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With so many acoustic pod offers on the market, comparing the available solutions is essential if you want to invest in the equipment that's right for your needs.
This guide breaks down the technical criteria, prices and financing options to help you make the right choice.
Noise is the invisible enemy of modern productivity. Constant sound distractions significantly affect employee efficiency and generate stress and cognitive fatigue. A concrete problem that particularly affects growing companies looking to improve the employee experience.
The sound environment of an open-plan office regularly reaches 65 to 75 decibels, well above the 50 dB recommended for intellectual work. This prolonged exposure to noise reduces the ability to concentrate and increases the time needed to refocus after an interruption.
This loss of efficiency translates into a significant hidden cost for organisations. The problem is intensifying with the widespread adoption of hybrid work and the growing number of video calls taking place in open-plan offices.
Acoustic pods offer three major advantages:
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Making an informed choice means methodically assessing several technical criteria. Here are the most important ones.
Acoustic performance is measured against the ISO 23351-1 standard. A high-performing pod should reach at least Category B, corresponding to a reduction of around 28 to 31 dB. Important: since the decibel scale is logarithmic, a 3 dB difference represents a doubling of perceived sound intensity. For particularly noisy environments, favour models with insulation above 28 dB.
A high-performing ventilation system should provide a minimum airflow of 400 m³/h for an individual pod, and up to 800 m³/h for models seating four people.
Without adequate air renewal, CO₂ levels rise quickly, causing drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. Premium models feature quiet, efficient ventilation systems.
Complete solutions offer:
For pods dedicated to video conferencing, some manufacturers offer video packs that include screens, HD cameras and optimised audio systems.
The table below sets out the key features of the different sizes of soundproof booths:
Beyond technical performance, blending pods harmoniously into the work environment is a major consideration.
The most effective solutions combine several layers of material:
Important: distinguish between acoustic absorption (reducing reverberation inside the pod) and sound insulation (blocking sound transmission to the outside). A high-performing pod needs to excel at both.
Work With Island made a deliberate strategic choice: to favour standardisation in order to offer the best possible service to its clients. Rather than multiplying customisation options, we've focused our efforts on the essentials: acoustic performance, manufacturing quality and responsiveness.
Our pods are available in two editions designed to blend naturally into any environment:
This approach guarantees concrete benefits:
Customisation happens through accessories and fittings: an ergonomic stool, a premium tablet stand, a built-in screen, a video pack. This lets you build the solution that's perfectly suited to your needs, without the delays and complexity of made-to-order products.
Layout flexibility is one of the main advantages of acoustic pods over traditional construction.
Investing in acoustic pods is a significant financial decision that deserves careful analysis.
The price of an acoustic pod mainly depends on its size and capacity:
Individual pods (1 person)
Multi-person pods (up to 4 people)
Price rises with floor space and the amount of acoustic material required. Simple logic: the bigger it is, the more it costs.
Don't forget the additional costs:
To justify the purchase economically, consider these benefits:
In a flex-office setup, every desk is shared, so there's no longer a personal storage unit under the desk. To avoid clutter and let everyone store their belongings, plan for individual lockers. A small practical detail that makes a real difference to day-to-day organisation and comfort.
Selecting the ideal solution requires a structured, three-step approach.
Define your precise needs
Start by identifying your priority uses:
A recommended ratio suggests one individual pod for every 15-20 employees in an open-plan office, and one meeting pod for every 30-40 people.
Map your spatial constraints precisely: ceiling height (minimum 230 cm), proximity to power sources, traffic zones. Allow a minimum clearance of 50 cm around the pod.
Testing and trialling: how to evaluate an acoustic pod
During a test, assess:
Work With Island stands out with its 100-day trial offer on every first order, with a full refund including delivery and assembly.
Warranties and after-sales service
The market standard sits at around 2 years of warranty on parts and labour. Work With Island offers this warranty against any functional defect resulting from a fault in materials, manufacturing or design.
“Merci beaucoup à Work With Island qui fabrique les meilleures phone booth rapport qualité-prix ! L’esthétique est tout aussi réussie, l’accord bois/feutre s’accorde parfaitement dans tous les espaces de bureaux que j’ai pu aménager.”
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“The real strength of Work With Island is their ability to move quickly at every stage, from the commercial side to logistics, ensuring the acoustic pods are installed smoothly and without any hassle.”
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Fill in the form and receive our product guide straight away. A clear PDF containing all the essential information: prices, dimensions, connectivity, etc.
The ISO 23351-1 standard classifies pods by their insulation performance. Category A corresponds to a reduction of more than 30 dB, Category B to between 25 and 30 dB, Category C to between 20 and 25 dB, and Category D to between 15 and 20 dB. For a standard office, a Category A or B pod offers the best balance between performance and comfort. Work With Island pods (30.2 dB for the Solo, 31.1 dB for the Desk, 28.7 dB for the Duo, and 29.8 dB for the Quattro) are all certified Class A or B.
Open pods (alcoves) improve general acoustic comfort by reducing reverberation, but don't guarantee confidentiality. Enclosed pods offer genuine 360° sound insulation (walls, ceiling, floor) and allow confidential conversations without being overheard. For professional calls and video conferences, always favour an enclosed pod with acoustic glazing.
Prices vary depending on capacity and fittings: individual pods from £3,990 to £4,790 excl. VAT (Island Solo/Desk), Duo pods at £7,990 excl. VAT (Island Duo), 4-person pods at £9,990 excl. VAT (Island Quattro). Add £500 to £1,400 excl. VAT for delivery and installation depending on the model. Leasing is available from £93/month, with a buyout for a symbolic £1 at the end of the contract.
The market includes several well-known players: Work With Island (European manufacturing, Class A, delivery under 8 weeks), Framery (Finnish, compact), SilentLab (high-end), Officebricks (cube-style design). Work With Island stands out for its excellent value for money, its 100-day trial period, and its European manufacturing using eco-responsible materials.
A minimum airflow of 400 m³/h is required for an individual pod, and 800 m³/h for 2-4 person models. Work With Island pods feature quiet ventilation systems (400 m³/h for Solo/Desk, 800 m³/h for Duo/Quattro) with automatic activation via motion sensor. Insufficient ventilation quickly raises CO₂ levels and causes drowsiness and discomfort.
Plan a precise schedule with the project team and suppliers: loading, transport, installation. Appoint a point of contact per department to keep questions flowing smoothly. Having IT support on site is also essential to get systems back up and running quickly.
The first week is key: provide reinforced logistical support, gather feedback from employees, and quickly address any small adjustments needed. It's also a good time to organise a friendly launch event and build positive momentum.