Sound Deadening Comparison: Dynamat vs Kilmat vs Noico

You're adding bass. Or maybe your road noise is unbearable. Either way, you're shopping for sound deadening—and the options are overwhelming.

Dynamat is the name everyone knows. But at 3x the price of alternatives, is it worth it? Or are budget options like Kilmat and Noico just as effective?

Let's break down the actual differences.

How Sound Deadening Works

Sound deadening materials reduce cabin noise through two mechanisms:

1. Damping vibrations — Butyl rubber dampens panel resonance, reducing rattles and the "tinny" sound that makes bass feel hollow.

2. Blocking sound transmission — Mass-loaded materials create a barrier that sound waves can't easily pass through.

Most products focus on the first mechanism. True "soundproofing" often requires multiple layers and different material types.

The Three Major Options

Dynamat Xtreme

The premium choice

Pros:

• Industry standard for a reason
• Excellent adhesion
• Superior heat resistance
• Zero odor
• Consistent thickness

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive
• Overkill for some applications

Kilmat

The value leader

Pros:

• Outstanding value
• Thicker than Dynamat
• Embossed pattern shows proper adhesion
• No odor
• Works well in most applications

Cons:

• Slightly lower temperature ceiling
• Thickness can vary between batches
• Foil thinner than Dynamat

Noico

The budget option

Pros:

• Lowest price point
• 80 mil thickness
• Effective damping
• Easy to work with

Cons:

• Initial butyl smell (fades over time)
• Adhesion slightly weaker
• Quality control less consistent

Head-to-Head Comparison

Damping Performance

Independent testing (including data from ResoNix and automotive forums) shows surprisingly similar performance:

Translation: For reducing panel vibration, all three work well. The difference is measurable but not dramatically audible to most people.

Real-World dB Reduction

Typical measurements after treating doors and trunk:

A 3 dB reduction is noticeable. A 5 dB reduction is significant.

Heat Resistance

This matters if you're treating areas near exhaust or in hot climates:

For trunk, doors, and most roof applications, all three are fine. For floor pans near exhaust or engine bay, Dynamat has an advantage.

Ease of Installation

All three install similarly:

1. Clean surface with alcohol
2. Cut material to size
3. Apply and press firmly
4. Roll with wooden or metal roller

Differences:

• Kilmat has embossed pattern that flattens when properly adhered—built-in installation indicator
• Dynamat is slightly more pliable, easier to shape around curves
• Noico is stiffer when cold, easier in warm weather

Cost Analysis

For a typical mid-size sedan:

Savings with Kilmat over Dynamat: ~$190 (67%)

Our Recommendation

Use Dynamat If:

• Budget isn't a primary concern
• Treating areas near exhaust or engine
• You want guaranteed premium quality
• Building a competition audio system
• Maximum heat resistance matters

Use Kilmat If:

• You want best value for performance
• Treating doors, trunk, roof, or floor
• DIY installation planned
• Full coverage is the goal
• Normal daily driver application

Use Noico If:

• Absolute lowest budget
• Limited coverage area
• Non-critical areas (rear deck, wheel wells)
• Willing to air out vehicle after install

Installation Tips

For Best Results:

1. Clean thoroughly — Isopropyl alcohol removes grease and dust

2. Apply at room temperature — Cold material doesn't adhere well

3. Use a proper roller — Wooden or hard rubber, not foam

4. 25-50% coverage is effective — You don't need 100% coverage

5. Treat the outer skin — More effective than inner door panel

Coverage Strategy:

Beyond Butyl: Complete Sound Treatment

For maximum effect, consider a multi-layer approach:

1. Butyl deadener (Dynamat/Kilmat) — Damping
2. Closed-cell foam — Decoupling
3. Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) — Sound blocking

This layered approach can reduce cabin noise by 50% or more.

Sound Deadening Installation at Blackout

We install sound deadening as part of car audio projects or standalone for noise reduction.

Our approach:

• Strategic coverage for maximum impact
• Quality materials (we use Dynamat and Kilmat depending on application)
• Professional roller technique for proper adhesion
• Integration with speaker and subwoofer installation

📞 Request a sound deadening quote

📍 Visit our Gilroy shop — feel the difference in our demo vehicles. Explore our car audio services →

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