Are acoustic panels and soundproof panels the same thing?

I. Differences Between Acoustic Panels and Soundproof Panels

The core difference between sound-absorbing panels and soundproofing panels lies in their function.
Acoustic panels: Address indoor sound reflection (e.g., reverberation, echo) to make indoor sound clearer, but do not prevent sound from spreading outward.
Soundproof panels: Blocking sound from passing through walls, doors and windows. Prevent sound from entering and leaving the room, but do not improve indoor reverberation.

II. Simple Explanation of Acoustic and Soundproof Panels

1. Acoustic panels: Like a sponge absorbing water, they absorb excess sound waves in the room.
When you sing or speak loudly in a room, sound waves will repeatedly reflect between the walls, ceiling, and floor, creating echoes and reverberation. In terms of auditory perception, people feel as if their voice is floating in the air. When encountering a porous sound-absorbing panel, the sound waves penetrate into the fiber gaps inside the panel and are consumed by friction, preventing further reflection. This makes the indoor sound clearer. You can hear your own voice clearly when you sing. The timbre of the instruments is also purer. However, sound will still travel through the walls, doors, and windows to the outside. Your neighbors can still hear the sound. The panels only enhance your own listening experience.
2. Soundproof Panels: Like waterproofing materials that block water, these panels block sound and prevent it from spreading.
When you practice drums in your room, the sound is very loud, and the sound waves will travel through the walls, doors, and windows to your neighbor’s house. Soundproof panels can block sound waves and prevent them from penetrating walls/doors and windows through their high-density or multi-layered structure. This will significantly reduce the volume heard by neighbors, but indoor reverberation and echo remain unchanged.

III. Misconceptions about the two materials

“The thicker the material, the better the effect” – Not necessarily!
Sound-absorbing panels rely on their porous structure rather than thickness. For example, 50mm thick polyester fiber cotton is more effective than 100mm thick ordinary sponge. Soundproof panels rely on density and structure. For example, a 1.2mm thick damping sound insulation felt has better sound insulation than a 5cm thick ordinary wooden board.