To remember
From telephone box to work tool
Today's phone booth has little in common with booths of the past. Sound insulation, ventilation, LED lighting, and power connections make it a self-contained workspace in 1 to 2.5 m².
Certified French manufacturing
Origine France Garantie certified and B Corp certified. More than 15,000 pods installed since 2018 for companies including LVMH, Decathlon, and SNCF.
Certified acoustic performance
25 to 30 dB of sound reduction, validated to ISO 23351-1. A 70 dB open-plan office becomes a quiet space, as calm as a library.
Buy or lease
From €3,990 to €9,990 excluding VAT, or leasing from €68 a month. Installation takes about 30 minutes, with a 5-year warranty and a 100-day trial.
Ventilation: 400 to 800 m³/h
Constant air renewal with presence detection. No sense of confinement, even during long sessions.
What is a phone booth: definition and origins
The term phone booth brings different images to mind depending on the context. This English expression now covers three distinct realities that have shaped urban and cultural history.
Traditional telephone kiosks
Traditional telephone kiosks long stood for urban communication. These iconic structures, like the red phone boxes of Britain, were essential connection points before mobile phones took over. Their gradual disappearance reflects how fast communication habits have changed.
These street kiosks offered a temporary private space for calls, quietly anticipating today's need for privacy in shared workspaces. Their enclosed design and relative isolation from outside noise laid the groundwork for modern acoustic solutions.
Modern acoustic pods
The modern reinvention of the phone booth takes shape in professional acoustic pods. These office furniture solutions turn an urban concept into a sophisticated workplace fit-out solution. Today's soundproof pods answer the specific challenges of collaborative work environments.
This timeline shows how a simple concept has adapted over time:
- 1880-1980: Public urban telephone kiosks
- 2002: Popularised by cinema
- 2010-2025: Reinvented as professional acoustic solutions
Modern acoustic pods: an open-plan office revolution
The rise of modern acoustic pods answers the challenges created by the spread of open-plan offices. These innovative technical solutions are reshaping the way companies approach office design.
Answering the challenges of open-plan offices
Open-plan offices create significant noise that affects productivity and concentration. A Harvard Business Review study found that face-to-face interactions actually drop by 70% in open-plan offices, increasing the need for temporary private spaces.
Open work environments raise several challenges:
- Constant interruptions that break concentration
- A lack of privacy for confidential calls
- Noise that spreads and affects whole teams
- Added stress from a lack of space to step away
These issues have driven the development of innovative acoustic solutions, repositioning the phone booth as a technical answer to today's collaborative work challenges.
Sound insulation technology
Modern sound insulation relies on advanced absorbent materials and precise technical standards. ISO 23351-1 sets the performance standards for professional acoustic pods, ensuring effective noise reduction.
Professional models reach a sound reduction of -25 to -30 dB, turning a noisy environment into a calm workspace. This performance is backed by rigorous acoustic testing on more than 50 pod models, confirming how effective these technologies are.
The materials used combine:
- Multi-layer absorbent panels
- Acoustic sealing joints
- Specialised reinforced-insulation glazing
- Structures optimised to minimise sound bridges
Built-in features
Modern pods come with sophisticated features that ensure comfort and functionality. Quiet ventilation keeps the air fresh, while adaptive LED lighting keeps working conditions comfortable for the eyes.
High-performance ventilation systems reach 400-800 m³/h for optimal air renewal, keeping air quality steady even during long sessions. Built-in power sockets and network connectivity turn these spaces into fully self-contained workspaces.
Types and models of phone booths for offices
Different professional needs have led to a wide range of acoustic solutions. Each model suits a specific use, adapting to how and where it will be used.
Individual pods (1 person)
Solo pods are the ideal solution for phone calls and video calls that need complete privacy. Their 1 m² footprint makes the most of your floor space while giving you a focused place to work.
These individual spaces are ideal for:
Confidential client calls
Uninterrupted video calls
Focused work sessions
Sensitive phone conversations
Feedback from 4,000 installations confirms how well these solutions improve the quality of professional communication. Users report a marked improvement in call clarity and less stress from interruptions.
Collaborative pods (2 to 4 people)
Collaborative spaces turn the traditional meeting room into a flexible, acoustically effective solution. These pods support collaboration and brainstorming in small teams, with no need to book a room in advance.
Four-person pods work well as a replacement for traditional meeting rooms, giving teams an instantly available option for spontaneous conversations.
Modular and custom solutions
The modularity of today's solutions allows precise adaptation to each company's architectural and visual constraints. Custom finishes ensure a seamless fit with the existing space, respecting the organisation's visual identity.
Pods in corporate colours bring visual consistency to the overall layout, turning technical equipment into an integrated design element. This tailored approach meets the aesthetic expectations of today's workspaces.
Choosing by use:
Individual use: Solo pod for maximum privacy
Short meetings: Duo pod for two-way conversations
Group sessions: Quattro pod for team brainstorming
Visual integration: custom finishes to match your visual identity
Technical specifications and performance
The technical specifications of modern acoustic pods come from a rigorous, science-based approach, ensuring measurable and repeatable performance.
Certified acoustic performance
ISO 23351-1 Class A certification is the benchmark for acoustic performance in professional pods. This standard guarantees sound reduction that has been measured and validated by COFRAC-certified acoustic laboratories.
Laboratory tests confirm sound reduction of up to 30.2 dB for individual models and 28.7 to 29.8 dB for collaborative versions. These results, obtained under standardised conditions, ensure consistent performance in real-world use.
Certification guarantees:
Standardised acoustic measurements
Reproducible performance
Validation by independent bodies
Full traceability of test results
Dimensions and ergonomics
The standard height of around 220 cm fits most office ceilings.
The ergonomics of the interior maximise comfort while keeping the footprint compact. Behavioural studies confirm how important these factors are for teams to accept and regularly use the pods.
Dimensional constraints include:
Standard office ceiling height
Passage width for installation
Depth optimised for the intended use
Universal accessibility
Try before you buy
With Work With Island, you can check the quality of our pods for yourself in one of our showrooms across Europe (9 in France, 6 in Spain, 2 in the UK, 1 in Belgium and 1 in Luxembourg). And to make sure you're fully satisfied, we offer a 100-day trial with no commitment, so you can check the pod fits your real needs in everyday use.
Ventilation and lighting systems
Air renews every 15 to 20 seconds, keeping thermal comfort steady even during long sessions. Automatic ventilation switches on based on presence detection, balancing energy use and user comfort.
LED lighting with presence detection adjusts automatically to how the pod is being used, reducing eye strain and cutting energy use. These smart systems help make the pods easier for people to adopt.
Optimal visual conditions
Guaranteed sound insulation
Installation and fitting into workspaces
How easy it is to install is a major advantage of modern acoustic solutions. This plug-and-play approach changes the way fit-out projects are managed.
A simple installation process
Installation with no construction work removes the usual constraints of fit-out projects. Quick assembly, in around 30 minutes, with no changes to the existing space, gives companies real flexibility as they evolve.
Experience gained across more than 15,000 pods installed since 2018 confirms how reliable this simplified process is. Our technical teams know the installation constraints inside out, keeping disruption to existing teams to a minimum.
The installation steps include:
- Pre-assembled delivery on site
- Positioning with no floor fixing
- Simple electrical connection
- Function testing and user training
Architectural integration
A seamless fit with existing spaces comes from close collaboration with interior architects. The pods' contemporary look adapts to the visual language of modern offices, turning functional equipment into a design feature.
Martin Hallégoët, interior architect and Director of Studio Bluedigo, confirms: "Work With Island pods fit seamlessly into our fit-out projects, combining a contemporary look with everyday comfort." This collaborative approach ensures overall visual consistency.
Maintenance and durability
Minimal upkeep makes day-to-day management simple. A 0.08% return rate across 15,000 pods installed shows how reliable our solutions are. This industrial performance comes from a rigorous quality approach in design and manufacturing.
The 5-year warranty and end-of-life recycling programmes are part of a broader approach to durability. Our partnership with Valobat ensures materials are responsibly recovered at the end of their life cycle.
Costs and financing options
Clear pricing makes it easier to decide and to plan the budget for an acoustic equipment project.
Price ranges by category
Acoustic pod prices range from €3,990 excluding VAT for a Solo pod to €9,990 excluding VAT for a 4-person model. This 2025 Work With Island price list covers all standard equipment, giving you full clarity on the investment required.
Available options add functionality based on specific needs:
- Screens / video conferencing pack: +€490 to +€1,390 excluding VAT
- Installation and delivery: +€500 to +€1,200 excluding VAT
The value for money reflects the acoustic certification, French manufacturing, and extended warranties, which justify the investment through durability and certified performance.
Leasing and financing solutions
Leasing preserves cash flow while giving you immediate access to equipment. From €68 a month for an individual pod, this long-term rental option lets you spread payments to suit your budget.
Our financial partnerships offer terms suited to different types of companies. This financial flexibility makes premium acoustic solutions accessible, whatever the size of your organisation.
ROI and economic benefits
The return on investment comes from several gains: improved productivity, less absenteeism, and better use of space. User studies confirm a 15% improvement in concentration, quantifying the positive impact on team performance.
Turning open spaces into specialised functional zones optimises the return on your office space. This approach turns an equipment cost into a measurable investment in productivity.
Responsiveness
Free quote within 24 hours. Our team is available by phone to answer your questions and tailor the offer to your setup.
Simplicity
One standard power socket, about 30 minutes to assemble, no construction work. Your pod is ready to use the same day.
Quality
French manufacturing, PEFC-certified materials, Class A ISO 23351-1 insulation. 5-year warranty.
Effectiveness
Up to 31 dB of sound reduction. Your teams get their focus and privacy back straight away.
Work With Island supports your project
Work With Island designs and manufactures premium acoustic pods, 100% made in France and B Corp certified. Our Island Solo, Desk, Duo, and Quattro solutions cover every sound insulation need in the workplace, from a confidential call to a full meeting room.
- Certified French manufacturing: this responsible approach supports the local economy while guaranteeing outstanding manufacturing quality.
- Recognised acoustic expertise: ISO 23351-1 Class A certification and more than 15,000 pods installed for clients such as LVMH, Decathlon, and SNCF reflect our technical expertise. This industrial experience ensures consistent performance and proven reliability.
- End-to-end service: installation in around 30 minutes with no construction work, delivery in under 8 weeks, a 100-day trial, and a 5-year warranty give you complete peace of mind. Our approach puts customer satisfaction and personal support first.
Looking for a sound insulation solution for your workspace? Contact Work With Island for a personalised quote and come and see our showrooms in Paris, London, and Madrid.
“Already two Islands at Matters. We’re thrilled with the product, eco-friendly and local, two major factors in our decision. And the team at Work With Island is fantastic and genuinely people-centred. We recommend them to every startup we support.”
Eric Raffin
Founder at Matters
FAQ: everything about phone booths
What is a modern phone booth?
A modern phone booth is an enclosed acoustic pod, designed to give you a quiet space in an open-plan office. Unlike traditional street telephone kiosks, these solutions are built specifically for professional environments. They include ventilation, lighting, and connectivity to support comfort and productivity during calls, video meetings, or focused work.
How much does an office acoustic pod cost?
Prices range from €3,990 excluding VAT for an individual pod to €9,990 excluding VAT for a 4-person model. Options (screens, custom finishes, installation) can add €300 to €1,200 depending on your needs. Leasing solutions are available from €68 a month. The final cost depends on size, equipment, and the level of insulation you need.
How do you install an office phone booth?
Installation requires no structural work. The pods are delivered pre-assembled and simply plug into a standard power socket. Our team assembles them in about 30 minutes. You only need 2 m² of floor space and a minimum ceiling height of around 2.20 m.
What are the benefits of soundproof pods?
Acoustic pods reduce noise by 25 to 30 dB, improve concentration by 15%, and allow confidential conversations without disturbing colleagues. They make better use of space by replacing traditional meeting rooms and adapt as your organisation changes. The investment pays for itself quickly through productivity gains.
What's the difference between buying and renting?
Buying suits companies looking for a lasting investment, with a 5-year warranty and the option to customise. Leasing preserves cash flow, often includes maintenance, and makes it easier to update your equipment over time. Both options give you the same acoustic performance and the same installation service.
How do you choose the right acoustic pod?
It depends on how you'll use it: a Solo pod for individual calls, a Duo for one-to-one conversations, a Quattro for team meetings. Check the acoustic certification (ISO 23351-1), the space available in your office, and the built-in features (ventilation, lighting, connectivity). A 100-day trial lets you confirm the pod fits your needs.
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