Sound Trap Acoustics
Types of Acoustic Panels — Materials, Uses, Pros & Cons
Acoustic panels come in many forms, each designed to absorb or control sound in slightly different ways. The material type, thickness, and construction determine how well a panel will perform across low, mid, and high frequencies. Below is an in-depth look at the most common types of acoustic panels, what they’re good at, and their drawbacks.
GUIDES
9/15/20253 min read
1. Acoustic Foam Panels (Polyurethane or Melamine Foam)
What they are:
Foam acoustic panels are made from open-cell polyurethane foam (the most common type used in studios and home theaters) or, in some cases, melamine foam. They typically come in thicknesses ranging from 1" to 4" and are cut into familiar shapes such as wedges, pyramids, and eggcrate designs. Because foam is lightweight and easy to mold, it is available in a wide range of colors and styles.
What they’re good at:
Excellent at absorbing mid- and high-frequency reflections, which reduces flutter echo and reverb.
Perfect for home studios, gaming rooms, podcast setups, and vocal booths where clarity and speech intelligibility are key.
Highly customizable — foam can be cut, colored, or arranged in unique wall patterns, making it as much a design feature as an acoustic tool.
Affordable and easy to install, especially compared to framed fiberglass or mineral wool panels.
Drawbacks:
Foam is less effective at low frequencies, where denser materials perform better.
Some foam types can be combustible or release VOCs if not treated; always choose flame-retardant, tested products.
Foam may compress over time and is generally less durable than rigid or fabric-wrapped panels.
👉 Despite these limitations, polyurethane foam remains one of the best entry-level options for treating small and medium rooms. It provides real acoustic improvement at a price point that makes whole-room treatment achievable.
2. Fiberglass Panels (Framed or Frameless)
What they are:
Rigid or semi-rigid panels made from dense glass fiber insulation. They can be left bare or wrapped in acoustically transparent fabric for a cleaner look.
What they’re good at:
Broadband absorption, meaning they can handle both mids and lows better than thin foam panels.
High NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) when manufactured in thicker sizes.
Common in professional studios, theaters, and commercial spaces where consistent performance matters.
Drawbacks:
Can cause skin and respiratory irritation if handled without protection.
Heavier than foam, making installation more involved.
Less visually customizable unless wrapped.
3. Mineral Wool / Rockwool Panels
What they are:
Panels made from stone wool fibers (brands like Rockwool or Thermafiber). Typically used as a core inside framed panels or installed in bulk.
What they’re good at:
Excellent absorption across a wide frequency range, especially in the low-mid frequencies.
Naturally fire-resistant and thermally insulating.
Often outperforms fiberglass of equal thickness.
Drawbacks:
Can cause skin and respiratory irritation if handled without protection.
Heavier than foam or fiberglass.
More expensive.
Needs a frame or fabric covering for aesthetics and safety.
4. Fabric-Wrapped Panels
What they are:
A dense absorptive core (fiberglass, mineral wool, or polyester) wrapped in acoustically transparent fabric.
What they’re good at:
Professional look — clean lines, customizable colors, and fabrics.
NRC varies depending on thickness and core material but can be quite high.
Popular in offices, auditoriums, conference rooms, and high-end studios.
Drawbacks:
More expensive than foam.
Less DIY-friendly — requires framing and wrapping skills.
Low-frequency absorption is limited unless built very thick.
5. Polyester / PET Panels
What they are:
Panels made from compressed polyester fibers, often using recycled PET plastic.
What they’re good at:
Eco-friendly and safe to handle (no itch or irritants).
Lightweight, durable, and available in multiple colors.
Offer good mid- and high-frequency absorption.
Commonly used in offices, classrooms, and public buildings.
Drawbacks:
Limited bass control compared to fiberglass or mineral wool.
Generally higher cost than foam for similar surface coverage.
🔗 Learn about PET acoustic panels
6. Diffusers & Wooden Panels
What they are:
Unlike absorbers, diffusers are hard-surface panels that scatter sound energy instead of absorbing it. Often made from wood or molded composites.
What they’re good at:
Retain a natural, lively sound while reducing harsh echoes.
Common in concert halls, music studios, and performance spaces.
Drawbacks:
Do not reduce reverberation time significantly.
Often used in combination with absorptive panels for best results.
🔗 Read: Diffusion vs. Absorption
7. Bass Traps / Corner Traps
What they are:
Extra-thick absorbers designed for placement in room corners, where low-frequency buildup is strongest. Usually made from mineral wool, fiberglass, or thick foam.
What they’re good at:
Control room modes and low-frequency resonance, improving bass clarity.
Essential for small studios and mixing rooms.
Drawbacks:
Foam bass traps can help but are less effective than dense fiberglass or mineral wool traps.
Require significant depth and placement to be effective.
Final Thoughts
Each type of acoustic panel has its strengths. If your priority is affordability, ease of installation, and visual customization, then polyurethane foam panels are an excellent choice for most home studios, streaming setups, and smaller spaces. For professional applications where low-frequency absorption and fire ratings matter most, fiberglass and mineral wool are better suited.
For the majority of customers, however, foam panels strike the perfect balance between cost, performance, and flexibility, making them the most accessible way to transform the sound quality of a room.