“I want a soundproof room at home. But professional ones from Yamaha cost thousands of dollars…”
If you’re on the verge of giving up, you might have stumbled upon “Budget Soundproof Booths” priced between ¥100,000 and ¥200,000 ($700 - $1,400). Names like “Danbotchi” or “OTODASU” are famous in Japan.
But here is a cruel truth you need to know: Budget soundproof booths, in their stock state, do not offer “professional soundproofing performance.”
“So they are useless?” No, not at all. If you choose the right one for your “purpose” and “expectations,” they can be the best cost-performance secret base.
In this article, we organize the 2025 budget soundproof booth market and explain how to choose without regret.
The Lineup (Under ¥200,000)#
We compare these four main options:
- Danbotchi (Kanda Sangyo/VIBE): The pioneer cardboard booth.
- OTODASU II (Coolish Music): Lightweight, tool-free plastic cardboard assembly.
- ISOVOX 2 (ISOVOX): A “head-only” booth specialized for singing.
- Full DIY: Buying materials from a hardware store and building it yourself.
Specs & Performance Matrix#
| Item | Danbotchi (Stock) | OTODASU II | ISOVOX 2 | DIY (Serious) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Est. Price | ¥90k - ¥110k | ¥154k+ | Approx. ¥165k | ¥50k - ¥200k |
| Material | Reinforced Cardboard | Plastic Cardboard | Acoustic Panels | Gypsum Board etc. |
| Isolation | Fair (Needs mods) | Good for Speech | Excellent (Voice) | Depends on skill |
| Assembly | Average (Heavy) | Easy (No tools) | Easy | Pure Hell |
| Best Use | Mod base for streaming | Telework / Light streaming | Pro Vocals | Instruments / Drums |
Real Evaluation & Verdict#
1. Danbotchi: The Best “Modification Base”#
It’s the most famous, but we do not recommend using it as is. Since it’s made of cardboard, loud singing will be clearly audible in the next room.
The true value of “Danbotchi” lies in its modifiability. Because the surface is paper, you can easily stick “Lead Sheets (Sound Insulation)” and “Absorption Materials” with double-sided tape. If you spend an extra ¥20,000 - ¥30,000 on mods, it transforms into a high-performance booth rivaling much more expensive options.
- Recommended for: DIY lovers, those who want to upgrade performance gradually.
2. OTODASU II: Looks and Convenience#
Stylish and tool-free assembly make it very attractive. Being lightweight means sound isolation is modest (around D-20 to D-25). It’s not suitable for loud instruments or screaming streamers.
However, for “keeping telework conversations private” or “late-night quiet chatting streams,” it is perfect. Newer models also have optional absorption sets that improve performance.
- Recommended for: Telework, conversational streaming, renters who can’t have heavy items.
3. ISOVOX 2: The Vocalist’s Ultimate Weapon#
This is not a “room.” It’s a “box for your head.” But the performance is real. With a massive -35dB reduction, you can belt out songs at full volume at night.
It provides a “dead” acoustic environment similar to a recording studio. If you aim for pro-level quality in “Utattemita” (Cover Songs) or Voice Acting, this is far better than a half-baked booth.
- Recommended for: Serious singers and voice actors.
4. Full DIY: High Risk, High Return#
Building with 2x4 lumber and gypsum board. Material costs might be low (around ¥100,000), but the labor is immense. Also, disposal is a nightmare if you fail (it becomes industrial waste).
- Recommended for: People with construction knowledge, time, and stamina.
Conclusion: Which one is for you?#
Q1. I want to do Game Streaming / Chatting#
→ “OTODASU II” or “Danbotchi (Modified)” For normal speaking voices or occasional laughter, these will prevent neighbor trouble.
Q2. I want to record Pro Vocals#
→ “ISOVOX 2” It’s superior in both sound quality and isolation compared to a cheap room. Just tolerate the heat.
Q3. I want to practice Saxophone or Guitar#
→ Give up on budget booths. Products in this price range cannot stop the vibration and sound pressure of instruments. Get a loan for a “Yamaha Avitecs” or go to a rental studio.
Summary#
“Cheap” has its reasons. But if it matches your purpose (the volume you want to reduce), it’s a fantastic deal. Don’t expect magic, but use them wisely as a tool for “better manners.”