The insertion loss of the noise barriers with several top shape is measured in an anechoic room by using a reduced scale model test. The insertion loss differences between a straight vertical barrier having 0.3 m height and several barriers with simple top shaped are compared. The results show that the latter is more effective than the former and absorptive barrier is more effective than the reflective one. Among the barrier types of 'T', 'Y', and '(equation omitted)', type 'Y' is the best one and the rest have similar effect. This result is well agree with Alfredson (PIOC. Inter-Noise 95, p. 381, 1995)'s but contradict to May (J. Sound Vb. 71, p. 73, 1980)'s. Therefore, it is difficult to determine which type is the best. In order to find out this discrepancy, boundary element method is adopted and the result shows one can have different result because each supposed different experimental conditions like height of noise barrier, positions of sound source and receiver, etc.