How much do soundproof windows cost?
How much do soundproof windows cost?
$550 – $2,000 average cost per window installed (glass + frame)
$450 – $1,500 average cost to install new glass in existing frame
$15 – $500 cost to soundproof an existing window
Average cost of soundproof windows
Soundproof windows cost $550 to $2,000 per window installed, depending on the window size and shape. The cost to install soundproof glass in an existing window frame is $450 to $1,500. Soundproofing an existing window costs $15 to $500, depending on the method and material used.
| Type | Average cost per window | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Complete replacement | $550 – $2,000 | New glass and frame |
| Partial replacement | $450 – $1,500 | New glass installed in existing frame |
| Alternative options | $15 – $500 per option* | Foam plugs, acoustic caulk, shutters, sound-dampening curtains, rolling shutters, or secondary glazing |
*Not including labor
In comparison, window replacement costs $400 to $1,000 per window on average for non-soundproof windows.
Soundproof window cost factors
The cost to install a soundproof window is $450 to $2,000 on average, depending on the type, brand, labor rates, and whether you replace the entire frame or only the glass.
| Factor | Average cost per window |
|---|---|
| Window / glass | $350 – $1,000 |
| Frame* | $100 – $500* |
| Labor | $100 – $800 |
| Total installed cost | $550 – $2,000 |
*Not needed when only replacing the glass.
Additional factors that influence the project cost include:
Number of windows
Size and shape of windows
Location & accessibility
Soundproof window glass
Soundproofing windows cost $350 to $1,000+ for the glass panes alone, depending on the type. Replacing only the glass in an existing window frame costs less than complete window replacement. In comparison, window glass replacement costs $150 to $500 on average for non-soundproof glass.
| Window pane type | Description | Average price* |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic glass window | Two or more layers of laminated glass | $350 – $450 |
| Double-pane window | Two panes of glass separated with a spacer that holds a gas (argon, xenon, or krypton) | $350 – $600 |
| Triple-pane window | Three panes of glass separated with a spacer that holds a gas for added insulation and noise reduction | $550 – $950 |
| Laminated window | Double- or triple-paned window with two or three sheets of glass held together by a thin layer of plastic | $950 – $1,000+ |
*Window glass only
Window frame material
Replacing a window frame alone costs $100 to $500, depending on its material. The most commonly used frame materials include wood, aluminum, and vinyl.
| Material | Average price per window* | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | $100 – $350 |
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| Aluminum | $150 – $350 |
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| Vinyl | $150 – $500 |
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*Not including installation
Professional installation costs
Labor for professional installation costs $100 to $800 per window for residential projects. Labor costs can reach $1,200 for oversized or specialty windows with non-traditional shapes.
| Window type | Average labor cost per window |
|---|---|
| Standard window | $100 – $800 |
| Oversized or specialty window | $800 – $1,200 |
Soundproof window brands
Popular brands charge $350 to $3,600 per window, including installation. Windows priced on the higher end are usually oversized or custom-made, unlike those found in the average home.
| Brand | Average price per window | Average cost per window installed* |
|---|---|---|
| Andersen Windows | $350 – $2,400 | $550 – $3,600 |
| Milgard Windows | $225 – $325 | $350 – $475 |
| Soundproof Windows | $500 – $1,200 | $600 – $2,000 |
*Manufacturer installation fees may differ from what independent contractors charge.
Alternative soundproofing methods
Alternative soundproofing methods range in cost from $15 to $500, providing a cheaper option than a partial or complete window replacement.
| Soundproofing method | Average total cost per window | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Foam plugs | $25 – $75 | Sponge boards that fit into the window’s frame |
| Shutters | $70 – $350 | Wooden or plastic panels on the window's exterior |
| Sound-dampening curtains | $20 – $400 | Noise-reducing curtains are made of a thick material that can reduce sound and block light. |
| Roller shutters | $250 – $400 | Shutters made of aluminum slats that roll down to cover the window |
| Secondary glazing | $120 – $340 | Installing another glass layer behind an existing one |
| Window inserts | $250 – $500 | Soundproof windows installed on the interior side of the existing window frame |
| Acoustic caulk | $15 – $100 total cost for all windows in the home | Seals the outside and inside edges of a window’s panes and frames |
Frequently asked questions
Do soundproof windows work?
Soundproof windows can block up to 90 to 95% of sound transmission. They are more effective in blocking sounds with higher frequencies than lower ones. High-frequency sounds include birds chirping, whistling, glass breaking, and some voices. Low-frequency sounds include diesel engines, airplanes, or thunder.
Can any soundproofing methods block 100% of the noise?
There are currently no residential windows that can block all sound. Instead, a material's noise-reducing effectiveness is indicated by its sound transmission class (STC) rating. The higher the rating, the more effective the window is at blocking sound.
An STC rating of 25 indicates no soundproofing, while a rating of 65 indicates complete soundproofing.
A standard, non-soundproof window has an average STC rating of 26 to 28, while ratings for soundproof windows range from 48 to 54.
Are soundproof windows energy efficient?
Soundproof windows with specific features can provide energy efficiency:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Laminated glass | Laminated glass blocks 99% of ultraviolet rays, decreasing the heat they cause and lowering air conditioning costs. |
| Frames | Well-built frames stop air from entering or exiting through or around the window. |
| Low emissivity (low-E) glass | Low-E glass has a thin, transparent coating that reflects energy. Instead of hot/cold air leaving through the window, it hits it and bounces back. |
| Spacers | Spacers separate each pane of glass and insulate the edges, helping to reduce the transfer of heat from inside to outside and vice versa. |
Is it better to install new soundproof windows or soundproof existing windows?
Soundproofing existing windows is typically cheaper than installing new windows. Most of the materials are less expensive, and many of the options are DIY-friendly. However, these solutions may not be long-lasting or as effective as replacing the entire window.
Replacing current windows with entirely new soundproof ones can be a costly upgrade. Yet, they are a long-term solution for blocking out noise and often have the added benefit of making the space more energy efficient.
Getting quotes from soundproof window installers
Consider the following when choosing a professional window installer:
Decide between replacing old windows vs. soundproofing existing ones.
Search for at least 3 to 4 in-person quotes.
Read reviews from reputable websites like HomeGuide and Google.
Choose professionals who are insured and certified.
Request a detailed estimate in writing.
Look for installers, companies, and brands with comprehensive warranties.
Avoid hiring someone who has not made an on-site visit.
Ask for multiple references.
Beware of the lowest quote; lower quotes may reflect a lower quality of work.
Questions to ask
Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best soundproof window installer:
Do you have any certifications?
Do you have liability insurance?
How long have you been installing windows?
What type of experience do you have with installing soundproof windows specifically?
Based on your experience, what type, frame, and brand would you recommend?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Can I see examples of your previous work?
What is the estimated cost of the work?
How likely is the estimated cost to increase by the end of the project?
What type of payment plans do you offer?
How long will it take you to complete the work?
How long do you guarantee the windows will last?
What type of warranty do you offer? How long does it last?