Best Carpet Underlayments of 2025

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Carpet underlayments are essential additions to any carpet installation process. They provide a cushioning layer between the carpet and the subfloor, which helps to absorb impact and reduce noise levels. Underlayments also help to extend the lifespan of the carpet by preventing it from wearing out too quickly. Some underlayments even have moisture barrier properties that help to prevent mold and mildew growth in damp areas. These products come in various materials such as foam, rubber, and felt, and can be customized to fit the specific needs of each installation.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

AMERIQUE 2MM Flooring Padding Cover #TOP 1
AMERIQUE 2MM Flooring Padding
ftb score rating icon 9.8
MP Global Products INSUL100 Insulayment Cover #TOP 2
MP Global Products INSUL100 Insulayment
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ROBERTS Black Jack 100 sq. ft. 2-in-1 Underlayment Cover #TOP 3
ROBERTS Black Jack 100 sq. ft. 2-in-1 Underlayment
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Carpet Underlayments

#TOP 1

AMERIQUE 2MM Flooring Padding

PTP150L
Blue
23.6"X23.6" Each
AMERIQUE 2MM Flooring Padding Cover
400SQFT AMERIQUE 2MM Premium Flooring Padding 3-in-1 Heavy Duty Foam Blue, 200SF/Roll, Pack of 2 Underlayment, with Tape & Vapor Barrier

The AMERIQUE Flooring Padding is designed to enhance your flooring experience with its 2mm thickness and built-in moisture barrier. This padding offers excellent protection against mold and moisture, ensuring a healthier environment for you and your family. Its closed foam technology effectively reduces sound, allowing for a quieter home. The attractive blue color and anti-crush technology not only provide durability but also maintain performance over time. Installation is a breeze with its overlapping design and adhesive strip, making it a convenient choice for various flooring types like engineered hardwood and laminate.

What We Like
Mold and moisture protection
Sound reduction technology
Durable and long-lasting
Easy installation
#TOP 2

MP Global Products INSUL100 Insulayment

INSUL100
Gray
3' x 33.3' Roll
MP Global Products INSUL100 Insulayment Cover
Insulayment INSUL100 Multi-Purpose Acoustical Flooring Underlayment for Laminate, Wood, and Tile, 3' x 33.3' Roll, Gray, 100 Count

The MP Global Products INSUL100 Insulayment is a multi-purpose acoustical underlayment designed for glue and nail down flooring. It features no attached vapor barrier, which allows excellent adhesion with wood-flooring adhesives and thinset mortars. It is approved for Infloor Heating Systems and offers added insulation value with an R-value of .57. The underlayment is ideal for smoothing out minor sub-floor imperfections and can be used for glue-down or nail-down wood flooring as well as ceramic tile.

What We Like
Inexpensive floor protection
Easy to cut and install
Good sound isolation
Effective under floating flooring
Works well for RV repairs
What We Don't Like
Quality has declined
New product has poor tear resistance
#TOP 3

ROBERTS Black Jack 100 sq. ft. 2-in-1 Underlayment

70-026
Black
100 sq. ft.
ROBERTS Black Jack 100 sq. ft. 2-in-1 Underlayment Cover
ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment - 100 sq. ft. Roll - 43" x 28' x 2.5 mm

Introducing the ROBERTS 2-in-1 Underlayment, the perfect companion for your laminate and engineered wood floors. With a generous coverage of 100 sq. ft., this underlayment is designed to provide a moisture barricade and cushioning for your floors. The dense, closed cell structure not only offers resistance to minor sub floor imperfections but also provides excellent sound reduction. Installation is a breeze with the plastic overlap and adhesive strip. Say goodbye to uneven floors and unwanted noise with the ROBERTS 2-in-1 Underlayment.

What We Like
Easy to install
Great sound deadening
Soft feel underfoot
Good value for money
Less expensive than competitors
What We Don't Like
Material can rip easily
Not suitable for roofing
#TOP 4

Roberts 70-190 Super Felt Underlayment

70-190A
100 Sq. Ft
Roberts 70-190 Super Felt Underlayment Cover
ROBERTS Super Felt Underlayment - 100 sq. ft. Roll - 44" x 27.3' x 3 mm

The Roberts 70-190 Super Felt Underlayment is a 3mm thick pad made from recycled fibers, which absorbs noise instead of deflecting it, providing deep, rich sound. Correcting minor sub-floor imperfections, this underlayment is rated IIC 67 and STC 66, with a rating of 21.

What We Like
Excellent sound insulation
Easy to install
High durability
Good adhesive strip
Consistent quality
What We Don't Like
Some difficulty in cutting
Heavy to manage
#TOP 5

QuietWalk Laminate and Floating Wood Flooring Underlayment with Attached Vapor Barrier QW100B1LT

QW100B1LT
Blue
100 Sq Ft
QuietWalk Laminate and Floating Wood Flooring Underlayment with Attached Vapor Barrier QW100B1LT Cover
QuietWalk Laminate and Floating Wood Flooring Underlayment with Attached Vapor Barrier- Sound Reduction, Compression Resistant, Moisture Protection 3'Wx33'4"L Roll (Covers 100 sq. ft) QW100B1LT

QuietWalk Underlayment is a high-quality underlayment designed for use with laminate and floating wood floors. Its superior sound reduction feature ensures that sound is absorbed and doesn't travel to other rooms, making your floors sound solid underfoot. The compression resistant property of this underlayment provides support to the seams of your floor, preventing compression under consistent foot traffic. It also offers excellent moisture protection, allowing concrete subfloors to breathe and preventing moisture vapor emissions from getting trapped. The attached vapor barrier adds an extra layer of protection to the overlying floors. With its clean and safe indoor air quality, this underlayment is certified to have no VOC's or off-gassing. Made of recycled synthetic fibers in the USA, it is a sustainable choice. Overall, QuietWalk Underlayment is a reliable option that provides sound reduction, compression resistance, moisture protection, and clean indoor air quality for your laminate and floating wood floors.

What We Like
Good quality
Comfortable underfoot
Effective moisture barrier
Easy to install
Reduces noise
What We Don't Like
Can be bulky to handle
Not soundproof for high heels
#TOP 6

Duracushion™ Carpet Underlayment by Dura

Dura
670604021062
Black
Duracushion™ Carpet Underlayment by Dura Cover
Duracushion™ Premium Flooring Underlayment for Carpet Floors - Superior Sound Reduction, Compression Resistant - 6mm 1/4" 54 Sq.ft.

The Dura Duracushion™ Underlayment offers exceptional soundproofing, making your living spaces quieter and more comfortable. Its durable design ensures that it maintains its structure and sound-dampening qualities even under heavy foot traffic. If you're working on a carpet flooring project, this underlayment provides perfect support, enhancing the overall quality of your installation. Unlike traditional foam underlays, the rubber composition of Duracushion protects your floors from damage, ensuring they remain in great condition for years to come.

What We Like
High durability and strength
Excellent sound reduction
Eco-friendly materials
Comfortable underfoot
User-friendly installation
What We Don't Like
Limited coverage per roll
Not as soft as thicker options
#TOP 7

AMERIQUE Premium Flooring Underlayment

691322309911
Royal Blue
400 Square'.
AMERIQUE Premium Flooring Underlayment Cover
400Sqft AMERIQUE Premium 3 Mm Thick Flooring Underlayment Padding with Tape & Vapor Barrier 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Foam (400SF Total, 200SF/Roll), 400 Sq.'., Royal Blue (Pack of 2)

The AMERIQUE Flooring Underlayment is designed to provide excellent protection and comfort for your floors. Its mold and moisture barrier keeps your flooring safe from damage, ensuring a healthier environment. The closed foam technology reduces sound, making your space quieter and more enjoyable. With anti-crush technology, this underlayment maintains its shape and performance over time, giving you lasting durability. Installation is a breeze thanks to the self-adhesive strip, allowing you to set it up quickly and easily for wood, bamboo, or laminate floors.

What We Like
Easy to use
Great quality
Cost-effective
Good for rentals
What We Don't Like
Some stretching and contraction
Noise when walking on it
#TOP 8

Be$t Laminate 3in1 Underlayment

VFUB500
Blue
Be$t Laminate 3in1 Underlayment Cover
3in1 Vapor Barrier Flooring Underlayment w/Overlap and pre-Attached Tape Strip - Bestlaminate- 2mm - 500sq.ft (Bundle 5 Rolls Each 100 sg.ft.)

The Be$t Laminate Underlayment is a versatile flooring solution that covers 500 square feet with five rolls of 100 square feet each. Its 2mm thickness, combined with a self-sealing tape strip and vapor barrier overlap, ensures a seamless installation that protects your floors from moisture. This underlayment is ideal for both wood and cement subfloors, providing stability and comfort underfoot. Plus, it comes packaged in eco-friendly bags, reflecting your commitment to sustainability while reducing environmental impact.

What We Like
Easy to install
Great quality material
Affordable price
Effective noise reduction
Good thickness for comfort
What We Don't Like
None noted
#TOP 9

AMERIQUE 3MM Premium Flooring Padding

P2B3L400
Green
75"X32"X32" EACH
AMERIQUE 3MM Premium Flooring Padding Cover
400SQFT AMERIQUE 3MM Premium Flooring Padding 3-in-1 Heavy Duty Foam Blue, 200SF/Roll, Pack of 2 Underlayment, with Tape & Vapor Barrier

The AMERIQUE 3MM Padding offers reliable underlayment for your flooring needs. This padding features a moisture and vapor barrier, protecting your floors from potential damage caused by moisture. Its non-allergenic, closed foam technology effectively reduces sound, creating a quieter environment in your home. With its attractive blue design and anti-crush technology, you can expect long-lasting performance. This padding is ideal for engineered hardwood, bamboo, floating floors, and laminate, ensuring easy installation with its overlap and adhesive strip for a hassle-free experience.

What We Like
Mold and moisture protection
Sound reduction technology
Long-lasting performance
Easy installation
#TOP 10

AMERIQUE 1.5MM Foam Flooring Padding

PTP79XL
Blue
800SQFT
AMERIQUE 1.5MM Foam Flooring Padding Cover
800SQFT AMERIQUE 1.5MM Premium Flooring Padding 3-in-1 Heavy Duty Foam Blue, 200SF/Roll, Pack of 4 Underlayment, with Tape & Vapor Barrier

The AMERIQUE Foam Flooring Padding offers exceptional benefits for your flooring needs. With its 1.5mm thickness and closed foam technology, it effectively reduces sound, making your living space quieter and more comfortable. It also provides mold and moisture protection, ensuring a healthier environment. The attractive blue design, combined with anti-crush technology, guarantees durability and long-lasting performance. Additionally, this underlayment is perfect for various flooring types, including engineered hardwood and laminate, and features an easy installation process with overlap and adhesive strips, saving you time and effort.

What We Like
Sound reduction
Mold and moisture protection
Durable anti-crush technology
Easy installation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you use for underlayment carpet?

Experts recommend using foam underlayment for carpet, preferably in the 6 to 8 pound range. The density of the foam determines its durability and comfort. A denser foam will hold up better and provide better cushioning. Additionally, the thickness of the carpet pad is also important to ensure adequate cushioning.

2. What are the different types of carpet underlay?

There are several types of carpet underlay available, including rebond foam, SBR latex, rubber, and felt. Each type offers different characteristics and benefits, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

3. Is expensive carpet underlay worth it?

Investing in a quality carpet underlay can significantly increase the lifespan of your flooring, by as much as 30-50%. Additionally, a good underlay can help reduce energy bills by trapping heat under the floor and insulating the room, keeping it warm. While it may be more expensive upfront, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

Editor's Notes

During our carpet underlayment research, we found 24 carpet underlayment products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,900 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carpet underlayments list. We found that most customers choose carpet underlayments with an average price of $43.57.

The carpet underlayments are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carpet underlayments, including AMERIQUE, Insulayment, ROBERTS, Quiet Walk, Dura. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Howard Chester Avatar

Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.

Carpet Underlayments Comparison Table

#TOP1
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Brand AMERIQUE Insulayment ROBERTS ROBERTS Quiet Walk Dura AMERIQUE Be$t Laminate AMERIQUE AMERIQUE
Color Blue - Black - Blue - - - Green Blue
Material Polyester, Polymer, Polyethylene (PE) - Foam-based material - Recycled Synthetic Fiber - - - Polyester, Polymer, Polyethylene (PE) Polyester, Polymer, Polyethylene (PE)
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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