Noise levels vary a lot more than people think, even between actuators that look identical. Usually, slower actuators make less noise because the motor doesn’t strain as much. Gear ratio also matters — higher gearing can reduce sound but sometimes at the cost of speed. Another thing is mounting; loose brackets amplify vibration and make the motor seem louder. If possible, choose an actuator with good internal damping. Also, pay attention to how much load you’re expecting — motors get noisier when they’re close to their max capacity. I always check guides that break down noise considerations alongside performance specs. This is what I use — https://www.progressiveautomations.ca/pages/actuators — they explain noise level factors pretty clearly. After that, it becomes easier to match a model to your environment.