Best Carpet Underlayments of 2026

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 28, 2026

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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

ROBERTS 50-588 Rug Gripper Tape Cover #TOP 1
ROBERTS 50-588 Rug Gripper Tape
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ROBERTS 70-115 Moisture Barricade Underlayment Film Cover #TOP 2
ROBERTS 70-115 Moisture Barricade Underlayment Film
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Paclord 36" x 166' Brown Rosin Paper Roll Cover #TOP 3
Paclord 36" x 166' Brown Rosin Paper Roll
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Carpet Underlayments

#TOP 1

ROBERTS 50-588 Rug Gripper Tape

50-588
Blue
ROBERTS 50-588 Rug Gripper Tape Cover
Roberts 50-588 Rug Gripper Indoor 3 Inch by 60 Foot Mat and Rug Carpet Tape for Removable Installations

The ROBERTS Rug Gripper Tape is designed to keep your rugs and mats securely in place, preventing slips and trips in your home. It can hold rugs up to 12 feet by 12 feet, so you can trust it to handle large area rugs as well. The tape features a strong mesh backing with an added sticky layer that grips firmly to both your rug and floor, ensuring stability. Plus, it’s removable and repositionable, making it easy for you to change your room’s look without hassle or damage. This means you save money by not needing extra rug pads and enjoy a safer, more comfortable space.

What We Like
Easy to apply
No floor residue
Works well on hard floors
Removable and reusable
Good for washable rugs
What We Don't Like
Limited carpet-to-carpet grip
May require reapplication
#TOP 2

ROBERTS 70-115 Moisture Barricade Underlayment Film

120 Sq. Ft.
Black
120 Sq. Foot Roll
ROBERTS 70-115 Moisture Barricade Underlayment Film Cover
ROBERTS 70-115 Moisture Barricade Underlayment Film, for Vinyl, Laminate SPC, Engineered Wood Floors, 6 mil. Thick, Polyethylene, 120 Sq. Foot Roll, Black

Introducing the ROBERTS Moisture Barricade Film, the perfect solution for protecting your laminate floors against moisture. This 6 mil. thick polyethylene film is designed to provide long-lasting durability, ensuring your floors stay in great condition for years to come. The roll conveniently unfolds to cover a 10 foot by 12 foot area, making installation a breeze. When used with standard foam underlayments, this film acts as a barrier, preventing moisture from seeping through and damaging your floors. Say goodbye to worries about water damage and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using the ROBERTS Moisture Barricade Film.

What We Like
Easy installation
Effective moisture barrier
Inexpensive price
Durable material
Large roll coverage
What We Don't Like
Initial stiffness
Thickness confusion
#TOP 3

Paclord 36" x 166' Brown Rosin Paper Roll

RP-36166-BR
Brown
Paclord 36" x 166' Brown Rosin Paper Roll Cover
Paclord 36" x 1992" (166’) Brown Rosin Paper Roll - Made in USA Thick Heavy-Duty 7 mil Masking Paper for Surface Protection from Paint, Dust, Foot Traffic - Paint Floor Covering

The Paclord Heavy-Duty Rosin Paper is a strong and thick 7 mil masking paper that helps protect your floors and surfaces during painting and construction work. Made in the USA, this 36-inch wide roll stretches 166 feet long, offering plenty of coverage for your project. Its durable design resists tears and prevents slipping, so you can work confidently even with heavy foot traffic or moisture around. Plus, it acts as a light moisture barrier, keeping materials like wood and concrete from sticking. The paper rolls out smoothly, making it easy for you to cover large areas quickly and remove without leaving any residue or damage behind.

What We Like
Heavy duty thickness
Durable and tear-resistant
Excellent surface protection
Long-lasting rolls
Versatile uses
What We Don't Like
A bit too thick for wrapping
#TOP 4

QuietWalk Laminate Flooring Underlayment

QW360B1LT
Blue
360 SQFT
QuietWalk Laminate Flooring Underlayment Cover
QuietWalk Underlayment 360 sq ft – 3 mm Thick – for Laminate & Hardwood Floors – Approved for Pre-Attached Pad – Recycled Fiber – Floating Install – Sound & Moisture Barrier – Made in USA

The QuietWalk Laminate Flooring Underlayment is designed to offer superior sound reduction, compression resistance, and moisture protection. Its dense recycled fiber structure supports the click-together mechanism, making it compression-resistant and sound-absorbent. The attached vapor barrier protects the overlying floors from harmful moisture, while the recycled fibers allow it to 'breathe' and manage vapors. It is easy to install and can be used with laminate, floating engineered, and luxury vinyl plank floors. It is also approved for in-floor radiant heat systems and is certified to have clean and safe indoor air quality.

What We Like
Sound reduction
Easy installation
Moisture protection
Durability
Good value
What We Don't Like
Occasional quality inconsistency
Higher price
#TOP 5

YYXLIFE Carpet Tape

carpet tape
White
2Inch x 10 Yards
YYXLIFE Carpet Tape Cover
YYXLIFE Double Sided Removable Rug Tape - Carpet Adhesive for Hardwood Floors,Non Slip Anti Curling Floor Tape for Area Rugs,Mats,Carpets - No Residue Strong Hold for Tile, 2Inch x 10Yards,White

YYXLIFE Double Sided Tape is a heavy-duty adhesive tape that is perfect for securing rugs, carpets, and runners. With its strong adhesion to both smooth and rough surfaces, this tape provides a reliable grip to prevent slipping. The tape is easy to use and leaves no residue when removed, thanks to its bonded paper backing. In addition to its durability, this carpet tape also ensures the safety of your family by preventing sudden slips. It is compatible with various surfaces such as tiles, vinyl, concrete, wood, and cement, making it versatile for any home use. Trust in the extreme power of YYXLIFE Double Sided Tape to keep your rugs in place.

What We Like
Excellent adhesive strength
Rug stays firmly in place
Works on multiple surfaces
Easy to use and apply
Durable and long-lasting
What We Don't Like
Challenging removal from carpet
Cutting tape can be tricky
#TOP 6

Paclord 36" x 166' Red Rosin Paper Roll

RP-36166-RE
Brown Rosin
1 Roll
Paclord 36" x 166' Red Rosin Paper Roll Cover
Paclord 36" x 1992" (166’) Red Rosin Paper Roll - Made in USA Thick Heavy-Duty 7 mil Masking Paper for Surface Protection from Paint, Dust, Foot Traffic - Paint Floor Covering

The Paclord Red Rosin Paper is a heavy-duty, 7 mil thick roll designed to protect surfaces during painting and construction. Made in the USA, it offers strong resistance to tearing, making it reliable even under heavy foot traffic and exposure to moisture. This paper also prevents materials like wood, metal, and concrete from sticking, helping keep your workspace clean and safe. It’s easy to roll out and cut to size, allowing you to cover floors, countertops, or other surfaces quickly without leaving any residue or damage. Whether you’re remodeling or working on a job site, this durable paper is a helpful tool for protecting your surfaces.

What We Like
Floor protection
Sturdy for shipping
Cost-effective
Easy to use
Withstands moisture
What We Don't Like
Not as thick as alternatives
Somewhat overpriced
#TOP 7

KAIWO Heavy Duty Carpet Tape Double Sided (4 inx30yd)

KAIWO
KW1027-1
White
KAIWO Heavy Duty Carpet Tape Double Sided (4 inx30yd) Cover
KAIWO Heavy Duty Carpet Tape Double Sided 4 INx30YD Rug Tape for Area Rugs on Carpet, Perfect Rug Gripper for Holding Area Rugs, Hardwood Floors, Outdoor Rugs, Stair Treads, White.

KAIWO Carpet Tape is an easy-to-use solution for keeping your rugs in place. The gauze fiber tape with high-viscosity adhesive on both sides ensures a strong grip on various surfaces. It is easy to install and remove without leaving any residue, making it ideal for hardwood floors, outdoor rugs, and stair treads. This rug gripper enhances safety at home by preventing slips, especially for kids and the elderly. Plus, if you're not satisfied, the company offers replacements or refunds upon request.

What We Like
Strong adhesive hold
Keeps rugs in place
Durable and long-lasting
Works on various surfaces
Easy to remove if needed
What We Don't Like
Can be tricky to cut
May be hard to remove
#TOP 8

XFasten Double Sided Carpet Tape 2"x10yds

DST210
White
XFasten Double Sided Carpet Tape 2"x10yds Cover
XFasten Carpet Tape for Hardwood Floors 2”x10yds No Residue Rug Tape Hardwood Floor, Strong Double Sided Carpet Tape Heavy duty Rug Tape for Area Rugs on Carpet Adhesive Tape for Rugs to Stay in Place

The XFasten Carpet Tape helps keep your rugs and carpets securely in place, preventing any slipping or curling that could cause accidents. Its strong silicone adhesive ensures your carpets stay put for years, giving you peace of mind, especially if you have kids or pets running around. Despite its strong hold, this tape removes cleanly without leaving any sticky residue behind, making it safe for hardwood, laminate, tile, and carpeted floors. Plus, it’s easy to use—just peel off the liner and stick it down. This tape resists curling, so installation is quick and hassle-free, helping you enjoy a safer and tidier home environment.

What We Like
Strong adhesive hold
Prevents rug slipping
No floor damage
Works with pets and vacuums
Easy to apply
What We Don't Like
Backing difficult to peel
Sticky residue possible on removal
#TOP 9

QuietWalk LV 360 Sq Ft Flooring Underlayment

QW360LV
Black
360 SQFT
QuietWalk LV 360 Sq Ft Flooring Underlayment Cover
QuietWalk LV 360 Sq Ft Flooring Underlayment for Luxury Vinyl, Laminate & Engineered Wood, LVT, SPC, WPC, Sound & Moisture Protection, Made in USA

The QuietWalk Flooring Underlayment offers 360 square feet of coverage, making it ideal for covering entire rooms or several smaller areas with ease. It works well with various flooring types like luxury vinyl, laminate, and engineered wood, so you can confidently use it under many floor styles. Made in the USA, it ensures quality and supports eco-friendly manufacturing. This underlayment also helps reduce noise by absorbing impact sounds, so your home stays quieter and more comfortable. With these features, you get a reliable, versatile, and environmentally conscious solution for your flooring needs.

What We Like
Easy installation
Good sound dampening
Effective vapor barrier
Thermal insulation
Cost-effective
What We Don't Like
Thin material
Packing issues
#TOP 10

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
Affordable price point
Easy installation
Good adhesive strips
Decent durability
Comfortable thickness
What We Don't Like
Occasional missing adhesive strip
Thin compared to alternatives
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 264,473 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 $45.90.

The carpet underlayments are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carpet underlayments, including ROBERTS, Paclord, Quiet Walk, YYXLIFE, KAIWO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand ROBERTS ROBERTS Paclord Quiet Walk YYXLIFE Paclord KAIWO XFasten Quiet Walk Be$t Laminate
Material Nylon - Paper Fiber, Recycled Synthetic Fiber Adhesive, Glass Fiber Paper Cotton Fabric Tape with Fiberglass Backing, Fiberglass Mesh Backing, Silicone Fiber, Recycled Synthetic Fiber -
Color Blue - Brown Blue White Brown Rosin White White Black -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
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