Acoustic Office Pod Guide
Not all acoustic pods perform the same. This guide explains the ISO 23351-1:2020 standard, what acoustic class ratings mean, and how to choose the right pod for your office.
What Is an Acoustic Pod?
An acoustic pod (also known as an office pod or soundproof booth) is a self-contained, enclosed space made to reduce noise and improve privacy. Acoustic pods are increasingly popular in NZ offices, co-working spaces, and schools because they solve noise-related issues without requiring building consent, structural changes or long installation times.
Open-plan workspaces often struggle with noise, distractions and limited private meeting options. Acoustic office pods solve these real-world workplace challenges by offering:
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Private work zones for video calls, hybrid meetings, and focused tasks
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Quiet spaces to support wellbeing and reduce cognitive load
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Plug-and-play installation with no construction downtime
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Scalable options for growing teams and flexible floorplans
How They Help
Below, we've put together a wee guide to help you understand the difference between pod ratings, and which one suits your needs the best.
Understanding ISO 23351-1:2020 & Acoustic Pod Class Ratings (A+, A, B)
Creating a productive workspace starts with controlling noise. Modern open-plan offices need quiet zones where teams can focus, take calls, and collaborate without distraction. Acoustic pods are now the most effective and flexible solution, but not all pods deliver the same level of sound reduction.
ISO 23351-1:2020 is the global standard used to measure how well an office pod reduces speech noise. Instead of vague marketing terms, it provides a measurable, comparable number called speech level reduction. You can find a full breakdown of how these scores are determined here.
The higher the speech level reduction, the better the pod is at:
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Blocking sound from escaping
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Providing speech privacy
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Preventing outside distractions
ISO Rating | Sound Reduction (dB) | Speech Privacy | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | Greater than 33dB | Maximum | Highly confidential calls, executive offices |
A | 30-33dB | Excellent | Client meetings, HR discussions, focus rooms |
B | 25-30dB | Strong | Daily calls, video meetings, hybrid work |
C | 20-25dB | Limited | Only effective in loud offices |
D/None | Less than 20dB | Insufficient | Not recommended for workspaces |
Most professional offices require pods that are Class B or above to reliably protect speech privacy and reduce distraction.
Why Acoustic Class Matters in Your Office
Confidential Conversations Stay Private
A 30 dB reduction (Class A) makes a normal voice sound like a whisper outside the pod.
Fewer Distractions, Better Focus
Pods contain speech, reducing open-plan noise and improving productivity.
Improved Meeting Quality
Better acoustics mean clearer video calls, higher focus, and fewer repeats.
More Flexible Office Layouts
Pods replace costly permanent construction and can be moved as your workplace evolves.
Class A vs Class B Acoustic Pods
Both A and B pods provide excellent speech privacy, but they serve different needs. Both meet professional acoustic requirements, but your office layout, noise level, and use case determine what is right.
Choose a Class A Pod If
Choose a Class B Pod If
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You need high-quality privacy for general calls and meetings
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Your office has typical background noise
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You want the best balance of performance and cost
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You value portability and easier relocation
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You handle sensitive or confidential discussions
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Your office is very quiet, below 35 dB background noise
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You need maximum privacy for HR, finance, or client conversations
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You want the highest acoustic performance available
A good pod should be engineered to:
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Provide consistent speech privacy across different office types
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Reduce reverberation and echo for clear communication
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Minimize external noise entering the pod
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Maintain comfortable airflow, lighting, and ergonomics
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Balance acoustic performance with mobility and cost-efficiency
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The pod is tested to ensure it performs reliably in New Zealand office environments, not just controlled conditions.
What should I check before choosing an acoustic pod for my office?
Key factors include the acoustic class needed for your use case, available floor space and door/lift access for installation, ventilation requirements, and whether you need single-person or multi-person capacity. Getting these right upfront avoids costly reconfiguration later. Smart placement enhances pod performance and improves the acoustic behaviour of the entire office.
But Where to Place Acoustic Pods for Best Performance?
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Avoid placing pods directly against large reflective surfaces like glass walls
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Leave at least 10–15 cm of space behind the pod for ventilation
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Position near power outlets but away from very loud machinery
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Use soft furnishings around the pod to reduce ambient noise
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Spread multiple pods across open-plan floors to avoid congestion
Whether you need single-person focus pods or collaborative meeting pods, Hushoffice Pods offers solutions tested to ISO 23351-1:2020 standards, tailored for New Zealand workplaces. For more information on specific pods and their advantages in your work place view our range of Single Pods, or 2-8 person Meeting Pods.