In an open-plan office, noise is ever-present. And the phone box provides a direct solution to this problem.
It is a fully equipped, mobile, soundproof booth that can be set up right in the heart of the office to provide a quiet space. No partitions required. No building work needed.
In this guide, we cover the basics: definition, how it works, benefits, types of booths, 2026 prices and selection criteria.
Phone box: definition of an office soundproof booth
What does ‘phone box’ mean?
The term comes from English. It literally translates as a telephone booth. The term evokes London’s red telephone boxes. In current usage, the meaning has evolved. Today, a phone box refers to a small, enclosed booth designed for offices. People enter it to make a call, start a video call, hold a confidential meeting or regain their concentration. The telephone is no longer its sole purpose.
Phone box, acoustic booth, phonebooth: what are the differences?
None, in practice. Phone box, phonebox, phonebooth, phone booth, acoustic booth, acoustic box, office telephone booth, acoustic pod: all these terms refer to the same thing.
At Essentielle, we call it an acoustic booth. Because today, this piece of furniture is used for much more than just a phone call: long video conferences, meetings for two or six people, focused work, or a discreet HR discussion. The acoustic booth has become a fully-fledged workspace.
Where did the phone box come from?
Open-plan offices have become widespread in France. The model has delivered on its promise of fluidity and collaboration. It has also revealed a weakness: ambient noise that fragments attention and tires teams.
Shared spaces have multiplied in other forms: flex offices, co-working spaces, open-plan areas, and hybrid break rooms. Each format offers its own flexibility. And each one raises the same question:
- Where can you make a call without disturbing others?
- Where can you find a quiet spot for an important video call?
- Where can you hold a confidential meeting?
The phone box is the answer to this dilemma. It brings calm and privacy to an open-plan office without compromising its fluidity.
How does a phone box work?
Sound insulation
A good soundproof booth combines four technical elements.
- The 8 mm Silence laminated glass breaks up sound waves across the entire glass surface.
- The high-density acoustic foam absorbs mid-range frequencies, such as those of the human voice.
- Acoustic seals ensure a tight seal around the door, which closes magnetically.
- The acoustic airflow acts as a sound trap: ventilation enters the booth without letting noise through.
Performance measured on Essentielle booths: up to a 30.3 dB reduction in speech level. That is the equivalent of going from a lively conversation to a whisper.
Ventilation, essential for long calls
This is the criterion most often underestimated. An unventilated booth becomes unbreathable within 15 minutes. And an uncomfortable booth remains empty.
Essentielle technical specifications:
- air renewal in under 40 seconds,
- maximum variation of 200 ppm CO₂ compared to outside air.
Airflow rates vary by model:
- 280 m³/h on the S and S Bureau models (3 fans),
- 575 m³/h on the M (6 fans),
- 750 m³/h on the L and XL models (8 fans).
Why install a phone box in the office?
- To make calls and video calls without disturbing your colleagues.
- To ensure the confidentiality of your conversations.
- To regain your concentration amidst the hustle and bustle of an open-plan office.
- To organise a quick meeting for two, four or six people without booking a room.
- Optimise desk space.
What are the different types of phone boxes?
The solo phone box (1 person)
Compact design with a floor area of approximately 1 m². Ideal for quick calls or periods of concentration.
At Essentielle, two models cater to this need. The Model S is designed for short, frequent calls whilst standing: an ergonomic tabletop at a height of 103 cm, perfect for standing or using a high stool. The Model S Desk, with the same floor space, adds a bench seat and a tabletop for sitting. More comfortable for long video calls and deep work whilst seated.
The 2-person acoustic booth
Floor area of around 1.8 m². For a meeting, a one-to-one discussion or a video call for two.
The Essentielle Model M is sized for this purpose: a 51 x 78 cm table and two benches facing each other. Enhanced ventilation at 575 m³/h to sustain prolonged use. Screen mount option available for two-way video calls or presentations.
The 4–6-person meeting pod
Floor area of 2.4 to 3 m². A genuine mobile alternative to a fixed meeting room.
The L Model comfortably seats 4 people. The XL Model seats up to 6 people around a 78 x 115 cm table. Both feature 750 m³/h ventilation and two 800-lumen LED spotlights. The screen mount option makes them suitable for board meetings and group brainstorming sessions.
How much does a phone box cost? Prices in 2026
The market is divided into three main price ranges. Entry-level models start at around €2,000 excluding VAT. Mid-range models cost between €5,000 and €10,000 excluding VAT. Large-format meeting booths cost between €10,000 and €20,000 excluding VAT.
How to choose the right phone box?
Six criteria guide a good choice.
Number of users and intended use.
Actual acoustic performance.
Ventilation quality.
On-board connectivity.
Mobility and installation.
Origin and CSR approach.
Why choose an Essentielle phone box?
Our booths are 100% manufactured and assembled in our 9,000 m² workshop located in Valence, Drôme. 80 employees work there using a constantly updated fleet of machinery. This manufacturing process is certified ‘Origine France Garantie’ and our booths are rated ‘A’ by Eco Impact, on a scale from A to E.
Five models cover all uses: from the single-person Model S to the Model XL for six people. Express delivery within two weeks is available for standard finishes. Customised configurations are delivered within six weeks.
All booths are fitted with an extra-flat 2.8 cm base featuring integrated castors and eight adjustment jacks. The booth can be repositioned as needed as your office layout changes.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about phone boxes
Does a phone box require installation work?
No. The booth is placed on an existing flat floor and plugged into a standard 220V socket. No structural work is required. Assembly takes 40 to 60 minutes for two people to set up an Essentielle booth.
How many decibels does a phone box reduce?
A premium acoustic booth reduces speech levels by 25 to 30 dB in real-world conditions. Essentielle booths achieve up to -30.3 dB. This is the equivalent of going from a lively conversation to a whisper.
Can an acoustic booth be moved?
Yes, if it is designed for it. Essentielle booths feature an extra-flat base with integrated castors (2.8 cm) and 8 adjustable levelling feet. Simply remove the caps from the levelling feet and push the booth to reposition it.
Is a phone box suitable for video conferences?
Yes, provided the ventilation is adequate and the connectivity is comprehensive. The Essentielle S Bureau, M, L and XL models are designed for video calls lasting over an hour. The screen mount option is available on the M, L and XL models for group video calls.
What is the difference between a phone box and a meeting room?
Une salle de réunion fermée occupe 8 à 12 m² minimum, exige des travaux de cloisonnement (2 à 3 mois de chantier) et reste fixe. Une phone box occupe 0,9 à 3 m², se monte en 40 à 60 minutes sans gros œuvre, et se déplace au fil de vos réagencements.
