The best options for buying a soundproof booth in France
Nowadays, there are several ways to buy a soundproof booth in France, and the “best” option depends largely on your specific situation.
If you want to get things done quickly and compare options easily, you can go through an manufacturer online (quotes, options, support), or via an office furniture retailer (multi-brand catalogue, sometimes with delivery and assembly services).
If you’d like to try before you buy, the simplest solution is still the showroom: you go in, step inside, make a video call, check the ventilation and lighting, the soundproofing, and you’ll know straight away if the booth is right for you.
For larger-scale projects (refurbishment of open-plan spaces, flex offices, co-working spaces), it is often more effective to go through a fitter / interior designer who integrates the booth into an overall plan. And if your priority is budget or flexibility, you have two options: second-hand / reconditioned (with a strict checklist), or rental / leasing to spread the cost.
In this guide, I’ll help you choose the right channel, provide a simple checklist to compare options without making a mistake, and list the Essentielle showrooms (with addresses and links) so you can test them in real-world conditions.
Before buying: clarify your needs (phone booth, individual desk, meeting cubicle)
Before discussing salespeople and prices, you need to ask a simple question: what will the booth be used for? Because the purchase will differ depending on whether you’re looking for a phone box for calls, an individual workstation, or a meeting booth.
2.1 Phone booth / phone box: for calls and video calls in open-plan offices
The phone box is designed for “quick but repetitive” uses: phone calls, video calls, brief one-to-one discussions, or when you need privacy without monopolising a meeting room. In an open-plan office, this is often the most cost-effective option because it addresses an everyday need.
What you should expect from a booth of this type: consistent soundproofing, quiet ventilation, comfortable lighting (otherwise you’ll tire quickly), and full connectivity so you can work without fiddling around (220V power, USB, etc.).
2.2 “Workstation” booth: for working in a seated position for longer
Here, the approach changes: the aim is no longer simply to “make a call”, but to create a private workstation within a shared environment. The key difference lies in the furniture: a booth with a tablet does not offer the same comfort as one with a desk.
When the use is “individual work”, ergonomics become crucial: seating, desk height, posture, and distance from a screen or computer. And, inevitably, ventilation and lighting matter even more, because people stay inside for longer.
2.3 Meeting booths: 2 to 6 people
If your aim is to optimise space (flexible offices, co-working spaces, high-traffic offices), a meeting booth becomes a very practical alternative: mini-meetings, quick discussions, brainstorming, hybrid meetings. You gain availability without having to completely redesign the layout.
But the higher the capacity, the more attention must be paid to the ‘system’ aspects: movement inside, comfort, ventilation, and the ability to remain pleasant when the booth is in continuous use.
The 4 purchasing channels in France (with advantages, limitations and ‘who they’re for’)
3.1 Buying directly from a manufacturer (website + quote + configurator)
This is often the simplest channel when you want a structured purchase: you choose your range and options, receive a clear quote, and have a single point of contact for after-sales support, warranty and installation. The advantage is consistency: the manufacturer knows their product, its limitations, and the correct way to deliver and install it.
In the case of Essentielle, the approach is based on ‘ready-to-use’ fitted cubicles, with standard technical features to check: acoustic performance, ventilation, lighting and connectivity. And depending on your needs, the ‘express range / short lead time’ option may also be a deciding factor if you need to fit out an open-plan office quickly.
3.2 Buying via an office furniture / designer furniture retailer (online shop)
The office furniture retailer has a clear advantage: you can compare several brands in one place. This is handy if you want a quick overview of “phone box” formats, meeting booths, finishes, and sometimes availability.
On the other hand, you often come across “price on request” offers, and you need to pay close attention to the services included: delivery, installation, assembly, collection of packaging, etc. However, it can be a real advantage if the retailer also offers second-hand or stock items (used / reconditioned).
3.3 Going through a fit-out contractor / space planner (turnkey project)
If you’re undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment, this is often the most convenient option. The contractor isn’t selling you “a cubicle”; they’re selling you a result: a more fluid open-plan space, coherent circulation routes, power sockets where they’re needed, and more intelligible acoustic zoning.
This is particularly relevant when you need to integrate several cubicles, manage circulation constraints, or optimise all workspaces. The project is more structured: planning, management, delivery, installation, after-sales service.
3.4 Buying second-hand / refurbished (budget, stock, lead times)
Second-hand options can be a good solution: lower prices, sometimes rapid availability, a more sustainable approach. But this route leaves no room for half-measures. A strict checklist is essential; otherwise, you’re taking a risk on comfort and lifespan.
The key points to watch out for are well-known: overall condition, warranties, availability of parts, hygiene, ventilation, cabling, transport and handling. And, depending on the supplier, you may find “stock” or “second-life” offers that make the process a little more secure.
Why visit a showroom before buying
On paper, many booths look similar. In reality, the experience can be very different.
A showroom prevents you from buying “blindly”, especially if the booth is to be used daily.
4.1 The “real-world test” checklist
When you’re there, don’t just “look” at the booth. You need to experience it.
- Test the sound insulation: external noise, perception of privacy, quality of the door and seals.
- Test the ventilation: airflow, noise, how it feels after 5 to 10 minutes.
- Test the LED lighting: visual comfort, glare, eye strain (especially during video calls).
- Test the connectivity: 220V socket, USB-C, USB-A, RJ45, port locations.
- Test the comfort: seat/bench, stability, interior space, tablet or desk.
This test, in reality, answers one question:
“Can I settle in without a second thought?”.
4.2 Technical points to ask the salesperson (questions “that prevent buyer’s remorse”)
A good purchase is often one where you’ve asked the right questions.
- Advertised acoustic performance: for example, a reduction in speech level of up to -30.3 dB on the Essentielle.
- Ventilation: air renewal rate, with a benchmark such as < 40 seconds on certain models.
- Lighting: power and temperature (e.g. LED spotlight up to 800 lm, 3000K).
- Mobility: base with castors + height-adjustable legs, useful in a flexible office setting.
- Materials and finishes: fabric, MDF/panels, durability (Martindale test), recycled fabrics, fire rating if required.
Where to buy an Essentielle sound booth: showrooms
If you want to see, test and compare in real-world conditions, here are the showrooms Essentielle to visit. Ideally, make an appointment: you’ll save time and can test exactly what matters to you (soundproofing, ventilation, lighting, comfort, connectivity).
Visit the Paris showroom — 58 avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-paris/
Visit the Bayonne showroom — 16 avenue Maréchal Juin, 64100 Bayonne — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-bayonne/
Visit the Bordeaux showroom — 157 avenue du Médoc, 33320 Eysines — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-bordeaux/
Visit the La Rochelle showroom — 27 Quai Valin, 17000 La Rochelle — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-la-rochelle/
Visit the Lille showroom — 192 rue de la Latte Prolongée, 59223 Roncq or 10 avenue du Grand Cottignies, 59290 Wasquehal — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-lille/
Visit the London showroom — 15 Northburgh St, London EC1V 0JR, United Kingdom — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-londres/
Visit the Lyon showroom — 287 rue des Mercières, 69140 Rillieux-la-Pape — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-lyon/
Visit the Marseille showroom — 13480 Chemin d’Emmaüs, 13480 Cabriès — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-marseille/
Visit the Nantes showroom — 1 Avenue des Lions – Building A, 44800 Saint-Herblain — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-nantes/
Visit the Nice showroom — 51 avenue Simone Veil, 06200 Nice — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-nice/
Visit the Rennes showroom — 20 rue du Sureau, 35520 La Mézière, near Rennes — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-rennes/
Visit the Strasbourg showroom — 90 rue de la Moselle, 54340 Pompey — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-strasbourg/
Visit the Toulon showroom — 1388 chemin de la Planquette, 83130 La Garde — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-toulon/
Visit the Toulouse showroom — 38 boulevard de la Gare, 31500 Toulouse — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-toulouse/
Visit the Valence showroom — 285 allée de Bretagne, 26300 Bourg-de-Péage — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-valence/
Visit the showroom in Belgium — Rue des Nouvelles Technologies 21, 4460 Grâce-Hollogne — https://cabines-essentielle.com/cabine-acoustique-belgique/
Buying online: how to compare shower enclosures without making a mistake
Buying a shower enclosure online can be very efficient… provided you compare the right information. Otherwise, you risk comparing promises.
6.1 The dimensions that really matter (beyond “width × depth × height”)
To compare properly, always ask for:
- external dimensions,
- internal dimensions,
- floor area,
- door dimensions,
- weight.
And immediately factor in practical constraints: lift, doors, corridors, lorry access, floor level.
To give you some concrete examples from Essentielle:
- a 1-person model might be around 95 × 96 × 212 cm, with a floor area of 0.9 m², and a weight of around 255–270 kg;
- a 1–4-person model might be around 136 × 190 × 212 cm, with a floor area of 2.4 m², and a weight of around 490 kg.
6.2 Comparing acoustics: avoiding vague promises
Two terms often crop up, and are confused: absorption and isolation.
- Absorption (panels, alcoves) primarily affects reverberation and the room’s acoustic comfort.
- Isolation (enclosed booth) aims to ensure privacy and reduce sound transmission.
On Essentielle, one metric is highlighted: a reduction in speech level of up to -30.3 dB. This is the kind of useful information, because it provides a more concrete benchmark than a simple “very soundproofed”.
6.3 Comparing ventilation and comfort (without overlooking fan noise)
Ventilation is often underestimated. Yet it is what determines whether the booth feels comfortable after 15 minutes.
What to look for: the airflow rate and the air renewal cycle. On some product sheets, you may find a total air renewal time of < 40 seconds. This is typically the kind of data used to predict comfort in real-world use.
Prices in France: what affects the budget and how to request a comparable quote
The price of a cabin varies enormously depending on the size, equipment and brand. Rather than quoting rough price ranges, the best approach is methodical: compare quotes based on identical specifications.
Always distinguish between:
- the price of the cabin,
- delivery,
- installation,
- options,
- and any trade-in or eco-contribution.
And bear in mind that the market is varied: some suppliers display public prices, whilst others mainly operate on a “price on request” basis. What matters is not the choice itself, but the clarity of the items on the quote.
Delivery, installation and operation: issues to resolve before signing
8.1 Logistics: packaging, handling, lead times, assembly
Before signing, check what is actually included:
- “package/desk” dimensions, gross weight, volume,
- delivery times and slots,
- assembly time and number of people,
- and above all: who does what (seller, carrier, installer, setup).
On Essentielle, you’ll find useful logistical guidelines, such as estimated assembly times of “2 people / 40 mins” depending on the model. These are invaluable for planning an installation without disrupting the whole open-plan office.
8.2 Day-to-day operation: maintenance, durability, after-sales service
A cubicle is a piece of equipment that gets used. So you need to plan ahead:
- cleaning (fabrics, carpets),
- wear parts (hinges, seals),
- ventilation (and therefore, potentially, fans),
- accessories (screen mounts, cable grommets),
- configuration choices (glass back vs solid back).
A good purchase is also one that is easy to maintain over several years.
Alternatives to buying a booth: acoustic alcoves, panels, zoning
Sometimes, you don’t need a closed booth. If calls are short and noise levels moderate, an alcove may suffice. If the main issue is reverberation in the open-plan office, acoustic panels or acoustic furniture can improve the overall situation.
The idea is to choose the right solution for the right problem, and to think in terms of “zoning”: optimising workspaces, rather than piling up equipment.
FAQ: short answers to the questions Google brings up most often
10.1 Can you try out a booth before buying?
Yes. Between showrooms, dealer networks and demonstrations by appointment, you can test them in real-world conditions — and that’s often the best decision.
10.2 Where can you buy an acoustic booth in Paris / Lyon / Marseille (and major cities)?
The simplest approach is to start with the showrooms section (Essentielle has a presence in several cities), then expand your search if necessary to include furniture retailers and fit-out specialists depending on your project.
10.3 Buying vs renting: which option offers the best value for money?
It depends on the duration of use, growth, and your flex office strategy. Renting is a good option when flexibility is a priority. Buying makes sense when usage is stable and regular.
10.4 Are there any reliable second-hand acoustic booths?
Yes, but you need to be strict about ventilation, seals, general condition, warranty and transport. ‘Second-hand’ or ‘stock’ offers from certain suppliers may be worth exploring, provided you check the scope of the service.
