Acoustic Panel Comparison 2026: AcousticSoundPanels vs ATS vs GIK vs Audimute vs Foam

Last updated: October 2026. Competitor figures are from each company's own website, checked October 20, 2026.

Choosing between acoustic panel brands can be overwhelming. We've put together a fact-based comparison of the top acoustic panel manufacturers to help you make an informed decision. As a manufacturer ourselves, we'll show you exactly how each brand stacks up on the specs that matter, so you can compare with confidence.

Quick Comparison Table

A Note About Core Materials

Most professional acoustic panel manufacturers - including AcousticSoundPanels and GIK Acoustics - use rigid fiberglass board as their core material. Owens Corning 703 is the most well-known fiberglass board brand, but it's a raw material supplier, not a competing panel manufacturer. We use American-made rigid fiberglass, which offers equivalent acoustic performance with better sustainability credentials (formaldehyde-free binder technology).

If you're handy with tools, you can buy Owens Corning 703 or a similar rigid fiberglass board from a building supply store and build your own panels; our acoustic panel fabric by the yard covers the wrap. The trade-off is time, effort, and no warranty on the finished product.

Detailed Brand Analysis

AcousticSoundPanels.com

Best for: Custom sizes, art printing, budget-conscious buyers who want professional performance.

AcousticSoundPanels.com manufactures all panels in-house in the USA using American-made rigid fiberglass. Their standout feature is custom sizing at no extra charge - you can order any dimension from 12"x12" to 48"x96" and simply note your desired size. They also offer dye-sublimation printing on acoustic panels, letting you turn any high-resolution image into a functional sound absorber.

Key specs: NRC 1.0 on 2 inch panels only. Class A per ASTM E84 with Burch Prime Time or FR701. Microsuede and burlap are not fire rated. 36 Burch Fabrics Prime Time fabric options. Starting at $39.99 for standard 2" panels.

Unique advantages: Custom art printing, custom sizes at no upcharge, podcast studio packages, in-house manufacturing.

ATS Acoustics

Best for: Buyers who want a well-known brand with proven track record.

ATS Acoustics has been in the market longer and has strong brand recognition. Their panels use a ROCKWOOL AFB mineral wool core in a solid wood frame, and the Guilford Sona version publishes NRC 1.0 with a lab frequency table.

Key specs: NRC 1.0 (Guilford Sona version). ROCKWOOL AFB mineral wool core. Class A (ASTM E84) with Guilford of Maine fabric; the burlap version is not fire rated. Ships within 1 to 2 weeks.

Considerations: Custom sizes carry surcharges. Art panels are priced plus shipping.

GIK Acoustics

Best for: Audiophiles and hi-fi enthusiasts who want designer aesthetics.

GIK Acoustics positions as a premium brand with a focus on the audiophile market. Their 2 inch Classic panel uses a rigid fiberglass core, and they offer some unique products like the Alpha series with built-in diffusion.

Key specs: NRC 1.05 (2 inch Classic). Rigid fiberglass core. Shipping calculated at checkout. Founded in Atlanta, GA, with manufacturing in the US and Europe.

Considerations: Current lead times are 4 to 6 weeks from purchase. Limited custom sizing.

Audimute

Best for: Eco-conscious buyers who want recycled materials.

Audimute uses eco-C-tex, a recycled cellulose core, instead of fiberglass. Their panels are assembled by hand in Ohio, and they publish NRC 1.05 for the 2 inch panel with a test report on the product page.

Key specs: NRC 1.05 (2 inch); 0.95 (1.5 inch image panel). Recycled cellulose core, fiberglass-free. Class A (ASTM E-84). Assembled in Ohio. Ships in 3 to 5 business days.

Considerations: Image panels come in 1.5 inch thickness only. Limited custom sizing.

DIY with Owens Corning 703 or Knauf ECOSE

Best for: DIY builders with carpentry skills who want to save money on materials.

You can buy raw fiberglass insulation boards (Owens Corning 703 and similar) from building supply stores and build your own panels with wood frames and acoustically transparent fabric.

Key specs: NRC 1.0 at 2" thickness. Non-combustible fiberglass. Requires framing, fabric, and DIY assembly.

Considerations: Fiberglass handling requires safety equipment (gloves, mask). No warranty on finished product. Time-intensive (1-2 hours per panel). Need carpentry tools and skills.

Amazon Foam Panels

Best for: Extremely budget-conscious buyers who need minimal treatment.

Foam panels on Amazon (brands like DEKIRU, JBER, Pro Studio Acoustics) are the cheapest option but perform dramatically worse. Most achieve NRC 0.2-0.4, meaning they absorb only 20-40% of sound - compared to 100% for fiberglass panels.

Key specs: NRC 0.2-0.4. Polyurethane foam. Usually 1-2" thick. No fire rating in most cases.

Considerations: Crumble and degrade within 2-5 years. Minimal bass absorption. Fire hazard without proper ratings. Cheap appearance. Not suitable for professional use.

How to Choose the Right Acoustic Panels

For Home Recording Studios

Professional-grade panels with NRC 1.0 are essential for accurate monitoring. Start with 2-inch panels at first reflection points, add 4-inch bass traps in corners. Budget: $400-$800 for a typical 10x12 room.

For Podcast Studios

Focus on mid-high frequency absorption to reduce room reflections in vocal recordings. 2-inch panels work well. Consider a corner bass trap package for comprehensive treatment. Budget: $300-$600.

For Home Theaters

Combination of absorption and diffusion creates the best listening environment. 2-inch panels on side walls and rear, 4-inch bass traps in front corners. Budget: $600-$1500 depending on room size.

For Offices and Conference Rooms

Focus on speech intelligibility and echo reduction. 2-inch panels covering 25-30% of wall surface. Consider acoustic ceiling tiles for drop ceilings. Budget: $500-$2000 depending on space.

For Restaurants and Bars

Custom art panels let you maintain ambiance while controlling noise. 2" NRC 1.0 panels can reduce noise levels by 10-15 dB. Budget: $1000-$5000 depending on size.

The Bottom Line

For most buyers, the choice comes down to three factors: performance (NRC rating), customization (sizes, printing), and price. Foam panels are tempting on price but fail on performance. Professional fiberglass or mineral wool panels from any reputable US manufacturer will deliver NRC 1.0 performance at 2" thickness.

What sets AcousticSoundPanels.com apart is the combination of professional 2" NRC 1.0 performance, custom sizing at no extra charge, and unique art printing capability - all at price points competitive with or below other premium brands.

Need help choosing? Call us toll-free at (888) 923-5777 for a free room analysis and personalized recommendation.

Related: Office Acoustic Panels - Reduce Noise & Boost Productivity →