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Best White Noise Machines
White noise machines are popular among many sleepers for their ability to block out unwanted noise and potentially promote more restful sleep. There are a wide number of models on the market, ranging from the very basic to those capable of playing a range of white noise as well as soothing natural sounds. Customers can also choose among an array of features as well as options intended for use at home or on the road. Prices for white noise machines vary depending on their manufacturer and features, but most are available for under $100.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite models as well as a guide to walk you through the buying process. We also cover what to look for in a white noise machine, the color spectrum of sound, and how to get the most benefit from white noise.
In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Sweet Zzz White Noise Machine
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Price
$109
Noise Type
White, brown, and pink noise, and nature sounds
Features
Nightlight, 12-hour battery, automatic shutoff
The Sweet Zzz White Noise Machine is a great option for shoppers on a budget. While the device has an extensive library with more than two dozen programs and additional features to enhance your sleep experience, its price-point is quite reasonable compared to many competing models.
In addition to white noise, the machine allows you to play pink noise, which combines low- and high-frequency tones to create a sound that is both soothing and intense. A brown noise program is also available for those who enjoy a stronger sound that relies solely on low frequencies. The library includes a wide selection of ambient sounds as well, including rain, fan noise, ocean waves, and singing birds. Each program is designed for seamless playback, so disruptive looping won’t be an issue.
The battery can perform for up to 12 hours before you’ll need to recharge the device. You can also program the machine to automatically shut off after 30, 60, or 90 minutes. A built-in nightlight and lullaby programs make the machine a good option for children as well as adults, and its compact, lightweight design is ideal for travel.
In addition to a low sticker price, the Sweet Zzz White Noise Machine qualifies for free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Each purchaser receives a 50-night sleep trial and 1-year manufacturer’s warranty with their order.
Best Design
Hatch Restore 2
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Price
$170
Noise Type
Ambient sounds and white noise
Since Hatch’s launch in 2016, the company’s white noise and light machines have earned a dedicated following. The Restore 2 is the latest version of Hatch’s flagship sunrise alarm, and the device doubles as an audio machine for people who prefer drifting off or waking up to relaxing sounds.
The Restore 2’s light can be set for sunrise mode, which gradually brightens to mimic morning light patterns and sync with your circadian rhythm. This allows for a calmer, less jarring wake-up that you’d receive from most audible alarm clocks. You can also program the light for nighttime mode with soothing lilac or deep blue colors. The user-friendly design consists of two manual buttons — “Rest” for the evening and “Restore” for the morning.
Your Restore 2 also comes with a built-in library featuring 21 individual sounds and noises. Selections include white noise, as well as relaxing ambient and nature sounds. If you sign up for a subscription, you’ll receive bonus content through Hatch’s companion app. You’ll need to download the app to customize the lights and sounds, but there is no additional charge for these basic functions.
Three colors are available for the device’s shell. Standard orders are backed by 60-day trials, and those who sign up for monthly or annual subscriptions may cancel their membership within 7 days of the delivery date. Those who keep their Restore 2 after the return period ends receive a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Most Innovative
Loftie Clock
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Price
$149
Noise Type
White noise and ambient sounds
Features
Built-in speaker, customizable alarm, backup battery, 30-night trial
The Loftie Clock is a multipurpose and innovative device that is engineered to promote rest and relaxation. When connecting the Loftie to Wi-Fi, users can access unlimited audio content, including white noise, guided meditation, breathwork, sound baths, and more. Bluetooth capabilities also allow users to listen to their own music, podcasts, or favorite audio programs.
More than just a white noise machine, the Loftie Clock features a two-phase alarm that is customizable. The initial alarm sound is designed to gently coax sleepers out of slumber, while the second alarm is loud enough to wake the soundest sleeper. As many as 30 alarms can be set at a time.
Loftie Clock’s white noise and nature sounds are designed to induce sleep. Sound content can be programmed to play for a specific duration of time or for the entire night. If a user opts for continuous play, then the audio content gently fades into the alarm so that sleeping and waking cues remain separate. The Loftie Clock doubles as a speaker and is a lightweight, portable size. The nightlight and time display are fully adjustable, and sleepers who are sensitive to even subtle light can choose a blackout mode. The backup battery gives added reassurance in the event of a power outage.
The Loftie Clock ships free of charge within the U.S. and is typically dispatched within 1 business day. Loftie offers a 30-day return policy, but customers are responsible for return shipping fees.
Best for Babies and Kids
Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen
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Price
$90
Noise Type
White noise, nature sounds, and lullabies
Hatch’s child-friendly Rest+ light and sound machine is quite popular among parents of young kids, and the company recently released the 2nd Gen model. This design builds on its predecessor with a portable mode that allows kids to unplug and carry the device, which is especially handy for nighttime trips to the bathroom. The built-in battery lasts up to 8 hours on a full charge.
The Rest+ 2nd Gen comes with a built-in audio library featuring soothing sounds and bedtime stories to help children relax before bed. These include programs for infants, toddlers, and children of elementary school age. You can also use Hatch’s companion app to create a customized nightly routine with set times for going to bed and waking up in the morning.
The device’s newest feature, “Tuck-In,” lets parents record readings, lullabies, and other personalized messages for their children. Each device is Wi-Fi compatible. The display is dimmable to prevent light-related sleep disruptions during the night.
As with the Hatch Restore 2, you’ll need a subscription to access all of the app-enabled content available for the Rest+ 2nd Gen. The membership is not required for customizing the device’s light and sound settings. Your purchase comes with a 60-night trial period, and you’ll receive a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty if you decide to keep the machine.
Best for Babies and Kids for Travel
Hatch RestGo
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Price
$35
Noise Type
White and ambient noise, and nature sounds
Adults aren’t the only people who benefit from using a sound machine when on the go — the right noise can help young children nod off in their car or stroller during an outing. Hatch’s RestGo is a lightweight device designed for these situations. Weighing a mere 4.5 ounces and equipped with a handy strap, the machine features a library with 10 relaxing noises and sounds.
In addition to white noise, sound options include ocean, rain, wind, dryer, and heartbeat. You can set the volume to 12 different levels. A user-friendly design with on/off and volume control buttons makes operating the device remarkably easy. The machine’s battery runs for up to 15 hours on a full charge, and recharging takes only 2 hours. You can choose from five colors for the RestGo and its strap.
Since the RestGo is intended for infants and toddlers, parents should consult their pediatrician before using the device. Unlike other Hatch machines, you don’t need a subscription to access the RestGo’s full content library. A Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection is required. Shoppers receive a 60-night trial with their purchase, and a 1-year warranty against defects if they keep the machine past its return period.
What is a White Noise Machine?
“White noise machine” is a catch-all term that can describe a wide range of models, ranging from those that create white through mechanical means, such as with a fan, to those that play both white noise and soothing tracks, like nature sounds or music. The connection among these different machines is that all are meant to offer sounds that drown out unwanted noises, also known as noise pollution, while relaxing or focusing the listener. Because of this goal, many white noise machines actually produce the more calming pink or brown range of noise.
People use white noise machines for several distinct reasons, including studying or working, meditating, or reducing the perception of tinnitus. However, possibly the most popular use is to help people fall or stay asleep. Based on data from roughly 160,000 Sleep Foundation profiles, 97% of respondents who frequently deal with nighttime noise have difficulty falling asleep and 43% say they struggle to stay asleep.
Research shows that white noise can help improve sleep, particularly in noisy environments. Babies also show a good response to white noise, with one study finding that 80% of very young infants fell asleep within five minutes when exposed to white noise, versus only 25% of those without white noise. There is also some evidence that white noise may calm infants who suffer from colic.
Of course, what aids or hinders sleep is always highly personal. White noise machines can help many people achieve better sleep, but they do not work for everyone. Some people, regardless of age, respond poorly to white noise machines. Even those who enjoy white noise or nature sounds may be very particular about what sounds they find soothing, and the wrong frequency of white noise may quickly become aggravating. If this is true for you, it’s worth investing in a model that allows you to customize the pitch and tone of the noise.
How to Choose a White Noise Machine
Choosing a white noise machine can feel difficult, particularly with the wide range of varieties on the market. This guide will walk you through what you need to know before making a decision, including both critical attributes like volume control and additional functions like alarms and lights.
What to Consider When Purchasing a White Noise Machine
By considering these eight important factors, it’s easier to decide what features are important to you and what machine might work best for your needs.
Sound Options
White noise machines either play recorded sounds or mechanically generate white noise, usually with a fan. Choosing between these options is largely a matter of personal preference, though people interested in other sounds (such as waves or birdsong) will most likely prefer a machine with recorded sounds for a wider variety of options.
Volume Options
The volume of a white noise machine should be loud enough to cover noise pollution but not so loud as to interrupt sleep or damage hearing. This is particularly important for children, as studies have shown that excessively loud white noise can be especially harmful to them. Most white noise machines have a wide range of volume options and sensitive controls, though some lower-end or minimalist models may only allow you to choose between two or three volume settings.
Value
There are white noise machines available at virtually every price point, though the majority cost less than $100. Lower-priced models tend to have fewer features, while those at the higher end usually have lights, alarms, and/or other additional functions. These can offer a good value if you would otherwise buy a separate machine for these functions, but lower-priced white noise machines work well for those who are only interested in soothing sounds.
Smart Features
Just like so many other electronics, many white noise machines now offer smart features, like integration with apps or home networks. These models tend to also have other functions, such as lights or routines, that make app connectivity useful. For most situations, this is a non-essential feature, but parents may appreciate having this kind of control over their child’s white noise machine.
Display
Light from a white noise machine can disrupt sleep, so it’s crucial to choose a model with either minimal light or with lights that can be dimmed or turned off. Many well-made machines have no lights at all, while others have a clock screen or even function as a night light. The latter variety usually allows for more in-depth control, allowing owners to change the color and intensity of the light.
Timers
Some people prefer to have their white noise machine running all night, while others like to have it turn off automatically at a certain point. Most white noise machines have some kind of timing function, but this can range from preset automatic shut-offs to programmable on and off timers set through an app.
Portability
If you plan to take your white noise machine traveling, or even move it from room to room on a regular basis, it’s worth considering its portability. While many white noise machines are quite small, particularly those without additional lighting features, they may require a plug-in outlet or weigh more than one might expect. Travel-friendly models, however, are likely to be lightweight and offer features like USB charging.
Other Features
As the white noise machine market is fairly crowded, many models try to set themselves apart with additional features. Alarms and lighting are both common, as are USB ports for charging your electronics. Headphone jacks are rarer but highly valued by those who share a room with a partner not interested in white noise or other sleep sounds. Depending on your needs, these features may be necessary, useful but not essential, or entirely unwanted.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Noise Machines
White noise contains all audible frequencies, which coalesce into what we perceive as a humming sound. Common everyday sources of white noise include fans, television static, and air conditioners. So-called “white” noise machines often produce pink or brown noises, which are like white noise with more intensity at the lower frequencies. These sounds are usually more calming, and many stereotypically relaxing sounds — including rain and waves — tend to be in this range. Blue, violet, and grey noises also exist but are less useful for relaxation.
White, pink, and brown noises are all suitable for sleep, as are natural sounds that fall into these ranges. Since these sounds contain all audible frequencies, they “fill in” the gaps between unwanted noises that may otherwise wake us up.
While white noise is generally thought to be safe, there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind. Any prolonged noise over 70 decibels — the level of a washing machine when standing next to it — can damage hearing, so it’s crucial to keep white noise machines at a lower volume than this. There is also a small amount of evidence that regular white noise as a part of tinnitus therapy may cause long-term issues for those with tinnitus, but this is unlikely to be a concern for most people using white noise machines as part of their sleep routine.
Nonetheless, if you have concerns or underlying health issues, it’s always best to talk with your doctor before starting a new routine.
White noise machines appear to be safe for children, regardless of age, so long as they are operated properly. One study has shown that many models are capable of being loud enough to damage an infant’s hearing, but the study’s authors were clear that the volume, machine position, and duration were all important factors in reducing this risk. They recommended placing the white noise machine some distance from the crib, playing it at a comfortable volume, and not using it over extended periods.
White noise aids focus by blocking out noise pollution. Since it “fills in” the space between outside sounds, it thereby dampens them. For people who work in loud spaces or are easily distracted, this can make a significant difference in their focus. There are also some indications that white noise may affect perception and cognition depending on the timing and task at hand.
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Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. As a chronic insomniac, she aims to bring her findings to anyone struggling with getting adequate rest. Her expertise is in creating informative, trustworthy, and useful health content. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.