Abstract In this study, a comprehensive investigation is conducted into the sound transmission characteristics of piezoelectric metamaterial plates, which feature five distinct resonant shunt circuits. To begin with, the intrinsic equations that pertain to piezoelectric materials, along with their equivalent models under external circuit conditions are established. Subsequently, the sound transmission loss of the plate and its corresponding equivalent bending stiffness model are constructed. Five resonant shunt circuits are employed, encompassing a basic resonant shunt circuit, one with series/parallel capacitance, and another with series/parallel negative capacitance. Ultimately, the influence of these diverse shunt circuits and their respective parameters on the sound insulation capabilities of piezoelectric metamaterial plates is comprehensively calculated and analyzed. Research results show that the inductance and resistance within the resonant shunt circuit influence the sound transmission characteristics exhibited by the piezoelectric metamaterial plate. Irrespective of whether the capacitance is configured in parallel or series within the resonant shunt circuit, the low-frequency sound transmission loss of the piezoelectric metamaterial plate experiences a notable modification. The effect of negative capacitances in the resonant shunt circuit on the sound transmission loss of the plate exhibits a contrasting pattern compared to the influence of the capacitances within the resonant shunt circuit on the sound transmission loss.