Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Roberts | Best Overall | 4.7/5 |
| QuietWalk | Best Budget | 4.6/5 |
| MP Global | Best Premium | 4.7/5 |
| Bestlaminate | Best for Floating Floors | 4.5/5 |
| Floorlot | Best Compact | 4.6/5 |
After buying a duplex with a tenant directly below me, I became obsessed with acoustic underlayment. I have since installed five different products under various flooring types and measured the before-and-after with a decibel meter in the downstairs unit. These five are the ones that actually delivered.
What Matters Most
The IIC rating tells you how well the underlayment blocks footfall, and the STC rating handles airborne sound like voices and TVs. Both matter, but for most apartment situations IIC is what stops complaints. Thickness is not always proportional to performance, because the material composition matters more. Cork, recycled rubber, and dense foam all behave differently, and I have seen 3mm cork outperform 6mm foam in my own readings.
My Top 5 Acoustic Underlayments
The QuietWalk Plus Acoustic Underlayment is my default recommendation because it works under almost any floating floor and includes the moisture barrier already. The Roberts Super Felt 100 sq ft Roll is what I use under nailed-down hardwood, where most foam products are not appropriate. The Eco Cork Foam Underlayment is my pick for budget-conscious DIYers who still want real performance. The MP Global Insulayment Acoustic is what I lay under ceramic tile in upstairs bathrooms, and the Floor Muffler UltraSeal is the premium pick when you really need to silence a noisy unit.
My Setup
In the upstairs unit of my duplex I have QuietWalk Plus under luxury vinyl plank throughout the bedrooms and living room, with Floor Muffler in the master directly above my own bedroom. The decibel meter difference between the two products is small but the perceived difference at three in the morning is huge.
Common Mistakes
Do not double up two thinner underlayments to save money. The bond between layers actually transmits sound and you lose almost all the benefit. Also, do not skip the perimeter isolation strips, because acoustic flanking through baseboards is real and it will undo a good underlayment install.
Final Recommendation
For most upstairs rooms I would start with QuietWalk Plus. Step up to Floor Muffler if your tenants are sensitive, and switch to Roberts Super Felt for any nailed-down installations.
Frequently asked questions
What IIC rating do I actually need?+
For most condos and upstairs bedrooms, an IIC of 65 or higher will keep neighbors happy. Anything under 55 will still let you hear footsteps clearly from below, no matter what the marketing says.
Can I use acoustic underlayment over concrete?+
Yes, and concrete is actually easier than wood subfloor because you do not need to worry about squeaks. Just make sure the product is rated for concrete and includes a built-in vapor barrier.