Soundproof windows cost $300 to $1,500, with a national average of $900. Expect custom-sized windows to cost more.
Soundproof windows cost $900 per window on average, though factors like size, material, and the number of windows you need influence the final price. You can expect to pay between $300 to $1,500 for soundproof windows. Few things are more frustrating than trying to relax after a long day only to have the blaring sound of a car, plane, or your local garage band interrupt your peace and quiet. The good news is that you can cut down that noise pollution by installing soundproof windows.
You can expect to pay $300 to $1,500 to soundproof one window, with an average cost of $900 per window. The total project cost depends on factors such as the method you use to soundproof your windows and if you’re DIYing this project.
The number of windows you want to soundproof will determine your final project cost. For example, if you need to soundproof five windows in your home, you could expect to pay around $4,500, including installation.
Soundproofing costs also vary based on the size of your window, ranging from $100 to $1,200. Of course, the larger your window size, the more material you’ll need to soundproof it. Also, if you plan on installing a larger window type, you’ll also need to pull a permit.
There are different ways to soundproof windows. Let’s dive into each one below.
The average cost for a double-pane window is $350 to $850. As the name would suggest, double-pane windows have two glass panes, typically with argon, nitrogen, or krypton gas between the panes. While not drastic, there is a noticeable difference in noise reduction when it comes to double-pane versus single-pane windows.
On average, triple-pane windows cost $400 to $3,540 per window to install. They have three glass panes with spacer gasses between each and provide more noise reduction than double-pane windows.
When a full window replacement isn’t optimal, you may lean toward window inserts, which have an average cost of $250 to $500 per window and help with soundproofing. Window inserts are when new windows are installed on the interior side of your window in the existing frame, helping to filter more noise.
Laminated windows cost $10 to $20 per square foot per window and consist of two sheets of glass with an interlayer of plastic. They can reduce noise pollution by 75%.
Depending on your location, the actual labor cost you’ll be quoted may be outside of the national average, but typically, you’ll spend $100 to $800 per window on labor costs. However, upper-level soundproofing windows will have more expensive labor fees than ground-level windows since window professionals may need to use a ladder or access the roof to work on higher floors.
The frame material you’ll need to soundproof your window will also determine how much you can expect to pay for the total project. For instance, the cost of wood window frames is almost twice as much as installing soundproof windows with aluminum or vinyl frames. Depending on which material you choose, you’re looking at $150 to $2,740 in material costs, with vinyl being the most expensive option.
As an added bonus, repairing or replacing your old frames can make your windows more energy efficient, so keep that in mind when selecting your new frame type.
While not everybody will need to get a permit to soundproof windows, those who are altering the structure of their home will. The cost of a window permit is $50 to $200 per window but can vary widely depending on your local regulations.
Installing double- and triple-pane windows requires time, experience, and skills to ensure there aren’t any gaps or openings that can allow air to seep through and decrease its effectiveness. So, this is a job best left to your local soundproofing window pros.
But there are DIY-friendly methods that you can use to eliminate some of that unwanted background noise and save on the cost of soundproof windows. Let’s look at a few alternative methods you can DIY below.
While not always pretty to look at, foam plugs are efficient and typically cost $25 to $75 per window. You can insert them into your window’s frame to create an airtight finish that helps block out noise.
Acoustic caulk, which costs $15 to $100, is a flexible caulk that works as a sound inhibitor. Plus, learning how to caulk windows is quick and easy.
Installing exterior shutters costs an average of $70 to $350 per window. It’s a DIY-friendly method to soundproof windows that will create a visible barrier between the outside world and your home’s interior.
Depending on their thickness, sound-dampening curtains can cost $20 to $400. They help make your space quieter by absorbing sound and reducing echoes.
If you’re on a budget and don’t mind a small bit of outside noise filtering into your home, then you could DIY this project using the methods we suggested above. You could potentially save up to $500 on soundproofing your windows by DIYing.
But if you’re hoping to block out as much sound as possible, then hiring a pro to install a new double-pane, triple-pane, or laminated window is your best bet. Of course, the cost of soundproofing your windows professionally will be higher than if you did it yourself since you’ll need to buy new windows and cover labor costs. However, most people find that the increased cost is worth the price.
Soundproofing your windows yourself is the best way to save money on this type of project. You’ll also spend less cash if you choose materials like acoustic caulk or foam plugs rather than paying the cost of a replacement window. Keep in mind, though, that these DIY soundproofing methods won’t be as effective at blocking out noise as a new, professionally installed window.
Bry'Ana Arvie contributed to this piece.
No, there is not a method to soundproof your windows 100%. While there are noise-reduction windows on the market that can reduce up to 95% of outside noise, there isn’t a way to completely block it out. If you’d like to block out as much noise as possible, consider hiring a pro to install new double-pane, triple-pane, or laminated windows, backed up by shutters or sound-dampening curtains.
Soundproof windows can be energy efficient, depending on the window type and manufacturer. Overall, triple-pane windows are more energy efficient than double-pane windows. However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, a window’s energy-efficiency level is determined by multiple factors, including the frame material, if there’s any low-emissivity (low-E) glass, and the addition of spacers.
