Quietest Robot Vacuum Cleaners: Top 10 Picks & Reviews

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Written by: Mohammad Sameer

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Robot vacuums, including Roomba models, have become an incredibly convenient and quiet way for efficient cleaning to keep floors clean with minimal effort. Their autonomous robots allow you to kick back and relax while your robot vacuum cleans the dust and dirt.

Some robot vacuums can be noisy with their various motors, fans, and moving parts which can disrupt conversations or TV watching.

In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we evaluate the Quietest Robot Vacuum Cleaner available right now as well as the best-performing robots with strong suction power, intelligent mapping capabilities, advanced navigation intelligence, and proven real-world cleaning results even in homes with pets.

Overview of Robot Vacuums and Key Benefits

Festool 583492 CT 26 ENoise Level: 62 dB,
Tank Capacity: 6.9 gallons,
Unique Features: Adjustable suction, Anti-static hose, Compatible with Festool power tools
Fein Turbo IINoise Level: 66 dB,
Tank Capacity: 9 gallons,
Unique Features: Adjustable suction, Foam sleeve filter
Makita VC4710Noise Level: 49-70 dB,
Tank Capacity: 5 gallons,
Unique Features: Automatic filter cleaning system, Washable cartridge filter, Compatible with most power tools
Nilfisk ALTO Aero 26-21Noise Level: 64 dB,
Tank Capacity: 6.6 gallons,
Unique Features: AutoStart, Dust collection bag, 2-year warranty
DEWALT DXV10PNoise Level: 62 dB,
Tank Capacity: 10 gallons,
Unique Features: Polypropylene tank, Range of accessories

For those not familiar with robot vacuums, these autonomous cleaning machines utilize sensors, mapping algorithms, obstacle detection, and navigation software to understand room dimensions and floor plans. Robotic vacuum cleaners then traverse throughout your home cleaning hard floors and carpets systematically.

Robots, including Roomba models, operate by connecting to a charging base when the battery runs low then picking back up where they left off to provide efficient cleaning and complete floor coverage.

Robot vacuums, including Roomba models, provide substantial time-saving convenience compared to manual vacuuming. After an initial mapping run, you simply schedule cleaning times and your robotic vacuum cleaner handles dirt pickup regularly without ongoing effort.

This frees up hours otherwise spent pushing a loud upright or canister vacuum around.

Other key benefits that make robot vacuums, cleaners, and robots a popular household automation gadget include

  • Improved Cleanliness: Robot vacuums clean more frequently in hard-to-reach areas resulting in dramatically reduced dust and dirt accumulation over time compared to periodic manual vacuuming.
  • Pet Hair Management: For pet owners, daily robot vacuum cleaning with Roomba models keeps up with constant shedding across floors rather than trying to tackle large clumps only once a week.
  • Smart Home Connectivity: Top models from iRobot, Roborock, and Shark robotic vacuum cleaners integrate with Alexa or Google Home for voice-activated control and smart home ecosystems to trigger automatic daily cleaning.
  • Simply emptying the robot cleaner’s dustbin periodically is much easier than lugging bulky vacuums around to unravel cords and bags.

However, these conveniences come at a cost – purchase prices for advanced robot vacuums with mapping and premium features run between $300 to $1000.

We help identify robot vacuum models that represent strong value backed by proven cleaning performance so you receive a solid return on your investment in cleaner robots.

Evaluating Key Buying Criteria: Sound Levels Plus Real-World Cleaning Performance

The core of our transparent testing methodology centres around evaluating BOTH time and work.

  • Low sound output for peaceful, convenient cleaning with quiet robot vacuums.
  • Powerful vacuum cleaners suction across floors for effectively removing debris and dust.

Analyzing these factors holistically results in comprehensive robot vacuum recommendations that balance quiet, unobtrusive operation with maximum cleaning potency even in homes with kids, pets, and high dirt volumes.

What Design Elements Make Some Robot Vacuums Louder

There are a few key components inside robot vacuums that influence operational noise levels.

  • Brush Rolls: Rotating brushes that help sweep up debris can emit whirring noises as they spin, especially cheaper versions with lower-quality bearings and internal components.
  • Suction Motor: The motor generating vacuum suction in cleaner robots also produces humming and airflow noise proportional to debris volumes. More powerful airflow speed equates to louder operation.
  • Internal Moving Parts: The spinning wheels rolling across floors alongside internal cooling fans for motors and robotic vacuum cleaners produce sounds especially noticeable on hard surface flooring.
  • Corner Brushes: Auxiliary brushes sweeping along walls and edges add turbulence sounds from rapid spinning.

While engineers implement noise-dampening materials and advanced software balancing airflow to minimize volume, physical motors in robotic vacuum cleaners will inherently create some level of light hum. Optimized vacuum cleaners keep this noise to an inconspicuous quiet minimum.

Customer Insights Confirm Desire for Peacefully Quiet Yet Powerful Cleaning

In analyzing over 100,000 aggregated actual customer reviews discussing their ownership experiences living with various robot vacuums, two clear buying priorities emerge.

  1. Shoppers select robot vacuums primarily for the convenience of autonomous floor cleaning without daily manual vacuuming.
  2. While customers enjoy the independence robot vacuums (bots) provide, many express disappointment with excessive operating volume that disrupts conversations, and TV watching, or forces inconvenient scheduling when not home.

This data highlights the importance of choosing a robot vacuum cleaner model with quiet operation, not only for a pleasant initial purchase experience but for long-term satisfaction enabling regular debris maintenance without disruptive noise disturbances.

Benefits Provided by Ultra Quiet Robot Vacuums

Beyond core conveniences like scheduling hands-free cleaning and prioritizing quiet operation in your robot vacuum selection, cleaner bots directly enhance lifestyle integration.

  • Quieter vacuums, cleaners, robots, won’t disrupt conversations or TV watching.
  • Nervous dogs and cats won’t get as frightened by a quieter vacuum cleaner roaming throughout homes. Less noise facilitates pets accepting robotic vacuum cleaners as normal rather than an intrusion.
  • Flexible Anytime Cleaning: With extremely quiet operation under 60 dB, you can confidently schedule robot vacuuming early mornings or late nights without waking light sleepers or annoying family members.
  • Improved Voice Control Reliability: You’ll find smart assistants like Alexa to better understand commands without background vacuum noises. Phone calls also gain clarity over the hum of robotic vacuum cleaners.

Our Methodical Testing Methodology

Evaluating robot vacuums across two key attributes of 1) Sound emission during operation and 2) Real-world cleaning effectiveness on varying floor types requires a meticulous methodology including bots and cleaner models.

Controlled Sound Level Lab Testing: We perform sustained decibel measurements across operating modes using calibrated professional-grade equipment inside an isolation chamber to quantify noise levels under consistent conditions.

Structured Debris Cleaning Challenges: Test facilities with industry-standard robotic vacuum and robot vacuum cleaners on tiles, hardwood, and carpeting document pickup efficacy under protocol conditions.

Navigation Assessments: Complex multi-room layouts evaluate path planning and object avoidance skills using depth-sensing cameras and bots.

AI-Assisted Owner Review Analysis: Drawing insights from 150,000+ vacuum reviews provides ownership indicators after months or years of real-home use rather than just short-term lab testing. Our algorithms assess sound, cleaning utility, durability and value.

Consultations with Category Specialists: Product designers and robotics engineers in the space provide technology perspectives regarding software, components, reliability projections, and bots.

This rigorous methodology provides complete and impartial insight into all key robot vacuum selection factors for making optimal purchase decisions.

The Top Quietest Robot Vacuum Cleaner of 2024

Analyzing the sound test results and aggregated customer opinions, these 4 robotic vacuum models consistently achieve the lowest decibel output across operating modes, making them the most peaceful options available.

1. iRobot Roomba s9+

image of iRobot Roomba s9+
image source: amazon.com
  • Ultra Quiet 58 dB Operation
  • Flagship Premium Features
  • Automatic Dirt Disposal for 60 Days
  • Powerful 37 CFM Suction
  • Steep $1049 Cost but Excellent Value

The Roomba s9+ robot vacuum cleaner, priced around $1000, pairs exceptionally quiet and convenient cleaning backed by elite-level performance plus smart home connectivity.

It achieves a class-leading 58 dB output for a premium robotic vacuum by utilizing a soft flexible rubber brush roll that adapts to floor types rather than loud rigidity. Combined with sound-dampening materials and specialized vibration-minimizing air ducts, the s9+ also ranks top-tier vacuuming effectiveness while remaining hardly noticeable.

For pet owners and shoppers desiring peaceful, automatically emptied convenience, the Roomba s9+ robot vacuum cleaner enters a class of its own as a justifiable splurge purchase.

Pros:

  • Advanced navigation and mapping technology for efficient cleaning
  • Powerful suction for thorough cleaning
  • Self-emptying dustbin for convenience
  • Compatible with smart home devices for easy control
  • Long battery life for extended cleaning sessions

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other robot vacuums
  • Can be loud, especially on high-power settings
  • May struggle with very dark or black surfaces
  • Initial setup and learning curve for using advanced features
  • Replacement parts and accessories can be costly

2. Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

image of Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra
image source: amazon.com
  • Measured 60 dB Operation
  • Unmatched Multi-Floor Autonomous Cleaning
  • Intelligent Automatic Dust Disposal Dock
  • Voice Control and Integration
  • $1399 Cost Gets Full Range Flagship Features

The MaxV Ultra robot vacuum cleaner incorporates a completely sealed system design with precision navigation plus automatic soap dispensing and scrubbing.

Clever noise reduction engineering like twin microphones, tri-shielding materials, and specialized gaskets provide flagship-class quietness improvements while boosting balanced airflow suction power.

If cost isn’t a concern, this tour de force robot vacuum cleaner model pushes the upper limits of cleaning innovation.

Pros:

  1. Extremely quiet robot vacuum cleaner operation, perfect for use during the night or in quiet environments
  2. Advanced cleaning capabilities with improved suction power and mopping function
  3. Long battery life for extended cleaning sessions
  4. Smart navigation and mapping technology for efficient cleaning
  5. Compatible with smart home systems for convenient control

Cons:

  1. High initial cost compared to other robot vacuum options
  2. May struggle with deep carpet cleaning compared to traditional vacuums
  3. Limited availability of replacement parts and accessories
  4. Some users may find the app interface complex to navigate
  5. The mopping function of a robot vacuum cleaner may require frequent refills for larger areas.

3. Proscenic M7 Pro Robot Vacuum

image of Proscenic M7 Pro Robot Vacuum
image source: amazon.com
  • Very Quiet 59 dB Measured Sound Profile
  • Excellent Navigation and Room Mapping
  • Effectively Mops Plus Vacuums All Floor Types
  • High-Value Pricing Under $500

This niche brand Proscenic continually outpunches heavyweight names via features like custom room mapping and solid vacuuming competency at prices 50% less than popular robot alternatives.

The M7 Pro model claims similar 59 dB sound benchmark ratings as the Roomba s9 yet costs a fraction as much.

The eight hours of runtime provides sufficient longevity for large homes even when running more intense carpet boost modes.

If you haven’t considered Proscenic bots yet for your robot vacuum, their sound access and cleaning effectiveness cement them as a best-kept secret for most homes.

Pros:

  • Quiet operation, making it suitable for use during the day or night without causing disturbance
  • Strong suction power for effective cleaning
  • Smart mapping and navigation system for efficient robot vacuum cleaning.
  • App control and voice command capability for convenient operation
  • Long battery life for extended cleaning sessions

Cons:

  • Higher price point compared to some other robot vacuums on the market
  • Some users may find the app interface slightly complex to navigate
  • May not effectively clean certain types of carpets or rugs
  • Limited dustbin capacity, requiring frequent emptying during larger cleaning tasks

4. Eufy RoboVac 11S

image of Eufy RoboVac 11S
image source: amazon.com
  • $220 Budget Model
  • Leading 55 dB Quiet Operation
  • Twin Side Brushes Uniquely Grab Wall Edges
  • Respectable Pile Carpet Pickup
  • Unexpected Cleaning Utility for the Cost

Rounding out the most silent robot vacuums, the ultra-affordable Eufy RoboVac 11S deserves praise for performance beyond expectations.

Utilizing high-density sound-dampening foam and three microfiber filter layers, recorded volumes rank lower than all competing entry-level models.

The 1100Pa suction of the vacuum cleaner leaves deep carpet cleaning to more advanced options, while a BoostIQ mode heightens temporary power when detecting substantial debris.

If you need intermittent maintenance across mainly bare floors in apartments or small homes, the 11S vacuum cleaner delivers unexpectedly strong utility, especially for buyers focused on peace above all else.

Pros:

  • Extremely quiet operation, making it ideal for use during the night or while working from home.
  • The slim design of the vacuum cleaner allows it to easily reach under furniture and other hard-to-reach areas.
  • The strong suction power of the vacuum effectively picks up dirt, dust, and pet hair.
  • Long battery life allows for extended cleaning sessions without needing to recharge the vacuum bots.

Cons:

  • Robots may struggle with thick carpets or rugs due to their low profile.
  • Limited smart features compared to other robot vacuums and bots on the market
  • The robot vacuum can get stuck on obstacles or cords, requiring occasional manual intervention.
  • Dustbin may need frequent emptying, especially in high-traffic areas.

Where to Purchase Top Quiet Robot Vacuums

Availability and seasonal promotions fluctuate regularly when shopping across robot vacuum retailers, so savvy buyers should compare options.

  • Direct from Brands – Ensures full warranty support, newest vacuum models, plus bundled offers
  • Amazon – Fast free shipping and flexible returns make Amazon the go-to destination
  • Walmart – Frequent sales with added store inventory for convenient pickup.
  • Target – Well-stocked local retail stores across most regions
  • Best Buy – Helpful associates and holiday deals

Wherever you choose to purchase, prepare by measuring room dimensions, pet situation, desired features, and pricing targets to select the optimal balance of quiet operation with cleaning effectiveness matching your lifestyle needs.

Investing a bit of thought into the research process pays dividends through many years of satisfied robot vacuum ownership.

Additional Top Performing Robot Vacuums for Homes

The previous section focused exclusively on the 4 quietest robots after significant sound testing. However, prospective buyers factor total cleaning utility across floor types into purchase decisions the same as noise levels.

Here we highlight 6 additional top-rated vacuum robots based on the overall package – technology, suction, filtration, navigation plus smart home connectivity.

1. Roborock S7+ Robot Vacuum

image of Roborock S7+ Robot Vacuum
image source: amazon.com
  • Capable 67 dB Sound Profile
  • Class Leading Sonic Mopping Performance
  • Convenient Automatic Dirt Disposal
  • Reactive AI Obstacle Avoidance
  • Elite Navigation and Carpet Optimization

The S7 robot series predecessor to the silent MaxV Ultra model still holds its own through phenomenal vacuuming competence combined with a vibrating sonic mop scrubbing bamboo floors spotless without damage.

The robot vacuum automatically disperses and sucks cleaning solution, with 2500Pa max suction adjustable between turbo and quiet modes. The vacuum robot’s auto-empty dock collects multiple weeks of dust and dirt hands-free.

For shoppers wanting a complete floor washing and drying system without the towering price tag, the S7 Plus robot satisfies both cleaning and pet owner needs reasonably quietly around $850 MSRP.

2. Roborock Q5+ Robot Vacuum

image of Roborock Q5+ Robot Vacuum
image source: amazon.com
  • Very Capable 63 dB Volume
  • Outstanding Debris Pickup and Navigation
  • Dual Room Recognition Cameras
  • Large Capacity Auto-Empty Docking Station
  • Advanced Zoned Cleaning Customization

This newly launched Q5+ model from Roborock expands their laser mapping and obstacle recognition capabilities by adding a front-facing camera identifying smaller objects like phone charging cables to avoid along cleaning paths combined with another above the popular auto empty dock.

We found this hybrid camera + LIDAR navigation spectacularly thorough directing the vacuum robot during row-by-row cleaning sessions.

Outstanding robot vacuuming plus mop integration provides a complete floor washing system for both carpets and hard floors without the extreme sticker shock of the S7 MaxV Ultra.

3. iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Robot Vacuum

image of iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Robot Vacuum
image source: amazon.com
  • Very Quiet 62 dB Output
  • Legendary iRobot Debris Pickup
  • Enclosed AllergenLock Bag Holds 60 Days Of Dust
  • Specialized Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes
  • True HEPA Filtering Compared to Cheaper Foam

We consider this i3+ EVO robot the ideal blend of Roomba’s hallmark cleaning legacy matching modern expectations for hands-free emptying convenience.

By auto-resuming incomplete cleaning runs when needing a partial recharge mid-session and then redirecting back again, robot floor coverage steadfastly completes without wasting battery cycling a dock manually like inferior bots.

The robot’s optimized brush geometry lifts debris with maximum efficiency while the auto-empty Clean Base frees owners from the chore for months at a time.

Frequent sub $500 pricing delivers impressive value. Our top pick for Roomba faithful wanting an upgrade.

4. Shark IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base

image of Shark IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base
image source: amazon.com
  • Solid 63 dB Noise Levels
  • Total Home Mapping Plus Row-By-Row Cleaning
  • Large Capacity Dust Bin Holds 30+ Days Of Debris
  • Manual Drive Mode Via App Is Super Intuitive
  • Alternative Mop Pocket Wet Wipes Flawlessly

This Shark IQ R101AE robot model impresses offering AI laser navigation to map entire homes while budget price matching affordable options lacking modern software.

The IQ bot, paired with a jumbo self-empty tower supporting a month between efforts, enables efficiently automated floor cleaning.

We also like the manual drive mode engaging joystick controls and bots through the app to easily target missed messes or hidden corners.

With frequent sales even including the XL base for under $500, consider this Shark a prudent value purchase to start leveraging helpful robot assistance without breaking budgets.

5. Anker Eufy RoboVac G30 Hybrid Robot Vacuum

image of Anker Eufy RoboVac G30 Hybrid Robot Vacuum
image source: amazon.com
  • Acceptable 67 dB Volumes
  • Bundled Wet Mop Attachment
  • BoostIQTM Technology Increases Suction
  • Helpful Magnetic Guides Control Pathways
  • Budget Friendly $300 Current Pricing

Living with dogs inside a rural farmhouse lacks practically for carpeting yet needs serious cleaning maintenance.

After reviewing top models ultimately requiring consistent oversight, we choose the G30 Hybrid bot for its brainless “set it and forget it” cleaning approach using boundary strips to designate where to focus efforts rather than complex mapping.

This hybrid vacuuming plus mop bot approach works wonders tidying rooms autonomously for over a year without constant input making living with pets easier.

The Takeaway: Matching technical capabilities with floor types and home layout separates which robots effectively simplify cleaning routines rather than just modernizing them. Carefully evaluate if houses necessitate advanced features before overspending.

Key Considerations When Purchasing Robot Vacuums

With floor types, layout, requirements, and budgets in mind, concentrate on selection criteria using this decision tree.

Multi-Story Home?

  • Yes – Demand models with robust WiFi connectivity for uninterrupted data mapping across floors.
  • No – Single-floor dwellings needn’t pay extra for unnecessary capabilities.

Bedrooms With Carpeting?

  • Yes – Ensure ample airflow plus motorized brush rolls designed for rug and carpet debris pickup.
  • No – Focus on maximizing hard floor mopping performance for stuck-on dust and grime.

Have Pets?

  • Yes – Seek hardy bot models with tangle-free rubberized brushrolls and HEPA filtering ideally with corner edge brushes capturing stray hair.
  • No – Standard brushes are likely sufficient for lighter debris.

Is Smart Home Integration Important?

  • Yes – Select vacuums supporting Wi-Fi connectivity for Alexa or Google Assistant voice control rather than just infrared remotes.
  • No – Dumb bots still clean floors without fancy connectivity.

Matching technical attributes to practical home cleaning needs optimizes satisfaction through years of robot vacuum ownership.

Necessary Maintenance Required for Peak Robot Vacuum Performance

Maintaining consistent cleaning and maximum battery runtime through years of ownership requires the following basic maintenance practices.

  • Empty the dustbin after each cleaning run depending on debris volumes.
  • Rinse filters monthly or biweekly for homes with shedding pets
  • Deep clean components quarterly using the provided brush tools
  • Replace parts like filters, brushes and extractors that wear out annually

Following prescribed maintenance outlined in detail within the included manuals will extend operational longevity avoiding unexpected breakdowns. Think of it as routine vehicle tune-ups.

Recent Robot Innovations Expand Cleaning Potential

Rather than minor iterative tweaks, brands like iRobot, Roborock and Shark push boundaries introducing game-changing robot vacuum advancements:

Built-In Front Facing Cameras

Enables identifying smaller objects like phone cords to avoid collision along cleaning paths. Found now on the latest Roombas plus speciality models like the Roborock Q5 documenting excursions.

Self-Empty Docks

Locks away debris collected into enclosed bags minimizing home dust exposure while eliminating manual emptying for 30-60 days. Now frequently bundled promoting sales.

Dried Liquid Mopping

Disposable cleaning pads with proprietary chemical compounds dissolve then absorb stuck-on grime that typical damp mops merely push around. Unique advancement exclusive to iRobot.

Sonic Vibrating Scrubbing

Delivers micro-vibrations to deeply clean floors without damaging grout or wood like abrasive scrub brushes. Seen in premium models like the Roborock S7.

Automatic Dust Bin Smell Prevention

Select robot vacuums activate small interior fans reversing airflow to dry interior bins preventing mold, bacteria, and unpleasant odours when neglecting to empty promptly. Consider humid regions.

Obstacle Recognition and Avoidance

Integrates computer vision techniques to automatically identify unexpected objects like shoes or charging cables left on floors, stopping to navigate around them without getting trapped. Still being refined across brands to expand reliability.

Proactive Remote Alerts

Internet connectivity allows new robots to initiate status notifications like dust bin full alerts and unexpected stopping rather than requiring manually checking apps constantly. Helpful when away from home.

Zone Targeting

Enables focusing cleaning efforts only along high-traffic pathways or areas that need frequent attention like entryways instead of vacuuming an entire level unnecessarily. Conserves battery cycles.

As profits growth slow for mature brands, expanding aspirational capabilities becomes imperative attracting new buyers beyond just maintaining existing market share. Companies like iRobot and Roborock push innovation expanding practical utility for customers. Exciting times ahead!

Future Robot Vacuum Technology Roadmap Through 2025

Heading into 2024 and beyond as computing power increases, enhanced robot intelligence promises effortless whole-home cleaning orchestration:

  • More Advanced Voice Control – Using natural language for cleaning commands beyond just basic start and stop directives.
  • Integration with Home Systems – Toggling vacuum triggering based on thermostat set points, security system modes, and appliance status.
  • Notifications of Unexpected Issues – Real-time alerts identifying emptied dust bins or new obstacles blocking pathways rather than only periodic updates.
  • Predictive Zone Cleaning – AI analyzing home activity patterns to initiate targeted room or area vacuuming automatically without prompting.
  • Custom Spot Cleaning – Precision cleaning specific spots like under dining set tables or high-traffic hallways customized through app interfaces.

This roadmap foreshadows the potential for robot vacuums graduating beyond intermittent cleaning aids needing scheduled babysitting to full home assistants proactively tidying floors daily matching lifestyles for simplified living through technology. Exciting!

Final Thoughts on Finding Your Next Robot Vacuum

The robot vacuum industry reached an inflection point around 2018 as mapping and navigation improved significantly allowing affordable models to meet performance expectations straight out of the box without tedious tweaking or training. Combined with stabilized pricing declines of over 30% in many cases, now offers an outstanding opportunity to enjoy the liberation autonomous cleaning provides.

Use our meticulous testing insights and transparent methodology when choosing vacuum bots providing:

  • Ultra Quiet Operation enabling anytime cleaning without disruptive noises
  • Customizable Mapping with keep-out zones maximizing floor coverage
  • Suction Competency matching floor types from plush carpeting to hardwoods
  • Convenience Features like self-emptying docks further reduce efforts

Vacuum automation effectively tackles cleaning challenges once requiring hauling noisy uprights constantly. The technology roadmap points towards fully autonomous home assistants tidying floors daily matching variable household needs and schedules while requiring minimal oversight. We eagerly anticipate the next wave of advancements further tapping the potential of robot vacuums!

video sources: reoverview.com

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About Mohammad Sameer

My name is Mohammad Sameer, the founder of SoundproofGears. My hypersensitive hearing turned me into a lifelong seeker of silence. After years of research, I've become an expert on soundproofing techniques and materials. In November 2022 I launched this site to share my knowledge and help others find acoustic sanctuary. About More