Known for its steady and consistent hum, white noise creates a sound wall that can mask other stimulating disturbances. According to one study, people who listened to the equal frequency of white noise experienced a 38 percent reduction in the time it took them to fall asleep. Researchers also believe that white noise and nature-based sounds can help with anxiety reduction, nighttime agitation, and quantity of sleep—noting that obtrusive noises are a leading cause of sleep disorders. Running interference on harsh noises that can get in the way of a good night’s rest, white noise machines offer a serene sound environment, for healthy, high-quality sleep. Here are the best white noise machines on the market to help you sleep at night. Featuring adaptive sound technology that constantly monitors your environment, the machine adjusts to help reduce disturbing noises—a good option for people living in a big city. Thanks to two USB ports, you can also connect the machine to wired headphones or charge multiple devices from it. Because of its bulky design, it may not be a good option for people looking for something portable. Price at time of publication: $150 It features an auto-off timer that you can set for 15, 30, or 60 minutes, which is helpful for those who just need a little soothing before falling asleep. Although the white noise stays consistent, the other sounds run on a loop, which may be annoying to some once the pattern is recognized. Price at time of publication: $24 Thanks to its multi-functional design, it will keep your nightstand clutter-free. It also comes with a six-month Hatch Premium membership—a service that gives you access to content like sleep stories, mediations, soundscapes, and more for free. Price at time of publication: $130 It features white noise, brown noise, Dohm (fan), gentle surf, stream, and thunderstorm, and it comes with a handy three-level nightlight. The only downside is that the control buttons are on the bottom of the device and might be hard to see. Price at time of publication: $26 Play the sounds throughout the night or use the one-, two-, or three-hour timer to automatically turn off the device. Equipped with a memory function, you can even save your favorite sounds, which makes it easier to find them the next evening. The faux wood shell also makes it an aesthetically pleasing pick for in-office work. Price at time of publication: $35 Comfortable and ergonomic, the buds feature wings to ensure they stay in place throughout the night. Additionally, they’re easy to take on the go since the carrying case is also a charger. The compact headphones are great for travelers, but they might not be a good option for those looking for something with added features like an alarm clock. Price at time of publication: $249 The top and middle portions house either slits or holes and rotate to vary the way the sound is distributed throughout the room. While simple to use, the look of the device might not suit everyone’s style preferences. Price at time of publication: $53 Twist the speaker up for directional sound or leave it lying flat for evenly dispersed white noise. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled—meaning you can stream your favorite tunes and podcasts, and take hands-free calls from your smartphone. While petite and portable, some worry that it might be easy to lose. Price at time of publication: $35 It features buttons with icons for each sound offering, including white noise, fan, rain, ocean, stream, and summer night. You can also play the sounds on a continuous loop or set a timer for 15, 30, and 60 minutes. If you keep your phone by your bed, you’ll appreciate the USB port included on the side of the device. Price at time of publication: $50 The auto time allows you to set the machine for 60 minutes, and the monkey’s cheeks—which emit a soft glow—double as a nightlight. While it does have a rechargeable battery, some say the charge doesn’t last as long as they would like. Price at time of publication: $22 There’s also a hidden sensor that detects when you’re reaching for it, subsequently lighting the control buttons for easy access. Though it doesn’t boast huge sound, it’s versatile and can be placed on a nightstand or hung on a wall. Plus, it’s made with recycled plastic bottles and it comes in four fun hues. Price at time of publication: $49
Sound
Whether it’s traditional white noise, nature sounds, or light music, people respond differently to specific sounds. So if you don’t know your preferences, it’s smart to find a customizable sound machine or one with a variety of sound options.
Volume
You want something that’s loud enough to block distracting noises, but soft enough to allow you to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you’re purchasing a machine for a child, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to keep sound machines to no greater than 50 decibels and positioning them farther than 78 inches away from where your child is sleeping.
Looping
Looping means that the sound is repeated after a set amount of time—meaning it can sound like a pattern to some people. If the noise is looped rather than continuous, make sure it features a clean transition and nothing too jarring that could disturb your sleep cycle. You can also find non-looped options on some devices.
Versatility
If white noise is just one of the features you need, look into a sound machine that can do more—there are devices that also function as a night light, an alarm clock, radio, and more. Make sure all the extras you want or need are included.
Why Trust Verywell Mind?
Rozalynn S. Frazier is an award-winning, multimedia journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on health and fitness. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and an avid exerciser, who routinely puts wellness tools and fitness gear through its paces to help access which products are worthy of praise. She has created content for SELF, Men’s Health, Real Simple, Health, Essence, Cosmopolitan, Livestrong.com, among others. White noise machines are typically used to help people fall asleep and in areas where peace and quiet are prioritized, like hospitals, nurseries, and office spaces. One study saw a 38 percent reduction in the amount of time it took participants to fall asleep. Another study, which focused on using white machines to help infants fall asleep, found that 80 percent were asleep within five minutes compared to only 25 percent who fell asleep within five minutes without using a white noise machine. What’s more, researchers believe that white noise and soundscapes can help reduce anxiety and agitation. One potential drawback of using white noise machines is getting so used to sleeping with one that it makes it difficult to fall asleep without it. This could be a detriment when traveling or in the event you misplace or break your machine.
