The best white noise machine can help you get a good night's sleep, focus, calm you down, fill unwanted silence and drown out environmental noises like barking dogs or loud music from the neighbors. They play serene fan sounds or pre-recorded sound options like ocean waves, birds chirping, etc.
We picked our top favorites in the market and created a guide outlining the features to consider when buying the best white noise machine.
The Best White Noise Machines
1. Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine
- Note that new, updated 2nd Gen Wi-Fi version of this product is also...
- Sound Machine. Includes soothing sounds like white noise, ocean, wind,...
- Night Light. Fun, bedside lamp with infinite custom color hues....
- Time-to-Rise. Program color and sound to let your early riser know...
- Control via app. Adjust settings with smartphone, or control volume...
The Hatch Baby Sound Machine is the ideal choice for children. It combines a sound machine, night light, and timer that can be controlled from your phone. You can customize the color, brightness, sound, and volume level. You can also set programs to turn off and on automatically based on your family’s sleep schedule. The white noise sound machine can be controlled remotely via the Hatch Baby Rest app.
Hatch Rest aims to promote a healthy circadian rhythm and sleep schedule for all ages. The company specifically designed the product to have the ability to grow with their users' changing sleep needs. Hence, the sound machine is extremely popular with parents.
The sound machine features a library of sound options, including lullabies, white noise, and nature sounds. The nightlight has color and intensity control options which makes it a great choice for midnight nursing.
Parents can use the sound machine in three ways: through the app, tapping it in person, or setting a timed schedule. The buttons on the white noise machine itself can be locked to prevent younger children from playing with it, while older children can easily adjust it themselves. The sound machine also has a time-to-rise feature, allowing children to wake up gently without the need for loud alarms.
2. Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan
- [Masks Noise] Helps block out disruptive environmental noises. It can...
- [22 Non-Looping Sounds] A total of 22 unique non-looping sounds. 10...
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- [Easy to Use] Easy to press buttons on the top of the machine where it...
- [Optional Timer] Use the timer or play all night. The timer gradually...
If you enjoy nature sounds, specifically those from the ocean, this Lectrofan white noise machine is for you. The Lectrofan features two ocean sounds - calm and surf, ten white, pink, and brown noise variations, and ten fan sounds. Thus, depending on your mood, you have plenty of choices, and you can customize your white noise environment.
The Lectrofan sound machine helps you block environmental sounds, thus helping you fall asleep with ease. The Lectrofan is powered by AC or USB and is fully electronic with no internal moving parts. The machine features a high-fidelity speaker that allows you to experience the sounds better. The Lectrofan also has precise volume control, an optional timer, a 3.5mm connector for headphones, or a portable speaker to match your environment and sleep style.
3. Dreamegg White Noise and Sound Machine
- Sleep Like an Angel: Let bedtime be the best time with this white...
- White Noise Machine with Night Light: It is the very first that baby...
- Noise Cancelling for Office & Home: The noise machine lets magic...
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This white noise sound machine is suitable for both babies and adults. It allows you to choose from 24 soothing sounds such as white noise, pink noise, brown noise, light to deep fan noise, ocean waves, rain, baby lullaby, rain, campfire, and other nature sounds.
The sound machine has a night light that emits enough brightness without causing the baby to wake up. The time allows you to set it at 30, 60, or 90 minutes and has a memory function that lets you automatically use your last sound each time. It can also run all night.
It can go up to 95 dB, allowing you to tune out noise while working or studying. The sound machine comes in a small, compact size make it great for traveling. It supports 3.5mm earphones for private play and also comes with a 1-year warranty.
4. Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Sound Machine
- THE ORIGINAL SOUND MACHINE: Beloved by generations since 1962, the...
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- SIMPLE TO USE: Powered by a 8-inch 120V AC plug, just plug in the Dohm...
- CLASSIC DESIGN: Featuring a compact and basic design that fits...
The Dohm machine uses a physical fan to create soothing sounds to fall asleep to. The machine has two-speed options for adjustable tone and volume, allowing you to customize your sound environment. It's ideal background noise for babies while sleeping or while you're working and is also calming for sensitive dogs.
A 6 foot 120V AC plug powers the Marpac Dohm sound machine. Once plugged in, you can choose your desired volume: 'high' for noisy environments or more aggressive sound masking; 'low' for everything else. The sound machine offers the option of fine-tuning your white noise.
5. hOmeLabs Portable White Noise Machine
- Built-In 8 Sleeping Sounds: Choose among the 8 nature and ambient...
- Volume Adjustment and Memory Function: When you turn the sound machine...
- Auto Shut Off and Timer Button: The portable sleep sound machine...
- For Sleeping and Relaxation: This sound machine has a built-in audio...
- Plug In or Battery Operated: Use the built-in lithium battery to...
The hOmeLabs machine features 8 soothing sounds. You have the option of white noise, ocean, fetal heartbeat, shush, lullaby, rain, thunder, or bird sounds to help relax your mind and even help you stay asleep. When you turn on the machine, it will play your last sound setting courtesy of the machine’s memory function.
You're able to control the volume, thus customizing your sound experience. The sound machine features an automatic timer that can be set to shut it off after 15, 30, or 60 minutes. The sound machine can either be plugged in with the AC adapter, or you can use the built-in lithium battery to operate it. It takes about 3 hours to charge.
Features To Consider When Buying The Best White Noise Machines
a) Sound Options
White noise sound machines either mechanically generate white noise or play pre-recorded sounds like the wind, ocean, or rain. Your sound choice largely depends on your personal preference.
b) Volume Options
The volume of your white noise machine should not be too loud as it could damage your ears or interrupt your sleep. This is especially key for children as studies have shown that excessively loud white noise can harm them.
The recommended limit is 50 decibels. This is something to consider especially if you have children. Most white sound machines offer a wide range of volume options and sensitive controls, while some lower-end/minimalist models allow you to choose between two or three volume settings.
c) Value
White noise machines range across the board from lower-priced models to higher-priced ones. However, a large majority of them tend to cost less than $100. Lower-priced white noise machines usually have fewer features, while those that cost more offer more. For example, the higher-end machines tend to have alarms, lights, and other additional features. If all you're after are the soothing sounds, then a lower-priced noise machine would suffice.
d) Smart Features
Many white noise machines offer smart features like integration with home networks or applications. This allows for convenience as most have smart technology; thus, you're able to sync your white noise machine to other devices and control it from another device at a distance.
e) Display
When selecting a white noise machine, it's best to choose one with minimal light or with lights that can be dimmed or turned off. This is because light from a white noise machine can disrupt your sleep.
Most of the best machines don't have lights, while others serve as a night light or have a clock screen. Those with a night light allow you to change the color and intensity of the light. If you're looking to buy a white noise machine specifically for sleep, it's advisable to get one with either no display or one that turns off so that the light doesn't disturb you.
f) Timers
Having a timer on your white noise machine is dependent on the type of person you are. Some prefer to have their white noise machines running all night while others automatically turn off at a certain point. Most white noise machines have a timing function ranging from programmable on and off-timers set through an app to preset automatic shut-offs.
g) Portability
Portability is a key consideration if you plan to move around with your white noise machine, be it traveling or even moving from room to room. Though many sound machines are quite small, they may require a plug-in outlet or weigh more than you expect. Hence, when buying, it's best to look into travel-friendly models and consider if they are lightweight and offer features like USB charging.
h) Looping (Clean Loop)
If your preferred noise machine uses sound recordings, you'll want to consider how long the recording is, if it's smooth and whether the stopgap is noticeable. The noise is not what wakes you up but the change in noise; hence you need to be aware of any different sounds between the end and the beginning. When considering a white noise machine, look for one with longer loop times to offer a better experience.
i) Extra Features
There are different features white noise machines have to make themselves stand out. Lighting and USB ports are pretty common. However, some white noise machines have headphone jacks which can be highly appreciated, especially if you share a room with someone who prefers to fall asleep in silence.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Noise Machines (FAQs)
a) What is White Noise?
White noise contains all audible frequencies, which combine into what we perceive as a humming sound. Examples of everyday sources of white noise include fans, television static, and air conditioners.
These machines often emit pink or brown noises, which resemble white noise with more intensity at the lower frequencies. These sounds tend to be more calming, and quite many relaxing sounds, including rain and waves, tend to be in this range. Blue, violet, and grey noises exist as well but are not considered as useful for relaxation.
b) What Type of Background Noise is Ideal for Sleeping?
White, pink, and brown noises are best suited for sleep, and natural sounds fall within these ranges. These sounds contain audible frequencies hence the "fill in" the gaps between unwanted noises that could easily wake you up.
c) Are White Noise Machines Safe for Infants and Children?
White noise machines are safe to use on children as long as they are safely and well operated. A study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicated certain sound pressure levels could damage an infant's hearing and auditory development. The recommended noise level is 50 dB, and it should be at a distance from the crib or the bed. It should also be played at a comfortable volume and not over extended periods.
d) Can White Noise Help You Focus?
White noise is extremely helpful at blocking out noise pollution. This is because it " fills in" the space between outside sounds, dampening them and tuning them out. This is great for people who enjoy working in silence or are easily distracted.
e) Can White Noise Be Harmful?
For the most part, white noise is considered safe; however, there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind. Any extended/prolonged noise over 70 decibels (this is equivalent to the level of a washing machine when you're standing next to it) — can damage hearing). Hence, it’s important to keep your white noise machines at a lower volume than this.
