Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are among the most promising candidates for future high-energy, low-cost energy-storage systems. However, still many challenges have to be solved on the way to their commercialization. One of the most prominent of those is related to the polysulfide shuttle. In recent years, various approaches have been developed to contain, control or eliminate its effects, and thus to achieve higher specific charge, higher coulombic efficiencies and longer cycling life. One of recurring approaches is best described as introducing 'polysulfide barriers', either inorganic or polymeric membranes with lithium-ion conduction or interlayers with adsorptive properties, preventing polysulfides from reaching the lithium metallic anode. All of these approaches result in improved performance and longer cycling life of the Li-S battery. However, little attention has been given to the commercial viability of such solutions. Here we present a simple model to evaluate the practicability of polysulfide barriers in terms of gravimetric and volumetric energy densities as well as cost. We take into account the effects of barrier thickness, the physical properties and cost of the materials they are made of, as well as account for sulfur loading when assessing the viability of polysulfide barrier implementation into a practical Li-S cell. (C) The Author(s) 2017. Published by ECS.