City noise driving me nuts—soundproof curtains or acoustic windows?

I've tried both options at different times, and honestly, it depends on your expectations. Heavy-duty curtains do help a bit—especially if they're thick, multi-layered, and installed properly (no gaps!). But they're mostly effective at muffling higher-frequency sounds like voices or general street chatter. For low-frequency noises like trucks rumbling by or buses idling, curtains won't make much difference.

Acoustic windows, on the other hand, are designed specifically for noise reduction. They usually have laminated glass with an air gap or special acoustic films. I installed acoustic windows in my previous apartment near a busy intersection, and the difference was noticeable. Not total silence, mind you—nothing short of a recording studio is going to completely eliminate city noise—but definitely a significant improvement.

If you're renting or budget-conscious, curtains might be a decent first step. But if you're serious about reducing noise long-term and can afford the investment, acoustic windows are probably the better solution overall.

Have you considered combining curtains with window inserts instead of full acoustic windows? I get what you're saying about curtains not blocking low-frequency sounds—I had the same issue with buses rumbling past my place. Acoustic windows definitely sound great, but they're pricey, and if you're not planning to stay put for a long time, the investment might sting a bit.

I found these removable acoustic window inserts online (can't recall the exact brand right now, sorry...) and gave them a shot. They're basically custom-fit acrylic panels that pop into your existing window frames. Surprisingly, they cut down traffic noise quite a bit—especially the deeper rumbling sounds that curtains don't help much with. Plus, they're renter-friendly since you can take them out easily.

Maybe worth looking into before committing fully to acoustic windows? Could save you some cash and hassle in the short term anyway.

Good call on the inserts—I tried something similar a while back and was honestly surprised how effective they were. Acoustic windows are great, sure, but the price tag is no joke, especially if you're renting or unsure about staying long-term. Inserts plus heavy curtains might just hit that sweet spot between cost and effectiveness. Definitely worth a shot before dropping serious cash on full acoustic windows...

Been following this thread closely—been dealing with street noise for years myself. A few quick thoughts:

- Acoustic windows are definitely top-tier, but the cost-benefit ratio is tricky unless you're staying put long-term.
- Inserts and curtains combined worked pretty well for me too, but didn't completely eliminate noise.
- Consider white noise machines or fans at night; surprisingly effective at masking traffic sounds.
- Also, check window seals—sometimes small fixes make a noticeable difference.

Good points here, especially about checking window seals—it's amazing how much noise sneaks in through tiny gaps. I went down the acoustic window rabbit hole myself, but honestly, unless you're planning to stay forever, it's hard to justify the cost. Ended up DIY-ing some heavy curtains layered with inserts, and while it didn't silence everything, it made a noticeable difference. White noise machines are great too, but personally, I prefer a fan—something about the airflow helps me sleep better anyway...

Totally agree about the acoustic windows—looked into them myself and nearly choked on my coffee when I saw the price tag. Curtains are definitely the way to go if you're not planning to settle down permanently. Here's what worked for me:

First, grab some thick blackout curtains (the heavier, the better). Then, layer them with a second set of curtains or even blankets behind them—sounds weird, but trust me, it helps. I also found that sealing up any sneaky gaps around the window frame with weatherstripping tape made a surprising difference. It's cheap and easy enough to do in an afternoon.

Fans are great too, but I've become weirdly attached to my white noise app. Rain sounds specifically—makes me feel like I'm sleeping in a cozy cabin instead of next to a busy intersection. Whatever works, right?

Great tips there, especially about doubling up curtains. Another thing that worked surprisingly well for me was making simple DIY window inserts using acoustic foam panels and plywood. Basically, you cut plywood to fit snugly inside the window frame, glue acoustic foam onto it, and then pop it in at night. Takes a bit more effort upfront, but it's honestly a game changer for noise reduction. Curious if anyone's tried something similar or has other DIY hacks...?

Totally agree on the window inserts—I've done something similar myself and it really helps. A couple extra points from my experience:

- Adding weatherstripping around the plywood edges makes a tighter seal and boosts noise reduction even more.
- If plywood feels too heavy or bulky, rigid foam insulation boards can also work well (and they're easier to handle).
- Don't forget sealing gaps around window frames with acoustic caulk—it made a noticeable difference for me.

DIY soundproofing can be oddly satisfying once you start noticing the quiet...

Good tips. I'd second the foam insulation boards—they're way easier to deal with than plywood, especially if you're working solo or have awkward-sized windows. Also, curtains alone never did much for me...they help a bit with echo and general room acoustics, but serious city noise? Nah, you gotta physically block those soundwaves. DIY soundproofing really is weirdly addictive though—once you start chasing silence, there's no end to it, lol.