Last Updated on March 25, 2025

Acoustic Glass vs Double Glazing – Pros, Cons, & Costs

When choosing new windows for your home or rental property, the decision between acoustic glass vs double glazing can be challenging. Both options provide insulation, energy efficiency, and noise reduction, but they differ in their performance, cost, and suitability for different property types.

In this guide, we’ll compare acoustic glass and double glazing in-depth, covering their features, benefits, costs, installation process, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which option suits your needs best.

Contents

1 Acoustic Glass vs Double Glazing – Pros, Cons, & Costs

Acoustic Glass vs Double Glazing: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Acoustic Glass	Double Glazing
Noise Reduction	Up to 45dB reduction	Around 30-35dB reduction
Thermal Insulation	Good, but less effective than double glazing	Excellent for energy efficiency
Security	High – laminated interlayer strengthens glass	Good – two panes provide added resistance
Draught Resistance	Helps reduce draughts when installed properly	Effectively prevents draughts
Ventilation	No difference from standard glazing	Allows for trickle vents for airflow
Natural Light	Similar to standard glass, but can be slightly tinted	Maximises light with clear panes
Maintenance	Easy to clean, but laminated layers require care	Low maintenance, only needs occasional cleaning
Installation	Requires professional installation	Standard fitting for most homes
Cost	£400 – £900 per m² (varies by thickness and manufacturer)	£250 – £650 per m² (varies by frame material and glass type)

Acoustic Glass vs Double Glazing: Key Differences

What Is Acoustic Glass?

Acoustic glass is a specially designed glazing solution that significantly reduces noise transmission. It consists of two or more glass panes bonded together with an interlayer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or resin laminate, which dampens sound waves and reduces noise pollution.

Key Features of Acoustic Glass

Superior noise reduction – Can reduce external noise by up to 45dB, making it ideal for homes near busy roads, airports, or train lines.
Increased security – The laminated interlayer strengthens the glass, making it difficult to break.
UV protection – Blocks harmful UV rays, reducing furniture and flooring fading.
Suitable for various window styles – Can be installed in casement windows, sash windows, bay windows, and tilt-and-turn windows.

Pros and Cons Of Acoustic Glass

Pros

Best for noise reduction – Ideal for busy urban areas, airports, and railway surroundings.
Enhanced security – Laminated structure makes breakage difficult.
UV protection – Reduces furniture fading and interior damage.

Cons

More expensive – Higher cost than standard double glazing.
Less energy-efficient – Provides some insulation but not as effective as double glazing.
Heavier weight – Requires strong window frames for support.

What Is Double Glazing?

Double glazing consists of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar and a layer of gas (usually argon or krypton). This structure improves thermal insulation and reduces heat loss, making it an energy-efficient choice for homes.

Key Features of Double Glazing

Energy efficiency – Reduces heat loss, improving insulation and lowering energy bills.
Noise reduction – Provides some sound insulation (typically around 30-35dB) but less effective than acoustic glass.
Security – The dual-pane structure increases window strength.
Suitable for all window styles – Available for casement, sash windows, bay, tilt-and-turn, and French windows.

Pros and Cons Of Double Glazing

Pros

Excellent thermal insulation – Helps lower heating costs.
Affordable compared to acoustic glass – More cost-effective option.
Wide availability – Standard choice for UK homes and rental properties.

Cons

Limited noise reduction – Less effective against external noise compared to acoustic glass.
Can fail over time – Seals may degrade, leading to condensation between panes.

Cost of Acoustic Glass vs Double Glazing

Window Type	Acoustic Glass (Per m²)	Double Glazing (Per m²)
Casement Window	£400 – £800	£250 – £600
Sash Window	£500 – £900	£300 – £650
Bay Window	£600 – £900	£400 – £700
Tilt & Turn Window	£450 – £850	£275 – £625

Note: Prices vary based on frame materials, installation complexity, and supplier.

Which One Is More Cost-Effective?

Double glazing is the more affordable option – It provides excellent thermal efficiency and security at a lower cost, making it the preferred choice for most homeowners. Check out our comprehensive guide on double glazing costs for more details.
Acoustic glass is the premium choice – If reducing external noise is your priority, the extra investment in acoustic glass may be worth it, especially if you live near a busy road, railway, or airport.

If you want to learn more about new window costs in 2025, check out our guide to help you choose the right windows when it’s time for a replacement.

Installation Process & Considerations

Both acoustic glass and double glazing require professional installation to ensure proper sealing, energy efficiency, and noise reduction. Here are key considerations:

Frame suitability: Ensure your existing window frames can support acoustic glass, as it is heavier.
Planning permission: Generally not required unless in a conservation area.
Lead time: Double glazing is widely available, whereas acoustic glass may have longer delivery times.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best option depends on your specific needs:

Choose acoustic glass if: You live in a noisy environment and require superior sound insulation.
Choose double glazing if: You want the best energy efficiency at an affordable price.

Double Glazing vs Other Types of Glazing Options

Secondary glazing vs double glazing – If you live in a listed building or conservation area where replacing windows isn’t an option, secondary glazing could be a practical alternative. This comparison looks at how it stacks up against double glazing in terms of insulation, noise reduction, and cost.

Single glazing vs double glazing – Many older homes still have single-glazed windows, but how do they compare to double glazing? This guide breaks down the benefits of upgrading and whether single glazing still has a place in modern properties.

Triple glazing vs double glazing – Some homeowners consider triple glazing for enhanced insulation and noise reduction, but is it worth the extra cost? This article analyses the performance differences and whether triple glazing provides enough benefits to justify the investment.

Old double glazing vs new double glazing – If your property already has double glazing but it’s over 20 years old, you might be wondering whether modern replacements are worth it. We compare older units with today’s energy-efficient models to help you decide if an upgrade is necessary.

Low-E glass vs double glazing – Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is designed to improve thermal efficiency by reflecting heat back into the room. But how does it compare to standard double glazing? This guide explores the differences and when Low-E glass might be the better choice.

Looking to Upgrade Your Windows?

Upgrading your windows is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home. Whether you’re looking to improve energy efficiency, enhance security, or give your home a fresh, modern look, high-quality windows can make all the difference.

Lower Energy Bills – Reduce heat loss and keep your home comfortable year-round.
Enhanced Security – Modern windows come with advanced locking systems for better protection.
Boost Curb Appeal – Give your home a sleek, updated appearance with stylish new windows.
Increase Property Value – A window upgrade can add value and appeal to potential buyers.

Don’t settle for outdated, inefficient windows. Request a free quote for new windows today!

James Elston

Boiler Expert

James Elston is the top boiler replacement and heating expert at Eco Happy. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Gas Safe boiler installations and offering home-heating and energy-saving solutions to homeowners across the UK. From sourcing the most energy-efficient combi boiler to providing specialist heating advice, James ensures that Eco Happy maintains the highest standards and best customer service.

Acoustic Glass vs Double Glazing – Pros, Cons, & Costs

Acoustic Glass vs Double Glazing: A Quick Comparison