Vinyl plank flooring can transmit footsteps, clicks, and other impact noise, especially when it floats over a hard subfloor. The right underlayment may help soften that sound, but it must also be compatible with your specific flooring: a pad that is too thick or soft can affect plank joints and may void the floor warranty. These five options offer different approaches, from recycled-fiber sound control to rubber cushioning. Check your flooring manufacturer’s instructions before choosing, and remember that no underlayment can make a floor completely soundproof.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Coverage | Notable features | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuietWalk LV | 360 sq. ft. | Recycled fiber, 6-mil vapor barrier, DriWick moisture management | Projects needing broad flooring compatibility and moisture protection |
| VEVOR Floor Underlayment | 400 sq. ft. | 3 mm recycled-fiber padding with PE waterproof film | Large installations where the flooring maker approves this type of pad |
| ROBERTS AcoustiShield | Not specified | Crosslinked polypropylene foam; listed sound ratings | LVP projects that need a high-compression-strength underlayment |
| HOLNURY 3-in-1 | 200 sq. ft. | 3 mm EVA, silver-foil vapor barrier, pre-attached tape | Floating-floor projects where the flooring manufacturer permits it |
| DuraPad Premium | 100 sq. ft. | Recycled-rubber construction; designed for LVT/LVP and carpet tile | Smaller projects focused on impact-noise reduction |
Our Picks: Best Soundproof Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring reviews
1. QuietWalk LV: A versatile fiber underlayment with moisture protection
QuietWalk LV is a recycled-fiber underlayment made for luxury vinyl plank and tile, as well as SPC, WPC, rigid-core, laminate, and engineered wood flooring. Its 360-square-foot coverage can suit a larger room or several smaller spaces, while the flexible material is designed to be cut for a DIY installation.
Its dense fiber construction is intended to absorb impact noise and resist compression under foot traffic and furniture. QuietWalk also combines DriWick moisture management with an integrated 6-mil vapor barrier. The product description says it can be used under flooring 4 mm or thicker and with floating, glue-down, or nail-down installations. Check the instructions for your exact floor before using it, especially for a glue-down or attached-pad product.
Compared with basic foam pads, QuietWalk LV stands out for its recycled-fiber build and broad stated compatibility. It is a strong all-around option when you want sound reduction plus a moisture-management layer. The trade-off is that its installation claims do not replace the flooring maker’s requirements: underlayment that is not approved for your flooring system can create problems even if the material itself is well made.
Pros:
- Broad stated compatibility with vinyl, rigid-core, laminate, and engineered wood flooring
- Integrated 6-mil vapor barrier and DriWick moisture management
- Recycled-fiber construction is described as compression resistant
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified, according to the product information
Cons:
- Specified for flooring 4 mm or thicker, so it may not suit thinner planks
- Its broad installation claims still need to be checked against your floor’s instructions
Verdict: Choose QuietWalk LV if you want a versatile, large-coverage underlayment with both sound-absorbing fiber and a built-in vapor barrier, provided your vinyl flooring allows it.
2. VEVOR Floor Underlayment: Broad coverage with a waterproof film
This VEVOR underlayment comes as two rolls with a combined listed coverage of 400 square feet. It is 3 mm thick and uses recycled fiber with a PE waterproof film. The manufacturer describes it as suitable for vinyl, laminate, and wood flooring, with the film intended to help limit moisture reaching the floor from below.
The rolls include seam tape, and the material can be cut to fit a room. That setup may make it convenient for a large installation, where handling fewer large sections can save time. Its fiber construction is also intended to reduce hollow sounds and noise from footsteps or furniture movement.
There is an important compatibility check to make before buying: the product description does not specify the thickness or construction of vinyl plank it works with, nor does it explain its suitability for every floating-floor system. Follow your plank maker’s instructions about underlayment thickness, compressibility, and moisture barriers. The listing data provided for this product indicates that it is unavailable, so availability may affect whether it is a practical option.
Pros:
- 400 square feet of total stated coverage across two rolls
- Recycled-fiber padding paired with a PE waterproof film
- Seam tape is included for joining sections
- Designed for use with vinyl, laminate, and wood flooring
Cons:
- The supplied listing information indicates it is unavailable
- Does not provide detailed vinyl-flooring thickness or installation limits
Verdict: VEVOR may suit a larger project if it becomes available and your flooring manufacturer approves its 3 mm build and film layer; otherwise, choose an option with clearer compatibility guidance.
3. ROBERTS AcoustiShield: A compression-focused choice for LVP
ROBERTS AcoustiShield is described as a premium underlayment primarily for luxury vinyl plank. Its crosslinked polypropylene foam construction is designed to reduce sound while resisting compression. The product information lists a compression rate of more than 20 PSI at 25%, a feature intended to help protect flooring joints from excessive movement beneath the planks.
The manufacturer lists STC 65, IIC 71, and Delta IIC 24 sound figures, and says the product exceeds certain uniform building-code requirements for noise reduction. Those figures can help with comparisons, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed result in every home. Sound performance depends on the full floor assembly, the subfloor, the room below, and the installation method.
AcoustiShield is described for floating, single- or double-glue-down, staple-down, and nail-down applications. That range is notable, but the supplied listing data indicates the product is unavailable. Its coverage is also not specified in the information provided, making it harder to plan a project without checking the package details.
Pros:
- Designed primarily for luxury vinyl plank flooring
- Crosslinked foam and stated compression strength focus on supporting plank joints
- Lists STC, IIC, and Delta IIC sound figures
- Described for several installation methods
Cons:
- The supplied listing information indicates it is unavailable
- Coverage is not specified in the supplied product details
Verdict: AcoustiShield looks worth considering for an LVP project that prioritizes compression support and published sound figures, but confirm availability, coverage, and approval for your flooring system first.
4. HOLNURY 3-in-1: EVA padding with an attached vapor barrier
HOLNURY combines 3 mm EVA padding with a silver-foil vapor barrier in a 200-square-foot roll. The product is presented as a three-in-one layer for sound, moisture, and thermal insulation. Pre-attached lip tape is intended to make it easier to join pieces during installation.
The description highlights STC 72 and IIC 73 ratings. As with any sound rating, the number alone does not tell you what you will hear in your home; the test assembly and installation details matter. It is described for floating floors and for use over concrete or wood subfloors, but the supplied product information does not specifically identify vinyl plank as a compatible flooring type.
That gap is important. Vinyl planks can have strict rules about added padding, and a soft layer may affect the locking system. Before choosing HOLNURY for vinyl, get confirmation from the flooring manufacturer that this underlayment and its thickness are permitted. It may be a reasonable option for an approved floating-floor setup, but it is not the safest pick when you need explicit LVP compatibility.
Pros:
- 3 mm EVA padding with an integrated silver-foil vapor barrier
- Pre-attached tape is designed to simplify seam installation
- 200 square feet of stated coverage per roll
- Lists STC and IIC sound ratings
Cons:
- The supplied product details do not specifically confirm vinyl plank compatibility
- Sound ratings may not match performance in a different floor assembly
Verdict: Consider HOLNURY only if your flooring maker approves its EVA construction for your exact vinyl plank; otherwise, a product with clearer LVP guidance is a better fit.
5. DuraPad Premium: Recycled rubber for targeted sound reduction
DuraPad is a rubber underlayment designed for luxury vinyl tile, luxury vinyl plank, and carpet tile. Its 95% recycled-rubber composition is intended to provide impact-noise reduction and hold its shape over time. The product is also described as suitable for radiant-heated floors.
At 100 square feet per package, DuraPad is a smaller-coverage choice than QuietWalk LV or VEVOR. That may work well for a limited room or targeted area, but you will need to plan carefully for a larger installation. The rubber construction is presented as an alternative to traditional foam underlays, though the supplied details do not include a thickness, specific sound rating, vapor-barrier information, or installation methods.
Its stated LVP compatibility is helpful, but you should still check whether your floor’s instructions allow a separate underlayment. This is especially important for planks with a pad already attached. DuraPad could be a good match when sound control and recycled material are priorities, but it offers fewer technical details for comparing performance than some other picks.
Pros:
- Designed for LVT, LVP, and carpet tile
- Made with 95% recycled rubber, according to the product description
- Intended for impact-noise reduction and long-term structure retention
- Described as suitable for radiant-heated floors
Cons:
- 100-square-foot coverage may be limiting for larger rooms
- Supplied details do not state thickness, sound ratings, or vapor-barrier features
Verdict: DuraPad is a focused option for a smaller LVP or LVT project when the flooring instructions permit separate rubber underlayment and impact-noise control is your main goal.
How to Choose Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring
Start with your flooring manufacturer’s requirements
Before comparing sound ratings or materials, find the installation instructions for your exact vinyl plank. Some floors allow a separate underlayment, while others require a particular type or do not allow an extra layer. The approved thickness and firmness matter because excess cushioning can put stress on plank joints. If the floor has a pad attached, check whether adding another layer is allowed.
Match the underlayment to your installation method
Floating, glue-down, and nail-down floors may have different underlayment requirements. A product described as suitable for one method is not automatically suitable for every vinyl floor. Check both the flooring and underlayment instructions, and confirm that the product is approved for your subfloor and installation method before you buy.
Understand what sound ratings can tell you
STC generally relates to airborne sound passing through a building assembly, while IIC relates to impact noise such as footsteps. Delta IIC is a measure used to describe the improvement an underlayment provides in a test setup. These figures are useful comparison points, but performance depends on the entire floor assembly and installation. An underlayment can reduce some noise; it cannot make a room or floor fully soundproof.
Consider moisture protection for your subfloor
Concrete and other subfloors may need a vapor barrier, depending on the flooring instructions and site conditions. Some products combine padding with a film or vapor barrier, while others focus on sound and cushioning. Do not assume that a waterproof surface is a substitute for addressing moisture problems in the subfloor. Follow the flooring maker’s moisture-testing and barrier requirements.
Choose a material that suits your priorities
Recycled fiber, foam, and rubber offer different construction approaches. Fiber products in this list emphasize sound absorption and may also include moisture-management features. Foam-based products can combine cushioning with a film layer. Rubber options are designed to reduce impact noise and resist compression. Compare the actual specifications and compatibility rather than choosing by material name alone.
Plan coverage and installation details
Compare the package coverage with your room size and allow for cuts and waste. Also check how seams are joined, whether tape is included, and whether the material can be cut and laid out in the way your installation requires. For an unfamiliar floor system, a flooring professional or the manufacturer can help confirm the correct product before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can underlayment make vinyl plank flooring completely soundproof?
No. Underlayment may help reduce impact noise or the hollow sound of a floating floor, but it cannot block all sound. Results depend on the flooring, underlayment, subfloor, room construction, and installation quality.
Can I put underlayment under vinyl plank with an attached pad?
Only if the vinyl flooring manufacturer allows it. Adding a second layer can make the floor too soft and may stress the locking joints. Check the installation instructions for your exact product before proceeding.
Is a thicker underlayment always better for noise reduction?
No. Thickness alone does not determine sound performance, and a thicker or softer pad may not be suitable for your planks. Use the thickness and material approved by the flooring manufacturer.
What do STC and IIC ratings mean?
STC is commonly used to describe how a building assembly reduces airborne sound, while IIC relates to impact sounds such as footsteps. Ratings are based on test conditions and should not be treated as a promise of the same result in every home.
Do I need a vapor barrier under vinyl plank flooring?
It depends on your subfloor and the flooring maker’s instructions. Some installations require a moisture barrier, while others specify different preparation. Follow the manufacturer’s requirements rather than adding a barrier automatically.
Which option is the best all-around pick in this list?
QuietWalk LV has the broadest stated flooring compatibility and combines recycled fiber with a 6-mil vapor barrier. It is a strong starting point if your planks meet its stated thickness requirement and the floor manufacturer approves it.
Final Recommendation
For the widest stated compatibility and a combination of sound absorption and moisture management, QuietWalk LV is the most balanced choice in this group—provided it meets your vinyl plank’s installation requirements. DuraPad is worth considering for a smaller project focused on impact noise, while ROBERTS AcoustiShield stands out for its stated compression strength and sound figures if it is available. In every case, confirm compatibility with your exact flooring before installation; the right underlayment is the one that meets both your sound goals and your floor’s requirements.
