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The Best White noise machine isn't a complex device, even as companies constantly add more bells and whistles. Nowadays, they come in all shapes and sizes, outfitted with the capacity to play other noise frequencies and nature sounds while at home or in a more portable, on-the-go form. They're not just for kids anymore—if you are like us, trying to drown out your internal monologue so that you can finally drift off, this is the article for you.
But if you're building up your arsenal of sleep gadgets, with a white noise machine among them, we've tried out everything from the best sleep trackers, best sunrise alarm clocks, the best mattresses, and the best extreme alarm clocks. We've got a directory where you can find all of our Sleep content.
Note: If you're buying for a child, keep sound machines to no more than 50 decibels and farther than 200 centimeters (6.5 feet) from where your baby sleeps.
Updated August 2025: We’ve added two new recently tested products, the Snooz and Babellio mini sound machine.
A Note on “White Noise”
Before we start on this white noise machine review, we need to review what white noise is in association to these sound machines we've tested. “White noise machines” and “sound machines” are used pretty interchangeably, but you need to actually dig into the details to know what you're actually hearing. You may be hearing a different “color” entirely.
The “colors” of noise are measured similarly to light. Pure white noise is a mix of all the frequencies humans can hear, so it can be a little agitating (think of the static on your TV). Pink and brown noise are at the lower end of the spectrum. They aren't as grating and have been found to help people sleep a little more deeply. If you've seen pink noise, brown noise, and green noise amid all the white noise machine chatter, it's because more often than not, you'll find those options available to you wrapped up into one little machine. If you think of sound waves as being loosely analogous to light waves, then the different colors of noise refer to different parts of the sound spectrum. And, the fun thing about using a sound machine for sleep is that you get to experiment with noise frequencies.
Best White Noise Machine
Photograph: Martin Cizmar
The Lectrofan Classic is in several WIRED staffers’ homes, divided among children and adults. At 4 inches across and 2 inches tall, it's small enough to fit on the most crowded nightstand. You can also often find it for cheaper than its $50 price. There are no bird sounds or fireplaces—we have many options for that—but you can choose between fans or a spectrum of colored noise. This includes white noise, brown noise, and pink noise, but also others like coral and chestnut noise. It has a 60-minute timer and cranks up to a whopping 85 decibels, or stays low enough to barely hear it at all.
Specs Sound options White noise, brown noise, pink noise, large fan, industrial fan, mellow fan, exhaust fan, attic fan, circular fan, vent fan, box fan, oscillating fan Timer 60 minutes Alarm No Light No Size 4.4 x 4.4 x 2.2 inches Colors Black, white WIRED
- Crank up the volume to 85 decibels if you really need to drown out surrounding environmental noises
- Built-in timer stays on for an hour so you can fall asleep without worrying when you'll turn off the machine
TIRED
- Strictly fan or colored noises, so no waterfall sounds here to be soothed by
Best Fan Machine
Photograph: Julia Forbes
Snooz
Smart White Noise Sound Machine
The Snooz white noise machine focuses on one thing and one thing only: white noise. Its sound is generated by a real fan as opposed to just fan sounds. There is no pushing extra buttons or fidgeting around when you'd rather be falling asleep. Its design is simple, and there's no overthinking this device—it's got ease of use down pat. Simply plug it in, press the power button, then twist the mesh sleeve to either increase or decrease the volume level.
It's also meant to be placed away from the bed in a more central position in the bedroom as opposed to on a nightstand. This is so that sound is projected more evenly.
Specs Sound options White noise Timer No Alarm No Light No Size 5.6 x 5.6 x 3.2 inches Colors Gray, black WIRED
- Simple, straightforward, relatively mindless to use—sleep-deprived new parents, this may be super helpful
- Fan generates smooth noise, nothing overly choppy
TIRED
- Only one sound offered with this device
- Higher price tag, one singular feature
Best White Noise Machine With Sunrise Clock
Photograph: Nena Farrell
Courtesy of Hatch
We're always scoping out possible new products to add to our Best Sunrise Alarms guide, and best believe the Hatch 3 made the cut. It expands upon the previous Hatch models (which we also tested and really enjoyed), with added two more buttons for a total of four. This may not seem like a big deal, but when you're sleepy and want to make quick changes instead of relying on the app, this comes in clutch.
WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell found that the light wasn't as bright as previous iterations, and didn't really uphold the “Sunlight” function of the sound machine. Nevertheless, it still has an extensive sound collection to pick from if you sign up for the subscription.
Specs Sound options Extensive sound library via app Timer Yes Alarm Yes Light Yes Size 7.24 x 2.43 x 5.31 inches Colors Rosy, Putty, Greige, Cocoa WIRED
- Has sunrise and sunset options
- Has 58 sounds (!!) and additional sleep content
- Can build multi-step sleep routines
TIRED
- Light isn't as bright as I'd like as a heavy sleeper
- Has a subscription level ($3 a month) to access all content and options
A Multipurpose Machine
Photograph: Hatch
Hatch Rest (2nd Generation)
The second-generation Hatch Rest combines a sound machine and night-light with two added features for children: time-to-rest and time-to-rise lights. These are called beacons, and they're helpful reminders for adults too. This version also includes a dimmable clock, and it's controllable via Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth. In the app, you can customize colors, adjust the volume, and pick from the sound library. Tapping the top of the Hatch Rest cycles through sounds and turns it on and off. (There's a child-lock function to prevent kids from messing with the settings, and it still gives them control of the nightlight button on the back of the machine.)
Like with the Restore 2, you get more options if you choose to subscribe. We've also tested and like the Rest Plus for $90, which adds Amazon Alexa support and includes an audio monitor. We don't recommend the Rest Mini for $40 though, as one tester said it stopped turning on after several months.
Specs Sound options Extensive sound library via app Timer Yes Alarm Yes Light Yes Size 4.2 x 4.2 x 6.61 inches Colors Customizable via app WIRED
- Night light and sound machine, all in one
- Kids can control night light function, but parental lock keeps the sound control in your hands
- Syncs with app for easy customization
TIRED
- Subscription needed for full use of capabilites of the device
Best White Noise Machine for Dogs
Photograph: Julia Forbes
Photograph: Julia Forbes
Babelio
Mini Sound Machine
The Babelio mini sound machine was indeed made for babies, but we're going to redirect your attention to fur babies. As it would turn out, white noise isn't just good for humans, but dogs as well. If you too have anxious “Velcro” dogs, having a white noise machine to use when you leave the house or need to create ambient noise can be incredibly helpful.
This machine has 30-, 60-, and 90-minute timers. The noises are non-looping but have a variety of nature sounds, white noise, pink noise, and brown noise. I find that it sounds a bit grainy the higher in volume you go, but it gets the job done for my dogs (and my sanity).
Specs Sound options White noise, brown noise, pink noise, fan, insects, rain, waves, birds, campfire Timer Yes Alarm No Light No Size 1.89 x 1.89 x 1.57 inches Colors White, Black, Wood Grain, Cream Grey, Teal, Gray, Cyan, Purple, Pink, Midnight Blue, Pumpkin Best White Noise Machine for the Office
Photograph: Marpac
Yogasleep's Dohm (originally called the Sleep-Mate) was invented in 1962, and it's still one of the most reliable white noise sound machines you can buy. At 4 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide, it's a little larger than the LectroFan, but it's much simpler. A rotating fan is set within the Dohm's acoustic housing, and it has just two settings. (The lower one is under 55 decibels.) If you've ever been to a therapist's office, you may have noticed these outside the doors. They conceal the conversation inside without being obtrusive—which could also be helpful for those who work from home.
If you normally sleep with a box fan running but don't want dust bunnies blown into your face all night, this is the pick for you. Don't be alarmed if you see “Marpac” on the packaging or Buy page—it's the same company.
Specs Sound options White noise Timer No Alarm No Light No Size 5.75 x 5.75 x 3.25 inches Colors White WIRED
- Fan-powered sound machine
TIRED
- Only two settings available decibel-wise
Best Infant Noise Machine
Photograph: Amazon
This machine is also marketed for babies. There's a shhhh sound that sounds comforting and a child lock on the back to disable the buttons. But anyone can use a portable sound machine! If you frequent hotels, occasionally like to drown out distractions in your office, or have a child who's fussy in the car, it's nice to pick it up and go where you need to go.
The D11 has 11 sounds including a fan, lullaby music, and even a busy restaurant-like sound with muffled chatter. It's small but can get quite loud, and the swirl design works as a night light. There are 30-, 60-, and 90-minute timers, or you can leave it running continuously. It charges via USB-C, and if you use a timer, the battery should last you for a few nights. I left it on for nearly 12 hours in my office, and it was still going the next day.
Specs Sound options White noise, fan, vacuum, ocean, brook, birds, wind, music box, lullaby, shushing, fair sound, cricket, fetal tone Timer Yes Alarm No Light Yes Size 3.35 x 3.35 x 1.77 inches Colors Orange, gray WIRED
- Outfitted with child-proof lock, night light, and 21 sounds
- 30-, 60-, and 90-minute timers or set it and forget it with continuous loop
TIRED
- Three white noise variations are programmed in, but this device leans more towards nature and real-world sounds…like a vacuum cleaner
Best Portable White Noise Machine
Photograph: ergoPouch
The ErgoPouch costs more than the Dreamegg above, but I think you'd be happy with either, whether you need portability or not. I particularly loved how pretty this one is; its neutral aesthetic reminds me of a pebble at a spa without going full beige. There are seven sound options ranging from colored noise to rain and shushing. A charge should last you a few nights, but I wish there was a timer option to conserve battery. The back has a light with three levels of brightness. I liked to carry this around my house pretending I was holding a candle in an old movie. It's just very cute.
Specs Sound options White noise, nature, rain, ocean, shushing, fan, heartbeat Timer 48 hour playback Alarm No Light Yes Size 4.72 x 4.65 x 2.99 inches Colors White WIRED
- Handle attached for easy carrying
- Soft night light built into underside of device
TIRED
- If you're looking explicitly for pink or brown noise, this machine focuses on white noise and nature sounds
Best Sound Machine for Adults
Photograph: Marta Puglia/Morphée
Morphée's meditation machine includes a range of sleep sounds—I particularly like the cat purring and fireplace sounds—but I love the meditations that are designed to relax you into a deep sleep. You can unplug it and take it with you, too. It looks like a little music box!
There are eight themes—body scan, breathing, movement, visualizations, cardiac coherence, napping, relaxing music, and nature sounds—each theme has eight sessions all available in either eight or 20-minute lengths. The visualizations theme has different stories for the male and female voices. My only quibble is that I wish you could let the sleep sounds play continuously.
Specs Sound options 210 “sessions” including white noise, meditation, music Timer Eight or 20 minutes Alarm No Light No Size 4.33 x 4.33 x 2.67 inches Colors Black WIRED
- Eight thematic meditation sessions programmed in
TIRED
- Sounds don't play on continuous loop
Most Affordable Sound Machine
Photograph: Medea Giordano
Restnature
Mini Sound Machine
The Restnature sound machine is tiny—it would easily fit into a pocket. Despite its size, this Amazon white noise machine has 16 sound options from birds, fire, and other nature noises to lullabies and different color noises. It gets very loud. Maybe even too loud, because the sound quality starts to suffer at the top. There are 30-, 60-, and 90-minute timer options. The other portable players on this list are nicer, but this is a solid option if you need a machine that's as small as possible. And if you are an Amazon Prime member, these teeny devices are on sale for $10.
Specs Sound options White noise, pink noise, brown noise, ocean, water, shushing, birds, fan sounds, lullabies Timer Yes Alarm No Light No Size 1.8 x 1.8 x 1.9 inches Colors Coconut (white), Grape (purple), Marshmallow (pink), Pine (green), Wood Grain WIRED
- Tiny stature makes it easily portable
- Very affordable with decent performance
TIRED
- The louder you go with the volume, the more the quality of the sound is compromised
If You Already Have a Smart Speaker
Photograph: Google
Google
Nest Mini (2nd Gen)
Do you have a Google smart speaker—or any smart speaker for that matter? Congratulations, you already have a sound machine capable of noise and much more. A simple command like, “Hey, Google, help me relax” will trigger 12 hours of ambient noise (if you don't stop it). You can also ask for specific sounds like rain, a fireplace, country nights, or a babbling brook. Google speakers let you create a bedtime sleep routine, as well (learn more about routines). These features work on any Google speaker.
Make Your Alexa a Sound Machine
Photograph: Amazon
Amazon
Echo Dot With Clock (5th Gen)
If you have an Amazon Alexa speaker, you can enable an Alexa skill called Ambient Noise to select sounds ranging from a whale to a dishwasher or washing machine. There are other Alexa sleep sounds, too. Alexa may even suggest some if you ask for white noise or sleep sounds. You can also search for white-noise playlists on Spotify or other music services, like Prime Music.
Try an App and a Bluetooth Speaker
Photograph: Getty Images
Sound machines are meant to sound great, but you don't actually have to buy anything. Before getting a dedicated sound machine, I played an app from my phone's speaker that lulled me to sleep via the sound of a clothes dryer tumbling. There are tons of noises to help you relax, but if you need some inspiration, we compiled our favorite apps and Spotify playlists here. A Bluetooth speaker will step it up a notch.
Compare Our Top Picks
More Sound Machines We Like
Baby Brezza Sleep and Soother for $30: This is super light, can run on batteries or be plugged in, and has 18 sleep sounds and three timer options (or it plays continuously). There’s also a night light with three brightness levels.
Yogasleep Hushh 2 Portable Sound Machine for $30: The Hushh 2 is another great portable sound machine that you should consider. It has six sounds, three timer options, and a nice night light for softly illuminating your bedside table or guiding your way to the bathroom. The brand says this model is its most durable sound machine. I didn't fling it down the stairs, but it has held up to falling off my nightstand.
Lectrofan Evo for $60: Another solid option from the brand that makes our top pick. The Evo has a few more sound choices (like ocean noises) and looks nicer, but we prefer the buttons on the Classic. They're better for fiddling with in the dark. This one also jumped in price recently.
Dreamegg D1 for $36: This one plays a lot of the same sounds as the D11 portable machine, with a handful more fans and a spectrum of noises. The control panel is matte and soft to the touch, and you can set it to play continuously or for 30, 60, or 90 minutes. I tried the white version, but you can get a few other nice colors on the Dreamegg site. The rim also lights up.
Encalife Sound Machine for $86: This little sound machine has a blue light that you can match your breathing to in order to relax. You'll also likely find it on sale often, which is good because I wouldn't spend $86 on it. A very similar model is available under numerous brand names for far less money. Encalife says these are ripoffs, rather than from the same manufacturer. We can't confirm that, but either way there are better options on this list for less.
Avoid
Allway Aqua10 for $119: I love that this looks like a cute Marshall amp and works as a decent-sounding Bluetooth speaker for sleep sounds and anything else you want to listen to the rest of the day. You need the Allway app to access the sounds, which include crackling fires, busy cafes, a spectrum of colored noises, and a wide selection of instrumentals. They’ll play for anywhere from five to 120 minutes. The Aqua10 also has a humidifier function, which looks extremely cool paired with lights that illuminate the vapor like a fire. But I found it to be fussy and leaky, and it seemed to stop even though the reservoir was full. It's no longer available on Amazon, which might say something about its longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Keep A White Noise Machine All Night?
If you plan on keeping your white noise machine playing sound on loop all night, make sure first that it has the capacity to do so. Some machines run on 30-, 60-, or 90-minute timers that auto-shut off, while others are continuous.
Does A Fan Make A Good White Noise Machine?
In a pinch, you can use a bedside or box fan in place of a white noise machine. It will create consistent noise (as well as temperature control for hot sleepers) to help you fall asleep. However, if you aren't wanting to keep the room a bit cooler, or want more varied noise options, a sound machine's the stronger choice.
How Did WIRED Select Models to Be Reviewed?
WIRED works with many brands on a partnership basis, where samples are provided to us for free to test and we give our honest feedback. In these partnerships, we also earn commission if they end up making the cut on whatever topic we are researching—in this case, sound machines. That doesn't automatically mean they get premier placement on an article nor is it not the only way we select models. There are plenty that we find and purchase ourselves during research.
What Does WIRED Do With the Sound Machines After Testing Them?
Just like all products we test, including mattresses, pillows, sheets, and more, everything is donated to our local communities when testing is finished.
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