In desperate need of the best white noise machines? I’ve been there and have spent several hours of my life weighing my options between machines before making a wish upon a dream.
There are so many different sleepers. Some who need absolute silence to get their shuteye, those who like to read a book before hitting the hay, and then those who like to transport their atmosphere with the sound of rain falling, ocean waves crashing, or fire crackling.
I personally prefer absolute silence, but I live in Manhattan, and that’s never going to happen. When I’m not booking stays in the country to run away from the horns, I’m testing sound machines so I can sleep at night.
They’re ideal for masking your partner’s snoring, the voices from the apartment next door, or even helping your toddler nap in the middle of the day — among other sticky situations.
While not everyone benefits from white noise machines, they can help anyone struggling to sleep through distracting sounds. Personally, I love the Ozlo Sleepbuds since I share a bed with someone who doesn’t want a sound machine.
You, on the other hand, might prefer the gentle glow of a Hatch sunrise alarm that also blocks out background noise, or maybe you’re just tired of shushing guests with, “Don’t wake the baby!”
Whatever your need is, I’m positive there is a noise machine below that will suit your sleep lifestyle.
Looking for other products to help better your sleep experience? Check out our articles on the best places to buy mattresses, sheets, duvets, pillows, sleep eye masks, bed frames and more.
Pros:
- Natural, non-looping white noise from a real fan improves sleep onset and duration
- Blocks distractions effectively – 10 adjustable volume levels mask noise from neighbors, traffic, snoring, or pets
Cons:
- Requires a power outlet – Corded electric design limits placement flexibility
The SNOOZ White Noise Machine is an essential tool for anyone struggling with sleep disturbances, noisy environments, or irregular sleep routines. Its natural fan-generated white noise not only helps you fall asleep faster but also keeps you asleep longer by masking disruptive sounds from neighbors, pets, or city life.
It has the ability to schedule it via the app, creating a consistent bedtime cue that trains your brain to wind down automatically. Compact, family-friendly, and travel-ready, SNOOZ brings a soothing sound environment wherever you are, making restful, uninterrupted sleep achievable for adults, children, and even pets alike. With simple controls and durable construction, it’s a practical, science-backed solution for better sleep every night.
New York Post Review: “I first used the SNOOZ Smart White Noise Machine when I stayed the night at a friend’s house, but I slept so well that night, I went home and immediately bought one for myself. I typically need noise to sleep, but I also prefer a fan over any kind of digital white noise.
“That’s what makes the SNOOZ so great; it has a real fan inside, so I get the sound of the fan without having to actually turn my fan on if I’m already cold. It’s also app-controlled with schedules, so I don’t even have to think ahead about remembering to turn it on before getting in bed. I can turn it on and adjust the volume from my phone in bed.” – Angela Tricarico, commerce streaming reporter
Speacil Features: Natural, Non-Looping White Noise | App-Controlled Scheduling | 10 Volume Settings | Simple Touchpad Controls |
Pros:
- Helps children build a healthy sleep routine with adjustable light and music signals
- Offers 34 soothing sounds, including nature sounds, ambient sounds, white noise, and melodies to help babies fall asleep faster
- Overall, a great white noise machine for sleep
Cons:
- Must be connected to a power outlet – not battery-operated
This machine is a useful tool designed to support healthy sleep habits in children, while providing parents with peace of mind. With 34 soothing sounds and a customizable night light, it creates a calming bedtime environment that helps babies and toddlers fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for longer periods.
Its easy-to-use controls and app integration make it simple to set routines, combine favorite lights and sounds, and personalize the sleep experience for your child. Compact, family-friendly, and thoughtfully designed, this alarm clock is perfect for nurseries, bedrooms, or travel, ensuring restful nights for the whole family and helping establish lifelong healthy sleep habits.
Special Features: Adjustable Light & Music Signals | 34 Soothing Sounds | 3 Night Light Modes (Solid, Sunlight, Dynamic) | 8 Customizable Favorites | Easy One-Button Control | App Integration for Scheduling
Best portable white noise machine: Ozlo Sleepbuds
Pros:
- Best white noise machine for adults who travel
- Blocks disruptive noises like snoring partners, city sounds, or loud neighbors
- Provides up to 10 hours of noise-blocking per charge for all-night sleep
Cons:
- Earbud fit may not be comfortable for all users
Sleepbuds are designed to provide a clinically proven, non-pharmaceutical solution for better sleep. They are designed for someone who has roommates or partners in the same room, so that a standard white noise machine will not block them out. By masking disruptive noises like snoring, traffic, or neighbors, they help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, without the side effects of medication.
New York Post Review: “I absolutely love using these Sleepbuds as a white noise machine because they block out my husband’s incredibly loud snoring safely and effectively, allowing me to finally get a full night of uninterrupted rest. Once paired with the app, I enjoyed choosing a programmed background sound to play when my playlist ended and my sleep cycle began.
“As a fan of white noise, I selected ‘Soar,’ the sound of moving air while riding a plane, which instantly created a calming, immersive environment. My audiobook started, and I was able to drift off to sleep peacefully, completely undisturbed by outside noises. They’ve truly transformed my bedtime routine into a relaxing, restorative experience. Read my full review here. ” – Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce reporter
Special Features: Up to 10-Hour Battery Life | Smart Case for Portable Charging | Clinically Proven Sleep Technology | Noise Masking for Snoring & City Sounds
Pros:
- Helps establish a relaxing bedtime routine to wind down without screens
- Offers 80+ science-backed sleep sounds and a dimmable clock to reduce distractions
- Best white noise machine for the office and a white noise machine for studying
Cons:
- Won’t function fully without a stable internet connection, and doesn’t support 5GHz
After the brand’s debut on “Shark Tank” in 2016 (previously known as Hatch Baby), it has become one of the most well-known of white noise and sunrise light machines. The Restore 3 is a sleep-enhancing device designed to help you build healthy bedtime habits and improve overall sleep quality.
With its calming, screen-free design and customizable light and audio pairings, including guided meditations and over 80 science-backed sleep sounds, it creates an optimal sleep environment that quiets the mind and helps you fall asleep faster. The dimmable clock ensures your room stays dark, while the sunrise alarm clock gently wakes you in tune with your natural circadian rhythm, replacing jarring alarms. It’s also a great option at the office or while studying to help switch up the mood and focus your work.
If you like this noise machine, you may enjoy our edit on sunrise alarm clocks to start the day off naturally.
Special Features: Customizable Sleep Routines | 80+ Science-Backed Sleep Sounds | Dimmable Clock Display | Sunrise Alarm Clock | Large One-Button Control | Bedside Night Light Button
Pros:
- Compact and portable – lightweight design fits easily into a purse, bag, or suitcase
- Helps babies and adults alike fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, making it an ideal sleep aid
Cons:
- Battery-powered, so requires periodic replacement or charging
The HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine is a simple yet effective tool for creating a peaceful sleep environment for adults and is best for babies. There are 6 soothing, digitally recorded sounds that mimic nature, helping to mask disruptive noises and promote uninterrupted sleep.
This size is ideal for packing or keeping near the crib, as it doesn’t take up much space. The auto-off timer and adjustable volume provide convenience and customization for any sleep routine. If you’re looking to improve your own rest or help your baby fall asleep faster, this sound machine is a practical, reliable, and easy-to-use solution.
Special Features: 6 Digitally Recorded Relaxing Sounds | Compact & Portable | Baby Sleep Aid | Auto-Off Timer (15/30/60 min) | Adjustable Volume Controls |
Pros:
- Offers 20 non-looping soothing sounds, including white noise, brown noise, pink noise, etc.
- Can be powered by AC or USB and meets FCC, CE, and RoHS safety standards
- Best white noise machine for dogs
Cons:
- Small size may limit sound projection in very large rooms
The Magicteam Sound Machine comes equipped with 20 sleep sounds, including white noise, brown noise, pink noise, blue noise, fan, rain, ocean, bird, bonfire, and more. With 32 levels of volume and the option to time out exactly how long you need the noise to run. Plus, it’s a really great price point to test it out. If you hate it, return it to Amazon hassle-free within 30 days.
Special Features: 20 Non-Looping Soothing Sounds | 32 Volume Levels | Sleep Timer (1-4 Hours or Continuous) |
Pros:
- Masks disruptive environmental noises, improving sleep, focus, privacy, and relaxation for all ages
- Offers 20 unique non-looping sounds: 10 fan sounds and 10 white noise variations, including pink and brown noise
- Safe, solid-state design with no moving parts; powered by AC or USB
Cons:
- Lacks app integration or advanced scheduling features
This white noise machine gets great reviews for how easy it is to use and for how portable it is. It has ten fan speeds and ten white noise sounds that mask all the sounds you want to block out. Helping you sleep more peacefully, concentrate better, or maintain privacy. The solid-state design ensures quiet, reliable operation without moving parts, while precise volume control allows customization for small and large spaces.
Special Features: 20 Unique Non-Looping Sounds | 10 Fan & 10 White Noise Variations (Including Pink & Brown Noise) |
Is it okay to sleep with white noise every night?
Yes, it is generally safe to sleep with white noise every night. Many people use it to mask background sounds, improve sleep quality, and maintain a consistent bedtime routine. However, it’s important to keep the volume at a comfortable level to avoid potential hearing strain over long periods.
What color noise is best for sleep and anxiety?
That will vary based on the user’s preference, but to give you a better description of what different colors offer, I wrote out descriptions of each sound experience.
White noise: Consistent sound that masks distractions effectively. Pink noise: Softer, more balanced frequencies; often recommended for relaxation and deep sleep. Brown noise: Deeper, low-frequency tones; can be particularly soothing for anxiety or stress.
Experimenting with these sounds can help you find the one that best promotes relaxation and restful sleep.
Do white noise machines block out snoring?
I can’t swear by this enough, but yes, white noise machines can effectively mask snoring by creating a consistent background sound that reduces the perception of disruptive noises. While they don’t stop snoring itself, they make it much less noticeable, helping you and your partner sleep more peacefully.
However, if the person who snores sleeps next to you, I highly recommend investing in Ozlo Sleepbuds. It will reduce fighting about the other person snoring, and it’ll help you get undisturbed sleep.
How we tested
We tested several white noise machines over a few nights to see how effectively they created a calming sleep environment. We tried a variety of soothing sounds at different volume levels and used timer functions to observe performance throughout a typical sleep cycle. Even with limited testing, it was clear that these machines helped mask background noise, reduce disturbances, and promote a more restful, uninterrupted sleep experience. Honestly, I can’t sleep without my Ozlo Sleepbuds, so I’m forever grateful for such a great invention.
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