For more ways to find peace and quiet, see our guides to the best earplugs for sleeping, the best noise-cancelling headphones, and the best sleep headphones. We also have guidance on using a white noise machine for a baby.
To learn what features to look for in white noise machines, we spoke with Michael Perlis, PhD, director of the behavioral sleep medicine program at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine whose work includes studying the use of white noise machines in treating insomnia. We also interviewed UPenn scientist Mathias Basner, MD, PhD, a professor of sleep and chronobiology in the department of psychiatry who co-authored a clinical review of studies on the use of white noise as a sleep aid, as well as Stanford University sleep researcher Rafael Pelayo, MD, author of How to Sleep: The New Science-Based Solutions for Sleeping Through the Night and a medical consultant to Adaptive Sound Technologies Inc. (ASTI), the maker of two of our picks, the LectroFan EVO and the Sound+Sleep. To understand how noises mask each other, we spent hours talking on the phone and emailing with Stéphane Pigeon, PhD, a sound engineer specializing in white noise and the creator of myNoise, our favorite white noise app.
The The White Noise
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We first tested white noise machines in 2016. After considering nine devices, supervising editor Courtney Schley zeroed in on six for further evaluation, including three white noise machines made by Yogasleep (formerly Marpac): the Dohm Classic (then called the Dohm DS), the Rohm, and the Hushh. She also tested the ASTI LectroFan Classic, the HoMedics Deep Sleep II, and the Sleep Easy Sound Conditioner.
As is expected with white noise machines that generate sounds from a single physical fan, the Dohm is more limited in its masking capabilities compared with its digital counterparts. While it masked softer noises like the freeway traffic as well as the LectroFan EVO when behind a closed door, sounds such as barking dogs or talking people required higher volume just to blur the noise, let alone completely mask it.
Despite costing $10 less than the Dohm, the Yogasleep Whish seemed like it would be a logical upgrade. It offers a wide range of sounds, including six fans, two white noise options, and eight nature noises. Each is clearly marked and easy to access with the press of a button. However, the response is delayed and the buttons are crowded, making it a challenge to find what you need in the dark. The noises also sound harsh and synthetic, particularly compared with the Dohm.
White Noise is created by a continuum of frequencies equally distributed over the whole hearing range. In healthcare applications, white noise is used to treat hyperacusis, an increased sensitivity to normal environmental sounds, or to camouflage the annoyance caused by tinnitus, a ringing in the ear occurring without any stimulus. White noise is also used to mask background noises in the office, or to aid in sleep.
Although all frequencies are produced in equal intensity, white noise sounds much brighter than what we would expect from a spectrally flat noise. This is due to the nature of our hearing, which doesn't sense all frequencies equally. Therefore, people often prefer to listen to Pink Noise, a noise that boosts the lower frequency range to compensate for the unnatural brightness of white noise, or Brown Noise, a noise that puts even more emphasis on the lower frequencies. When one exactly compensates for the particular sensitive curve of the human hearing, white noise turns Grey.
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.
Since being featured on Shark Tank in 2016, Hatch, previously known as Hatch Baby, has become one of the most well-reviewed manufacturers of white noise and light machines. The Hatch Restore is their first offering aimed at adults and has a rich array of impressive features that our testing team found to be both practical and effective.
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.
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.
Many white noise machines are suitable for both adults and children, but the Hatch Rest+ is specifically geared toward infants, toddlers, and kids in elementary school. The device comes equipped with nature sounds such as crickets, rain, and birds, as well as three lullaby tracks and white and pink noise options. You can program the machine using a companion app, which is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
The Dekala Arkenstone is an innovative device to improve your sleep in multiple ways. As a white noise machine, the Arkenstone comes with a built-in library of 11 noise programs and five nature sounds. The volume is adjustable with 15 different settings, so you can optimize your listening experience, and a voice-command removes the need for fiddling with knobs or dials in the dark.
The Arkenstone also features a noise-free alarm. A built-in gradient light can be adjusted to millions of colors on the spectrum. With the alarm function, the colors mimic natural sunrise to awaken you with light, rather than loud beeping. You can also use the Arkenstone for guided breathing, as it can be programmed to change color at timed intervals that guide your inhalations and exhalations. To hit the snooze for a few more minutes of sleep, simply flip over the device.
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.
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.
Sound OptionsWhite 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 OptionsThe 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.
ValueThere 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.
TimersSome 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.
Other FeaturesAs 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. 2ff7e9595c
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