Loud neighbors, barking dogs, traffic - the list of distracting noises goes on and on. When you're trying to concentrate or catch some much-needed Zs, even the slightest sound can be disruptive. Add to this an overactive brain, and it's easy to find yourself lying awake, lost in your thoughts, until the wee hours of the morning. The good news is that sometimes all you need is some white noise, a sound that's loud enough to mask distractions and constant enough to lull you into focus or sleep.
We've compiled a list of the top 10 best white noise machines to help you find your perfect match. Our favorite is Letsfit's White Noise Machine, thanks to its simple design and useful features. It has multiple sounds, including fan sounds, nature, and white noise, as well as a night light and sleep timer. Read on to see the rest of our list! And check out our buying guide for some tips on how to choose a machine that best suits your needs.
Our list includes machines with a variety of sounds, including white noise, fan sounds, nature, and lullabies. Some have extra features like lights or Bluetooth; others do one thing and do it well.
$19.99
Sounds | 14 |
---|---|
Sound type(s) | White noise, fan, nature, lullaby |
Power source | Electric |
Features | Sleep timer, light |
$34.96
Sounds | 20 |
---|---|
Sound type(s) | White, pink, and brown noise; fan |
Power source | Electric, USB |
Features | Sleep timer |
$19.99
Sounds | 20 |
---|---|
Sound type(s) | White noise, fan, nature, luallaby |
Power source | Rechargeable battery |
Features | Sleep timer, headphone jack |
$129.95
Sounds | 31 |
---|---|
Sound type(s) | White noise, nature, other |
Power source | Electric |
Features | Sleep timer, light, clock, alarm, companion app, personalized routine |
$44.95
Sounds | 1 |
---|---|
Sound type(s) | Fan |
Power source | Electric |
Features | Tone adjustment |
$29.95
Sounds | 11 |
---|---|
Sound type(s) | White, pink, and brown noise; fan, ocean |
Power source | Rechargeable battery |
Features | Bluetooth |
$20.08
Sounds | 6 |
---|---|
Sound type(s) | White noise, nature |
Power source | Electric, battery |
Features | Sleep timer |
$24.95
Sounds | 6 |
---|---|
Sound types | Nature |
Power source | Electric |
Features | Sleep timer, light, diffuser |
$59.99
Sounds | Not provided |
---|---|
Sound type(s) | White noise, nature, lullaby |
Power source | Electric |
Features | Sleep timer, light, companion app, personalized routine |
$12.27
Sounds | 24 |
---|---|
Sound type(s) | White noise, fan, nature |
Power source | Rechargable battery |
Features | Sleep timer, light, headphone jack |
Image | 1 ![]() Letsfit | 2 ![]() Adaptive Sound Technologies | 3 ![]() Letsfit | 4 ![]() Hatch | 5 ![]() Marpac | 6 ![]() Adaptive Sound Technologies | 7 ![]() Homedics | 8 ![]() ArtNaturals | 9 ![]() Hatch Baby | 10 ![]() Gladle |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | White Noise Machine | LectroFan | Portable White Noise Machine | Restore | Dohm Classic | Lectrofan Micro 2 | White Noise Sound Machine | Essential Oil Diffuser & Sound Machine | Rest | White Noise Machine for Sleeping |
Features | A Minimal Machine With a Night Light | Fan Sounds and Ambient Noise for Work or Sleep | A Sound Machine for People on the Go | Create a Personalized Sleep-and-Wake Routine | A Non-Looping Mechanical Machine | A Mini Machine for White Noise and Music | Surround Yourself With the Sounds of Nature | Scents and Sounds for Relaxation | A Machine Made for Little Ones | A Rechargeable Battery for Easy Portability |
Price | $19.99 | $34.96 | $19.99 | $129.95 | $44.95 | $29.95 | $20.08 | $24.95 | $59.99 | $12.27 |
Sounds | 14 | 20 | 20 | 31 | 1 | 11 | 6 | 6 | Not provided | 24 |
Sound type(s) | White noise, fan, nature, lullaby | White, pink, and brown noise; fan | White noise, fan, nature, luallaby | White noise, nature, other | Fan | White, pink, and brown noise; fan, ocean | White noise, nature | Nature | White noise, nature, lullaby | White noise, fan, nature |
Power source | Electric | Electric, USB | Rechargeable battery | Electric | Electric | Rechargeable battery | Electric, battery | Electric | Electric | Rechargable battery |
Features | Sleep timer, light | Sleep timer | Sleep timer, headphone jack | Sleep timer, light, clock, alarm, companion app, personalized routine | Tone adjustment | Bluetooth | Sleep timer | Sleep timer, light, diffuser | Sleep timer, light, companion app, personalized routine | Sleep timer, light, headphone jack |
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White noise machines often share a lot of features. They may have the same sounds and same control options. So how do you choose? In this guide, we dive deeper into the different types of sounds and break down some of the most important things to consider when choosing a white noise machine.
Are you using white noise as a sleep aid? For meditation? To help block out other sounds while you work? Before you choose a machine, consider the environment in which you’ll be using it. This will help you determine what features you need.
If you want to use a white noise machine primarily for sleep or relaxation, consider what type of sound you find most calming. Maybe you like the constant whirr of a fan? Or perhaps you prefer nature sounds?
One thing that can be disruptive when trying to sleep or meditate is a looping sound that has a noticeable change when the sound restarts. To avoid this, look for a machine that specifies that the sounds are non-looping or try an analog white noise machine.
Another factor to consider is light. Bright lights or a bright display can be distracting for some people. But if you like a soft nighttime glow, some machines come with built-in mood lighting. If you plan to use your sound machine primarily for sleeping, make sure to get one that’s easy to use in the dark.
Some people like to use a sound machine during the daytime to help them concentrate by blocking out background sounds. For this purpose, constant noise will work better than fluctuating sounds. Look for a machine that can provide white or brown noise.
Consider how loud the machine can get versus how loud the background noise is in your space. Another thing to look for is pitch control. If you can change how high or low the frequencies are, you can easily adjust them to cover up other sounds.
If you’re looking for a sound machine for your little one, make sure to pick one that is specifically made for babies, as their ears are more sensitive. As a general rule, white noise for babies should not exceed 50 decibels. It’s also recommended to place the machine at least seven feet away from your child’s crib.
Note that there may be risks associated with the use of white noise for infants. Some studies suggest that white noise may have a negative impact on infants' hearing, language, and speech development. The regular use of white noise can also lead to a reliance on it for sleep.
When in doubt, take the time to do some research and consult with your child's pediatrician so you can make an informed decision about what's best for you and your child.
Sound machine options generally include white noise and nature sounds. If you know that a specific sound works best for you, look for a machine that specializes in that sound, since it’s more likely to have more variety within that category.
If you specifically want fan sounds, there are even analog sound machines that mechanically create the whirring sound of a fan without the moving air. These types of machines are simple and easy to use, and run no risk of looping.
Some machines will differentiate between white, pink, and brown noise. These types of noise are defined by the different levels of low and high frequencies in the overall sound.
White noise is a soothing hum that contains equal levels of all frequencies. Examples of white noise include the hum of a fan or static from a radio. Pink noise is more uneven, containing varying levels of all frequencies. Examples of pink noise include rustling leaves and the pitter-patter of rain.
Brown noise puts more emphasis on lower frequencies for a deeper sound. Examples of brown noise include the rumble of thunder and the roar of a waterfall.
Aside from the sounds, consider how the physical aspects of the machine will work for you and your needs. The size and power source will determine where it can be placed. If you plan to use your sound machine at night, look for one that’s small enough to fit on your nightstand.
If you travel a lot, it might be useful to get a small machine that you can easily store in your luggage. A battery-powered machine can avoid the need for electrical adapters.
Also, take a look at the buttons and interface to make sure they’re easy to use and understand. The last thing you want to do is have to mess around with a bunch of settings when you’re already in bed.
At its most basic, a white noise machine will be able to turn on and off and create a constant background sound. For some people, this is exactly what they need! But if you want more out of your sound machine, there are plenty that include additional features and customization.
If you’re using the sound machine for sleep, look for a sleep timer setting. This will let you set the sound to shut off after a certain amount of time has elapsed. You can also find machines that include an alarm to help you wake up. Many will use a soothing sound for the alarm, letting you ease from sleep into wakefulness.
Some machines double as a speaker or clock. Some have adjustable lights or an essential oil diffuser. Some have a headphone jack for personal listening. There are even sound machines that create an entire evening or morning routine, complete with timed sounds, lights, and alarms.
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