acoustic panels really reduce neighbor noise?

Yes—but the effect is indirect. Sound-absorbing panels can:

Reduce the perceived intensity of indoor noise

Absorb reflected sound, thus reducing noise from neighbors

Improve overall acoustic comfort

Reduce noise from next door, television, and music

However, they cannot completely prevent sound from penetrating shared walls.

Why is neighbor noise so easily transmitted?

Neighbor noise typically enters a room through:

Shared walls

Structural vibrations

Gap around outlets, doors, and ceilings

Thin drywall structures

Because sound travels as vibrations, blocking sound requires a large, airtight barrier, not just absorption.

How Wood Strip Sound-Absorbing Panels Can Help Improve Sound Insulation in Apartments

While sound-absorbing panels are not a complete soundproofing solution, wood strip sound-absorbing wall panels offer many practical advantages for shared living spaces.

Advantages include:

Absorbing reflected noise entering the room

Reducing booming sounds and harsh echoes

Improving speech clarity in home office environments

Creating a calmer, quieter listening environment

When installed on shared walls, they help control indoor sound energy, making neighbor noise less bothersome.

Optimal installation locations for reducing neighbor noise

For best results:

Install the sound-absorbing panels on shared walls

Cover the first reflecting area near seating or beds

Use sound-absorbing panels with high-density sound-absorbing backing

Coordinate with soft furnishings such as curtains and carpets

While this won't completely eliminate noise, it can significantly improve comfort.

When you need more than just sound-absorbing panels

If neighbor noise is severe, sound-absorbing panels should be used as part of a multi-layered soundproofing approach, including:

Sealing wall gaps and electrical outlets

Adding drywall or soundproofing materials

Using soundproof curtains or door seals

Combining sound-absorbing materials with high-density soundproofing materials

Sound-absorbing panels work best when used in conjunction with basic soundproofing measures.

Why is the quality of sound-absorbing panels important?

Not all sound-absorbing panels perform the same way.

Our company's wood strip sound-absorbing panels use the following materials:

High-density medium-density fiberboard (MDF) strips

Precisely cut sound-absorbing slits

High-quality PET sound-absorbing backing

Stable bonding process ensures long-term performance

This guarantees consistent sound absorption in residential and commercial applications.