Mass Loaded Vinyl and Dynamat are two products that both work to the same end – reduce noise that tries to get into or out of your car. Although they have other similarities like heat resistance, they have their differences too. Both are made from different materials and work to soundproof the interior of your car in different ways.
So which of the two is best for you, and why is that? Read on to find out the winner in this Mass Loaded Vinyl vs Dynamat battle and see how they compare in terms of effectiveness, ease of installation, materials they are made of, thickness and density, dimensions and size, and price.
For this article we’re going to use the highly rated Second Skin Mass Loaded Vinyl for Cars. You may also want to read our article about the best car sound deadening materials in 2025.
Mass Loaded Vinyl vs Dynamat: Quick Comparison
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Second Skin MLV
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Dynamat
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Difference Between Mass Loaded Vinyl and Dynamat
Effectiveness
Both products are great at soundproofing your car, but the way they do it is different. Mass Loaded Vinyl is a sound blocker and absorbs sound that passes through the air. In blocking air transmitted sound, density is essential, and thus its high density of 1 lb/ft2.
Its effect isn’t restricted to just sound blocking as it can also dampen noise from vibrating surfaces. So by installing it on all surfaces of your car, you are sure to enjoy better acoustics and be bothered less by external noise.
Dynamat on the other hand is a good example of a sound dampener. It functions to absorb vibrations from surfaces that cause noise, that’s why its installation on the source of noise reduces the frequency of noise produced. So by installing it in your car, you would have effectively reduced engine noise.
It doesn’t only work to reduce machinery borne noise, but can also block the noise coming in from outside. So proper installation of Dynamat not only takes care of the engine noise but also external noise.
Density and thickness also play a role in the performance of sound deadening products, so since Mass Loaded Vinyl is denser and thicker than Dynamat, it, therefore, implies that its more effective in keeping the sound out.
Ease of Installation
Both products require a bit of effort for proper installation because of their density and thickness. Mass Loaded Vinyl is very dense and thick, so it doesn’t cut easily with your regular scissors or knife. To cut it into the desired shape, you would need to make use of heavy-duty scissors or a utility knife.
Its weight also makes it difficult to install a large piece vertically. So what you would need to do is to cut it into smaller pieces so it doesn’t fall off.
While Dynamat is also thick and heavy when compared to other mats, it’s lighter and thinner than Noise Grabber Mass Loaded Vinyl. This makes it easier to install but also requires you to use heavy-duty scissors or a utility knife to cut it into the desired shape and size.
So in terms of ease of installation, Dynamat wins.
Materials They Are Made Of
Noise Grabber Mass Loaded Vinyl is made from a combination of mainly PVC and either calcium Carbonate or barium sulfate. It’s a viscoelastic material and can absorb vibrations while retaining its shape.
It’s odorless, has good heat resistance properties. and works in both hot and cold weather conditions without causing any discomfort to the user. Due to the embedded metal particles, its mass is increased making it ideal for absorption of noise transmitted by air.
Dynamat is made using butyl rubber and the material together with its density and thickness makes it a very good sound dampener. It’s also odorless, has good heat resistance properties, and works efficiently to improve the internal acoustics of your car.
So in terms of materials, they are made of, there is no loser as both products are made of the best materials available.
Thickness and Density
Apart from the materials sound deadening products are made of, the thickness and mass also contribute to the overall performance of the products. Noise Grabber Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) with a thickness of 0.125” and a density of 1 lb/ft2 is perfect to block out noise to a great extent, and give you a quiet interior.
Dynamat on the other hand is less dense and less thick with a density of 0.45 lbs/ft2 and a thickness of 0.067”. Even though Dynamat effectively keeps the sound out, Mass Loaded Vinyl has the upper hand.
Dimensions
The larger the dimension and size of a product, the fewer purchases you would have to make to effectively soundproof your car. This Mass Loaded Vinyl has dimensions of 48” x 120” and a size of 40 sq ft against that of Dynamat with dimensions of 18” x 32”, and a size of 36 sq ft.
So if you need a large product to cover up more space, Mass loaded vinyl is the choice for you.
Price
Both products are on the high end as they cost more than average sound deadeners in the market. But if you are to choose from among these two, the product that is more pocket friendly is Dynamat.
Noise Grabber Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)Review
Noise Grabber Mass Loaded Vinyl serves as a great sound blocker and helps to keep noise out.
It does this without producing any unpleasant smells, ensuring you stay comfortable during your drive no matter the weather.
Noise Grabber MLV thickness and density both play a part in its effectiveness, making it one of the best sound deadeners you can find.
With heat resistant properties, your car’s air conditioning system can function properly, keeping cool effortlessly.
It’s cost and a bit harder installation are downsides to the use of this product but it’s worth it in the end.
Pros
- Great sound blocker
- Odorless
- Has good heat resistance
- Comes in good thickness and sizes
- Has adequate density
Cons
- It’s not the easiest sound deadener to install
- More expensive than Dynamat
Dynamat Review
Dynamat is made using butyl rubber, one of the best sound blocking materials available.
It effectively dampens the vibration from the engine and also works to keep external noise out.
This way you can enjoy your drive noiselessly and enjoy your stereo better, free from road noise.
Perfect for use in different weather conditions, it’s odorless and has good heat resistance properties.
This way, your interior can stay cool. Even though its thickness and density are less than that of Noise Grabber Mass Loaded Vinyl, it’s still very effective in keeping the noise out.
Installing Dynamat is easier and it’s also cheaper. So if you’re on a budget, use Dynanat to soundproof your car.
Pros
- Good sound absorber
- Odorless
- Good heat resistance
- Durable
Cons
- Not very easy to cut
Conclusion
Mass Loaded Vinyl vs Dynamat: And the winner is…
Both products perform effectively to deaden external noise and keep the interior of your vehicle quiet. They also keep you more comfortable due to their good heat resistance.
In conclusion, Dynamat is the winner here. It’s just better at reducing road noise and vibration as well as making your stereo sound much better.
That is not to say that Second Skin Mass Loaded Vinyl for Cars is a bad option. It does a decent job and is actually cheaper than Dynamat so if you’re on a tight budget you may want to go for MLV.
Both products are high end and are made from the best materials to ensure that you get value for every dollar you spend. So no matter the choice you make, what you would be getting is the best on the market in 2025.
Dave Pearson is a Canadian musician, sound editor, and audiophile. He is also the founder and owner of the website SoundProofGeek. On SoundProofGeek, Pearson offers advice and resources on audio equipment, including how to assess and improve audio quality, how to troubleshoot and repair audio equipment, and how to improve the music listening experience.
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