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Phone box: the complete guide to choosing your office acoustic pod
A phone box, also known as an acoustic pod, phone booth, or office telephone booth, is an enclosed, soundproof space that fits into an open-plan office with no construction work, for calls, video meetings, or quiet work.
Modern workspaces are often short on quiet, private zones. Background noise, a lack of privacy, video calls that disturb the whole floor: the phone box addresses all three at once.
This guide helps you choose the right pod. Work With Island has designed and manufactured phone boxes in France since 2018, with more than 15,000 pods installed across Europe. We share our market knowledge here to help you make the best decision.
A well-performing phone box cuts ambient noise by 25 to 31 dB. Work With Island pods reach 30.2 dB (Solo, Desk) and 29.8 dB (Quattro), a level as quiet as a library in the middle of an open-plan office.
Built-in ventilation
From 400 to 800 m³/h depending on the model, with presence detection. Air renews every 15 to 20 seconds for lasting comfort, even during an hour-long video call.
A size for every use
From the 1 m² individual pod for quick calls to the 4-person meeting box for team meetings.
Flexible financing
Buy from €3,990 excluding VAT or lease from €68 a month. 100-day trial with a full refund.
Installation with no construction work
One standard power socket is all you need. The pod is installed in about 30 minutes and can be taken apart and moved as your office evolves.
What is a phone box, and why install one?
Definition and concept
A phone box is an enclosed acoustic pod, designed to create a quiet, private space within an office. Depending on the manufacturer and country, it's also called a phone booth, phonebox, soundproof pod, acoustic box, privacy pod, or office telephone booth. All these terms cover the same product: a self-supporting, glazed, ventilated, and equipped structure that installs directly in the workspace.
In practice, a phone box certified to ISO 23351-1 cuts perceived noise by 25 to 31 dB. In a 70 dB open-plan office, that puts the user in a 35 to 40 dB environment, similar to a library. This performance means you can make phone calls, join video meetings, and focus on work without disturbing colleagues, and without being disturbed by them.
An hour later, you're working.
The cabins can be set up in 1 hour in top time and without work. And thanks to their kit design, your cabins follow you everywhere, even in the event of a move.
An hour later, you're working.
The cabins can be set up in 1 hour in top time and without work. And thanks to their kit design, your cabins follow you everywhere, even in the event of a move.
Good to know
Don't confuse a phone box with an acoustic alcove: semi-open, it absorbs sound without fully isolating it. It suits occasional focused work, but not privacy. Only an enclosed pod guarantees that a normal conversation stays inaudible from outside.
Real benefits for your company
Installing a phone box brings measurable benefits. Studies on workplace noise link lower acoustic stress to better concentration and higher productivity for teams in open-plan offices.
The four main benefits:
Less stress from noise disturbance
Better concentration for individual work
Guaranteed privacy for sensitive conversations
Fit-out flexibility with no major construction work
A phone box also makes better use of space: it frees up traditional meeting rooms, reserved for longer group discussions, and creates functional zones where there was only noise before.
The different types of phone box for your needs
Individual phone box (1 person)
The 1-person phone box is the most compact format on the market, with a footprint of around 1 m². Ideal for short calls and individual video meetings, it fits into almost any space, including wide corridors and dead corners on an office floor.
The Island Solo is a good example: installation in about 30 minutes, 400 m³/h ventilation, air renewed every 15 to 20 seconds, comfortable to use standing or seated. It's a particularly good fit for sales teams, remote workers in shared spaces, and anyone with back-to-back calls.
Good to know
For longer work sessions, the Island Desk adds a worktop and a seat: it's the individual pod designed as a focus-friendly desk.
Duo acoustic pod (2 people)
The 2-person acoustic pod suits confidential meetings, HR interviews, and two-person brainstorming sessions. Its 2 m² footprint offers enough comfort for longer conversations.
The Island Duo comes with comfortable seating included, a double door, and full connectivity (2 power sockets, USB-A, USB-C). An ideal setup for job interviews, manager check-ins, and sensitive negotiations.
“The office is a huge open-plan space, so we need to be able to step away easily and quickly. For example, founders who are in the middle of fundraising often have calls where it’s essential to speak in a quiet, uninterrupted environment.”
Pauline Mielczarek
Office and event manager at Hexa
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Collective meeting box (4+ people)
The meeting box is a genuine alternative to traditional meeting rooms. It seats up to 4 people for collaborative sessions, client presentations, or small-group training, with no need to book ahead.
The Island Quattro is a good example, with built-in video conferencing equipment and 29.8 dB certified insulation. It frees up main meeting rooms while giving you the flexibility of an instant video call space.
What are the key criteria for choosing the right one?
Acoustic performance
Acoustic performance is the key criterion. ISO 23351-1 is the only standard dedicated to acoustic pods (not to be confused with NF EN ISO 717-1, which applies to partition walls). It rates pods from A to D: aim for Class A or B, meaning a reduction of at least 25 dB, the minimum threshold for real effectiveness in an open-plan office.
Work With Island pods reach 31.1 dB (Island Desk) and 29.8 dB (Island Quattro), lab-measured performance certified Class A for individual pods and Class B for 2- and 4-person pods.
Be wary of uncertified marketing figures: only an ISO 23351-1 measurement allows a fair comparison between manufacturers.
A high-performing ventilation system is essential to avoid any sense of confinement. Air should renew at least every 15 to 20 seconds, with quiet ventilation that doesn't compromise sound insulation.
Systems delivering 400 to 800 m³/h, depending on pod size, ensure optimal comfort. This automatic ventilation keeps air quality steady even during long sessions, a key factor in whether people actually use the pod.
Thermal comfort rounds this out, with materials that naturally regulate the internal temperature, avoiding uncomfortable swings as the seasons change.
Connectivity and features
Power sockets and USB-A/USB-C ports are the minimum standard for professional use. Automatic LED lighting with presence detection improves the experience and means no one forgets to switch it off. Depending on the model, you'll also find screen mounts, built-in video conferencing kits, and storage solutions.
An hour later, you're working.
The cabins can be set up in 1 hour in top time and without work. And thanks to their kit design, your cabins follow you everywhere, even in the event of a move.
An hour later, you're working.
The cabins can be set up in 1 hour in top time and without work. And thanks to their kit design, your cabins follow you everywhere, even in the event of a move.
Work With Island lets you check the quality of its pods in one of its 22 showrooms across Europe (9 in France, 6 in Spain, 2 in the UK, 1 in Belgium, 1 in Luxembourg, and 2 in Switzerland). And to make sure you're satisfied, the 100-day trial with no commitment lets you confirm your choice in real conditions, with a full refund.
Installation just needs simple planning: check the delivery access (a lift or a wide staircase for the prefabricated parts) and the ceiling height.
Floor space varies by model: the Island Solo takes up only 1 m² and weighs around 275 kg, which makes it easy to fit into tight spaces. Most standard offices meet these requirements with no structural changes.
Installation process
We deliver in under 8 weeks, with full installation taking about 30 minutes. The pods arrive pre-assembled: all that's left is positioning and plugging into a standard power socket. No construction work, no disruption to your team, unlike traditional partitioning, which takes an office floor out of use for days.
Over the long run, the pods are also a solid investment: since they can be taken apart and reassembled, they can move with you.
On the French market, a certified individual phone box costs between €3,500 and €7,000 excluding VAT, and a 2-person pod between €8,000 and €12,000 excluding VAT, depending on the manufacturer and equipment.
At Work With Island, prices include delivery and installation, with no hidden costs:
Leasing makes the investment easier with monthly payments to suit: €68/month for the Island Solo, €135/month for the Duo, €171/month for the Quattro, over 60 months with a buy-out option at the end of the contract. This long-term rental adapts as your headcount grows and as you move offices, with more flexibility than paying upfront.
New or refurbished phone box?
For tighter budgets, Work With Island also offers refurbished pods: the same certified acoustic performance, full quality checks, and a lower price. A sustainable option that extends the life of the pods.
Want to find out more about buying a refurbished phone box?
As a phone box manufacturer, we also offer second-hand acoustic pods.
Work With Island, French phone box manufacturer since 2018.
Work With Island has designed and manufactured Origine France Garantie certified acoustic pods since 2018. The 4 models (Solo, Desk, Duo, Quattro) cover every sound insulation need in the workplace, with ISO 23351-1 Class A certified performance.
Why choose us?
B Corp certified in 2025 and Origine France Garantie: sustainable and ethical practices, PEFC-certified materials.
More than 15,000 pods installed across Europe since 2018, with over 500 units produced every month.
100-day trial and a 5-year warranty: our confidence in our products comes through in commercial terms designed to put your mind at ease.
Looking for the right phone box for your space?
Contact Work With Island for personal advice and discover our acoustic pods, made in France. Get your quote within 24 hours.
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.
Want to know more about our acoustic pods?
Fill in the form and get our product guide straight away. A clear PDF with all the key information: prices, dimensions, connections and more.
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Frequently asked questions about phone boxes
How much does an office phone box cost?
A certified individual phone box costs between €3,500 and €7,000 excluding VAT on the French market. At Work With Island, the Island Solo is €3,990 excluding VAT, the Island Desk €4,790, the Island Duo €7,990, and the Island Quattro €9,990, delivery and installation included.
Can you rent a phone box instead of buying one?
Yes. Work With Island offers 60-month leasing from €68/month for the Island Solo, €80/month for the Desk, €135/month for the Duo, and €171/month for the Quattro, with a buy-out option at the end of the contract. Leasing preserves cash flow and adapts as your headcount changes.
How do you install a phone box?
Installing a phone box requires no construction work. The pod arrives pre-assembled, sits on the existing floor, and plugs into a standard power socket. Full installation takes about 30 minutes, and the pod can still be taken apart and moved.
What acoustic insulation should a pod have?
A professional phone box should reduce noise by at least 25 dB (ISO 23351-1 Class B) to be effective. Work With Island pods reach 30.2 dB in Class A: a 70 dB open-plan office becomes a 35 to 40 dB space, similar to a library.
What's the difference between a phone box and an acoustic alcove?
A phone box is enclosed: sealed walls, a glazed door, full insulation, and a conversation that stays inaudible from outside. An acoustic alcove is semi-open: it absorbs sound without isolating it, and suits occasional focused work, but not confidential conversations or video calls.
What size is a 1-person phone box?
An individual phone box takes up around 1 m² of floor space. This compact footprint allows comfortable use for calls standing or seated, with built-in ventilation and the connectivity you need. For exact dimensions and full technical specifications, download our product guide.
Phone box or an enclosed meeting room?
The two work well together. A phone box covers short calls, confidential conversations, and focused work, with no need to book. Meeting rooms are still the better choice for longer team meetings. Installing phone boxes also frees up your existing meeting rooms.
Is a phone box comfortable for long sessions?
Yes, as long as the ventilation performs well. Work With Island pods renew the air every 15 to 20 seconds (400 to 800 m³/h depending on the model) with a quiet airflow, automatic LED lighting, and materials that help regulate temperature. Comfort holds up even during an hour-long video call.
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