Acoustic Panels vs. Acoustic Tiles: What's the Difference?

In the acoustics industry, the terms "panel" and "tile" are often used interchangeably to describe the same basic concept: a sound-absorbing quadrilateral of varying sizes and thicknesses that is mounted or installed within a space to reduce echoes and improve sound clarity.

At Audimute, both our acoustic panels and acoustic tiles are made with eco-C-tex®, our signature "green" sound absorption material comprised of recycled cotton and cellulose fibers. But there are also some key areas where our "panels" and "tiles" for wall applications differ from each other. (NOTE: The following distinctions do not apply to our AcoustiColor® Direct Mount Ceiling Tiles; read more on those here).

1. The Sides of the Panel / Tile

It's a subtle distinction but an important one. Our acoustic panels, from Fabric to AcoustiColor® to AcoustiWood® to AcoustiStone®, are fabric-wrapped (or, in the case of AcoustiColor, coated) on the face of the panel and then around the edges. Our acoustic tiles, on the other hand, have exposed eco-C-tex on the sides; only the face of the tile has been treated with the cover material of your choosing.

Here's some examples: this is a stack of our AcoustiColor panels. You can see that both the face of the panel and the sides have been coated. 

Now here's an AcoustiColor tile. Notice that the face has been coated in Sherwin-Williams paint, but the sides are still uncoated eco-C-tex.

2. Thickness / NRC

The thickness of an acoustic panel or tile directly corresponds to its sound-absorbing effectiveness. We measure sound absorption in NRC, or noise reduction coefficient. NRC ratings range from 0 to 1. An NRC of 0 means the product absorbs no sound, while an NRC of 1 means that the product absorbs all sound. The higher the NRC, the better the product is at soaking up sound.

Audimute's Acoustic Panels have thicknesses of 1.5" and NRC ratings of .95, meaning each panel will absorb an average of 95% of echoes, reverberations, and mid to high frequencies that it comes into contact with. Our Acoustic Tiles, on the other hand, are 1" thick and, depending on the cover material, have NRC ratings in the 0.70 to 0.75 range.

3. What You Get Per Order

Our acoustic panels are purchased and shipped as individual units, whereas our tiles are packaged together in different configurations (ranging from four 24" by 24" tiles to 48 4" x 12" tiles) totaling 16 square feet of material. Check the product pages for more information.

Whether you opt for acoustic panels or tiles from Audimute, you'll be getting high-performance sound absorption made with eco-friendly material. It all comes down to your preferences and what you need to allow you to use your space the way it was intended.

Want more information? Reach out to our Acoustic Specialists for a free acoustic consultation by calling 1.866.505.MUTE or filling out a Room Analysis Form.