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Best White Noise Machines – 2022 Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Many sleepers rely on devices known as ‘white noise machines’ to fall and remain asleep. White noise machines generate high-pitched static, or white noise, that consists of randomized frequencies. These machines are compact and designed to rest on floors or bedside tables. Most of today’s models also include other features, such as headphone jacks and alarm functions.

In addition to white noise, white noise machines may also produce other colors of noise. These include static noises that decrease in volume for each added octave, such as pink and red/brown noise; and static noises that increase in volume per octave, such as blue and violet noise. Some also come with ambient and natural sounds. White noise machines are safe for children; they can be used to lull infants to sleep, as well.

Read on to learn more about machines that produce white noise and other noise colors. Below you’ll find our picks for the best white machines sold today. Our choices are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis.

The Best White Noise Machines

The Best White Noise Machines – Reviewed

Best OverallHatch Restore

Best Overall – Hatch Restore

Highlights

  • White noise and nature sounds
  • Also functions as a sunrise alarm
  • Settings controlled by companion app
  • 60-night trial period and 1-year warranty
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Best OverallHatch Restore

hatch.co

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The Hatch Restore is a multifunctional device that can enhance your sleep experience in several ways. As a sound machine, the Restore comes loaded with white noise playback as well as nature sounds and meditation programs. Owners can access the full library through the Hatch companion app, which is needed to operate the device. The app is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones.

The Restore also serves as a handy bedside light source for nighttime reading. Using the app, you can create a “Routine” based on your preferred sound and light level. Another cutting-edge feature is the sunrise alarm. Rather than using beeps or other loud noises, the alarm automatically transitions to red, orange, and white colors that mimic natural light in the early morning.

Given the Restore’s advanced design, its price-point is quite reasonable, and buyers receive a free trial for the app-based Hatch membership. Hatch also backs each purchase with a 60-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Good For:

  • People who dislike standard alarm clocks
  • Sleepers looking for a white noise machine with an extensive program library
  • Those who enjoy reading before bed
  • iOS and Android smartphone users

Best ValueSweet Zzz White Noise Machine

Best Value – Sweet Zzz White Noise Machine

Highlights

  • White, brown, and pink noise, as well as nature sounds
  • Doubles as a nightlight
  • 12-hour battery life
  • 50-night trial and 1-year warranty
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Best ValueSweet Zzz White Noise Machine

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The Sweet Zzz White Noise Machine is a high-quality device with an approachable sticker price, making it a good option for shoppers with tight budgets. The machine’s sound selection consists of nearly 30 different programs, including non-looping white, pink, and brown noise. Owners can also listen to nature sounds such as rain, sea, and singing birds. For those with small children, the machine plays lullabies and ambient noise intended to mimic womb sounds.

The automatic shutoff timer can be programmed for 30, 60, or 90 minutes. The device features a memory function that allows you to preset your favorite programs ahead of bedtime. It also doubles as a nightlight. A 12-hour battery life means you may need to charge the machine daily. FCC and RoHS certifications ensure the device is safely produced and constructed with non-hazardous materials.

Sweet Zzz offers free ground shipping for all White Noise Machine orders. For each purchase, the company will donate 1% of the proceeds toward environmentally friendly organizations. Owners receive a 50-night trial period with their device, as well as a 1-year warranty against structural defects.

Good For:

  • Sleepers who want a white noise machine with an extensive library
  • Those who enjoy falling asleep to ambient sounds
  • Parents with young children who need assistance falling asleep
  • Shoppers with limited budgets

Best ValueYogasleep Dohm Classic Natural Sound Machine

Best Value - Yogasleep Dohm Classic Natural Sound Machine

Highlights

  • Fan-based natural sound options
  • Adjustable tone and volume
  • Compact and travel-friendly
  • 1-year warranty
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Best ValueYogasleep Dohm Classic Natural Sound Machine

yogasleep.com

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The Dohm from Yogasleep – first sold as the ‘Sleep-Mate’ in the 1960s – is a pure white noise machine that produces natural, fan-based noise. The machine does not have a timer, making it suitable for sleepers who prefer to listen to white noise all night. Users can also adjust the volume between two speed settings, as well as the tone of the noise. Four exterior color options are available.

In addition to the Dohm, shoppers may select the Dohm for Baby, which shares many of the same characteristics and functions. Dohm Classic and Dohm for Baby Classic models are available at slightly lower price-points, as well.

All Dohm and Dohm for Baby models are available for less than $50, making them a high-value option. These machines are backed by 101-night sleep trials and one-year warranties; Dohm offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S.

Good For:

  • Sleepers who looking for the highest-quality, most natural sounding white noise
  • Those who prefer to listen to white noise all night
  • Parents of infants and young children
  • Value seekers

Best for Babies and KidsHatch Rest+

Best for Babies and Kids – Hatch Rest+

Highlights

  • White noise, nature sounds, and lullabies
  • Color wheel produces a soothing light display
  • Companion app includes bedtime, naptime, and wake-up programs
  • 60-night sleep trial and 1-year warranty
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Best for Babies and KidsHatch Rest+

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Small children can greatly benefit from using a white noise machine, but few of these devices are specifically designed for babies and kids. The Hatch Rest+ is a notable exception. The machine comes equipped with a white noise program, as well as seven nature sounds and three soothing lullabies. Parents can access these programs using the Hatch companion app, which is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Another fun feature is a light display that allows your child to choose from a full color spectrum. In addition to providing nighttime projections on their wall, the display also functions as a learning tool for teaching young kids about wake-up times. You can use the app to set bedtime and naptime routines, as well. The clock display is fully dimmable if your child prefers total darkness while they sleep. The battery life is about eight hours.

The Hatch Rest+ is reasonably priced and shipping is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. Each purchase comes with a 60-night trial period and a 1-year warranty.

Good For

  • Infants, toddlers, and children in elementary school
  • Parents who want a device to teach their children about sleep
  • Kids who prefer sleeping with a nightlight
  • iOS and Android smartphone owners

Best for TravelYogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine

Best for Travel - Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine

Highlights

  • Noise and natural sound options
  • USB charging port
  • 101-night trial
  • 1-year warranty
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Best for TravelYogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine

yogasleep.com

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The Yogasleep Rohm – not to be confused with the Dohm – is a compact and affordable white noise machine that is ideal for travel. The machine comes equipped with a USB charging port, making it easy to power up while on the road. It can also be attached to a lanyard for convient, on-the-go movement. The Dohm measures less than two inches high and weighs roughly five ounces.

The machine offers ‘Bright White Noise’ and ‘Deep White Noise,’ as well as a ‘Gentle Surf’ option. There is no timer, making the Dohm suitable for those who prefer listening to noise or sounds all night.

Yogasleep backs this machine with a 101-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty; free shipping is available to customers in the contiguous U.S.

Good for:

  • Sleepers who enjoy white noise
  • Those who prefer to listen to white noise all night
  • Frequent travelers
  • Value seekers

Best White Noise Machine for BabiesHatch Baby Rest Sound Machine

Best White Noise Machine for Babies - Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine

Highlights

  • White noise option
  • Built-in nightlight
  • Innovative, app-based design
  • 1-year warranty
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Best White Noise Machine for BabiesHatch Baby Rest Sound Machine

hatch.co

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White noise has proven very useful in helping newborns, infants, and toddlers fall asleep. The Rest from Hatch Baby is a comprehensive sleep system that combines light and sound therapy in a device that can be accessed using any cell phone or other smart device. The Rest comes with a tabletop unit that produces white noise and also generates pleasing images and patterns using a light display. Parents can turn the machine on and off remotely without entering their child’s room (and potentially disrupting their sleep).

The Rest is also designed to help children sleep as they grow. The white noise is ideal for infant sleep as well as breastfeeding, the nightlight can help toddlers get to sleep more easily, and the ‘time-to-rise’ alarm is great for kids attending preschool and early elementary school.

Amazon Prime members qualify for free one-day shipping and free returns when they order a Hatch Baby Rest Night Light and Sound Machine. This product is backed by a one-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers/kindergarteners who enjoy white noise
  • Children who have a hard time falling asleep in the dark
  • Children who tend to wake up when someone enters their room

Buying Guide – Shopping for the Best White Noise Machine

‘White noise’ is a catch-all term for any type of random sound signal that masks louder background noises. In most cases, white noise takes the form of soothing natural or ambient sounds. White noise is considered a sleep aid because it drowns out other, more disruptive sounds that prevent people from falling and/or remaining asleep.

Many adults rely on white noise machines to fall asleep each night, and some models are designed specifically for young children. White noise machines are also a popular travel accessory that can be used on airplanes and other forms of public transport, and in hotels, guest rooms, and other places with outside noise potential. A wide range of white noise machines are currently available at different price-points; some newer models are equipped with additional, high-tech features.

This guide will explore how white noise machines work, provide shopping tips, and list a few of our top-rated models. First, let’s look at the science behind white noise.

How Does White Noise Work?

Every sound we hear has two distinct components: the frequency, or the number of vibrations the sound wave produces per second (measured in hertz, or Hz); and amplitude, which measures the size of the sound waves. Whenever a frequency is halved or doubles, this is known as an octave.

Noise is categorized by colors that represent different audio signals and textures. Some of these colors — such as pink, blue, and brown — refer to sound waves that increase or decrease in volume, depending on changes in the frequency. White noise, on the other hand, maintains the same volume regardless of frequency and randomly combines every possible frequency that is audible to the human ear. The result is the telltale ‘shh’ sound that is commonly associated with white noise.

Technically speaking, most instances of ‘white noise’ are actually ‘pink noise.’ White noise matches any frequency, meaning that it may sound extremely high or extremely low. As a result, white noise on its own is too harsh for most human ears. Pink noise, on the other hand, gradually decreases in volume (measured in decibels) per octave, creating a more balanced listening experience. Most describe pink noise as white noise with a lower, bass-like quality.

Additionally, ‘brown noise’ (also known as ‘red noise’) is a deeper variant of pink noise, decreasing in volume at a faster per-octave rate. ‘Blue noise’ and ‘violet noise’ are the exact opposite, increasing in volume as the frequency rises. ‘Grey noise’ is a bit more complex; it increases or decreases in volume depending on the frequency, and sounds equally loud at all frequencies as a result. Black noise, as the name implies, refers to complete silence.

The table below includes a detailed breakdown of the five most common noise colors.

Despite these technical specifications, the term ‘white noise’ is generally used to describe any soothing natural or ambient sound that is used to drown out distracting background noises, such as vehicles on the road or noises from elsewhere in the house. This allows people to focus less on exterior sounds and fall asleep more quickly.

Three common examples of white noise include:

  • Natural sounds, such as waves, rain, wind, and gentle animal noises (such as crickets or birds)
  • Ambient sounds, which mimic common noises like burning fires, crowds of people, or light traffic
  • Machinery, such as air fans and other devices that emit light sounds (like dishwashers or washing machines)

White Noise Machines: Common Characteristics and Functions

In addition to aiding adults, most white noise machines are also designed for babies, infants, and young children. Some models feature softer, more soothing sounds as well as lullaby melodies, that specifically cater to young ears. White noise machines are also a popular travel accessory, and some models are designed for mobility with more compact sizes and dual-voltage capabilities.

Although specs vary by brand and model, most standard white noise machines sold today are designed for the following:

  • Volume: White noise machines always have adjustable volume settings.
  • Size: White noise machines are usually compact, and do not measure more than 10W” x 10L” x 10H”.
  • Sound options: In addition to traditional white noise, some white noise machines are equipped with multiple sound options, including natural and ambient sounds.
  • Looping: For less distraction, white noise machines often mask their sound loops to create a continuous listening experience.
  • Timer: Users may be able to program their white noise machine to stop producing sounds after a certain amount of time has passed.
  • Headphone accessibility: Some white noise machines feature built-in headphone jacks for more private listening.
  • Alarm: Select white noise machines come equipped with a programmable alarm.
  • Power: Some white noise machines operate using batteries, while others require an electrical outlet. Modern designs may also be powered using USB cords, as well.

With few exceptions, white noise machines cost $100 or less when purchased from the original manufacturer or authorized retailers. Some white noise machines come with warranties that cover up to five years, while others do not come with any warranty coverage.

Who is a White Noise Machine Best For?

People Who Travel Often

White noise machines are a great solution for dealing with noise pollution while on the road. In fact, one study found that air traffic noise contributes to increased hypertension and even learning difficulties in children.

If you travel often on planes and trains, or stay in noisy hotels, going beyond the earplugs can really help. You have plenty of options, too. Most noise machines have a headphone jack that you can plug in anywhere.

People with Noisy Sleep Spaces

Having a white noise machine can be highly beneficial to anyone who lives in noisy sleep spaces. Traffic, construction noises, loud housemates or neighbors, partners who snore — these problems can all contribute to a lousy night’s sleep. Sleeping in a developing area only increases the risk of this, and cities often don’t take enough action with noise ordinances to make a big difference.

Take, for example, how the New York Times used a noise meter to measure noise levels in buildings across the city. Many had dangerous decibel levels, which can contribute to hypertension, stress, and heart disease. This problem may be especially acute in areas with lots of urban development. White noise machines are a great way to mitigate this problem and potentially even help your mental and physical health.

Newborns, Infants and Toddlers

Parents may find success with using white noise machines for their children. For starters, this likely mimics the ambient noise in utero — an automatic, subconscious soother. Parents with autistic children will also find relief in white noise machines. Many children with autism report sleep problems, whether experiencing early morning waking, hyperarousal, short-duration sleeping, or excessive daytime sleepiness.

Of course, you don’t want to use too much of a good thing: some studies have shown that excessive white noise has its drawbacks. For example, overexposure to white noise has shown delayed brain development in baby rats. Rat pups who experienced this developed auditory responses at later benchmarks than their counterparts who weren’t exposed to the same level of white noise.

Another study found that such exposure may be responsible for far-reaching sensory and behavioral changes in rats — that is, excessive white noise may actually inhibit the brain’s ability to perceive the geographic location of sound. Researchers found that early and continuous overexposure to white noise may have adverse effects on brain maturation in mammals, resulting in difficulty with spatial awareness and sensitivity.

Long story short: there’s nothing wrong with a little white noise, but too much of it has the potential to cause damage.

People with ADHD

People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can also reap the benefits from white noise machines. As many as 50% of children with ADHD suffer from sleep problems, including experiencing higher levels of daytime sleepiness and suffering from sleep-disordered breathing.

ADHD is often associated with a wide array of sleep disorders even for adults, including restless leg syndrome, difficulty falling asleep at night, anxiety around bedtime, waking during the night, and even delayed sleep-phase disorder. White noise machines help remove auditory distractions from around the room, allowing people with ADHD to focus on getting a deeper night of sleep.

People with Tinnitus

White noise machines, soft music, and other soothing sounds also help distract some people from their Tinnitus as they’re trying to sleep. Tinnitus affects between 15-20% of the population, often showing up due to an ear injury, system disorder, or age-related hearing loss. Tinnitus may manifest itself as a noise similar to ringing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing.

Professional counselors may combine white noise machines with other strategies in sound therapy to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus, such as using wearable and non-wearable sound therapy devices, going through cognitive behavioral therapy, or learning beneficial sleep hygiene practices.

How to Use a White Noise Machine

Where to Put Your White Noise Machine

Many people decide to put their white noise machine right beside their bed for maximum effect. However, if you’re trying to drown out a noise from a specific source, it’s probably best to place the machine between you and the source of the noise.

For example, if there’s a noisy neighbor you can hear from another room, place it by your door. Or if you’re trying to avoid the sound of traffic, place the white noise machine in between your bed and your window.

If this isn’t as effective as you’d hoped, experiment with different locations and see how you rest that night. By playing around with different spots, you can discover the most effective placing to help you sleep well at night. Make sure that nothing is covering the white noise machine and that cords are free from somewhere you could easily trip.

Finding the Right Sound Setting

Finding the right sound setting on a white noise machine may also be accomplished through trial and error. Most white noise machines operate between 40-70 decibels. Forty decibels is comparable to bird calls or the sound of a library. Fifty to 60 decibels are like a conversation at home, background music, or an air conditioning unit from 100 feet away. Once your white noise machine hits 70 decibels, it’s similar to living room music or a vacuum cleaner.

It’s important to note that babies and children should probably have a white noise machine set lower to protect their potentially sensitive developing hearing — about 40-50 decibels. Adults can start at that level and increase it as needed. Make sure to place the machine at least three feet away from your head, both for optimal results and to prevent the noise machine from potentially damaging your hearing.

Considerations for White Noise Machine Shoppers

When shopping for a new white noise machine and comparing different brands and models, here are a few important factors to keep in mind:

  • Will adults or children primarily use the machine?
  • Will the machine be exclusively used in the owner’s home, or will it also be used as a travel accessory?
  • How large is the machine, and will it fit where the owner plans to install it?
  • Is the machine too large for the owner’s current travel bags or luggage?
  • How many volume settings does the machine have?
  • Does the machine only feature white noise, or are there other sounds (such as natural, machine, and/or ambient sounds)? If the latter, how many total sounds are featured?
  • Does the machine mask sound loops, or are there brief periods of static or silence between the end of one loop and the beginning of the next?
  • Does the machine feature a programmable timer that controls when the noise stops?
  • Does the machine come with a built-in alarm clock?
  • Does the machine have a headphone jack?
  • Does the machine run on batteries, AC, or USB?
  • How much does the machine cost?
  • Is warranty coverage included with the machine?

Alternatives to White Noise Machines

For sleepers who prefer not to use or invest in a white noise machine, effective methods of blocking outside noise include the following:

Fans: The whirring blades of conventional fans produce ambient white noise that can effectively drown out other sounds. They also improve air circulation in the bedroom, and can create a cooler sleeping space during warmer times of the year.

Earplugs: Some people prefer to sleep with earplugs, which are normally made from softer materials like foam or silicone. Earplugs may mold to the contours of the user’s inner ear, or they may maintain a constant shape; in either case, they are usually designed to fit all ear canal sizes. Some earplugs are reusable, while others are designed for one-time use.

Most earplugs are sold in bulk, and typically cost less than $30 for a pack of 200 or less. However, it’s important to note that earplugs are associated with certain health risks, namely earwax buildup, which can lead to conditions like hearing loss, tinnitus, and earwax discharge.

White noise apps: Downloading a white noise app onto a smartphone, tablet, or other portable electronic device may be a cheaper alternative to purchasing a white noise machine. White noise apps may also allow users to play music from their personal library or streaming services while the white noise sounds play.

The table below lists five of the most popular white noise apps that are currently available on iTunes.

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