Best Quiet Muffler For Your Car

by Jennifer Porterfield | Last Updated: April 13, 2023

Taking a Closer Look at 5 of the Quietest Mufflers on the Market

We all have that one friend that thinks a louder car is a better car.

Every time they pick you up for a spin, you have to double-check you’ve got some paracetamol in your pocket to combat the inevitable headache you’ll suffer before you’re even halfway to your destination. 

Table of Contents

• MBRP M2220A 31″ Aluminized Quiet Tone Muffler
• Thrush Hush Thrush 17633 Exhaust Muffler
• Walker Exhaust Quiet-Flow 21337 Exhaust Muffler
• Dynomax Super Turbo 17731 Exhaust Muffler
• Vibrant Performance 17562 Titanium Muffler
• Buyer’s Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

It’s not a pleasant experience, but you’re running out of excuses for why you can’t go on the day trips they always suggest — your granny has died four times already, and the whole “I’m not feeling too good” routine is becoming painfully transparent. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Having spent the last few weeks researching the best quiet mufflers on the market, I’m happy to share my findings with you today.

Now, if you can just politely/nonchalantly get your noisy friend to take a look, you can stop dodging their invitations, and your granny won’t be stuck in this groundhog day of death your lies have placed her in.

MBRP M2220A 31″ Aluminized Quiet Tone Muffler

Featuring an aluminized straight-through construction, you’d be forgiven for assuming the MBRP M2220A would be a pretty loud muffler, but surprisingly, it’s capable of reducing running volume by 10%.

The reason it’s capable of turning the growl of your engine to a pleasant purr is that it has punched-in perforations along the inner tube, the openings of which stop sound waves in their tracks. 

Tonally speaking, you can expect a deep rumble when you’re opening things up on the freeway, and a nearly inaudible whir when idle. 

As a straight-through muffler, it’s a little louder than factory multiple baffle designs, but not by a great deal, and the unrestricted airflow means your engine works cooler and more efficiently, slightly reducing running noise.

Aluminized mufflers aren’t exactly the most robust in the face of wet and snowy weather, so I’d only recommend this muffler to those living in temperate climates, but all things considered, It’s a fantastic quiet-performance component.

Pros

• Non-Restrictive — It won’t limit your engine.
• Quiet Design — Reduces running volume.
• 1-Year Warranty — Shows MBRP has confidence in this muffler.

Cons

• Aluminized Steel Construction — Not as durable as stainless steel or titanium.

MBRP M2220A 31" Aluminized Quiet Tone Muffler

• 5 inch In/Out, 8 inch Diameter Body
• The package length is 22.098 centimeters
• The package height is 84.074 centimeters
• The package width is 24.13 centimeters

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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Thrush Hush Thrush 17633 Exhaust Muffler

The Thrush Hush is all about giving your vehicle that classic American muscle sound, without the unnecessary decibels, and lo and behold, it pulls it off.

The tri-flow technology forms a triangular path for air as it passes through the muffler, which is what creates the signature muscle sound pulled straight out of all our favorite 80s movies. 

Thrush then employs fiberglass matting to temper the ferocity of the sound without destroying its tonal quality. These mats capture rogue sound waves, preventing excess resonance and that irritating drone that can carry through to the cabin.

It’s an aluminized muffler, which means it’s not going to be all that suitable for bad weather, but if you live in a sunny location, there’s no reason it wouldn’t last for years.

It does get a little angry-sounding when you floor it on the open road, but it’s still a great choice for those looking to kill off some decibels on a budget.

Pros

• Price — Amazing value for money.
• Tri-Flow Technology — Provides vintage muscle sound.
• Fiberglass Matting — Keeps volume at a reasonable level.

Cons

• Aluminized Construction — Not the best for areas that get a lot of rain.

Thrush Muffler Mellow Performance Tone Inlet 2.5 Pipe...

• VINTAGE SOUND -- Tri-flow design delivers that perfect hot rod and muscle car sound
• PREMIUM ACOUSTIC CONTROL -- Fiberglass matting absorbs unwanted interior resonance
• ENGINEERED TO LAST -- 100% aluminized-coated shell and spun lock heads for long life
• SLEEK FINISH -- Silver finish features embossed Thrush logo

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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Walker Exhaust Quiet-Flow 21337 Exhaust Muffler

The Quiet-Flow is a quality stainless steel muffler, capable of handling whatever the weatherman predicts. Whether you live on the snowy plains of Minnesota or the drizzly, mountainous outskirts of Seattle, the Quiet-Flow will stand the test of time.

Not only will the corrosion-resistant construction hold its own when the skies turn gray, it will also survive the salty rocks of icy roads once the gritter’s done the rounds.

But enough about bad weather; let’s discuss the noise suppressing aspects of this amazing muffler.

There are two ingenious bits of soundproofing at play here. First, you have the louvered tubes that take the initial volume down by a few decibels.

And, secondly, you have the domed heads that stifle residual resonance, amounting to a very gentle, factory-grade running volume.

Thanks to the direct-fit bolt-on design and the included OE-style hangers, brackets, and routings, the Walker Quiet-Flow is also incredibly easy to install — zero custom fabrication or welding required.

Pros

• 100% Steel Construction — No weather is too extreme.
• Two-Part Sound Reduction Technology — One of the quietest broad market mufflers.
• Bolt-On Design — Installation is a total breeze.

Cons

• Airflow — In true OE fashion, the Quiet-Flow is quite restrictive.

Sale

Walker Exhaust Quiet-Flow Stainless Steel 21337 Direct Fit...

• Walker Quiet-Flow SS 21337 Direct Fit Exhaust Muffler 2.25" Inlet (ID) 2.25" Outlet (ID) for Jeep...
• COMPATIBILITY – Fits 1997-1997 Jeep Wrangler; 1998-1998 Jeep Wrangler; 1999-1999 Jeep Wrangler;...
• GET THE RIGHT PART -- Before purchasing, research to ensure that the part will fit your vehicle;...
• STAINLESS STEEL INHIBITS CORROSION -- The only broad-market muffler with 100% stainless-steel...

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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Dynomax Super Turbo 17731 Exhaust Muffler

If you’re looking for a quiet muffler that you can hit with some custom fabrication or welding, then the Super Turbo is definitely for you.

Some complain that installation is a little tricky, but that’s because it’s supposed to give you more say in how it’s done, rather than guide you a certain way.

The aluminized steel build is a little disappointing, as bad weather can take its toll, but the construction itself is anything but.

The walls of this muffler are THICK, meaning debris will have a hard time forming any kind of blemish on the surface, which should stave off rust.

It’s also kitted out with fiberglass matting to mellow the resonance of sound waves traveling through your exhaust system.

Marry that with the directional flow technology that reduces muffler turbulence, and you’ve got yourself one smooth ride.

But just because it’s quiet, doesn’t mean the folks at Dynomax have neglected the tonal aspect of this muffler.

It’s designed to be as transparent as possible, so you can enjoy the natural voice of your engine without feeling like a jerk for deafening your neighbors.

Pros

• Custom Muffler — Gives you more options for installation (if you know what you’re doing).
• Directional Flow Technology — Reduces turbulence for a smoother ride.
• Fiberglass Matting — Low resonance keeps things quiet.
• Thick Enclosure — Won’t ding easily.

Cons

• Aluminized Steel Construction — Not as weatherproof as stainless steel.
• Installation — This isn’t an OE reproduction, so installation can be tricky.

Sale

Dynomax Super Turbo 17731 Exhaust Muffler for Jeep Wrangler

• COMPATIBILITY – Fits 1987-1990 Jeep Wrangler; 1991-1999 Jeep Wrangler; 2000-2000 Jeep Wrangler
• GET THE RIGHT PART -- Before purchasing, research to ensure that the part will fit your vehicle;...
• Large internal flow tubes improve exhaust flow and reduce backpressure
• Exclusive patented flow director design channels exhaust flow and eliminates turbulence on most...

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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Vibrant Performance 17562 Titanium Muffler

Should you be on the hunt for a pro-grade racing muffler capable of optimizing airflow and reducing unwanted noise simultaneously, the Vibrant Performance 17562 is the only way to go.

Featuring true straight-through, perforated-core construction, there are no obstacles to cause air turbulence and limit your engine’s potential, leading to better fuel efficiency, slightly improved horsepower, and extended engine life.

It’s also stuffed to the nines with premium, high-temperature sound-absorbing materials, so no matter how hard you push your optimized engine, you’ll be able to hear yourself think, helping you to focus on your driving during a race.

With a full titanium build, this is the lightest muffler on the list, so even though it’s quite large, it won’t hold your vehicle back, ensuring you have the best possible chance of placing in your next competitive event.

Pros

• Titanium Build — 45% lighter than steel and just as strong.
• Premium Soundproofing Packing Materials — Can tame some ferocious engines.
• Straight-Through Construction — Unrestricted airflow keeps your engine in tip-top shape.

Cons

• Price — Premium price for a premium product.

Buyer’s Guide

It’s always a challenge shopping for car components. The average consumer knows very little about what they should be looking for, and even if they did, the sheer size of the market makes it incredibly difficult to find.

Not to worry, though; this brief buyer’s guide should nudge you in the right direction.

Airflow vs Volume

When you start shopping around for mufflers, you’ll notice a tension between airflow and volume. Better airflow leads to a more efficient engine, but a louder car.

A restricted airflow keeps everything hush-hush, but the engine won’t perform as well as it could.

Some mufflers are designed to facilitate optimal airflow, others are designed to restrict airflow for a silent ride, and some feature middle-of-the-road architecture designed to provide the best of both worlds.

The takeaway here is that a quiet car comes at a cost, so you have to decide whether you’d still like a quieter vehicle, and if so, how much you’re willing to restrict your engine.

Muffler Type

When it comes to quiet mufflers, you have a few options.

Multiple Baffle Mufflers

This is the kind of muffler you’ll see on cars fresh from the factory. They’re designed to significantly restrict airflow, as the average Joe tends to prefer a quiet car to one with an optimized engine.

If your car’s stock muffler is becoming increasingly loud, it usually means debris has bored one or more holes through the enclosure. Replacing it with a new multiple baffle muffler should return your ride to its former silent self.

Turbo Mufflers

You can think of these as a slight upgrade on stock mufflers. They’re still restrictive, but they’re incredibly quiet. If your stock muffler was always a little loud for your tastes, a turbo muffler is your best bet.

Straight-Through Mufflers

Straight-through mufflers are far less restrictive than the two we’ve discussed thus far, and they make for an incredibly quiet car when idle, but they can be a bit “growly” when you put the pedal to the metal.

The good news is that when they do get a little noisy, it’s a satisfying, deep rumble that’s nowhere near as headache-inducing as the sound of a broken stock muffler.

Performance Mufflers

These things are the crème de la crème of mufflers. Utilizing soundproofing materials rather than a series of chambers, they optimize airflow whilst keeping cabin noise at a reasonable level.

Materials

The material of a muffler doesn’t necessarily affect running volume, but it will change the character of the sound. You’ll also need to consider the physical qualities of each metal and whether it would be suitable for your environment.

Aluminized Steel

Aluminized steel is amazing in terms of heat dissipation, and it can last upward of 10 years in the right conditions, but frequent exposure to snow or rain will cause premature rusting.

Stainless Steel

As I’m sure you know, stainless steel is an insanely robust material, far more capable of handling a spot of weather than its aluminized counterpart. It doesn’t conduct heat quite so well, but the consequences are negligible.

Titanium

Titanium is as strong as steel and 45% lighter, so needless to say, it’s the most expensive muffler material of them all. It doesn’t rust or tarnish, and it handles heat a lot better than both stainless and aluminized steel.

Muffler Size

All the specifics we’ve just covered have a massive impact on the volume and tone of the noise your car makes, but more general considerations, such as muffler size, also play a role when the engine is a-roarin’.

Larger mufflers are typically more sonically subdued than smaller ones, so if you’re looking for true peace and quiet, go big! 

Exhaust Configuration

Dual exhausts will make your car sound a lot quieter, so it’s worth your while shopping around for a muffler with two exhaust ports.

Compatibility

Sadly, you can’t just install any old muffler on your car. Compatibility depends on a number of variables, including…

• Inlet Diameter
• Outlet Diameter
• Muffler Dimensions

My advice is to use your current muffler as a reference when buying a new one.

Warranty

It’s always best to choose car components backed by beefy warranties, but make sure you read the fine print carefully. Anything from product alterations to DIY installation could void the deal, leaving you in a sticky situation should the muffler break.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s bring things to a close with a quick quiet muffler FAQ section.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks; any one of these mufflers could be just the thing you need to tame yours or your noisy friend’s wild cat of an engine and rekindle your passion for a good old-fashioned cruise.

As long as you remember to compare your current muffler measurements with any prospective newbies, you shouldn’t run into any troubles in terms of compatibility, giving you the all-clear to kiss engine-induced headaches goodbye for good!

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