Noise Cancelling Headphones vs. Soundproof Office Pods

Ever found yourself deep into a project, working through everything with utmost focus, when suddenly the office noise disrupts your productivity— phones ringing, coworkers chatting, and the clatter of keyboards all around?

You try to tune it out, pop on your trusty noise-cancelling headphones, and dive back in. But even with the latest tech hugging your ears, the chaos seeps through. Now, imagine stepping into a soundproof office pod instead—closing the door and feeling the world go silent as you’re wrapped in your personal productivity box.

Which scenario would you prefer?

This is a dilemma people face everyday in bustling, open-plan, modern offices. Noise-cancelling headphones might seem like a quick fix, but are they truly up to the task when it comes to creating a focused, distraction-free workspace? Or do soundproof office pods, like the ones we create at Inbox Booths, offer a better, more modular solution? 

Let’s break it down, and by the end of this post, you’ll know which option will help you regain your focus and improve your productivity.

The Science Behind Soundproof Office Pods

Soundproof office pods, like our Inbox Booths, are designed to physically block and absorb sound, creating a quiet environment within. The high-quality construction materials used in these booths significantly reduce external noise, with decibel levels dropping by as much as 35-40 dB, depending on the specific booth model. This level of soundproofing means that even in noisy environments, such as open-plan offices or busy coworking spaces, you can enjoy a truly quiet space to focus and work.

Noise-cancelling headphones, on the other hand, use active noise-cancelling technology to reduce ambient sounds. They work best for consistent, low-frequency noises like the hum of an air conditioner or the drone of an airplane engine. While they can be effective for certain tasks, they don’t eliminate all types of noise, and they don’t provide the physical separation that a soundproof booth does. Plus, wearing headphones for long periods can be uncomfortable and isolating, potentially leading to decreased productivity and focus.

Why Soundproof Office Booths?

Soundproof office pods and modular meeting rooms are a better solution for a variety of reasons, such as:

Comfort and Convenience 

Soundproof office pods offer a more comfortable and ergonomic solution. You can step into an Inbox Booth, close the door, and be instantly immersed in a quiet space without the need to wear anything on your ears. These booths also provide a dedicated workspace with proper seating, lighting, and ventilation, making them ideal for longer work sessions. On the other hand, noise-cancelling headphones might be convenient for short periods but are not a long-term solution for maintaining focus in a noisy environment.

Versatility and Flexibility

While noise-cancelling headphones are portable and easy to use on the go, soundproof office pods offer unmatched versatility and adaptability in the workplace. They’re easy to install and can be moved around the office space to meet the changing needs of the space. These booths can also be used for private phone calls, focused work, or even small meetings, thanks to their spacious design and high-quality soundproofing. 

At Inbox Booths, we offer a range of sizes and configurations to suit different needs, from single-person pods to larger, collaborative spaces. For instance, our Inbox ONE+ is ideal for getting heads-down work done on your own. Whereas, our Inbox TEAM can accommodate up to 6 individuals are is a great place to have collaborative meetings or even brainstorm sessions without outside disruptions. 

Productivity Boost

Studies show that noise pollution in the workplace can lead to decreased productivity, higher stress levels, and even health issues. While noise-cancelling headphones can help eliminate some of these issues, soundproof office pods provide a more comprehensive, modular solution. By physically removing the source of distraction, these pods allow employees to fully focus on their tasks, leading to increased productivity and overall job satisfaction.

In fact, our customers can vouch for that. 

Bob, the president of Venus Aerospace, initially skeptical, now uses one of the booths as his permanent office. He shared, “I have to admit that when I heard you were going to buy these, I thought the impact would be minimal. But now, this is maybe the most important thing we’ve done in terms of being able to get work done.”

You can read more about how our booths have helped the team at Venus Aerospace maintain focus and productivity as they push the boundaries of what’s possible, here. 

When it comes to effectively creating a quiet workspace, soundproof office pods like Inbox Booths are the clear winner. They offer better sound reduction, greater comfort, and versatility, and ultimately provide a more effective solution for improving productivity in noisy work environments. While noise-cancelling headphones can be a useful tool, they simply can’t match the benefits of a dedicated, soundproof space.

If you’re serious about improving focus and productivity in your office, investing in soundproof office pods is the way to go. Check out our booths and test them out in an office environment by visiting our showrooms today.