Quality sleep is the foundation of our health and wellness. In a noisy neighbourhood, getting a good night’s rest can be a challenge. The solution is as simple as a white noise machine, which covers other distracting noises, helping us to fall asleep peacefully. We’ve done all the research for you, and here are the best white noise machines.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does a white noise machine do?
White noise is a combination of various sounds at different frequencies. It sounds similar to television or radio static. Because white noise spans multiple bands of sound, we sometimes refer to it as broadband noise. It drowns out other noises, like barking dogs and sirens, and can even create a buffer to prevent eavesdropping and keep conversations private when others are nearby. They are also helpful for people with tinnitus, as they mask the distracting buzzing or ringing sounds the disease causes. Another function of white noise is that it helps us fall asleep and stay asleep, according to researchers.
White noise machines are small devices that emit broadband noise. They help us relax, meditate or fall asleep by masking environmental noises. They have even been able to calm babies and help them fall asleep. A white noise machine is convenient for people who live in cities, as it can cover traffic, voices, and other city noises. It is also great for shift workers who may need to fall asleep in places that are a little too noisy.
Is there a difference between white and pink noise?
White noise contains all frequencies found in the spectrum of sounds you can hear in equal parts and is also called broadband noise. The mix of frequencies creates a static-like sound and can be intense and high-pitched, like a fan, an air conditioner, or a vacuum.
Pink noise is a constant sound in the background. It filters out things that distract you, like people talking or cars going by, so they don’t interrupt your sleep. It generates a consistent background hum, similar to white noise, but it contains deeper noises and lower sound waves, making it milder and more calming. Pink noise has a lower pitch than white noise. Its continuous frequency, or pitch, produces a more even sound, similar to steady rain, wind rustling through trees, or waves on the beach. Its increased depth and lower waves filter out higher frequencies. As a result, you perceive lower-frequency noises that are more calming.
Buying Guide: Don’t trust your sleep to just any white noise machine. Here are a few essential attributes for selecting the best white noise machine.
- Volume: Your noise machine should be loud enough to mask noise pollution but not so loud as to interrupt sleep or damage hearing. Babies and children have more sensitive hearing than adults. Most white noise machines have a wide range of volume options.
- Sounds: Some white noise machines generate noise with an internal fan. Others play recorded sounds and sometimes offer you a variety. The choice is really up to you.
- Timers: Some folks like to run their white noise machine all night, while others prefer it to turn off automatically after they fall asleep. Many models have timers, but these can range from preset automatic shut-offs to programmable on and off timers you can set through an app.
- Display: Some white noise machines have lights that can disrupt sleep. Ensure you choose a model with either minimal or dimmable lights.
Magicteam Sleep Sound White Noise Machine (White)
Best Overall
White Noise Machines for Families
The Magicteam white noise machine features 20 non-looping relaxation, and sleep sounds suitable for babies, kids, and adults. It features continuous play control and has 32 levels of volume adjustment. There is a sleep timer in hourly intervals of up to five hours, or you can set it so that it runs until you manually switch it off. This portable white noise machine is AC or USB powered.
This sleep sound machine is FCC, CE, and RoHS-approved. Its memory function restores your previous setting (volume, sound, and time) the next time it is back on.
Pros:
- Features 20 sleep sounds
- 32 volume levels
- Includes a sleep timer
- Memory function
Cons:
- Settings are challenging to use
Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine, Night Light and Time-to-Rise
Best Controls
White Noise Machines for Kids
The Hatch Baby Rest white noise machine is AC powered and combines a nightlight, sound machine, and time-to-rise alert in one device you can control from your phone. Customize colour, brightness, sound, and volume levels, and set modes to turn off and on automatically based on your family’s sleep schedule. Control this sound machine manually or remotely via phone with the Hatch Baby Rest app.
This white noise machine grows with your child, providing soft light and white noise for newborns, a nightlight for toddlers and a time-to-rise alarm for school-aged children. It stays cool throughout the night for safety and even includes a toddler-lock feature.
Pros:
- Remote control by app
- Features nightlight, sound machine and alarm
- Adjustable volume and brightness
- Features a toddler-lock
Cons:
- No ‘fan’ sounds
HoMedics SS-2000G/F-AMZ Sound Spa White Noise Machine, Silver
User Friendly
White Noise Sleeping Aids
The HoMedics white noise machine features six digitally recorded sounds: white noise, thunder, ocean, rain, summer night and brook. You can power this white noise machine with AC (adaptor included) or with four AA batteries (not included). This machine has an adjustable volume dial and an auto-off timer in 15, 30 or 60-minute intervals.
This white noise machine is great for the whole family, and you can use it at home for relaxation and sleep or in the office to help you focus better. It is portable and works with batteries, making it perfect for travel.
Pros:
- Features corded or battery operation
- Adjustable volume
- Includes an auto-timer
Cons:
- ‘On’ light is bright
Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Machine for Baby
Best Battery Life
USB White Noise Machines
The USB-rechargeable Yogasleep Hushh white noise generator runs all night on a single charge. It has three sounds: soft surf, bright and deep white noise. This white noise generator incorporates a child lock, LED nightlight, and long-lasting power. Choose your sound, adjust the level, and activate the kid lock to use the gadget.
This portable white noise machine has a flexible baby-safe clip that attaches to virtually anything. Please note that you must turn off and unplug this machine every 14 days to ensure 100% functionality.
Pros:
- Features dim nightlight
- Includes child-lock
- Long-lasting charge
- Portable
Cons:
- Buttons may glitch
Housbay White Noise Machine -Wood Grain
Most Sounds
Sound Therapy White Noise Machine
The Housbay white noise machine features 31 non-looping sounds, including seven white noises, seven fan sounds and 17 nature sounds. It also features a powerful five-watt stereo speaker and 15 adjustable volume settings. You can select non-stop play or use the auto-off timer, which comes in one, two or three-hour intervals.
This white noise machine can autosave your preferred settings. It powers up by AC or USB, and its portable design makes it an ideal gift.
Pros:
- Choose from 31 non-looping sounds
- Powerful speaker
- AC or USB powered
Cons:
- Few mid-volume settings
