Do Acoustic Panels Really Block Neighbor Noise?
Jan 05, 2026
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.