The 10 Best Noise Canceling Curtains – [Reviews & Rankings]

As you read this, there’s a chance you’re hearing noise from outside your home or office that make it hard to concentrate. Loud music, sirens, and car noise can make it hard to work, sleep, and sometimes even think.

Worry not, the best noise cancelling curtains can help you create a quieter environment without having to soundproof your walls. 

Noise cancelling curtains, or soundproof curtains, are thick window coverings usually made of polyester or velvet materials. They’re often quite heavy and opaque, although sometimes microscopically porous to absorb sound waves (Source).

Soundproof curtains are sometimes also thermal and blackout, meaning they can insulate temperature and ensure maximum darkness. In addition to minimizing outdoor noise, they can also minimize indoor noise. The thickness of noise cancelling curtains deadens unwanted echo and reverb (Source). 

Noise cancelling curtains are perfect if you live in a busy urban area that attracts a lot of street noise. If you work from home or have trouble sleeping, they’re a great investment in your health and productivity. Noise cancelling curtains are especially helpful if you live or work at street level or near a construction site.

Prior to purchasing noise cancelling curtains, you’ll want to consider whether their size will cover your windows. You’ll also have to consider their weight to ensure your rods can accommodate them. Finally, you’ll want to look at other features like thermal and blackout capabilities. 

Once you install these top-rated noise cancelling curtains, the volume in your home will have never been so peaceful. 

What Are Soundproof Curtains?

Soundproof curtains are an excellent option for anyone who lives in a noisy area, or simply wants to seal their house off completely from outside distractions. As the name implies, noise cancelling curtains are designed to minimize the amount of noise that spills into a house through the window.

Typically made of dense and often completely opaque materials, these curtains are able to do quite a few things that normal curtains simply cannot. Perfect for nurseries and bedrooms, these blackout curtains are great for completely blocking out any light from entering through the window.

Not only are these curtains highly effective at reducing both outside noise and light, they come in a variety of elegant packages that look exactly like a standard curtain.

How Much Do Soundproof Curtains Cost?

Since soundproof curtains are considered a luxury item, they can be quite pricey. You can expect to pay anywhere from $35-$50 for a standard set of noise canceling curtains.

Luckily, the high quality and effectiveness of these curtains truly make them an investment that will become a part of your home for years to come. Additional features like light reduction will often cause the price to be a bit higher.

Comparing The Best Noise Canceling Curtains

1. NICETOWN Full Shading Curtains for Windows (Pair) – Best Noise Reducing Curtains

Nicetown has an incredible reputation when it comes to noise canceling curtains. The company keeps prices down by making the curtains with polyester, but still manages to get excellent shading and noise canceling performance.

These sleek curtains are available in white, beige, black, brown, navy blue and taupe. They are 100 percent polyester and come in a two-pair. Each side has a width of 52 inches and a length of 95 inches.

They are advertised as 100 percent blackout, which will deliver impressive blocking of any light from the outside. They are also the closest you can get to soundproof curtains on a reasonable budget. While they are a little more expensive than other options, they are well worth the extra money.

These draperies are made with two layers of triple weave blackout fabric. It helps to keep out the sun, block out hot/cold air from the outside and significantly reduce noise. They are also easy to clean, as they can be put into the machine. However, they should be ironed instead of put in the dryer.

2. H.VERSAILTEX Classical Grommet Curtains – Wide Enough for Small Windows

Made of faux linen blackout fabric, these H.Versailtex curtains are sold as a single panel. You get a panel that is 52 inches by 108 inches, which is enough for very small windows. Those who have regular to large sized windows will need to buy an extra set of curtains, bringing the price to the same level as the Newtown curtains mentioned above.

The good news is that you get excellent noise and light blocking from these curtains. They featured a textured and layered fabric, along with an inner woven construction. The result? Thick and sturdy curtains that will ensure most outside noise is no longer heard!

These curtains can be put through the washing machine, while they can also be tumble dried on a low setting. It means they are one of the easiest curtains to maintain on the list.

The only knock against the curtains is the weight, as a two-pair would be a full pound lighter than the best model in the category. Heavier curtains do a better job of blocking out low frequency sounds, which means these curtains may not be the best protection against construction noise!

3. NICETOWN Blackout Curtains Panels for Bedroom (Pair) – Most Affordable

Another offering from Nicetown, these blackout curtain panels are ideal for bedrooms and similarly sized rooms in the house. They are a very affordable alternative to the above two offerings, while still providing great blackout and noise reduction.

They come in 17 different colors, which makes them ideal for any type of home style. They are made of polyester and have a silver grommet design, making them very easy to install.

The manufacturer advertises the curtains as offering 85 percent to 99 percent light blocking, along with full soundproofing. Some noise will always be audible, even with these curtains. But they do an impressive job of completely blocking sounds such as people talking, dogs barking and cars passing by.

4. H.VERSAILTEX Premium Blackout Wider Curtains for Patio & Yard – Great at Reducing Noise

Another model from H.Versailtex makes it onto our top five list. It is no surprise, given the company’s prowess in this industry. These blackout curtains are a single panel, but they are long and wide enough to cover most windows.

Compared to other single panels, that are usually 50 inches by 100 inches, these are 100 inches wide by 108 inches long. So a single panel will be the same width and length as two-pairs of the above three selections.

Available in ten different colors, these curtains come in mostly dark shades. There is a white option, but it will not do a very good job at keeping light out. If you need both noise reduction and blackout properties, go with the black, grey, burgundy or blue options.

These 100 percent polyester curtains are said to block out 99 percent of sunlight. They are made with a triple woven, thick microfiber fabric that results in a soft and durable product.

Most users say the curtains will significantly reduce outside noise.

5. Deconovo Blackout Drapes Blind Curtain – Lightest Curtains

Another single panel that is big enough to cover most windows, the Deconovo Blackout Drapes are a solid option for those who want no fuss noise reduction curtains.

While these 100 percent polyester curtains are not as elegant or sleek as some of the above models, they do come in 23 different color options. As is usually the case, the lighter colors will do a worse job of blocking out light.

These curtains are a bit thinner and lighter compared to other models, especially the offerings from Nicetown. But they are still thick enough to block out a good amount of outside noise.

They are machine washable, making them easy to maintain.

6. Moondream Sound Insulation Curtains – Most Versatile

The Moondream 3 in 1 Sound Insulation Curtain is a great example of just how effective these noise canceling curtains can be. Included in this package is one thick curtain that measures 57 x 63 inches and is large enough to completely cover most standard windows.

As a 3 in 1 curtain, Moondream has provided a shade that features not only soundproof capabilities, but also thermal and light insulation. This means that very little sound, light, or heat will be transferred through the window into the house.

This makes it perfect for anyone who likes to sleep in or needs a quiet space in the house to get some work done. These high-end soundproof curtains come at a high price, but they are completely worth it thanks to the many added features.

7. RYB HOME Full Blackout Curtains with Felt Fabric Liner for Sound Insulation – High-Quality Sound Blocking Curtains

If you are looking for blackout curtains that also have noise canceling properties, you can’t go wrong with RYB Home. These curtains are made of three separate layers that work to effectively shield you from outside sounds and light.

They come in a variety of stylish colors to choose from and are made of high quality materials like polyester. This allows you to machine wash these curtains without having to worry about damaging the material.

Not only is this product effective against noise and light, but it also is completely thermal insulated. This is exactly what you are looking for to keep your house warm during the winter and cool in the summer.

Although it is packed with a number of different features, this 3 in 1 curtain is rather inexpensive.

8. BGment Thermal Insulated Soundproof Curtain – Easiest To Install

The BGment Thermal Insulated and Soundproof Curtain does so much more than your standard window curtain. This product comes with two separate curtain panels that measure 52 x 63 inches wide.

It is easy to install and has been designed to fit most regular curtain rods. Featuring a black lining backing, this soundproof curtain doubles as a blackout curtain.

Effectively blocking any light, it can help to reduce the need for shades and allows for total darkness inside. With six different colors to choose from, there is an option that will fit in with any room’s decor.

Most importantly, the noise canceling effect of these curtains is quite effective. Despite being a two-piece set, very little sound reverb is able to penetrate through its tightly woven material.

9. StangH Thermal Insulated Velvet Curtains – Most Elegant

If you are looking for completely soundproof curtains that come in a silky-smooth velvet finish, take a look at the StangH Thermal Insulated Velvet Curtains. Unlike most soundproof curtains on the market, the material that this one is made out of is very elegant and incredibly soft to the touch.

As its name would suggest, the curtains do not only feature noise isolation. Additionally, they are thermal insulated and 100% light dampening. This makes it incredibly efficient at saving energy and can completely shut a room off from the outside world.

Despite its many features and high-quality materials, this curtain comes in at a great value. Perfect for anyone who needs noise cancelling shades that simply look amazing, the StangH velvet curtains are tough to beat.

10. Three Pass Microfiber Noise Reducing Curtains – Most Innovative 

Perhaps the best value on this list, these three pass microfiber noise reducing curtains do a lot for the price. With its innovative triple weave construction this product is great for blocking out both noise and sunlight from the outside.

This makes it perfect for childrens bedrooms, offices, and anywhere that you don’t want to be distracted from outside noise.

With over a dozen color options to choose from, you will have an easy time matching these curtains to the rest of your furniture. They are completely machine washable and will last a lifetime if properly cared for.

Not only does this curtain set block out 90%-95% of UV rays, it also features some decent thermal insulation. This is not typically expected of curtains from this low of a price,but is definitely a welcome surprise.

How Much Noise Do Blackout Curtains Block?

Blackout curtains are often referred to as “noise cancelling” due to their ability to minimize outdoor noise. They use thick materials like velvet and polyester to block out light and sound. Blackout curtains typically aren’t capable of completely eliminating outdoor sound; however, they can dull it significantly.

How Do Soundproof Curtains Work?

Soundproof curtains work to effectively dampen any noise that might pass through a window. Typically, these curtains are heavy and tightly woven, with adequate length to cover the window from top to bottom.

Thanks to their thick construction and special materials, soundproof curtains provide a number of different benefits. One feature that is common among noise cancelling curtains is sunproof capabilities.

Also known as blackout curtains, these shades are often made of very thick materials that make it perfect for anyone who needs a room to be completely dark.

Heat insulation is another property to consider when it comes to soundproof curtains. They can help to reduce energy costs as the average room temperature will not change due to outside heat.

While noise canceling curtains can not be 100% effective, consumers report that they are able to drastically reduce the impact of outside sounds. They do this by reducing vibrations that are able to pass through the window.

How to Install Soundproof Curtains

1)   Attach the Curtain rod to the wall

The first step to properly setting up your soundproof curtains is to install the curtain rod. This rod sits on top of the window, running its entire length. Most will feature a bracket that is simply secured into the wall, and the rod can snap into it.

2)   Loop the Curtain Rod through the Curtain Guide Holes

Next, you must attach the curtain itself to the rod now that it is on the wall. Don’t worry if you already secured the rod in place, most rods feature clasps that allow you to easily detach it from the wall. Guide the rod through all of the support holes in the curtain and reattach to the wall. It is important that you make sure that the orientation is correct, as most curtains will have a blackout side and a display side.

3)   Completely Shut the Curtains for Maximum Effectiveness

Now that the curtains are all set up, you can easily open or shut them depending on whether you want to isolate yourself from the outside or not. In order to fully capitalize on these soundproof curtains, make sure to completely cover the window from edge to edge.

Things You Should Know Before Buying Noise Cancelling Curtains

Are Noise Canceling Curtains a Gimmick?

It is amazing how many people ask whether noise canceling curtains are a gimmick. It is understandable, as it seems hard to believe that fabric could be so useful at blocking out sound.

Those who are seeking a complete elimination of all outside sound may be a little disappointed. These curtains are not going to block out every bit of sound. If there is significant construction going on right outside your home, you will hear some of it. But the noise you hear is significantly quieter than it would be without the curtains.

Even the echoes that can be heard in bigger houses are reduced by these curtains, as they will absorb a lot of the sound. From the outside, sounds such as construction are significantly quieter. People chatting, cars driving by and dogs barking – such sounds are blocked out or very faint.

Important Noise Canceling Curtain Features

Size

When buying regular curtains, most people seek out a perfect fit. But soundproof curtains are a little different. To get good performance out of these curtains, they should be two or three times wider than your window. They should also be roughly 10 inches longer than your window. For blinds though, they don’t exactly have to follow this length, but in case yours in longer than you want them to be, follow this quick guide on how to shorten window blinds.

By using curtains that are wider and longer than your window, you get complete coverage. They will do a much better job of blocking out sound, compared to noise canceling curtains that precisely fit the dimensions of your window.

The ultimate performance is achieved by curtains that hang from close to the ceiling all the way down to the floor. But we know that such curtains may look unsightly, which is why we provided the size guideline above.

Weight

No one likes to deal with massive, heavy curtains, especially if you are trying to set them up yourself. But it is part and parcel of buying noise canceling curtains. The heavier the curtain, the better it will block out sounds. A thinner curtain will only provide modest noise canceling properties.

Heavier curtains are especially effective at eliminating or dampening low frequency sounds, such as the ones that come from heavy machinery involved in nearby construction.

Homeowners who are very sensitive to any type of outside noise can even double up the curtains they have set up. It will require a heavy duty rod, but layering two heavy noise canceling curtains on top of each other will block out even more noise!

Curtain Rods

Anyone who has ever installed curtains knows how important curtain rods are to the process. They are even more crucial with noise canceling curtains. The rods must be strong enough to hold these heavy duty curtains. And they can also help with the noise canceling process when they are wrap-around curtain rods.

Wrap around rods are the best option for noise canceling curtains, because you attach them to the walls with a curve. It ensures there is almost no gap between the coverage of the curtain and the wall. It will cancel out noise much better than curtains that are set up with a huge air gap.

Those who are thinking about doubling up curtains may need to buy heavy duty rods, or double up the rods. The final option is to go with ceiling-mount brackets. These brackets will help you get the “ceiling to floor” coverage we mentioned earlier.

Materials

The final aspect that you must consider when buying noise canceling curtains is the material used to make them. Suede, velvet, polyester and faux linen are some of the common fabrics in quality noise canceling curtains, with polyester the most popular.

The curtains should have labels describing them as insulated, thermaweave, thermalayer or something of this nature. It will indicate that extra fibers are present in the curtain with the express purpose of canceling sound.

And if the curtains have added thermal properties, it is a bonus. They will help keep out hot air during the summer and cold air during the winter, resulting in lower energy costs.

Some noise canceling curtains have extra layers, such as blackout liners, curtain liners or window liners. These extra layers are designed to provide another barrier that sound must travel through.

Ready To Buy The Best Noise Canceling Curtains?

Living in a big city or rowdy neighborhood should not stop anyone from enjoying peace and quiet at night. You pay good money to live at your home or apartment – you deserve a comfortable atmosphere at all times.

Noise canceling curtains are an affordable and surprisingly effective way to create a quiet atmosphere in a room. Noise from the outside, such as people talking, cars passing by or construction, becomes almost inaudible.

Those who are looking for the very best noise canceling curtains, irrespective of price, will love the Nicetown Full Shading Curtains for Windows. These are the best curtains on the market that will block noise from the outside, while also providing blackout from the outside light.

If you want something a little more affordable, the Nicetown Blackout Curtains Panels for Bedroom are also a very good choice. They will do a commendable job at keeping noise out.

We hope that you appreciated our list of the top five noise canceling curtains and buying guide. Also, take a look at this guide about window treatments which can make a great addition to your living space.