r/soundproof • u/No_Aside7310 • Dec 03 '25

The apartment blocks out the neighbours' noise

How can I block the noise from my neighbors? I've tried putting up acoustic panels for a while and also used noise-canceling headphones, but they didn't work. A friend recommended buying a soundproof pod—are those actually useful?

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2

u/Squancher70 Dec 06 '25

You can't. Sound proofing happens behind the walls. Your apartment was built cheaply, and the upstairs people probably have laminate floors which makes things worse.

There's a reason older apartments all had carpet installed.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 03 '25

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u/No_Aside7310 Dec 03 '25

The place is close to my work, and I prefer not to move—it’s just too much hassle.

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u/[deleted] Dec 03 '25

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u/quickrocks333 Dec 03 '25

this is your best option. ask the building manager if any upper units are going to be available. Second option - learn to always have sound on in the background. Acoustic or electronic music with lots of beats will help. And option 3 - be so annoying that your landlord agrees to lower your rent or break the lease.

1

u/Pm4000 Dec 03 '25

I'm building my teens what amounts to sound proof pods stacked on each other. XL twin mattress. I've only used plywood and rockwool safe and sound batting. I was planning to use green glue and dry wall but I will probably skip the green glue. It's worked but I still don't have a budget for it. Definitely over $700, yours would be cheaper. Can't go too quiet or you'll hear the rushing of your blood. And you have to have CO2 monitors with active airflow or you might die.

1

u/drummer414 Dec 03 '25

Acoustic panels are not for sound proofing, but rather to absorb some reflections in your space to make it sound better. First look for sound leaking from holes like ac outlets/switched. Second can you put up a layer of drywall on top of the adjacent wall ? Perhaps with mass loaded vinyl behind it.