For many, the basement is the ideal place to store furniture and any other items that you are not using. However, apart from storage, the basement is good for many other reasons. The best soundproofing material for basement ceiling is best for when you don’t want other house occupants to bleed from the noise from your basement. Although basement soundproofing materials don’t cost much, it can be relatively challenging to find the best.

There are different ways to soundproof your basement ceiling. However, acoustic foam panels are effective for blocking out sounds. Not just this, but the panels also improve your basement’s acoustics since they absorb sound better than most materials. This way, you can use your basement and still eliminate reverberations and echoes. Below are the top soundproofing materials for basement ceilings.

The Best Soundproofing Material For Basement Ceiling Product reviews

New Level 12 Pack- Ice Blue/Charcoal Acoustic Panels Studio Foam

The New Level 12 Pack- Ice Blue/Charcoal Acoustic Panels Studio Foam is an acoustic wall panel that ensures complete sound absorption. Apart from use for ceilings, the product will also fit in walls for blocking sounds. As a result, it is ideal for use in homes, offices, and studios. The product contains 19 packs of 12square feet. Each tile is also 1-square foot of 1 inch thick. The tile is an inexpensive way to clear your room of noise and is a great divider for the walls and ceilings.

Pros

• Blocks sound from outside
• Easy to install
• No need for adhesives

Cons

• Some buyers wished they were thicker

12 Pack Acoustic Panels 1 X 12 X 12 Inches

The 12 Pack Acoustic Panels by Siless is another ideal soundproofing material for ceilings. The high-density foam wedges are great for reducing ambient sound. It also lets you get a great sound within the room and absorbs high, mid, and low frequencies. Thanks to its unique design, the foam panel is lightweight. This is because of its flexible professional-grade acoustic foam made for different soundproofing situations. You also won’t have a problem with installation since it is not a high-density foam. Since the panel can be attached to different surfaces, it will work in other places apart from the ceiling.

Pros

• They come uncompressed
• Not too dense
• Easy to tear

Cons

• Double-sided tapes won’t hold the panels

6 Pack Egg Crate Foam Cushion 2″ Thick 12″W x12″L Acoustic Panels Sound Proof Foam

Six packs of this thick acoustic panel sound-proof foam are suitable for ceilings and walls. It comes with 12 grooves that increase the contact area with sound waves. The panel is also an open-celled acoustical foam panel that absorbs high and mid-frequency reflections for control and convenience. The padding panels also give more options for placement, and it is also handy for use as packing foam and studio foam. Each tile splits into two wedges and has the highest point of 1.5-inc height. On the other hand, the lowest point reaches ½ inches in height.

Pros

• High-quality foam
• Improves sound quality
• Works with spray adhesives

Cons

• Not perfectly square; hence, don’t match perfectly.

12 Pack – Acoustic Foam Panels

The 12 Pack – Acoustic Foam Panels are not fireproof; however, they do an excellent job of soundproofing. The 3D acoustic foam is 2-inches thick; hence, breaks up sound waves considerably easily. As a result, it provides an ideal level of sound control on ceilings and walls. It also measures 50lbs per cubic yard to absorb unwanted flutter echo. Apart from this, the panels are made of non-toxic and environmentally friendly polyurethane foam for safe use around humans. The panels also expand after delivery for fast and convenient use

Pros

• Reduces reverb
• Works anywhere
• Expands quickly after compression

Cons

• It may dry a sensitive hand.

Convoluted 2 Inch 12″ W x 12″ L Egg Crate Panels Acoustic Foam

The Convoluted 2 Inch 12″ W x 12″ L Egg Crate Panels Acoustic Foam pack contains a total of six tiles packaged as three tiles that you can split into two wedges. After the split, each foam panel has the highest point of 1.5inches in height and the lowest point of ½ inches in height. It has a certified noise reduction coefficient rating of 0.40, and its small size offers more options for convenient placement. Apart from soundproofing, it can significantly improve the clarity of your room. More importantly, the panel is soft, flexible, and easy to apply on ceilings.

Pros

• Soft and lightweight
• Small for easy placement
• Does not smell

Cons

• No adhesive or instruction included

New Level 12 Pack- Red/Charcoal Acoustic Panels Studio Foam

This New Level 12 Pack- Red/Charcoal Acoustic Panels Studio Foam has an attractive color that stands it out on the ceiling. Apart from the appearance, the panels are highly functional and durable. The convoluted panel is excellent for sound absorption and has an impressive appearance. It is also versatile for use in different parts of the home or office. The product comes in 12 packs that cover 12 feet, each tile measuring 1 square foot and 1inch thick. For buyers that appreciate made in USA products, this panel is made in the US.

Pros

• You can install with double-sided tape or tacks
• Sturdy and lightweight
• Prevents echo

Cons

• A little thin

50 Pack Acoustic Panels Soundproof Studio Foam

If there is strength in numbers, then this product defines strength. The product package contains 50 black pieces of sound-absorbing studio foams. This way, there is enough to fortify your room against noise. More than the numbers, the foams are made of high-quality and environmentally safe polyurethane foam. By implication, it does not have any health implications or risk. The foam is also durable and does an excellent job of dampening low and mid-frequency sound waves. It also minimizes interference for more sound clarity. The panels are also easy to install as you can simply attach to walls with staples, glue, tack, glue, or screw.

Pros

• Easy installation
• Eco-friendly and safe
• Absorbs noise

Cons

• There are reports that bugs find their way into the foams

DEKIRU Upgraded 12 Pack Acoustic Panels Sound Proofing Padding

The DEKIRU Upgraded 12 Pack Acoustic Panels Soundproofing Padding is designed to break the direction of sound waves. This way, it traps unwanted sounds for an echo-free cleaner sound. It also works as a wall decorator as it can be placed anywhere asides from the ceiling. The foam is available in different colors; hence, you can mix and match various colors for design and aesthetics. It is made with 100% eco-friendly materials and is safe to touch and breathe in. Plus, anyone can conveniently install the panels by simply attaching a 3M double-sided tape or spray adhesive.

Pros

• Comes with a sided tape
• High-density and eco-friendly
• Multi-color options

Cons

• The back is not easy to add adhesive to

BXI Sound Absorber – 16 X 12 X 3/8 Inches 6 Pack High Density Acoustic Absorption Panel

This High-Density Acoustic Absorption Panel by BXI is made of high-quality polyester for safe and functional use. Thanks to its design, it effectively blocks mid and high-frequency noise. It is also easy to install with tacks and pins. Plus, it is not too flexible; hence, is easy to trim and hang. The panels can go on any surface that reflects sound or in any position that you want echo and sound. More importantly, the panel is eco-friendly. By implication, it is non-toxic, odorless, and formaldehyde-free. It is also corrosion-resistant, anti-aging, and flame-resistant.

Pros

• Eco-friendly
• Easy to install
• Reduces reverb

Cons

• Relatively thin but works

DEKIRU New 12 Pack Acoustic Foam Panels

The DEKIRU New 12 Pack Acoustic Foam Panel is available in different color options for flexible and convenient selection. Apart from soundproofing, it is handy for improving the aesthetics of your ceiling. The panel is perfect for anyone that wants to reduce unwanted reverb, waves, echoes, and flutter echoes. Thanks to its polyester fiber material, the product is fire-resistant. It is also safe to touch and breathe in; hence, works in any location around the home. For easy installation, you can attach the panel with a spray adhesive or a 3M double-sided tape.

Pros

• Ideal for wall decoration
• Easy to cut
• Impressive bevels

Cons

• Some of the panels come with pronounced dots and blemishes.

Soundproofing Acoustic Studio Foam

The Soundproofing Acoustic Studio Foam by Sound Assured has an effective design that helps easy and flexible installation. It also features wedge style angled design that promotes optimum sound absorbency. As a result, the sound barrier can be used on temporary and permanent surfaces. To do this, you can use push pins, 3M command strips, double-sided tapes, and adhesive sprays for attaching it to the surfaces. The foam is 2-inch thick; hence, helps to control and trap echo. It is also an economic solution to noise for homes, studios, and halls.

Pros

• Class A fire-retardant
• Made in the USA
• Easy to cut specifications

Cons

• There are reports of inconsistent sizing among the pieces.

12 Pack Egg Crate Foam Charcoal 1 Inch x 12″ W x12″ L Acoustic Foam Panels

The 12 Pack Egg Crate Foam Charcoal Acoustic Foam Panels are 1-inch thick for effectively reducing sound effects. Designed as a high-performing absorption foam, the panel reduces noise over a wide range of frequencies. It also enhances the speech and sound within the room by significantly cutting down on the echo. Each pad can work independently or be used as a flexible integration over a large area like the ceiling. Besides use for home, the pads work for home theatres, vocal booths, recording studios, etc.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to work with
• Compresses and stays in place

Cons

• They don’t have adhesives

Fstop Labs 12 Pack Set Acoustic Absorption Panel

Enjoy superior soundproofing with the Fstop Labs 12 Pack Set Acoustic Absorption Panel. The panels are made of high-quality 100% polyester fiber for enhanced sound insulation. Apart from soundproofing, the product is flame-retardant, corrosion-resistant, and fade-resistant. Not just this, but it is also non-slip, odorless, and non-toxic; hence, is safe for use. The panel also works as a decorative wall or ceiling art for creating a beautiful and comfortable environment. You can easily install it with a double-sided tape or general-purpose spray adhesive without much pain. There is also an after-sale service for US-based customers.

Pros

• Wide applications
• Easy to install
• Stylish and functional

Cons

• It has a strong initial smell that disappears with use.

JBER Acoustic Sound Foam Panels, 24 Pack 2″ X 12″ X 12″ Charcoal Soundproofing Treatment

The last product on our review of the best soundproofing material for basement ceiling is the JBER Acoustic Sound Foam Panels, 24 Pack 2″ X 12″ X 12″ Charcoal Soundproofing Treatment. The 24-packs product covers up to 24 feet and each tile is 2-inch think for reducing noise. It also reduces flutter echoes, acoustic reflections, reverb, and unwanted noise. The panel is also easy to work with as you can easily cut and fit it into different sizes without altering the performance.

Pros

• Compressed for safe transport
• Thick foams
• Easy to cut

Cons

• There are reports of inconsistent quality between panels

How to Buy the Best soundproofing Material for the Basement Ceiling? 

The Type

There are different types of soundproofing materials, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Although we have mostly reviewed foams and panels, there are other types. For example, fiberglass soundproofing material is moisture and water-resistant. However, like many others, it often leaves space where sound can escape from. It is also hard to install. If you can manage the stress, you can opt for the more sophisticated options.

Safety

Soundproofing materials should be safe and easy to use. By implication, it should be environmentally friendly and shouldn’t have any odor. This way, it won’t hurt anyone. We recommend you buy products that are tested for safety requirements.

Flexibility

The product must be easy to use. This includes flexibility, thickness, and versatility. An appropriate blend of all the following will make installation easy. Although the material must be thick, the thickness must correspond to a degree of flexibility so that you can work with it without stress. It should also come with a guide of some type that helps you get the hang of the installation without much work.

Ease of Use

Since there are different materials, they all have different installation processes. For example, some panels work with tacks, pins, tapes, etc. We recommend that you look for a product with a fast and easy means of attaching it to your basement ceiling.

Wide Usage

Besides use as a soundproofing material, certain products do enough to add style and elegance to your space. For example, some foams and panels add aesthetics to the ceiling and wall. Multi-colored panels fit the most into this category. We recommend you buy products that add a bit of style and elegance to your ceiling and not just the type that just sits in it. Apart from it, it will help if the product can work in other parts of your home apart from the ceiling. Who knows where you’ll need it?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Cheapest Way to Soundproof My Basement Ceiling?

The cheapest way to take care of the sound coming from your basement is to insulate the floor above your basement. This approach focuses on the floor above and not necessarily on the basement itself. To do this, you can roll over an insulated carpet, mat, or sound-absorbing foam. This method is also fast and easy as you don’t need to bother about nailing, crafting, and hard work. Apart from this, soundproofing the floor above your basement makes the floor bouncier, fuller, and denser. Besides absorbing sound, it prevents the sound from passing through the subfloors.

Does Soundproofing Really Work?

Yes, soundproofing does enough to reduce the amount of sound that comes from your basement. Depending on the type, some soundproofing material prevents sound from leaving the room and also from entering the room. However, you need to understand that keeping sound out of your basement requires more than the soundproofing material. For example, light fixtures, mechanical systems, and ductworks present a pathway for sound. This is why you should use connected soundproofing material like foam or panels that are airtight and won’t allow sound to pass.

What Is the Most Effective Insulation for Soundproofing a Basement?

Fiberglass is the most effective insulation for soundproofing a basement. This is because it functions as a soundproofing material and an insulator. A single fiberglass layer significantly increases the sound transmission class. Apart from this, it is also moisture and fire-resistant.

Conclusion

The best soundproofing material for basement ceiling is an inexpensive solution to the sound problem from your basement. All the products listed above are a few of the market’s best products that will give you a for your buck. Whether to limit sound from inside or improve its quality, all the products above are ideal for such purposes. We hope you find this guide helpful.