Office pods and phone booths have become a fixture of the modern workplace, but comparing their acoustic performance can be surprisingly difficult. Different manufacturers quote different figures, measured in different ways, and the jargon doesn't always help. Here is what we are seeing matter most when people choose an office pod for calls and focused work.
What does a phone booth actually need to do?
A phone booth has two acoustic jobs. It needs to stop the user's voice carrying out into the office, so conversations stay private and colleagues aren't disturbed. And it needs to reduce office noise coming in, so the person inside can hear and concentrate. A booth that does one well but not the other will quickly go unused.
Speech privacy and sound reduction
The most useful measure for a booth is how much it reduces the level of speech between inside and outside. The international standard ISO 23351-1 was developed specifically to measure speech level reduction for furniture ensembles such as pods and booths, which makes results far easier to compare than general sound insulation figures. When you are comparing booths, ask which standard a figure was tested to, and whether it was tested independently.
Why the inside of the booth matters too
Good acoustics aren't only about keeping sound in. Inside a small enclosure, hard surfaces can make speech sound echoey and harsh, which is tiring on a long call and can make a microphone pick up an unpleasant ring. Acoustic linings absorb that reflected sound so the booth feels calm and voices sound natural, both to the user and to the person on the other end of the call.
Ventilation and acoustics go together
Every booth needs fresh air, and every opening for air is a potential path for sound. Well-designed booths use baffled, acoustically treated ventilation so air can move without letting conversations escape. A booth that becomes stuffy after ten minutes won't be used, however well it performs acoustically, so it is worth checking both.
Don't forget the door and the glass
Doors and glazing are often the weakest points of any enclosure. A well-fitted door with good seals makes a significant difference, and the type and thickness of glass affect how much sound passes through. Glass is still valuable: it keeps the booth light, open and welcoming, and lets people see when it is free.
How Portico approaches it
Portico is designed as an essential single-person booth for calls and focused work, with acoustic performance, built-in ventilation, power and lighting, a glass door and step-free access. For a deeper look at the measurements behind pod and booth acoustics, download Spacestor's Workspace Acoustic Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is an office pod soundproof?
No booth is completely soundproof, because it needs ventilation and a door. A good booth significantly reduces speech level, so conversations inside can't be understood outside and office noise is reduced for the user.
What standard should I look for?
ISO 23351-1 is the standard designed for measuring speech level reduction in furniture ensembles such as pods and booths. Asking for results to this standard makes it easier to compare products fairly.
Does ventilation affect acoustic performance?
It can. Openings for airflow can let sound escape, so look for booths with acoustically treated ventilation that keeps air fresh without compromising privacy.
