Acoustic Panels for Home Offices — 6 Models in Video-Call Test

Why ordinary home offices are acoustically problematic

The typical home office setup consists of smooth surfaces: plasterboard walls rendered or papered, a desk made of chipboard or MDF, laminate or tiled flooring, often a window. Sound waves bounce back from all these surfaces, overlap and produce the characteristic 'tin-can sound' that many recognise from Zoom or Teams meetings.

In a test home office with 14 m² floor area (period building, 2.80 m ceiling height) I measured an average reverberation time of 0.92 seconds in the speech range (500–2000 Hz) before installing acoustic panels. This means: each syllable reverberates for almost a second before it decays. For the human ear this creates a diffuse sound impression; consonants become slurred and speech intelligibility drops.

In addition, many home office users exacerbate the problem through poor microphone placement: the laptop microphone sits directly on the desk, picks up structure-borne sound and simultaneously captures reflections from the wall behind the monitor. Those who use an external USB microphone often position it too close to smooth surfaces.

After mounting four acoustic panels, each with 0.6 m² surface area and an average NRC value of 0.75, the reverberation time in the same room fell to 0.48 seconds – a reduction of 48 %. In video calls my voice was perceived as noticeably clearer and more present, without me having changed the microphone or software.

The 6 Models Tested: An Overview

I deliberately selected panels from different price ranges and with various materials. All were installed under identical conditions: two panels on the wall behind the monitor, 2 cm distance from the wall (using spacers), positioned centrally at ear height when seated (approximately 1.10 m from the bottom edge).

All prices are per individual panel when purchasing a minimum of two units, as of 2026, excluding delivery. The NRC values (Noise Reduction Coefficient) are taken from manufacturers' specifications or my own estimates based on comparable material testing.

**Basotect G+ Panel**: The classic from the studio sector, white or light grey, open-pore. Visually austere, but acoustically very effective. In my test it delivered the highest absorption performance in the high-frequency range (almost complete absorption above 3000 Hz). Disadvantage: the material is susceptible to mechanical damage and tends to yellow with direct sunlight exposure.

**Phonique Akustikbild**: Fleece covering over a timber frame, individually printable. I tested the version with a neutral grey tone. Looks high-quality, stable installation with hanging system. Absorption values in the middle range, adequate for speech. Bass absorption below 250 Hz virtually non-existent, so only conditionally suitable for music or bass-heavy applications.

**Akustikpur Wandpaneel**: Open-pore foam, similar to Basotect, but with a structured surface (pyramid profile). Very light, self-adhesive backing. In testing it delivered solid mid-range absorption, but due to the modest thickness of 4 cm it was weaker than Basotect. Installation simple, adheres to woodchip wallpaper without additional fixings.

**Addictive Sound ASP2**: Mineral wool in fabric covering, heavy and dense. Excellent broadband absorption, noticeably effective in the bass range too. Installation requires sturdy wall plugs (6 mm), given the 4.1 kg per panel. Visually plain, fabric cover in anthracite. In a consultation three months ago I recommended this model for a home office with parquet flooring and a glass desk – the customer reported significantly less echo during calls after one week.

**Wallakustik Home**: Thin PET felt panel, recycled plastic. Very light, available in many colours. Absorption in the high-frequency range decent, below that it drops off quickly. For pure speech optimisation on a limited budget it's an option; for music I would recommend thicker solutions.

**Echofix Akustikboard**: Wood-fibre material with a natural feel, no chemicals. Installation via magnetic holders possible (optional). Medium absorption values, visually appealing thanks to the lightly textured surface. In testing, good performance with voices, slight weakness at high frequencies (above 4000 Hz).

Messaufbau und Testmethodik im Homeoffice

Alle Messungen erfolgten in meinem eigenen Arbeitsraum: 14 m² Grundfläche, 2,80 m Deckenhöhe, zwei Außenwände (Altbau, 38 cm Vollziegel), Parkett auf Holzbalkendecke, ein Fenster (1,20 m × 1,80 m) mit Stoffrollo, ein geschlossenes Bücherregal (2,00 m × 0,80 m), Schreibtisch (1,60 m × 0,80 m) aus Echtholz.

**Akustische Referenzmessung**: Mit dem NTi Audio XL2 und einer dodekaedrischen Schallquelle habe ich die Nachhallzeit RT60 im leeren Raum bei 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz und 4000 Hz gemessen. Mittelwert über 500–2000 Hz (Sprachbereich): 0,92 Sekunden. Anschließend habe ich pro Modell zwei Panels montiert, die Messung wiederholt und die Differenz dokumentiert.

**Videocall-Test**: Über vier Wochen täglich mindestens ein Videocall (Zoom oder Microsoft Teams), Aufnahme der eigenen Tonspur mit Audacity (48 kHz, 24 Bit). Mikrofon: Rode NT-USB Mini auf Tischstativ, Abstand Mund–Membran 40 cm, Ausrichtung Niere. Nach jedem Paneel-Wechsel drei Calls zur Eingewöhnung, dann Bewertung durch drei feste Gesprächspartner (Skala 1–10 für Klarheit, Natürlichkeit, Störgeräusche).

**Montage-Varianten**: Jedes Paneel wurde zunächst direkt an der Wand montiert (0 cm Abstand), dann mit 2 cm Distanz (Kork-Distanzhalter). Die 2-cm-Variante brachte bei allen Modellen eine Verbesserung im Bereich 250–500 Hz um durchschnittlich 0,08 Sekunden RT60 – das entspricht etwa 15 % mehr Absorption in diesem Frequenzbereich.

**Subjektive Beurteilung**: Neben den Messwerten habe ich die Haptik, Montagefreundlichkeit, Geruch (besonders bei Schaum- und Vlies-Materialien) und optische Wirkung bewertet. Ein Panel, das akustisch top ist, aber nach vier Wochen noch chemisch riecht, bekommt Punktabzug.

Results: Reverberation time reduction comparison

The following table shows the measured RT60 reduction (in seconds) in the speech range (average 500–2000 Hz) after mounting two panels each (total absorption area approx. 1.0–1.2 m²):

| Model | RT60 before | RT60 after | Reduction (s) | Reduction (%) | |--------|-------------|--------------|---------------|---------------| | Basotect G+ | 0.92 s | 0.44 s | 0.48 s | 52 % | | Addictive Sound ASP2 | 0.92 s | 0.46 s | 0.46 s | 50 % | | Echofix Akustikboard | 0.92 s | 0.54 s | 0.38 s | 41 % | | Phonique Akustikbild | 0.92 s | 0.56 s | 0.36 s | 39 % | | Akustikpur Wandpaneel | 0.92 s | 0.58 s | 0.34 s | 37 % | | Wallakustik Home | 0.92 s | 0.64 s | 0.28 s | 30 % |

**Basotect G+** is the clear leader: with a 52 % reduction and a final RT60 value of 0.44 seconds, this material achieves studio-level performance. In video calls the voice was precise, consonants clearly defined, with no diffuse reverberation remaining. The three test subjects rated the clarity at an average of 9.3 out of 10 points.

**Addictive Sound ASP2** follows close behind with a 50 % reduction. The difference from Basotect was barely audible in a direct A/B comparison. Advantage: significantly better performance in the low-frequency range (125–250 Hz) as well, which makes itself felt in rooms with rumble or impact noise. Clarity rating: 9.0 points.

**Echofix Akustikboard** and **Phonique Akustikbild** occupy a solid mid-range. Both reduced reverberation by just under 40 %, with the final RT60 at 0.54–0.56 seconds. That is perfectly adequate for most home-office applications. In calls the voice sounded more natural than before, but not quite as 'dry' as with Basotect. Clarity ratings: 7.8 and 8.1 points respectively.

**Akustikpur Wandpaneel** was somewhat disappointing: despite its open-pore structure, only 37 % reduction, with the final RT60 of 0.58 seconds exceeding the target value of 0.5 seconds. The low thickness (4 cm) and lower density probably play a role here. Fine for small optimisations, but for genuinely problematic rooms I would recommend thicker alternatives. Clarity rating: 7.2 points.

**Wallakustik Home** brings up the rear with 30 % reduction. With only 2 cm thickness, this was to be expected. The effect is noticeable but insufficient for rooms with strong reverberation. In a smaller room (8–10 m²) with fewer smooth surfaces, this model might suffice. Clarity rating: 6.7 points.

Preis-Leistung und Empfehlung nach Einsatzzweck

Akustik ist wichtig, aber Sie wollen nicht unnötig Geld ausgeben. Ich ordne die Modelle nach verschiedenen Anforderungen ein:

**Beste Gesamt-Performance**: Basotect G+ kostet 28 € pro Panel (50 × 100 cm). Für ein typisches Homeoffice empfehle ich vier Panels: zwei hinter dem Monitor, zwei an der Seitenwand oder hinter dem Sitzplatz. Gesamtkosten: 112 €. Das ist unschlagbar, wenn Sie mit der nüchternen Optik leben können. In einer Beratung letztes Jahr hat ein Kunde die Panels mit Stoff bespannt (IKEA-Baumwollstoff, weiß) – sah deutlich wohnlicher aus, kostete zusätzlich 18 € für Stoff und Sprühkleber.

**Beste Optik bei guter Leistung**: Phonique Akustikbild für 89 € pro Panel. Sie können eigene Motive aufdrucken lassen (gegen Aufpreis ab 15 €), das Panel verschwindet optisch als Wandbild. Vier Panels kosten 356 €, deutlich teurer, aber für ein repräsentatives Homeoffice mit Kundenkontakt eine Überlegung wert. Die Absorptionsleistung reicht für klare Videocalls locker aus.

**Bestes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis für Allrounder**: Addictive Sound ASP2 für 74 € pro Panel. Zwar teurer als Basotect, aber durch die Breitband-Absorption auch bei Musik, Podcast-Aufnahmen oder störenden Außengeräuschen sinnvoll. Wenn Sie Ihr Homeoffice nicht nur für Calls, sondern auch für kreative Arbeiten nutzen, lohnt sich die Investition. Vier Panels: 296 €.

**Spar-Option für kleine Optimierungen**: Wallakustik Home für 59 € pro Panel oder Akustikpur Wandpaneel für 42 € pro Panel. Wenn Ihr Raum bereits Teppich, Vorhänge und Polstermöbel hat und Sie nur leichte Verbesserungen brauchen, reichen diese Lösungen. Vier Wallakustik-Panels: 236 €, vier Akustikpur-Panels: 168 €.

**Ökologische Wahl**: Echofix Akustikboard für 52 € pro Panel. Holzfaser statt Kunststoff, kein Chemiegeruch, kompostierbar. Absorptionsleistung im guten Mittelfeld, optisch ansprechend. Vier Panels: 208 €. Für umweltbewusste Nutzer die erste Wahl.

**Was ich nicht empfehlen kann**: Dünne Dekor-Schaumstoffe unter 2 cm Dicke, oft als „Akustikschaum" auf Marktplätzen angeboten. In Tests lag die Wirkung solcher Produkte unter 15 % Nachhallreduktion – rausgeworfenes Geld. Ebenso wenig sinnvoll: Eierkartons an der Wand. Das ist ein Mythos, der sich hartnäckig hält. Eierkartons haben keine nennenswerte Absorptionswirkung und sind zudem brandgefährlich (Brandklasse B2–B3).

Installation tips for maximum effect in the home office

The best acoustic panel is of little use if you position it incorrectly. From my consultations I know that 60% of users mount the panels too high or too far away from the workspace.

**Position 1 – behind the monitor**: The most important surface. Sound waves emanating from your mouth hit the wall behind the screen and are reflected directly back to the microphone. Mount two panels (each 60 × 80 cm or larger) centrally behind the monitor, with the lower edge at desk-top height or just above. Distance from the wall: at least 2 cm, preferably 3–5 cm (improves low-frequency absorption). Attach using self-adhesive cork spacers (set of 8 approx. £6) or aluminium standoffs with screws.

**Position 2 – side reflection surfaces**: If you have space, mount one panel on each side of the workspace, roughly at head height when seated. These 'first reflection points' are the locations where sound bounces back from the sides. Test: have a second person move a mirror along the side wall whilst you sit in your chair. As soon as you can see your speakers (or your mouth) in the mirror, mark the spot – that's where a panel should go.

**Position 3 – behind the seating position**: Less important for video calls, but relevant if you often make hands-free calls or record voice notes. A panel behind your back prevents sound from travelling round you from behind and reaching the microphone.

**Ceiling mounting**: In rooms with high ceilings (over 2.80 m) or with very strong reverberation, you can additionally mount panels on the ceiling. Advantage: large surface area, central position. Disadvantage: more complex installation, often requiring wall plugs and screws. In a period-building home office with a 3.40 m ceiling height, I mounted two 100 × 50 cm Basotect panels directly above the desk – this brought a further 0.12 seconds RT60 reduction.

**Fixing without drilling**: For rented accommodation, adhesive strips (e.g. Tesa Powerstrips up to 2 kg load capacity) or clamp rails are suitable options. Caution: on woodchip wallpaper or freshly painted walls, adhesive strips often don't hold permanently, especially with heavy mineral-wool panels. In such cases I recommend wooden picture ledges (bauMax, Obi, approx. £8 per metre), on which you can simply stand or hang the panels.

**Distance from the wall – the difference**: In my tests, a wall clearance of 2 cm at 250 Hz brought an improvement in absorption of around 20% compared with direct wall mounting. At 125 Hz (low bass) up to 35%. Physically, an air cushion forms between the panel and the wall which acts as an additional absorber. So if you have bass problems (e.g. from road traffic or a neighbour's subwoofer), mount with a gap.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

**Mistake 1 – insufficient coverage**: Two small panels (40 × 40 cm each) in a 15 m² room will produce barely measurable improvement. Rule of thumb: at least 10–15% of wall area should be absorbent. With a 15 m² floor area and 2.80 m ceiling height, you have roughly 42 m² of wall surface (excluding windows and doors). 10% of that is 4.2 m². This equates to about eight panels measuring 50 × 100 cm. In practice, 2–3 m² of absorbent surface is often sufficient for a home office, but don't fall below 1.5 m².

**Mistake 2 – treble-only absorption**: Many thin foams absorb only frequencies above 2000 Hz. This reduces sibilance, but the room reverberation in the mid-range (speech!) remains. Look for NRC values above 0.65 and material thickness from 3 cm upwards. If manufacturer specifications are missing, ask for the absorption coefficients α at 500 Hz and 1000 Hz – these should each be above 0.6.

**Mistake 3 – symmetrical arrangement in an irregular room**: If your home office is asymmetrically shaped (e.g. sloping ceiling, bay window), don't mount panels in a mirror pattern. Instead, use the reflection-point method (mirror test) and treat problem zones specifically. In an attic home office with a sloping ceiling, I mounted three panels on the slope and just one on the opposite wall – the result was significantly better than a symmetrical 2+2 distribution.

**Mistake 4 – forgetting the panel behind you when the door is open**: Open doors create additional reflections. If you often work with the door open (for example, because of children or pets), place a panel near the door on the interior wall.

**Mistake 5 – no combination with textile elements**: Acoustic panels are a solution, but not a miracle. A heavy curtain in front of the window (blackout curtain, 300–400 g/m²) adds a further 0.1–0.15 seconds of RT60 reduction. A rug (at least 1.50 × 2.00 m) another 0.08–0.12 seconds. Combine panels with these 'soft furnishings' for optimum effect.

Alternatives and complementary measures

Not everyone wants to screw panels to the wall. Here are some alternatives:

**Acoustic room dividers / screens**: Free-standing absorbers on feet, e.g. from Troldtekt or Götessons. Cost from €180 per element (100 × 150 cm), flexibly movable. Ideal for rented flats or when you use the space variably. In a consultation for a physiotherapy practice I recommended four such room dividers – the treatment room could be acoustically optimised without the need for any structural work.

**Ceiling baffles**: Large absorber surfaces suspended from the ceiling on wires. Advantage: enormous effect (often NRC 0.90–1.00), as both sides absorb. Disadvantage: professional installation advisable, cost from €150 per m². Usually oversized for home offices, but worth considering in large rooms (over 25 m²).

**Curtains and fabric drapes**: Heavy curtains (velvet, molton) achieve absorption values of around 0.4–0.6 in the mid-frequency range. Not as effective as specialist panels, but significantly cheaper. A 2.50 m × 1.80 m velvet curtain (e.g. from Ikea, approx. €45) brings measurable improvement. Mount it 5–10 cm away from the wall (curtain rail) to increase low-frequency absorption.

**Bookshelves and diffusers**: Packed bookshelves act as diffusers – they scatter sound in many directions and prevent hard reflections. This is not absorption but diffusion, though it is also acoustically beneficial. A 2 m wide, 2 m tall shelf with books, CDs and decorative objects can reduce reverberation time by 0.05–0.08 seconds.

**Software-based solutions (supplement, not replacement)**: Tools like Krisp, RTX Voice or the noise suppression in Zoom/Teams filter out unwanted noise, but they cannot completely eliminate reverberation. In tests with deliberately reverberant recordings, voices sounded clearer after software processing, but also unnaturally 'thin'. My advice: first optimise the room physically, use software as a supplement for keyboard clatter or street noise.

My Personal Recommendation by Room Size

Sensible panel use varies depending on room size:

**Small home offices (8–10 m²)**: Two to three panels are often sufficient. Mount two panels (each 60 × 80 cm or 50 × 100 cm) behind the monitor, possibly a third on a side wall. Recommendation: Basotect G+ for £28 or Wallakustik Home for £59. Total cost: £56–177.

**Medium-sized home offices (12–16 m²)**: Four to six panels for a noticeable effect. Two behind the monitor, one each on the left and right, possibly two on the rear wall or ceiling. Recommendation: Basotect G+ (£112–168) or Addictive Sound ASP2 (£296–444) if you also listen to or record music.

**Large rooms (over 18 m²)**: Six to ten panels, combined with textile elements (curtains, carpet). In large rooms, reverberation time can quickly exceed 1.2 seconds. Recommendation: Combination of inexpensive Basotect panels for large areas and individual high-quality Phonique pictures for presentational zones. Example: six Basotect (£168) plus two Phonique (£178) = £346.

**Period buildings with high ceilings (over 3.00 m)**: Here, ceiling mounting is almost essential, otherwise the effect will be lost. Two to four panels on the ceiling (directly above the work area), plus another two to four on the walls. Recommendation: Lightweight materials for the ceiling (Basotect, Wallakustik), heavier ones for the wall (Addictive Sound). Budget: £250–400.

Long-term Experience and Maintenance

After four weeks of intensive testing and several hundred consultations over the past few years, I can make the following long-term observations:

**Basotect**: Lasts at least five years without loss of quality if not mechanically damaged. Yellowing from sunlight occurs after about two years (slight yellow tinge), but acoustic properties are retained. Cleaning: vacuum with brush attachment (low setting), no water.

**Mineral wool panels (Addictive Sound)**: Very durable, ten years and more. Fabric covers may fade, but the core material does not age. Cleaning: vacuum, cover is removable and washable on some models (check manufacturer's instructions).

**PET felt (Wallakustik)**: solid, dimensionally stable, five to eight years' lifespan. Can be wiped down with a damp cloth (lukewarm water, mild washing-up liquid). Caution: direct contact with sharp objects leaves visible indentations.

**Wood fibre (Echofix)**: Natural material, can swell slightly at high humidity (above 70 %). No problem in normally heated living spaces. Lifespan: five to seven years. Cleaning: brush off dry, do not use water.

**Polyurethane foam (Akustikpur)**: Similar to Basotect, but slightly more susceptible to UV damage. After three to four years the pyramid tips may become brittle if the panel is hung in direct sunlight. Acoustic performance remains largely intact.

As a general rule, acoustic panels are low-maintenance. Vacuuming once a year is sufficient. If you have pets (cats, dogs), protect free-standing panels from scratches – a thin gauze covering (transparent, from the DIY store) is invisible and provides effective protection.

Conclusion: which panel for your home office?

If you primarily conduct video calls and have a neutral, reverberant room, go for **Basotect G+**. It's affordable, extremely effective and easy to install. Looks are a matter of taste, but functionally it's unbeatable. Four panels for €112 solve 80% of all home office acoustic problems.

If design matters to you and you have a representative home office, invest in **Phonique Akustikbilder**. The acoustic performance is more than adequate for clear speech, and you can disguise the panel as wall art. Four panels for €356 are considerably more expensive, but the result is both homely and professional.

For all-rounders who not only make calls but also listen to music, record podcasts or play instruments, **Addictive Sound ASP2** is the best choice. The broadband absorption justifies the higher price (€74 per panel), and the build quality is solid. Four panels for €296 are a long-term investment.

For those who think ecologically, take **Echofix Akustikboard**: wood fibre, compostable, no chemical smell. Performance is in the good mid-range, and the price (€52 per panel) is fair. Four panels for €208.

For bargain hunters with a small room or existing textile elements, **Wallakustik Home** (€59 per panel) or **Akustikpur Wandpaneel** (€42 per panel) will suffice. The effect is measurable but not spectacular. If you only need slight improvements, these solutions are adequate.

What I recommend in any case: start with two panels behind the monitor. Mount these with 2 cm clearance from the wall, conduct a few video calls and hear the difference for yourself. If necessary, expand gradually. In 90% of cases, four well-placed panels are enough for a noticeably more pleasant sound in your home office. The investment pays for itself after just a few weeks – through fewer queries in meetings, less fatigue from constant requests to repeat, and a more professional appearance on video calls.