Choosing between EchoPanel® and Echospex® comes down to how you want sound control to work alongside everyday collaboration. Both are proven acoustic solutions for commercial interiors, but they serve different functional needs depending on how a space is used. If your project prioritises sound absorption, design flexibility and sustainability, EchoPanel® acoustic panels are often the starting point for architects and specifiers.
Key takeaways
- EchoPanel® is best suited to spaces focused on acoustic performance and visual flexibility
- Echospex® combines sound absorption with a writable Perspex® surface for collaboration
- Both products are suitable for offices, education and commercial fitouts
- The right panel depends on how the space functions, not just how it looks
What Is EchoPanel® and Where Does It Work Best?
EchoPanel® is a sound absorbing panel made from recycled PET, designed to reduce reverberation and improve speech clarity in busy interior environments. It is commonly specified for walls, ceilings and feature elements where acoustic performance must integrate seamlessly with design.
In open plan offices, EchoPanel® helps soften hard surfaces and manage ambient noise. It is also widely used in education facilities, hospitality venues and public interiors where acoustic comfort is essential.
From a sustainability perspective, EchoPanel® supports Green Star and WELL Building objectives due to its recycled content and low VOC profile. This makes it a strong choice for projects where environmental performance is part of the brief.
What Is Echospex® and How Is It Different?
Echospex® takes the acoustic performance of EchoPanel® and adds a functional Perspex® whiteboard surface. This creates a dual purpose panel that absorbs sound while supporting collaboration, planning and visual communication.
Echospex® is ideal for meeting rooms, classrooms and agile workspaces where writing and ideation are part of daily use. Unlike traditional whiteboards, the acoustic backing helps prevent sound reflection, making rooms more comfortable during discussions.
Because the writable surface is genuine Perspex®, it is durable, easy to clean and resistant to ghosting. Learn more about Echospex® acoustic whiteboard panels and how they are used in commercial interiors.
Acoustic Performance Comparison
Both products deliver effective sound absorption when specified correctly. EchoPanel® offers maximum exposed acoustic surface area, making it ideal for larger installations where noise reduction is the primary goal.
Echospex® provides slightly less exposed acoustic surface due to the Perspex® face, but still delivers meaningful sound absorption through its EchoPanel® core. In return, it eliminates the need for separate whiteboards or pinboards.
In simple terms, EchoPanel® is chosen when acoustic control is the priority, while Echospex® is chosen when collaboration and flexibility are equally important.
Application Based Use Cases
The right choice often becomes clear when looking at how the space will be used.
EchoPanel® is commonly specified for:
- Acoustic wall and ceiling treatments
- Open plan offices and breakout zones
- Education facilities and libraries
- Hospitality and retail interiors
Echospex® is commonly specified for:
- Meeting rooms and boardrooms
- Training and learning environments
- Workstation screens and partitions
- Collaborative office zones
Both products integrate well into commercial screens and partitions where zoning, privacy and acoustic comfort are required.
Which Should You Specify for Your Project?
If your priority is reducing noise while maintaining a clean, design led aesthetic, EchoPanel® is usually the best option. It offers flexibility in colour, thickness and application, making it easy to tailor to different interior styles.
If your space relies on collaboration, visual communication and adaptability, Echospex® provides added value by combining acoustic control with a writable surface. This can simplify fitouts and reduce material clutter without compromising comfort.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Both EchoPanel® and Echospex® are proven acoustic solutions for commercial interiors. The best choice depends on how the space functions day to day and how acoustic performance needs to support that use.
If you are specifying acoustic panels for an upcoming project, speak with the Mitchell Group team for advice on material selection, fabrication options and application specific solutions. Visit the Contact Us page to request samples or technical guidance tailored to your space.
