Vacuum Glass vs. Insulated Glass: Understanding the Differences

When placed side by side, the most noticeable difference is their thickness. Although both are made of two glass panes, the intermediate layer varies significantly: vacuum glass has a gap of only 0.1–0.3 mm, while insulated glass ranges from 9–24 mm. Additionally, during manufacturing, vacuum glass incorporates tiny support pillars between the panes and uses high-sealing edge materials to maintain a perfect vacuum. It also features an exhaust port and getter to enhance structural integrity.

How do vacuum glass and insulated glass differ in real-world applications? Thanks to its unique principle—similar to a thermos—vacuum glass completely blocks sound transmission and effectively prevents heat transfer via conduction and convection. As a result, it outperforms insulated glass in noise reduction and thermal insulation.

For instance, single-pane vacuum glass achieves a weighted sound insulation of 37 dB, while composite vacuum glass (combining vacuum and insulated layers) reaches 42 dB—far exceeding the 29 dB of standard insulated glass. More importantly, vacuum glass excels at blocking low- to mid-frequency noises, such as traffic sounds.

When evaluating thermal insulation, the U-value (thermal transmittance) is a key metric. A lower U-value indicates better insulation. Remarkably, despite being just over 10 mm thick, vacuum glass achieves a U-value of 0.4–0.6 W/(㎡·K), significantly lower than the best-performing insulated glass (1.5 W/(㎡·K)). This makes vacuum glass 2–4 times more effective at insulation.

Beyond noise reduction and thermal insulation, vacuum glass offers dust and haze resistance, energy efficiency, anti-condensation properties, and a slim yet durable structure. In architecture, its superior insulation and soundproofing make it ideal for doors and windows, contributing to energy savings. Since windows account for 30%–50% of a building’s heat loss, vacuum glass helps maintain stable indoor temperatures while blocking external noise and pollution—creating a comfortable, quiet, and healthy living environment.

Moreover, vacuum glass isn’t limited to construction; it’s also used in freezers and display cabinets, showcasing its versatility. Compared to traditional insulated glass, vacuum glass is a high-performance upgrade. As buildings and products continue to evolve, its competitive edge will only grow more prominent.

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