[Latest for 2025!] Recommended Sound Absorbing Panels!!

By the way, are you thinking about soundproofing your room?
The use of sound absorbing panels has been increasing than before, whether it’s to prevent neighbor troubles or for sound absorption during recording.
So, this time, I’m presenting a selection of recommended sound absorbing panels for 2025! If you find any products you’re interested in, please consider them.

Before Introducing Sound Absorbing Panels

Many people might wonder, what exactly is sound absorption? How is it different from soundproofing?
Sound absorption refers to absorbing and diffusing sound to prevent sound reflections. Most of the soundproofing image you might have in mind pertains to ‘sound insulation’, which blocks sound.
But don’t think sound absorption is useless! If you only use sound insulating materials, the increased reflected sound can make it harder to hear properly. For effective soundproofing, combining both sound insulation and sound absorption is the most efficient method. For more detailed information on the principles and images, please also read the following page (in Japanese only)!

Regarding the use of sound absorbing materials

We often receive inquiries like “I can’t use adhesive sound absorbing panels in rented housing,” which is common in Japanese housing situations.
One of our staff members wrote a blog series about creating a soundproof room, and some of you might have been surprised!?

Related Article: [DIY] Creating a Soundproof Room - Part 1

Yes, in Japan, there are too many residences where both adhesive panels and DIY are difficult!
Among the sound absorbing panels I’m going to introduce this time, there are ones that are perfect for such needs, so don’t worry!( •◡-)

Recommended Sound Absorbing Panels!!

Thank you for waiting, here are sound absorbing panels we highly recommend!

＜ Contents ＞

• Auralex / WaveCave Royale Series
• Sonex / VLW Series
• NiCSo / Twofold SP
• Auralex / MAX-Wall Series
• Sonex / PSP Series, SPC5
• CLASSIC PRO / CQR Series
• CLASSIC PRO / CAF309, CAC309, CAP917, CAW326

Auralex / WaveCave Royale Series

Wait a minute, isn’t this an adhesive type!?
(Sorry, but I wanted to introduce this one first)
Auralex is a long-established sound absorbing material manufacturer from the United States, founded in 1977. They produce innovative and well-designed sound absorbing panels.
The WaveCave Royale Series, in particular, impressed me greatly.
Most sound absorbing panels have a pyramid-shaped surface and look similar, but the WaveCave Royale has a unique, cool design. You can create a flexible layout depending on how you combine them.

Although I mentioned earlier that adhesive types are difficult to use in rented housing, there are often various solutions, and the following post might also be helpful.
*Note: Even masking tape can leave marks if left for a long time, so please be careful!

Related Article: Neatly Applying Auralex Sound Absorbing Panel Studiofoam Wedges in My Room

Sonex / VLW Series

Sonex, also from the States, releases many high-quality sound absorbing panels. The ValueLine Series is relatively inexpensive and might be good for those considering introducing sound absorbing panels.
Since it’s made of melamine, it’s easy to cut and has a smooth touch. Sound House mainly sells polyurethane panels, like those represented by Auralex, and melamine materials, but there isn’t a significant difference in sound absorption effectiveness between them, so choosing based on appearance might be good. For detailed comparisons, please refer to the previously mentioned “Basic Knowledge and How to Choose Absorbing Panels (in Japanese only)”.

With melamine material, easy cutting also means it can easily tear by fingers or hands. It’s recommended to use it in places which are high or hard to reach as shown in the picture.

NiCSo / Twofold SP

Finally, a non-adhesive type. (*´∀`*)
Twofold SP is a folding screen-type sound absorbing panel. It’s excellent that it can be used while standing folded in a V-shape. It seems good to use multiple pieces of this together!
At 180 cm tall, it works well for recording while standing. It’s also nice that it can be folded and stored when not in use.
And above all, no adhesives required! It’s safe to use even in rented housing.

Auralex / MAX-Wall Series

Here’s another non-adhesive type!!
The MAX-Wall series is a sound absorbing panel used by setting it on a stand. It can be disassembled, making it easy to carry. Also, the adjustable height of the sound absorbing surface is a convenient feature for recording. You can choose from Auralex’s signature burgundy and purple colors to match your room’s atmosphere.

For tabletop use, the DeskMAX is also recommended. It’s easy to use for those who sit and play games, stream, or work at home, and its mobility is just right! For those who are concerned about the jagged surface, there’s also the Home Office Kit with a soft curved surface design, so you might choose based on your preferences and applications.

Sonex / PSP Series, SPC5

＜ Sonex / PSP Series ＞

For those who wonder what this is, this is the sound insulation panel mentioned at the beginning!
As the name suggests, this is a sheet that can be attached to block sound. The PSP Series shows an STC value of 26.
STC is one of the parameters indicating sound insulation performance, with 25 being the level where normal speech can be heard to understand. Don’t think the PSP panels are meaningless! The building’s insulation materials and construction already provide some level of sound insulation, and adding the PSP panels further improves sound insulation! If the STC is 35, even loud voices become hard to understand.
According to the Architectural Institute of Japan’s proposed grades, the STC value of PSP6 can meet D-30 (the minimum required for independent houses), enhancing the inherent sound insulation performance of the residence.

＜ Sonex / SPC5 ＞

The SPC5 has a structure that combines sound insulation and sound absorption panels. As seen in the picture, you can see a thin black line in the middle layer.
This also provides a similar level of sound insulation effect as the PSP Series. Additionally, since it combines sound absorption panels, it’s okay to use just this. If you don’t have specific design preferences for layered placement, choosing the SPC5 is an option.

CLASSIC PRO / CQR Series

Next is the cost-effective CLASSIC PRO CQR Series.
If you can’t attach the panels on the walls of your room, why not create a room in it!? The CQR Series is a simple soundproof room made of plastic corrugated cardboard.
It’s lightweight and easy to assemble/disassemble. You can assemble it when needed or set it up to your liking and leave it. With ventilation and wiring holes, it can be used in situations requiring power, such as web conferences while maintaining privacy.
Combining sound insulation and sound absorption panels introduced so far to build your own soundproof room is also a good idea.
For those who intend to use this while standing, such as a vocal booth, choose model numbers ending with 5, and for those who sit, numbers ending with 0. The internal height varies accordingly.

CLASSIC PRO / CAF309、CAC309、CAP917、CAW326

Lastly, again from CLASSIC PRO with more handy, stylish, and easy-to-use PET material sound absorbing panels.
They can be used by attaching them to walls in rooms or offices with double-sided tape. Compared to other sound absorbing panels, they are thinner, making them somewhat weak against loud sounds but very useful for absorbing conversation sounds during streaming or web conferences.
There are several series with different shapes and surfaces. Here are features of each model:

CAF309 Series

Hexagonal design and five color variations are effective as interior accents.

CAC309 Series

Sound absorbing panels with a regular surface pattern. Allows for unique layouts using shapes and colors.

CAP917 Series

Plain sound absorbing panels that blend into any interior. Suitable for business scenes like offices and conference rooms.

CAW326

Panels with glass wool sound absorbing material wrapped in polyester fabric.

How was it? Even when it comes to soundproofing, the required products vary greatly by person. You can focus on design for interior aesthetics or choose based on sound absorption and soundproofing performance!

If you’re unsure about how to choose a product, please refer to the following page again (in Japanese only).