Cheap Acoustic Pods – Are They Really Good Value?

Date 08.09.2025 Author: Stuart Jones

When it comes to acoustic pods, we often get asked about the cheaper alternatives available on the market. On the surface, imported or low-cost pods can seem like a smart way to save money. But when you look a little closer, are they really a good long-term investment?

Lead Times That Stretch

A recent client told us they ordered pods from an Eastern European manufacturer. The quoted lead time seemed reasonable — until it wasn’t. Delivery dragged on far beyond what they had planned for, disrupting their project timeline and leaving them without the spaces they urgently needed.

Quality Concerns

When we inspected those pods, the overall quality looked acceptable at first glance. But on closer inspection, the doors weren’t fitted correctly. When we asked who would fix them, the client said their FM team would “try and sort it.” Not exactly reassuring when you’re investing in something meant to last for years.

Bespoke Features Come at a Price

With budget pods, it can be harder to specify the exact details you need. If the manufacturer does allow customisation, it usually comes with a hefty price tag — and if the pods are already on order, you may have no choice but to pay more.

Installation Headaches

Another question: who installs them? The client? A local dealer? And what happens if parts are missing, or the pod simply doesn’t fit the space? These are problems we’ve seen time and again with cheaper imported options.

AgilePOD#10 (AutoDoor) by AgileAcoustics

AgilePOD#10 Vista by AgileAcoustics

Other Points Worth Considering

When comparing “cheap” pods to higher-quality alternatives, think about more than just price:

  • Accessibility – Are the pods designed to be fully inclusive for wheelchair users?

  • Neurodiversity & Design – Do the finishes support neurodiverse individuals? PAS 6463 recommends calming, muted, natural tones.

  • Durability – Will the pods hold up after being relocated multiple times? Thin wall sections don’t tend to last.

  • Sustainability – Can the pods be re-upholstered when fabrics wear, extending lifespan?

  • Natural Light – Do they allow in enough light? AgilePODs, for example, include ceiling windows for a brighter, more comfortable space.

  • Acoustic Balance – Is the soundproofing effective without overdoing it? Users still need to hear fire alarms while keeping conversations private.

  • Carbon Footprint & Origin – Where are they made, and at what environmental cost? AgileAcoustics pods are proudly manufactured in Yorkshire with a low-mile supply chain.

Long-Term Value vs. Short-Term Saving

AgilePODs are designed and built to last many years. While the upfront cost may be higher than imported alternatives, their durability, sustainability, accessibility, and acoustic performance deliver true long-term value.

In our view, when you balance short-term savings against long-term performance, “cheap” acoustic pods don’t always turn out to be cheap at all.