Soundproof Your Home: Window Inserts & The Basics

Soundproofing windows depends on how sound is coming into your home and what noise is disturbing you. Soundproof windows work against traffic noise, barking dogs, & noisy neighbors – and they do this with window insulation. Soundproofing window inserts provide inside window insulation that both reduces and absorbs sound. Find out if they'll work for you:

Simple soundproofing window tricks by blocking noise from entering.

Sound Reduction

shows graphically how reduction occur

Sound Absorption

shows graphically how absorption takes place inside an indow window

Types of Window Soundproofing

Sound Reduction — Decreasing noise from its original level by blocking it. Sound-reducing products prevent noise from entering a space.

Sound Absorption — Decreasing noise from its original level by stopping its movement within a space. Sound-absorbing products stop noise from bouncing off surfaces.

How to Increase Sound ReductionHow to Increase Sound Absorption
Seal gaps in window (caulk, weatherstrips) Add furniture
Sound-dampening curtains Hang acoustic panels
Install sound-reducing blinds Lay plush rugs
Install interior storm window inserts Purchase plants

Now that you know the difference, decide whether you need sound reducing or sound absorbing products.
Don't know which product you need? Noise generated outside calls for sound reducing products to stop noise from traveling through windows, ceilings, doors, and walls. Noise generated inside requires sound absorption products to reduce echo.

If outside noise is your issue, Indow is here for you. Noise travels via vibrations in the air and insulating, air sealing inserts block that noise from entering your space. Can't decide? You may need both.

Indow products can be used to block outside noise from entering while sound absorbing materials inside can minimize reverberation. Keep in mind, sound reducing products, like inserts, will provide a more noticeable difference in noise than sound absorbing products.

Learn more about the two types of soundproofing and soundproofing materials

Diagram of a soundproof window with original glass and acrylic acoustic insert.

How to Soundproof a Window with Inserts

Installing window inserts is an easy and effective way of soundproofing windows. Indow Acoustic Grade window inserts can reduce and cancel noise – up to 70% of outside noise when placed over single-pane windows and up to 50% of noise coming through double-pane windows. In an office or home, soundproofing windows is easy with our inserts that press into your existing window frame—no hassle, nails, or adhesives required. But how much does it cost to soundproof windows?

Woman installing Indow insert for the simple soundproofing in windows.

Indow inserts are edged with silicone compression tubing to create a seal for your soundproof window. Getting an exact fit is essential in soundproofing a window, since gaps and spaces allow sound to seep inside. This precise fit also creates a more comfortable, energy efficient space while the low profile practically disappears into your window frame. Our custom-made inserts offer simple soundproofing for any window shape.

Watch this 2 minute demo by window expert, The Craftsman Blog:

*We want to ensure our inserts help solve your noise problem. Overall noise reduction depends on the amount of noise coming through your walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and existing windows. Noise reduction will be less when placed over double-pane windows. Read our full Noise Reduction Sheet to learn more.

Sound Absorbing Treatments

Despite your best room soundproofing efforts, the sound that does penetrate can be absorbed once it's in the room to minimize reverberation. It's best to avoid minimalist style of exposed brick and wood floors. Consider hanging Acoustic panels. Also, plush rugs with sound dampening rug pads, wall hangings, upholstered furniture and plants will help absorb sound.

Indow Inserts Are Featured In:

Indow inserts are featured in: The New York Times, Wired, Popular Mechanics, Bloomberg, Treehugger, Sunset, This Old House, Dwell, KGW8

“Indow significantly improves insulation and leakage, as well as noise reduction.”

-RD Gentzler, Architect
House Beautiful, How to Soundproof Your Windows Without Actually Renovating

Customer Reviews

Excellent

4.49 Average 1505 Reviews

Reviews.io logo

Anonymous

WE just took delivery of the two window inserts we ordered. they both fit perfectly. The most difficult part of the process was me trying to hold the laser measuring device still while taking the diaginal measurment! The Indow team was helpful and the ordering process was catch free. the finished product is just as they described. once installed, you can not even tell that they are there. I will warn you, if you have larger sizes they will come in a pretty large packing crate/box to protect them so be prepared. The only reason for 4 stars insted of 5 is they have just been istalled and we shall see how effective they are at reducing cold air, but they fit so snug that I anticipate they will be very effective. Just in time too, because our area is in a low temp/low wind chill pattern at the moment.

Posted 1 week ago

Craig F

The Indow I ordered was a perfect fit. It looks great and is an extremely well made product. The ordering process was seamless.

Posted 1 month ago

Catherine J

Noise reduction by at least 50%! I cannot hear most car that drives by now. My bedroom is so quiet! Thank you!

Posted 1 month ago

Walter M

Easy to order and install.

Posted 2 months ago

Dianne F

Window inserts help with sound since I live facing the street and the highway

Posted 2 months ago

Dianne

This is a 5 star company from beginning to end. I purchased the I inserts in 2017 because the bedroom on the second story faced the street. These are very effective for street noise. Noticed a problem on one of the windows recently and they quickly took care of it due to their warranty. Customer service personnel are very helpful. The price of the windows was acceptable for top quality of sleep and less noise during the day

Posted 3 months ago

Charles C

Recently purchased the acoustic window inserts for a couple of old windows facing a busy street and they've made a huge difference in terms of noise reduction! The measuring process was relatively easy with the laser measuring tool that Indow sent and the windows were delivered faster than expected. Martin was easy to work with and we would highly recommend Indow to those looking for window inserts.

Posted 5 months ago

Dean C

Installed noise canceling acrylic Indow window inserts to deal with the road noise at my condo, 4 lane state road is 40 feet from the condo. Expensive custom fit, but oh my gosh, they cut the noise by 75%! Decibel meter app I trust shows a 6 Decibel noise reduction, average Db over 30 minutes. Turns out 6 Db is letting only 25% of noise through! I am one happy camper…

Posted 5 months ago

Harry T

The Indow team was great from start to finish! They were very clear about each step. After installing the inserts my home has been significantly while still preserving the fabulous city views. For anyone who lives in a noisy street or city like NYC I would highly recommend it. Leave the chaos outside and come home to piece and quiet.

Posted 5 months ago

Paula S

From start to finish, we were very pleased with our rep, Reed, and the other staff at the PDX will call! The inserts themselves are stupendous! We purchased six total for the noisiest, road side(s) of our home. The outcome was beyond our expectations! Not only did the three rooms that bordered the road become at least 70% quieter, the other end of our home did as well! I cannot recommend Indow inserts more! The technology makes sense to add the inserts rather than purchasing new windows. Great results and thank you! Paul and Paula Spilsbury

Posted 6 months ago

JD

Brian was very helpful & informative. He helped me order the correct windows for my needs. They were shipped with the utmost of care & arrived ahead of schedule. Ultimately, the Indow Windows have been very helpful in muffling unwanted noises & they have helped save on our energy costs. Thank you, Indow Window!

Posted 7 months ago

Cynthia M

Very happy with the reduction in noise. Easy to install and use. Great customer service.

Posted 8 months ago

Juli E

We are thrilled with our Indow window inserts! I'd been on the lookout for a more permanent solution to leaky windows in our third floor living space. I discovered Indow on social media but since then have learned of friends who'd had Indow recommended to them by their rennovation contractor. The entire process went smoothly with friendly reps at hand to talk through questions during measuring, etc. They fit perfectly and help us to maintain the beautiful design of the windows on our 100 year old home! Highly recommend!!

Posted 8 months ago

Jen F

Worth the money!

Posted 9 months ago

Elizabeth H

For townhouse living, this solved my problem with noise from my neighbor's with my kitchen window. A considerable decrease of noise indeed! Measurements were a bit frustrating so I recommend using a laser measurement device and following directions to use a string for the diagonal. They look great and were easy to push into place. I highly recommend as an alternative to buying a new window.

Posted 9 months ago

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