The Best White Noise Machines to Help You Sleep
Some people have a lot of trouble falling asleep because of their noises. This might be things like animals, cars, loud music, or noise from other houses. White noise is an effective way for babies and young children to sleep better.
Soothing noise is often found in home appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and vacuum cleaners. People have also started using it to help them sleep better.
However, the white noise machine’s soothing effects work not just for improving sleep. It also helps people work from home or study. A 2014 study showed that white noise improves focus and our ability to remember things. That said, it is a good companion for students preparing for exams.
Before we look at different white noise machines, let’s talk about white noise and how it affects our brains to help us relax.
Quick Picks: The Best White Noise Machines to Help You Sleep
What is White Noise?
White noise is a sort of noise that includes a variety of different sounds. When you hear it, it can minimize background noise to its maximum level. This is best for babies, but adults can also use it to help them fall asleep.
People use white noise for different reasons. Some people use it to cover up other loud sounds. White noise can be found in many appliances in your homes, such as the washing machine, refrigerator, or vacuum cleaner. Some people find it soothing, while others prefer sleeping in a completely silent environment.
White noise can be produced by devices that make a soothing noise. This is done to help people sleep or to relax. This article will review ten different machines that produce white noise. We’ll also go through the advantages of using these equipment.
Features to Look Into When Shopping for White Noise Machine
When purchasing a white noise machine, there are numerous factors to consider. The following are some of the most crucial features.
Who is it for?
There are multiple types of white noise machines that are good for different ages of people. Adults can use them, so it is important to be able to choose the right machine for both adults and infants.
Volume
It is important to find a white noise machine with adjustable volume because some machines have a poor frequency spectrum.
Size
You’ll likely want a more compact design for your white noise machine if you travel. This is also true for offices and other small spaces. Don’t worry, though – most white noise machines don’t take up much space and are typically only 10 inches wide.
Different sound options
If you’re looking for a nice white noise machine, you should go for one that has a variety of noises. It should also allow you to upload your sounds. Most good white noise machines have both natural and ambient sounds.
Timer
The timer is a good feature because it saves battery and energy. It can also avoid waking up in the middle of the night. The timer can be used for infants and toddlers until they fall asleep.
Looping
Many white noise machines let you choose how long the sound lasts. That way, it can be a continuous noise or just a short time.
Headphones
Some white noise machines come with a headphone jack, which is great if you sleep with someone who doesn’t like the sound of the machine.
Alarm
Some better models have a programmable alarm that can wake you up in the morning soothingly way.
Best White Noise Machine Reviews
1. Yogasleep Dohm White Noise Machine
The Dohm Classic has been on the market for a long time. It is a machine that makes calming sounds, like white noise, to help you sleep soundly. We tested the Yogasleep machine and found it to be the market’s best overall white noise machine.
This device offers a customized sound experience. You can choose the speed that is best for you. You can also adjust the tone and volume to make it perfect for you. This device blocks background noise, so it is great for adults, children, infants, and even sound-sensitive dogs.
The Dohm Classic white machine is available in different settings. It comes in white, gray, tan, and black colors. It’s not too big, so it’ll fit in even the smallest of rooms. It’s a natural sleep aid that which can be used for sleeping in the bedroom, baby sleep, job focus and productivity, tinnitus relief, and more.
One of the amzing features of this product is that it doesn’t make any noise. White noise can irritate some people, but this device allows you to adjust the speed of the music you like.
Drawbacks:
This model doesn’t come with a timer that would let you choose how long the white noise plays.
Additionally, many models of alarm clocks don’t have alarms, but that’s not a big deal.
2. Dreamegg White Noise Machine
The Dreaming white noise machine can help you sleep restfully and soundly. It has 24 different sounds, which is great because everyone has different preferences. Both adults and children can use it.
Every night, you can choose a different ambient sound with 24 sounds and seven white noise presets. There are also seven fan sounds, and ten pink noise-like presets.
The night light is another amazing feature of this device. This is perfect for children who are afraid of the dark. The light will help them feel safe and calm. Mothers will appreciate this feature, especially at night when nursing their child or doing other things. The lullaby mode also makes it easier for children to fall asleep.
Another thing we like about Dreamegg is its amazing customer support. If you need help, they will answer you quickly. The only color available in black, but we like the sturdy and modern design.
Lastly, this model has adjustable volume and pace. This means that even people who suffer from tinnitus can use it because they can customize the level of noise they hear when they want to lay to sleep. Unlike our first model, this option also comes with a timer, a perfect feature for babies.
Drawbacks:
Unfortunately, it is available only in one color.
It’s annoying that you have to turn the sound machine off to turn the night light off.
3. Vanzon White Noise Machine
If you want a good night’s sleep but don’t have a lot of money, we found a Vanzon white noise machine. It has some great features for a budget machine. That means you won’t have to spend all your money to get the soothing and relaxing humming that comes with white noise.
This machine has seven white noise presets, eleven fan sounds, and eighteen relaxing pink noise melodies. There is also a mode for adults.
The Venzon white noise machine comes with a headphone jack, so you can listen to it without disturbing other people. It also has a lullaby melody that helps babies and toddlers sleep. If you’re worried about using the machine with babies, don’t be – it comes with a lullaby melody that will help them get to sleep.
The timer on the white noise machine is very convenient. You have the option of playing it for 30, 60, or 90 minutes. It also has a memory mode that resumes playing where you left off, including both the melody and volume.
Drawbacks:
Even though it is a budget model, we hoped it would come with a warranty or a sleep trial. Unfortunately, it doesn’t.
The power button is hard to reach.
4. Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine
The Yogasleep Rohm model is a nice white noise machine if you’re seeking for one. It’s designed for traveling, and it has a convenient handle and a cute design.
The Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine comes with all the features of the Dohm machine. It has three soothing modes: bright white noise, deep white noise, and gentle surf. You can adjust the volume to get the level of white noise best for you. The machine masks background noise like trains, planes, and other vehicles. It can also be used for sleep or productivity. It can even mask a conversation to make it private.
The travel noise machine is just as effective for adults, children, and even dogs scared of fireworks or has recurrent nightmares. It is small enough to be portable, measuring 3.5 inches in diameter and weighing only 3.8 ounces. It also has a USB connector that can be used to charge it. The battery will last for the entire night, making it ideal for traveling.
Drawbacks:
There is no timer.
The travel noise machine didn’t have a headphone jack or Bluetooth.
5. Hatch Rest Baby Night Light White Noise Machine
Babies and toddlers need special care. They must be fed and put to bed at the appropriate times. If you are too tired to do this, the Hatch Rest baby machine can help you monitor your child’s sleep from your Android or iOS phone.
This machine isn’t just for making noise. It also features a mode to assist you in getting out of bed in the morning. It’s easy to use- you just tap it once. Plus, it has multiple functions to make your baby’s night rest more comfortable. This machine comes with a night light that you can use if your baby is scared of the dark. Light intensity and hue can also be adjusted.
You can adjust the sound and volume on the white noise machine. You can also set it to work on a sleep schedule that you create in advance. The machine can start and stop automatically.
This noise machine has a bunch of different sounds and noises. It’s good for getting your baby to sleep during the midnight feeding times. And if you have a restless toddler, this machine comes with a safety lock that will keep the light cool to the touch.
Drawbacks:
An exact timer is not available; it must be set via the app.
The machine doesn’t have a lot of melodies to choose from.
6. Sound Oasis Bluetooth Sound Therapy System
Tinnitus is a problem with hearing that can cause you to hear noises like hissing, buzzing, and beeping inside your head.However, it could be a sign of hearing loss or injury to the eardrums and the middle and inner ear, which can cause it. Our Sound Oasis review looked at whether or not it could aid those suffering from tinnitus.
This is both a music speaker and a white noise machine. It has very good bass, which is great for people with tinnitus who want to listen to many different types of music.
Drawbacks:
A timer or an alarm clock are missing from it.
It’s a pain to get the sound to sound exactly the way you want it.
7. AVANTEK White Noise Sound Machine
Snoring can be a very annoying sound for you and your partner. A white noise machine can be used to mask unwanted noise.
There are two color options for this white noise machine: blue-black and white. It’s small, light, and comes with a variety of white noise settings. Six fan sounds are included, as well as eight natural noises. This machine is suitable for snorers, infants, and even pets.
Drawbacks:
Controls and buttons can be a bit of a challenge.
8. Homedics Recharged Alarm Clock & Sound Machine
Some people choose to have an alarm clock and sound machine in their bedroom. You can choose to take the phone with you or not. The Homedics alarm clock and sound machine have both options.
This product has eight different relaxing sounds that you can use to relax. You can use them to read, study, sleep or just relax. The sounds are calming and relaxing, making it a good choice for children and adults. There are five different sleep modes, each with a different length of time.
Lastly, the mattress has a sensor that helps you determine the ideal sleeping temperature. It also lets you know if the temperature in the room is too high for optimal sleep.
Drawbacks:
Some customer service problems take too long to get fixed. And, there are some problems with the warranty.
9. HOmeLabs White Noise Sound Machine
White noise, according to experts, can help you focus better when you’re studying or working. An cheap white noise machine from Home Labs can help students get the most out of their study sessions. Here are some of the best features.
Drawbacks:
Low battery life
No alarm clock.
10. SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine
Snooz has a fan inside it that creates white noise. This will help you sleep better because all background and outer sounds are blocked. There are ten different volume settings that you can control with the iOS and Android apps. This equipment will come in handy if you do a lot of traveling.
Drawbacks:
No natural sounds can accompany you because there are no speakers.
It’s more expensive.
Who are White Noise Machines For?
- Everyone who has difficulty sleeping because of a sleep condition can benefit from this product.
- To cater to frequent fliers.
- This product is suitable for children of all ages.
- To help people get more done in less time.
Benefits of White Noise Machines
White noise machines can be helpful for you or your infant. Consider a few of the advantages.
It Helps Nourish Your Bedtime Routine
White noise machines can help you sleep at a suitable hour (10 pm to 6 am) and maintain a regular sleep cycle.. If you don’t have a bedtime routine, a white noise machine will help you establish one.
It Makes Your Bedroom Quiet
White noise machines help keep the external noise at its peak level. This means that the sound of traffic, people talking loudly, your roommates, and neighbors will be quieter. Loud noises can disturb your sleep at night, according to a study published in the journal Noise and Health.
It Relaxes the Mind
Some people feel anxious before sleep because of the stressful things that happen during the day. This can make it hard to sleep. Some experts say that using a white noise machine can help you relax and fall asleep easier.
It Helps You Stay Asleep
White noise has been proved to be an excellent sleep aid because of its capacity to produce deep, restorative sleep and to help us feel invigorated when we wake up.
It’s Great for Traveling
People who often travel may find it difficult to relax and sleep because of the noise from trains, buses, or airplanes. When they can’t listen to music, using a white noise app or machine can help them fall asleep. Additionally, changing beds can often disrupt sleep, so it’s important to carry a compact noise machine with you that will help you sleep.
It Enhances Productivity
White noise machines can help you sleep and also help you focus. A study says that white noise at offices can shut down the background sound-enhancing memory and other cognitive abilities and thus our productivity.
It Helps the Elderly Fight Dementia
White noise machines can help reduce anxiety, and they can also help fight the symptoms of dementia. A study from the Journal of Nursing Research looked at 63 patients with dementia.
The 28 study participants listened to white noise for four weeks. The final results showed that the patients who listened to white noise exhibited slightly better symptoms.
Potential Risks Of Using White Noise Machines
Using white noise machines is good, but it is not without risks. The risks may be more dangerous for infants than adults, but we should still check them.
- You might depend too much on the white noise machine.
- Some people don’t like to hear white noise.
- Some development problems, like problems with hearing and speech, can occur in infants. This information comes from a study.
- If your white noise machine is too loud, you can lower the volume or keep it away from your bed. Make sure to be aware of the machine’s specifications to get one that doesn’t exceed the 50 decibel limit for the sound spectrum.
Who Should Use a White Noise Machine?
Those Who Travel Frequently
White noise devices are an excellent way to reduce noise pollution while driving. According to one study, air traffic noise has been linked to higher hypertension and even learning impairments in children.
Going beyond earplugs can be beneficial if you frequently travel by plane or train or stay in noisy hotels. You have a lot of possibilities as well. The majority of noise machines come with a headphone connector that can be plugged in anywhere.
People Who Sleep in Noisy Environments
Anyone who sleeps in a noisy environment can benefit greatly from having a white noise machine. Traffic, construction noises, obnoxious housemates or neighbors, and snoring partners can contribute to a restless night’s sleep. Sleeping in a developing region only increases the risk, and towns frequently fail to take sufficient action with noise restrictions to make a significant difference.
Consider how the New York Times utilized a noise meter to assess noise levels in various buildings throughout the city. Many participants had unsafe decibel levels, leading to hypertension, stress, and heart disease. This issue may be particularly apparent in locations where there has been a lot of urban expansion. You can alleviate this problem and possibly improve your mental and physical health by using white noise devices.
Infants, Toddlers, and Newborns
White noise devices may be useful for parents to use with their children. For starters, this is likely to be a subconscious soother that resembles the ambient sounds in gestation. White noise devices can also help parents with autistic children. Many children with autism have sleep issues, whether they are waking up early in the morning, hyperarousal, sleeping for short periods, or napping excessively during the day.
Research has shown that too much white noise might have harmful effects, so you don’t want to overdo it. Overexposure to white noise, for example, has been linked to a delay in brain development in neonatal rats. Rat pups exposed to this level of white noise developed auditory responses later than their peers who were not exposed to the same level of white noise.
According to another study, too much white noise may make it hard for the brain to figure out where the sound is coming from. This could cause rats to have a wide range of sensory and behavioral problems. When mammalian brains are exposed to white noise early on, they have trouble with spatial awareness and sensitivity because of this, say researchers.
White noise isn’t bad, but too much of it can be bad.
ADHD Sufferers
White noise machines can also help people who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sleep issues affect up to 50% of children with ADHD, including increased daytime sleepiness and sleep-disordered breathing.
Even in adults, ADHD is frequently linked to various sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome, difficulties falling asleep at night, anxiety surrounding bedtime, waking during the night, and even delayed sleep-phase disorder. White noise machines assist persons with ADHD focus on getting a better night’s sleep by removing auditory distractions from the environment.
Tinnitus Sufferers
White noise machines, pleasant music, and other relaxing sounds can also help some people sleep better by distracting them from their Tinnitus. Tinnitus affects 15-20% of the population. It is most commonly caused by an ear injury, a system malfunction, or age-related hearing loss. Tinnitus can be described as a ringing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sound.
To reduce tinnitus symptoms, professional counselors may combine white noise machines with other sound therapy tactics, such as employing wearable and non-wearable sound therapy devices, going through cognitive behavioral therapy, or adopting good sleep hygiene practices.
What Is a White Noise Machine and How Do I Use It?
What Should You Do With Your White Noise Machine?
Many individuals place their white noise machine just alongside their bed for the greatest benefit. Suppose you’re trying to drown out a specific noise source. However, it’s usually preferable to put the machine between you and the noise source.
Place it near your door, for example, if you can hear a rowdy neighbor from another room. Place the white noise machine between your bed and the window if you want to avoid the sound of traffic.
If this isn’t working as well as you’d intended, try new places and observe how you sleep that night. You can find the most effective place to help you sleep soundly at night by experimenting with numerous locations. Ensure the white noise machine isn’t obscured by anything and that the cords aren’t tangled up in places you could trip.
Choosing the Right Sound System
Using trial and error to find the optimum sound setting on a white noise machine is also an option. Most white noise machines run at a decibel level of 40-70. Forty decibels (dB) is the level at which you can hear the sound of birds or a library. An air conditioning unit that is 100 feet distant emits a noise level between 50 and 60 decibels. It sounds like living room music or a vacuum sweeper when your white noise machine reaches 70 decibels.
It’s vital to remember that white noise machines for newborns and children should be set at a lower volume — around 40-50 dB — to protect their developing hearing. Adults can begin at that level and work their way up as needed. Ensure the noise machine is at least three feet away from your head, both for the best benefits and to avoid the noise machine hurting your hearing.
Considerations for Buyers of White Noise Machines
Here are a few things to consider while looking for a new white noise machine and comparing different manufacturers and models:
- Will the machine be mostly used by adults or children?
- Will the machine be utilized just in the owner’s house, or will it also be used as a vacation companion?
- What is the size of the machine, and will it fit in the location where the owner intends to put it?
- Is the machine too big for the owner’s present luggage or travel bags?
- What is the total number of volume settings on the machine?
- Is the machine solely capable of producing white noise, or does it also produce other sounds (such as natural, mechanical, and/or ambient)? If the latter, how many noises are there in total?
- It’s possible that the machine doesn’t let you know that there are sound loops because it doesn’t let you see them.
- Is there a programmable timer on the machine that controls when the noise stops?
- Is there an alarm clock integrated into the machine?
- Is there a headphone jack on the machine?
- Do batteries, electricity, or USB power the machine?
- What is the price of the machine?
- Is there a warranty that comes with the machine?
White Noise Machines and How They Function
White noise has come to imply any form of continuous, inconspicuous background noise for most people. White noise, on the other hand, is a distinct “color” in a rainbow of fuzzy-sounding noises for audio engineers:
White Noise
White noise has the same intensity across the whole range of audible frequencies. It sounds like the hiss you hear on the radio when you can’t get a signal. Its graph resembles a straight, horizontal line (with intensity as the Y-axis and frequency as the X-axis, both presented linearly).
Pink Noise
Pink noise has a higher strength in the lower frequency region than white noise. Thus it sounds darker and more like rain. Its sound graph has a decreasing slope to it.
Brown Noise
Brown noise has a higher strength in the lower frequency range, making it sound even deeper, like the distant rumble of a waterfall. Its graph has a more pronounced downward slope than pink noise.
Blue Noise
Blue noise is a highly bright noise that is the polar opposite of brown noise, with a higher pitch and more intensity in the upper-frequency band than white noise. It appears to be on an uphill incline.
As a result, the phrase “white noise machine” is misleading, as these devices frequently provide a variety of noises. For example, our top option, the LectroFan EVO, produces pink and brown noises in addition to white noise. In contrast, our second-best pick, the Dohm, produces a variety of fan sounds that, depending on the setting, can sound like brown noise.
If you raise the volume loud enough, the white, pink, and brown noises found in sound generators may cover bothersome sounds to differing degrees. However, sound engineer Stéphane Pigeon said that using color with more intensity in frequencies that match the noise you’re trying to block is better to mask the noise. There are many low frequencies in brown noise, making it easy to cover up the rumbling of garbage trucks even at low volumes. This is because brown noise has a downward-sloping sound graph and a lot of low frequencies. On the other hand, white noise has a straight, horizontal sound graph. It won’t obscure the garbage truck’s high-intensity low frequencies unless the level increases. That’s inefficient and disrespectful to your ears. The constant, higher-frequency sound of white or blue noise, on the other hand, may provide comfort if you have tinnitus that sounds like ringing in your ears.
Real-world sounds like rain, river and ocean waves are available on some white noise devices. These noises may help you sleep or concentrate if you find them relaxing. They might be able to hide irritating noises if they’re similar enough. For example, while on a beach vacation, ASTI’s creator realized that the sound of the water reminded him of the freeway noises outside his house (but more relaxing). He was a master’s degree in engineering musician who recorded and analyzed the noises before coming home and discovered that the ocean’s pounding waves fully obscured the cars’ whoosh.
On the other hand, Rainfall can hide people’s conversation in the next room because both have a bell-shaped sound graph, says Pigeon. The gurgle of a babbling brook, on the other hand, can “fix” a leaky faucet acoustically. Of course, you must find these “natural noise” solutions calming for this to work, whether for sleeping or focusing; otherwise, you’re simply substituting one annoying sound for another.
Conclusion
If you are sensitive to low pitch and high pitch sounds, a white noise machine can help you sleep better. We looked at a few machines and found the best ones have certain features that make them durable and long-lasting.
Some models have some features, but they don’t have all the other models’ features. Usually, it is a trade-off between different features. If they had all the features, they would be more expensive.
Overall, white noise machines are a good investment if you can’t sleep because of insomnia. However, they are not a permanent solution. Suppose you still have trouble sleeping after using a white noise machine. In that case, your doctor might prescribe supplements like magnesium and melatonin or sleep medication.
Read more: 3 Major Benefits of White Noise
Frequently Asked Questions about Best White Noise Machines
This advice seems logical, but it can be dangerous. Too much white noise at a high volume can harm babies’ ears. It is important to keep the volume of white noise at a safe level for both babies and adults.
The use of white noise machines may improve your sleep quality. These machines make noise to cover up environmental or outside noises causing disturbed sleep. They can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. They may even help train your brain to know when to sleep.
Using white noise can help you sleep or calm down. Use it for a short period of time. Hearing white noise helps children understand the different sounds around them.
For some people, noise-masking devices, white noise, or even pink noise can help them get a good night’s sleep. This is great because it means that people can get the most out of their sleep.
A new study found that white noise doesn’t help people with tinnitus in the long term. The study also showed that using white noise can damage the auditory system to make tinnitus worse and prevent it from getting better.
An electronic device may be recommended by your doctor to reduce the noise. Among the devices available are white noise generators. Tinnitus sufferers may benefit from these devices since they mimic natural noises like rain or waves on the beach.
White noise can help to mask annoying sounds. This includes noises from fans, white noise machines, air filters, and air conditioners. It might not work for the very loudest of neighbors, but it can help to ease intruding noises.
Because of this, there is no single answer as to when white noise should be stopped for babies. A reasonable starting age is between the ages of 12 and 18 months, when infants are increasingly aware of their environment. It’s a good moment to begin the process of removing them from the device.What Is Pink Noise vs. White Noise?
White noise is a type of noise made up of many different sound frequencies. This can create a static-like sound. It is commonly used as a sleep aid or as a concentration aid. Pink noise is a type of noise that has one consistent frequency. This can create a more even, flat sound. It is often used to help people relax or sleep.
Pink noise is a type of sound with lower frequencies that are louder and higher frequencies that are more diminished. This creates a soothing sound. A study found a link between pink noise and deep sleep.
The pink tones can help you relax and focus. This is because they calm you down and still mask a lot of noise. Brown noise is at the lowest frequencies and often sounds like a soft, deep rumbling.
Some people find that listening to white noise before bed helps them sleep better. The steady noise can help reduce anxiety and make it easier for people to relax.
If the noise levels are too high, they can be dangerous to your hearing. This is especially true if you haven’t been exposed to those levels before. You can seriously damage your ears this way.
