Best White Noise Machine
Whether you have trouble falling asleep, helping your baby fall asleep, or simply have a problem focusing on work due to background chatter, a white noise machine will be a perfect choice for your needs. The way white noise machines work is simple yet brilliant: they produce a range of different sounds, which have the same intensity through the audible range, and this creates the effect of drowning out unwanted noise: from traffic sounds, a snoring partner, to loud background conversations, a white noise machine will mask those distracting and disruptive noises with calming sounds which can help a person sleep or maintain better focus.
Naturally, there are many different types of white noise machines out there so you’ll have to look for a tailored pick. Portable white noise machines for travel, white noise machines for babies, noise-canceling devices for office privacy… There are plenty to choose from – but more often than not, having all those choices can become quite overwhelming.
To help you make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck and a white noise machine that’s tailored to suit your unique needs, whether you’re a new parent hoping to get a good night’s rest or someone that works in a loud office setting, we’ve handpicked the best white noise machines on the market today. Scroll on to find your perfect match!
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Dreamegg White Noise Machine
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| #2 |  LectroFan Evo White Noise Sound Machine
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| #3 |  Letsfit White Noise Machine
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| #4 |  Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine
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| #5 |  Magicteam Sound Machines White Noise Machine
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| #6 |  Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Machine for Travel
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What Is White Noise?
The term white noise refers to a sound signal that has a flat spectral density, or in other words, the same intensity throughout the audible frequency range. This allows white noise to cancel out louder background noises, often replacing them with soothing and calming sounds. The most common types of white noise used in white noise machines are sounds of nature (such as the chirping of the birds, waves, rain, or wind sounds), ambient noises (crackling fire, low traffic hum, cafe sounds), and machinery sounds (working air fan, washing machine, etc).
White noise machines function on this principle: these devices are designed to broadcast ambient, natural, or machinery sounds that muffle unwanted noise and work to help you fall asleep or work uninterrupted by different sounds in the background. The design and the functions of a white noise machine will vary, though, with features such as continuous loop sounds, timers, alarms, and adjustable volume.
Who Needs a White Noise Machine?
While a white noise machine can certainly be a handy thing to have, it’s not an essential gadget for your home- at least not for most people. However, whether you’re a new parent, someone that has trouble falling asleep, or lives in a home where a moment of silence is a hot commodity, this nifty little device can be a literal lifesaver.
- People with poor sleep quality
If you toss and turn for hours before actually managing to fall asleep, the gentle sound of white noise can help lull you to sleep much faster and more efficiently. The ambient sounds will mask the disruptive noise that could be what’s disturbing your sleep and make sure that you are not awakened during the beginning phases of the sleep even if you are a light sleeper to start with.
- Babies and children
Many parents swear by the sounds of a fan or a working washing machine when it comes to getting their babies to sleep. The effects of white noise on babies and toddlers are proven: a study showed that over 80 percent of babies were able to fall asleep after just five minutes of listening to white noise. However, newer findings indicate that this exposure to white noise should be moderate- constant overexposure could be blamed for certain cognitive difficulties, so if you are using a white noise machine to get your baby to sleep, make sure you’re not overdoing it.
- People who travel often
If you are often on the road, you know how difficult it can be to adjust to sleeping in a new space. Sounds of traffic, thin walls in hotel rooms, and the noise that’s common for all modes of transportation be it a bus or a plane can all make it impossible for you to get some shut-eye. A white noise machine, however, can help you muffle out all those disruptive sounds: some of them work with earphones, too, so you can use them on the go as well.
- People who work from home or in open offices
Working from the comfort of your home might sound like a dream, but there are some downsides to this arrangement, especially when it comes to noise levels. There are two possible scenarios, both completely different and both requiring some help of white noise. In the first case, your workflow is constantly disrupted by the random sounds of your household and in the other, the usual hum of the workspace is missing and the complete silence is damaging your productivity. A white noise machine will work in both instances: the soothing ambient noise it produces will help mask the unwanted noise and fill the auditive void in your home office, too.
The same goes for people that find it difficult to concentrate in loud, open offices where the chatter and the hubbub constantly interrupt their focus. In this case, though, some tinkering is necessary, all depending on your setup and space you work in.
- People with tinnitus
Tinnitus can seriously impact your sleep cycle (among many other things) and having a white noise machine can help you get past the ringing or buzzing sound in your ears. The continuous soothing sound emitted by the device will divert your attention from the tinnitus noise and even help muffle it to a degree- so many experts propose using a white noise machine in combination with your existing tinnitus therapy.
- Children with ADHD and autism
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism both often cause people to be overly sensitive to auditory stimulations, and that directly influences their sleep quality. Every little sound could prevent a person with ADHD or autism from falling asleep or awaken them if they do manage to drift off. This is why a white noise machine is particularly beneficial to have if your kid has any of these two disorders- and not just for when it’s time to go to sleep, but also during the day when there’s a risk of sensory overload.
Best White Noise Machines
After learning about all the benefits of white noise machines and the ways these gadgets can come in handy, it’s time to see which designs are up to standards and can suit your needs. We’ve tried and tested some of the most popular white noise machines on the market to see which deliver on their promise, and these are the best we’ve come across.
1. Editor’s Choice: Dreamegg White Noise Machine
Specs:
- Dimensions: 4.1 x 4.1 x 2.5 inches
Suited for kids and adults alike, this compact and easy-to-use white noise machine packed full of useful features. The range of sounds this device produces is not limited to white noise alone: there are 24 soothing sounds to choose from, including white noise, pink noise, and brown noise. There are 7 white noise sounds available, 7 authentic fan sounds, and 10 various nature sounds. This white noise machine also has 32 volume levels available and can emit up to 95dB, so it can work anywhere you want it to- from nurseries to hotel rooms.
Additionally, this practical gadget boasts a soothing amber LED night light and an adjustable timer that can be set for 30, 60, or 90 minutes- alternatively, you can let the device run continuously if you prefer.
Pros
- 24 sounds to choose from
- White, pink, and brown noise
- Adjustable volume
- Auto-shutoff and timer
- Soothing night light
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Sound quality could be better
Who Should Buy This Product?
Versatile, easy to use, and boasting a ton of practical features, this compact white noise machine will suit most sleepers- adults and kids alike. Whether it’s its 24 sounds to choose from, a soothing light, or an adjustable timer, this design will exceed your expectations.
2. Runner Up: LectroFan Evo White Noise Sound Machine
Specs:
- Dimensions:4.7 x 4.7 x 3.3 inches
Simple yet efficient, this white noise machine will help you fall asleep with one of its 22 calming sounds: there are 10 fan sounds, 10 white, pink, and brown noise variations, and 2 types of ocean sounds (calm/surf). A great choice if you want the design to be as straightforward as it gets- whether you prefer a minimalistic design or need a simple interface for ease of use- and a reliable white noise machine you can use at home or the office.
The adjustable timer is also pretty easy to set: one click of the button means that the device will shut off in an hour, so you just click away until you hit the sweet spot- or just let it run continuously if need be. The volume is also fully adjustable and the machine features a 3.5mm connector for headphones or an external speaker when the situation calls for it.
Pros
- 22 sounds available
- Adjustable timer (1-hour increments)
- Precise volume control
- 3.5mm connector
- Straightforward design
- 2 colors to choose from
Cons
- Fan noises can feel somewhat repetitive
Who Should Buy This Product?
For a device that can be used at home or the office with the same success, this compact white noise machine with a 3.5mm jack for headphones or external speaker will certainly help drown out all those disruptive noises- while allowing you to enjoy one of its 22 soothing sounds/
3. Customer’s Choice: Letsfit White Noise Machine
Specs:
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 4.8 x 3.94 inches
Boasting a modern look and all the essential functionalities, this white noise machine offers no bells and whistles- but it has perfected the basic functions every white noise machine should have. The audio options include 14 sounds- 3 white noise presets, 3 lullabies, 3 fan sound effects, and 5 relaxing natural sounds- which are suited both for babies and adults. The built-in timer is highly customizable and can be set at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min intervals so you’re covered whether it’s a short nap or good night’s sleep you need.
Another nifty feature is the dim night light which can be adjusted to give off just enough brightness to give you visibility when the lights are off without being disruptive for your sleep- an excellent feature for nurseries in particular.
Pros
- 14 white noise sounds
- Easy to use
- Suited for kids and adults both
- Highly customizable timer
- Night light
- Small size
Cons
- Controls are complicated
Who Should Buy This Product?
Adjustable enough to be used in nurseries, bedrooms, and offices, this simple and small white noise machine is all about functionality: not only it produces classic white noises, but it also plays lullabies and features a handy night light.
4. Best for Babies: Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine
Specs:
- Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 6.25 inches
Getting a fussy baby to sleep isn’t always an easy task (or ever, really), but the soothing sounds of machinery, nature, or ambient can help your little angel drift off in minutes. This particular white noise machine is ideally suited for babies and kids as it can be controlled remotely via an app- no need to enter the room and risk waking up your little one when you want to adjust anything. It also has a timer so you can set it and forget it- opt for a continuous loop or set the device to turn off when you want it to.
The light- whose brightness and color can be fully adjusted- is also a great feature for all new parents, as it will be quite helpful for those night feedings and diaper changes. Bright enough to give you visibility, but not too bright as to disrupt your baby’s sleep!
Pros
- Remotely controlled via an app
- Fully customizable night light
- Can be set to automatically turn on or turn off
- Adjustable volume level
- Timer
- Can be used to set bedtime routines for kids of all ages
Cons
- The app can be inconsistent
Who Should Buy This Product?
A fantastic addition to any nursery, this night light, and white noise machine will keep your baby soothed and give you much-needed visibility during night feeds and diaper changes.
5. Best for the Office: Magicteam Sound Machines White Noise Machine
Specs:
- Dimensions: s 2.64 x 2.64 x 2.83 inches
The bustle of the office might not be what your productivity needs- or you might have trouble adjusting to working from home all due to disruptive household sounds. Either way, this white noise machine will help you muffle out the distractions and get on with your work. Compact and inconspicuous, it won’t stick out like a sore thumb on your desk, and its ability to produce 20 non-looping sounds is certain to help you focus on the task at hand. The many sounds include bonfire, rain, ocean, and fan- so you can set the white noise to your exact liking.
In addition to a variety of white, brown, pink, and blue noise sounds, this compact device also boasts a programmable timer and precise volume control with 32 presets so you don’t have to worry about it being too loud- or not loud enough- for the office setting.
Pros
- Compact and easy to use
- 32 volume presets
- 20 non-looping sounds
- Fits any work desk
- Programmable timer
- Helps focus and concentration
Cons
- Sound quality could be better
Who Should Buy This Product?
Productivity and sound are more connected than you think: this practical white noise machine in your workspace could help you focus on the task at hand and muffle out the sounds of the office chatter or household noise.
6. Best for Travel: Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Machine for Travel
Specs:
- Dimensions: Diameter of 3.5 inches
A great way to ruin your trip- whether it’s for business or pleasure- is not to sleep a wink. And sometimes, falling asleep when you’re not in your bed can be a challenge, especially if the walls are thin and the traffic or the next room neighbors are loud. Luckily, portable white noise machines such as this one are ideal for these situations: compact, lightweight, and easy to fit in any size luggage, this white noise machine will keep you well-rested on your vacation or business trip.
Measuring just 3.5 inches in diameter and with a handy hanging lanyard to boot, this white noise machine can be placed anywhere you need it to. It offers 3 soothing sounds: a bright white noise, deep white noise, or gentle surf. The volume is adjustable so you can adapt to every situation on the road with ease.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Packs easily
- Hanging lanyard
- 3 soothing sounds
- USB rechargeable- operates whole night on a single charge
- Adjustable volume
Cons
- No timer
Who Should Buy This Product?
For those that travel often or have problems falling asleep when they are not in their bed, this portable travel white noise machine will be a solution to all their sleep troubles on the road.
Bottom Line
With many proven benefits of white noise for sleep quality and improved concentration, it’s no wonder that white noise machines are becoming increasingly popular. These nifty and compact devices can be easily fitted in any room and can help a wide variety of people with their sleep habits and focus: the soothing sounds this gadget produces will mask the disruptive sounds and have a calming effect on you. Ideal for babies and infants, people with insomnia and sleep issues, children with autism or ADHD, as well as people working in offices that are too noisy, a white noise machine is the easiest way to reap all the benefits of sound therapy at home.
We’ve rounded up the best white noise machines to suit everyone’s needs and budget – so you don’t have to waste hours, even days, sifting through dozens of models on the market to find the best one. Our choices are tailored to specific preferences, e.g best for babies or best for travel, so you’ll easily find a perfect match,