Many people struggle with getting a decent night of sleep. While many people struggle to get quality rest due to chronic pain or sleep apnea, millions of people worldwide struggle with falling asleep period.
Often, the difficulty of getting to sleep lies in distractions, whether internal or external.
Soothing sounds, like white noise, can aid in people getting to sleep. So if you want to improve sleep quality and reduce the time spent awake, you need the best white noise sound machine.
How Do White Noise Machines Work?
While many people label background noises, like the whirring of a fan or a heater, to be white noise, they’re not genuinely white noise.
Instead, white noise is a specific sound that has unique characteristics. The key to white noise is in the amplitude and frequency of sounds.
Humans have specific hearing ranges that cover an array of frequencies and even decibel levels. The frequency of a sound corresponds with the speed at which sound waves vibrate.
The amplitude measures the size of the waves. So while the in-depth physics of waves is not vital, it’s essential to understand the terms to see how white noise helps.
When every frequency that the human ear can hear is played at the same amplitude at random intervals, you hear white noise. This consistent level of sound, thanks to the same amplitude of the sound, is what makes white noise the perfect background noise.
That’s exactly what the machines do. They play each frequency randomly, at the same amplitude which you can control.
Why Use a White Noise Machine?
Background noise is always relaxing and soothing, no matter what you’re doing. Music and ambient sounds are played in doctors’ offices, workplaces, cafes, and restaurants for a relaxing atmosphere.
Similarly, many people like to have fans on in their bedrooms for the steady sound.
When it comes to sleeping, the best white noise machine will block out an extraneous sound, allowing you to fall asleep quickly. In addition, unlike listening to a fan or calming music, white noise provides a scientifically consistent sound level, making it easier to dose off into slumber.
Many people utilize white noise machines to fall asleep on any given night. However, others may find white noise machines the most useful when their neighbors or housemates are loud at night and want to sleep.
Regardless of when they’re used, white noise sound machines are valuable tools for any home.
Alternative Uses of White Noise Machines
Beyond your sleep, you can find a white noise machine for office work or even a white noise machine for a baby to rest. Each person can find several creative uses for their sound machine.
Whether you need to concentrate when you’re working, or you want your baby free of distractions during nap time, white noise machines will work!
What to Look for in a White Noise Machine?
Just like any product, there are vital features that you should pay attention to when shopping for a white noise sound machine. The following factors should be your base criteria.
Night Light
Many white noise machines come with night light capability. If you’re someone who has children, having a white noise machine that can double as a night light is a great option. As you peruse options, be sure to check if the white noise machines have the option to turn off the night light.
Sleep Timer
Many people like to set a timer before lying down for the night when using a white noise machine. However, if you don’t want your white noise machine running all night long, it’s important to find one with a built-in timer.
Size
How big of a machine do you want? You likely don’t want something big and bulky sitting on your nightstand. So, as you shop around, compare the various sizes of sound machines that you see. You’re sure to find a wide range in sizing, so it’s important to have an idea of what size you’re okay with.
Price
As always, be aware of the price of the sound machines. You may find a few models with similar sizes, specifications, and features, while they differ significantly in price.
The Top 10 White Noise Sound Machines with Reviews
1. Homedics White Noise Sound Machine
This popular device is hands-down the best white noise sound machine on the list. The device is 6.81” x 5.81”, making it the ideal size to sit on a nightstand. The machine plays white noise plus five additional—thunder, rain, summer night, brook, and ocean.
Thus, if you want to have a relaxing sound before turning on the white noise to sleep, you have all you need in the Homedics White Noise Machine.
This sound machine has adjustable sound levels and can be powered through an outlet or with batteries. It also has the auto-off timer that many customers desire.
You can set the timer for 15, 30, or 60-minute periods. The one downside is there is no alarm. Nevertheless, for $16.99, the Homedics White Noise Sound Machine is an incredible deal.
2. Marpac Dohm Classic
For decades, the Dohm Classic has been a leading white noise machine. This device is 5.75” x 5.75” x 3.25 “. It weighs roughly 1.5 pounds. This Marpac Dohm Classic white noise machine produces its beloved sound through a fan on the inside. However, the resultant sound is consistent, and the fan has no air disturbances.
Users can switch between two-speed options to find the right volume level and tone. The design is attractive and straightforward. It features an on/off switch that has the two modes marked. While it has no additional features, this has been a leader thanks to its quality, sound and reliability.
All you need to do is plug in the 6-foot cable and turn on the device! Users have also found this to be the best white noise machine for tinnitus.
While a great device, the Marpac Dohm Classic costs $44.95, making it one of the more expensive models on the list.
3. Magicteam White Noise Sound Machine
This versatile white noise machine is another leader in the industry. However, its popularity comes from the features it provides. First, the device is 6.3” x 4” x 2.4” and weighs only 0.37 pounds, making it an ideal size to use at home and taking it on the go.
The Magicteam White Noise Sound Machine offers 20 different non-looping sounds. You can play white noise, pink noise, fan sounds, and so much more. This machine is perfect for adults and babies as there’re sounds suitable for everyone.
Plus, the sound machine offers 32 volume levels and a timer that you can set at 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 hours. At $19.99, the Magicteam White Noise Sound Machine is an excellent option for all.
4. Letsfit White Noise Machine
This versatile sound machine is an excellent product for any use. The Letsfit White Noise Machine has an attractive design and quality feel.
Plus, it offers plenty of features and options for adults and babies. It even features a nightlight that you can turn on and off.
The Letsfit White Noise Machine offers three lullabies for babies, 3 fand sounds, three white noise settings, and five different relaxing nature sounds.
The white noise machine can be programmed to run for 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. It also has memory features where the machine remembers the last sound and volume settings.
Users can find the Letsfit White Noise Sound Machine for $19.99.
5. Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Machine
This ultraportable white noise machine provides the versatility necessary to meet the demands of those who are on the go often. The Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Machine is only 3.5” in diameter, and it only weighs 3.8 ounces. In addition, it has a sleek and attractive design sure to impress all users.
This device is perfect for adults or babies. It features a hook and lanyard so that you can hang the device over a doorknob or other handle.
The white noise machine provides three different sounds with volume control available. Another fantastic benefit is the fact that you can recharge this device via USB.
The Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Machine starts at $29.78.
6. Marpac Hushh Portable White Noise Machine
Another Marpac product, this portable white noise machine, is similar to the Yogasleep product above. However, this Marpac Hushh White Noise Machine is small, portable, and lightweight. It also features a hook and a plastic clip to secure it wherever possible.
Perusing the Marpac Hush Portable White Noise Machine reviews, past customers attest to the quality sound working wonders on babies. However, this sound machine is perfect for anyone who wants to take advantage of the three relaxing white noise sounds.
There are bright, deep, and gentle options to listen to. Plus, there’s a nightlight that you can use for babies’ rooms.
The Marpac Hushh Portable White Noise Machine costs $28.55.
7. Douni Sleep White Noise Machine
This uniquely designed white noise sound machine is an attractive feature for any nightstand. However, it’s more than just attractive.
Apart from the wooden design, the Douni Sleep White Noise Machine has 24 different sounds users can switch between. In addition, there are seven fan sounds, seven white noise options, and ten nature-based sounds.
The device has a 30, 60, and 90-minute sleep timer option. In addition, it has the memory capacity to keep the sound, timer, and volume level programmed for subsequent use.
What’s more, it even provides an AUX input for users who want to use headphones with the white noise machine.
For $25.56, the Douni Sleep White Noise Machine is an excellent option for anyone who wants a striking, functional addition to their nightstand.
8. REACHER R2 White Noise Machine
The Reacher R2 White Noise Machine is another uniquely designed sound machine offering impressive features. The sound device is 3.35” by 4.6”, making it a striking feature for your bedside table. There are 31 different sounds to choose from.
Seven sounds are white noise variations, 7 are fan variations, and 17 are nature sounds. All of which can be programmed to turn off after 1, 2, or 3 hours of playtime.
The device also gives off a light that you can program on a dimness/brightness scale of 0 to 100. The brightest level is enough to be used as a desk lamp. Users can also select one of 8 colors for a night light or choose a color-changing mode.
The Reacher R2 White Noise Machine will cost users $22.09.
9. AIRSEE White Noise Sound Machine
This compact white noise machine is an excellent option for anyone who wants an aesthetically pleasing sound machine. It is an attractive white color that stands on a unique wooden stand. In addition, the device is only 4.5” x 2.7”, making it an ideal size.
The AIRSEE White Noise Sound Machine also provides a nightlight with two modes.
The sound machine has 31 different sound options to find the perfect white noise level for their sleep. It also features three timing options of 30, 60, and 120 minutes.
A USB port charges the AIRSEE White Noise Sound Machine and provides an AUX earphone port.
Users can find the AIRSEE White Noise Sound Machine for $21.85.
10. Dreamegg White Noise Machine
Although last on the list, the Dreamegg White Noise Machine is still an excellent option. This all-black white noise machine is small, portable, yet full of features. The sound machine can be powered by batteries or via a wall outlet.
The Dreamegg White Noise Machine offers 29 different sounds with seven white noise options. It also utilizes memory features, so it automatically plays the same sound at the same volume as the last use when it’s turned on.
The white noise machine also provides a headphone jack for those who want to use headphones.
The Dreamegg White Noise Machine can be purchased for $39.99.