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.

Product Details

Best Overall

Sweet Zzz White Noise Machine

Price:

$109

Noise type:

White, brown, and pink noise, and nature sounds

• Who it’s best for:

  1. Sleepers looking for a device with a noise color selection
  2. Frequent travelers
  3. Value seekers

• Highlights:

  1. Library includes white, pink, and brown noise, as well as a selection of nature sounds
  2. Automatic shutoff in three increments and 12-hour battery life
  3. Compact and travel-friendly design

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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

Price:

$200

Noise Type:

Ambient sounds and white noise

• Who it’s best for

  1. People who dislike traditional alarm clocks
  2. Those who enjoy falling asleep to calming noise or music
  3. Sleepers who foresee an ongoing need for relaxing nighttime or morning sounds

• Highlights

  1. Soothing alarm mimics the sunrise and emits gentle sounds
  2. Built-in library has nearly two dozen audio programs
  3. Optional subscription grants access to additional content

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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.

Best Soothing Sound

SNOOZ White Noise Machine

Price:

$100

Noise Type:

Fan sounds

• Who it’s best for

  1. Frequent travelers
  2. Sleepers who want adjustable fan noises for sleep
  3. People who prefer sleeping with a nightlight

• Highlights

  1. White noise generated by a fan inside the device
  2. Smartphone app allows you to adjust the fan tone and volume
  3. Timer and nightlight settings

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The SNOOZ White Noise Machine is a fan-generated device that creates white noise without blowing uncomfortably cold air. It is fully adjustable using the volume buttons and twistable outer shell, but you can also remotely change the sound through the SNOOZ smartphone app. Sleepers can choose the tone of the fan and pick from 10 volume settings to find the level that’s most relaxing.

Through the app, customers can set schedules and automatic on/off times for the device. The app also has a nightlight feature you can adjust to your desired brightness level. This makes the device a great choice for children or adults who enjoy sleeping with a nightlight. You can choose to keep the touchpad lights illuminated or dimmed in the app settings as well. Thanks to the small and lightweight design, the device is great for people who frequently travel.

Customers can pick between two colors: gray and black. SNOOZ offers free shipping to all 50 states. The White Noise Machine comes with a 100-night sleep trial, during which you can return the device for a full refund. The device is backed by a 1-year warranty.

Best Value

Yogasleep Dohm Classic Natural Sound Machine

Price:

$45

Noise Type:

Non-looping pink noise playback

• Who it’s best for:

  1. People who want an intuitive, easy-to-use white noise machine
  2. Customers who prefer a minimalist appearance
  3. Sleepers who like fan-based white noise

• Highlights:

  1. Two volume options to accommodate different preferences
  2. Easy-to-use twist-top noise adjustment system
  3. 101-night trial

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While multiple sounds, features, and settings may appeal to some people, others may prefer a white noise machine that is easy-to-use and has a minimalist appearance. The Yogasleep Dohm Classic Natural Sound Machine is an affordable fan-generated white noise machine that fulfills these requirements, offering easy manual adjustment despite only having a single switch.

To turn on the device, users flip the switch to either the low or high volume setting. Once this is set, the sound of the fan can be adjusted by turning the top of the machine. This changes the pitch and tone of the white noise, allowing for brown and pink noise depending on the setting. Some people prefer fan-generated white noise to pre-recorded tracks, as there is no looping and fans have a unique, appealing rhythm. However, moving parts do sometimes break down and create additional, less soothing noises.

Sleep trials are unusual for white noise machines, but Yogasleep allows customers to return their Dohm Classic within 101 nights if they aren’t satisfied. The company also offers a 1-year limited warranty which covers manufacturing or workmanship flaws.

Most Innovative

Loftie Clock

Price:

$149

Noise Type:

White noise and ambient sounds

• Who it’s best for:

  1. People seeking multiple sleep aid mechanisms in a single device
  2. Those tired of using their cell phone as an alarm
  3. Shoppers who enjoy incorporating new technology into daily life

• Highlights:

  1. Various audio options in addition to white noise
  2. Also functions as a speaker, alarm clock, and nightlight
  3. Backup battery for extra security

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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 Multi-Purpose

SNOOZ Breez Smart Fan & Sound Machine

Price:

$150

• Who it’s best for

  1. People who sleep better with air blowing on them
  2. Those who wish to block outside noise during the night
  3. Anyone looking to upgrade from a conventional bedroom fan

• Highlights

  1. App-powered bedroom fan doubles as a white noise machine
  2. Customizable with 10 speed settings and on/off for air
  3. Solid wood base allows you to place the fan on any flat surface

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Many people rely on bedroom fans for cooling and noise-blocking while they sleep. The SNOOZ Breez certainly meets these criteria, but also doubles as a customizable white noise machine. The device contains two fans, one on the outside to provide airflow and a second inner fan that produces white noise. You can program the fan to provide air and no sound, sound and no air, or enjoy both, depending on your personal preferences.

You can program the fan for 10 speeds and 10 volume levels to nail down your ideal settings. All adjustments are made with the SNOOZ companion app, which is free to download and use without a subscription. The fan’s  airflow capacity is 380 cubic feet per minute, making it powerful enough to keep you cool in bed without excessive blowing. A brushless motor ensures you won’t hear any unwanted noise from the internal mechanisms. The fan is attached to a U-shaped wooden base, so it rests securely on any flat surface.

SNOOZ offers free ground shipping for all U.S. orders, including customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and overseas territories. Each order comes with a generous 100-night trial that begins on the date of purchase. If you decide to keep the Breez Smart Fan & Sound Machine, it’s further backed by a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Best for Babies and Kids

Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen

Price:

$90

Noise Type:

White noise, nature sounds, and lullabies

• Who it’s best for

  1. Infants, toddlers, and young children
  2. Kids who enjoy falling asleep to relaxing sounds or stories
  3. Parents who want to invest in a plug-free nightlight

• Highlights

  1. Hybrid kid-friendly device features a built-in nightlight and sound machine
  2. Companion app helps you and your child set a nighttime routine
  3. Up to 8 hours of battery life in portable mode

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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. 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

Price:

$35

Noise Type:

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• Who it’s best for

  1. Infants and toddlers who frequently nap when out of the house
  2. Parents who have gotten the greenlight from a pediatrician to use the device with their child
  3. Those who want to invest in a portable sound machine with a long battery life

• Highlights

  1. Travel-friendly light and sound machine intended specifically for young children
  2. Portable design weighs less than 5 ounces
  3. Available in multiple colors

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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.

Best for Adults for Travel

Sharper Image World’s Smallest White Noise Machine

Price:

$50

Noise Type:

Non-looping tones of varying pitch

• Who it’s best for

  1. Frequent travelers
  2. People who have a hard time sleeping in hotels
  3. Value seekers

• Highlights

  1. Includes 10 non-looping tracks that vary by pitch
  2. Light and compact design is convenient for on-the-go use
  3. Earbuds and carrying case included with purchase

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For decades, Sharper Image has been an industry leader for electronic devices that utilize cutting-edge technology. The World’s Smallest White Noise Machine might have a compact size, but the device offers advanced performance and sophisticated features that rival its larger competitors.

Owners can choose from 10 different noise tracks that range from low to high pitch, none of which loop their sounds. Volume can be manually adjusted using rotary controls. The machine comes with a set of earbuds, but you can use any headphones that are compatible with a 3.5-mm jack. The battery should last for about 30 hours before you’ll need to recharge the device, and a small indicator light on the base lets you know when the battery is low. A USB port allows you to easily charge the battery.

The device weighs roughly half a pound and measures 1.6 inches by 1.8 inches, making it very travel-friendly. This can benefit people who prefer listening to white noise on airplanes, in cars, or while they’re staying in hotel rooms. The machine is equipped with a belt clip for convenient use when you’re on the go, and you’ll also receive a free carrying case with your order.

The World’s Smallest White Noise Machine is competitively priced. Sharper Image allows returns within 60 days of the order, provided the device is in new condition and all components are shipped back to the company.

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.

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.

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