What Are White Noise Machines and Should You Get One?

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White noise machines are electronic devices that are used to produce or play white noise or other sounds that the listener might find soothing such as the sound of rain falling, wind, ocean waves, and running water. They actually have several purposes. However, the most common purpose that people use white noise machines for is to aid in sleeping.

Table of Contents

What is White Noise?

White noise is the noise that is what is created by equally combining all the frequencies of sounds together at once. Because of this white noise can be used to mask other sounds.

Why Does White Noise Help People Sleep Better?

If white noise is a type of sound why doesn’t it wake people up or prevent them from falling asleep in the first place?

When there are sudden changes in the noise around us it can startle a person who is trying to sleep. White noise helps to block these changes in sound thus enabling us to have a more peaceful sleep.

The key to using white noise to help you sleep is the fact that it is constant. After a while, constant white noise that doesn’t have any sudden changes in volume becomes something that the brain can tune out or ignore. This combined with the fact that white noise when at the proper level can block out the changing sounds around us that might otherwise startle us and prevent us from sleeping.

Who Would Benefit From Sleeping With White Noise?

People who go to bed when there is still activity going on around the home will often find that it is easier to sleep with the help of white noise. Likewise, people who work odd shifts and need to sleep during the day when there is more activity and sounds around them will also often appreciate the help of white noise when trying to sleep.

The following sleep environments might benefit from using white noise:

nurseries
children’s rooms
daycare centers
college dorms/residence halls
apartments
homes by busy streets or highways

The following people might benefit from using white noise while sleeping:

babies
children who go to bed while adults or others are still awake
people who suffer from anxiety
insomnia sufferers
people with tinnitus
people who work the 3^rd shift (overnights)

So What is a White Noise Machine?

A white noise machine is an electronic device that produces soothing sounds that help to mask the sounds around us thereby allowing us to get a more restful sleep.

White noise machines come in two main types:

Mechanical – Mechanical machines that consist of a fan inside of an enclosed housing that is used to create the white noise sound. These mechanical machines may have a switch that allows you to control the speed of the fan. They also have small adjustable holes or vents in the housing that allows you to customize the volume and tone to match your sound preference.
Digital – Digital machines will produce or playback a variety of soothing sounds. They can either digitally produce white noise or playback audio tracks of sounds such as falling rain, the ocean, flowing water, birds, lullabies. These audio tracks can be set to automatically replay once the end of the track is reached. Digital white noise machines will also have a volume control so you can adjust the sounds to your preferences and sleeping environment.

Here is an example of a highly rated mechanical white noise machine:

Yogasleep Dohm Classic (White) The Original White Noise Machine (actual fan inside)

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The Yogasleep Dohm Classic produces the soothing sound of rushing air without the unwanted breeze created by a fan. It comes with a two-speed fan and an adjustable cap that allows you to make the sound holes larger or smaller so you can customize the volume and tone of the sound.

Marpac designed the Dohm Classic with convenience and portability in mind. It has a long 6-foot power cord so you can place the unit pretty much wherever you want. The Dohm Classic is compact and stands just 3-1/4 inches high with a base diameter of 5-3/4 inches and weighs only 1 ½ pounds, which makes it easy to fit on your nightstand and bring with you when you travel.

Its’ sturdy construction durability is backed by a one-year warranty.

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Here is an example of a highly rated digital white noise machine:

Adaptive Sound Technologies – Sound+Sleep – Sleep Therapy Machine

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The Adaptive Sound Technologies – Sound+Sleep – Sleep Therapy Machine is a full-featured unit that should satisfy most anyone’s needs for a sleep therapy/white noise machine. It comes with 10 different sound options for you to choose from including the traditional white noise option that you would expect.

In addition to the many different sound profiles you have to choose from, Adaptive Sound Technologies packed this unit with many other great features. These features include:

Volume control
Adaptive Sound technology that listens for background noise and can automatically adjust the volume to help ensure that you don’t have your sleep disrupted.
A timer that can be set to gradually turn off the unit in 30, 60, 90, or 120 minute time increments. If you don’t want to use the timer you can always use the all-night continuous play option.

While larger than some of the travel-sized units, the Sound+Sleep sleep therapy machine is still relatively compact. Weighing in at 2 pounds the Sound+Sleep’s dimensions are 7.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches.

The Sound+Sleep comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty, and a 30 day return policy so you can feel safe with your purchase.

Learn More Here

Many white noise machines don’t actually produce white noise. These machines might actually be producing pink noise instead. Pink noise is similar to white noise, but it has more emphasis on lower frequencies. Similar to white noise, pink noise can also be used to block out distracting sounds.

Why Not Use a Fan Instead?

Fans can create an approximation of white noise, which is why many people like to use them to help them sleep and don’t see any need for a white noise machine. So why shouldn’t we all just use a fan instead?

There are several reasons why people might prefer a white noise machine instead of a fan:

Some people don’t like the feeling of air blowing on them or circulating around the room when they sleep.
People who suffer from allergies might not do well with fans blowing around dust and allergens in the place where they sleep.
Fans can be bulky and take up too much space – especially in smaller bedrooms.
If you travel a lot trying to bring a bulky fan with you on every trip is inconvenient.

White Noise is Also Useful in Other Settings

Using white noise during the day might help you be more productive. The sound masking effect of white noise can be used to block distracting sounds in offices, libraries, and other public places. Sometimes white noise might even be broadcast over a PA system.

In noisy workplaces where people can’t use a white noise machine, they might opt to use noise isolating or noise cancelling headphones.

Here are some bestselling white noise machines on Amazon:

Bestseller No. 1

Magicteam Sound White Noise Machine with 20 Non Looping Natural Soothing Sounds and Memory Function 32 Levels of Volume Powered by AC or USB and Sleep Sound Timer Therapy for Baby Kids Adults

❤20 Non-Looping Sleep Sounds: White noise ,Brown noise, pink noise, blue noise, fan,brook, rain, ocean,bird and Bonfire,suitable for for Baby and Kids and Adults.
❤Precise Volume & Timer Settings:With 32 Levels of Volume ,it is perfect for baby sleeping .And you can set 1 hour,2 hours,3 hours,4 hours and continuous play,control the comfort level for your own environment.
❤Unique Design: Solid-state design with 3.01inch*3.01inch *1.77inch,it is portable for home, office or travel,can give you a perfect sleep.
❤Function & Safety:Memory function automatically restores your previous volume, sound and time,it is powered by AC or USB.The machine is approved by FCC, CE and RoHS,don't need to worry about accidents.
❤Any issue just don’t hesitate to contact us.We will try our best to help you!

Bestseller No. 2

Sound Machine Night Light White Noise Brown Noise Machine 30 Non Looping Sounds 12 Lights 5 Timers 36 Adjustable Volume Memory Function Sleep Sounds Machine for Baby Kids Adult & Home Office Travel

【❤️30 Non Looping Sounds for Noise Canceling】Our Plug-in sound machine has 30 Non-looping natural soothing sounds including 3 white noise like brown noise, pink noise and white noise, 2 fan sounds and 15 nature sounds like rain, river, thunderstorm, sea waves, singing birds and 10 lullabies. It can block animal calls, neighbor noise, street noise, urban traffic and used for sleep aid, sound therapy, concentration, privacy protection and anxiety relief. Suitable for baby kids adults students and elderly.
【🧡12 Night Lights Create Comfortable Environment】The white noise machine has unique 12 color night lights and 10 adjustable night lights creating a romantic and warm environment for your favorite style. It can choose different light colors and brightness to meet the needs of different scenarios, which can be used in the office, nursing baby, bedside sleep. It can be used not only as white noise, but also as a night light, or as sound and light simultaneously, giving you a triple experience.
【💜5 Times & Memory Function】This sleep machine has 5 timing functions, you can set 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours or choose continuous playback. Timing function let you free your hands, peace of mind sleep. In addition, The sleep machine also has a memory function to remember the sound track, light and volume Settings you last used, so you don't need to set them again when you use them next time.
【💚36 Volume Levels & Easy to Use】 Compared to the sound machine on the market, our sound machine has the highest 36 level adjustable volume and large volume which Can effectively block the noise and provide you with more accurate volume and show better sound effect, to create a perfect environment for your sleep. In addition, the button interface design is simple and clear, the button switch is easy to use, the overall design is suitable for any age group, and can be easily used by the elderly.
【💙Elegant design & Guaranteed quality】The design of USB powered white noise machine is very elegant, the unique rounded edges and soft gray appearance add elegance and refinement to white noise machine, the rounded edge does not worry about the baby bump to protect the safety of the baby. We offer a one-year worry-free after-sales guarantee to ensure the safety and quality of our product. If you encounter any quality issues, Please contact us in time, and we will gladly replace it with a new one for you.

Bestseller No. 3

Yogasleep Dohm Classic (White) The Original White Noise Sound Machine, Soothing Natural Sounds from a Real Fan, Sleep Therapy for Adults & Baby, Noise Cancelling for Office Privacy & Meditation

ORIGINAL SLEEP SOUND MACHINE: Beloved by millions since 1962, the Dohm Classic was the first white noise machine ever created. It features our signature sound: natural, comforting, fan-based white noise—without the annoyance of actual moving air.
CUSTOMIZED EXPERIENCE: The Dohm Classic effectively blocks out disruptive sounds like traffic, snoring, or noisy neighbors, making it easier to sleep or concentrate. Its dual speed settings let you fine-tune the tone & volume to your heart’s content.
CRAFTED WITH LOVE: For over 60 years, Yogasleep has consistently set the gold standard in crafting sleep-enhancing products, leading the way in the industry. It’s lovingly assembled by hand in the USA, a testament to our commitment to quality.
SIMPLE TO USE: Just plug in the Dohm Classic using the included 7-foot 120V AC power cable, flip the switch & find your happy sound. It’s a lifesaver for better sleep, soothing babies, tuning out tinnitus, or escaping the snore-fest next to you.
CLASSIC DESIGN: The Dohm Classic’s timeless design fits into any space. Available in a palette of colors to match your style—white, black, gray, pink, tan & camo. To care for & clean your sound machine, simply wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.

Bestseller No. 4

Brown Noise Sound Machine with 30 Soothing Sounds 12 Colors Night Light White Noise Machine for Adults Baby Kids Sleep Machines Memory Function 36 Volume Levels 5 Timers for Home Office Travel

❤[30 Natural and Soothing Sounds] Our white noise machine provides 30 soothing sounds, including 3 Brown noise, 2 White noise(White noise, Pink noise), 2 fan noises( Loud and Soft Fan), 8 lullabies and 15 natural sounds( Rain, Sea waves, Brook, Bird, Train, etc.). This sound machine suitable for relieve stress, relax your mind and create a relaxing sleep environment.
❤[12 Night Light Colors] Sound machine with 12 kinds of light color, to suit your personal preferences at any time. You can choose the suitable nightlight to decorate the environment and create the perfect atmosphere for sleep and rest.
❤[10 Adjustable Levels Night Light] An adjustable soft lighting creates a comfortable sleeping atmosphere for baby kids and adults. Change your surroundings to create the perfect atmosphere for baby sleep, it is the best choice for night feedings.
❤[5 Timer Settings & Memory Function] This sound healing machine can be played continuously or 1，2，3, 4 hours auto-off timer, it is good for taking naps, relaxation, meditation, concentration while studying and working. The white noise machine is powered by AC. Our white noise machine can remember the last sound and volume level you selected when restarted, no need to reset to your previous settings.
❤[Easy to Use & Compact Design] Tap the power button to turn/off the sound playing. Tap the night light button to turn on /off the nightlight. With the lightweight and compact design, it is perfect for home, office or travel.

Bestseller No. 5

Dreamegg Portable Noise Machine for Baby Adult, Features Powerful Battery, 21 Soothing Sound, Noise Canceling for Office & Sleeping, Sound Therapy for Home, Travel, Registry Gift, Classic White

【COMPACT BUT POWERFUL】- D11 Max has more skills. Designed for all things sleep, this sound machine comes with favorable features: rechargeable battery, 21 soothing sounds, customized timers, various volume levels, child-lock for safety, and even memory functions! It is not only a sleep soother sound machine for baby kids, but also an effective white noise machine for adults sleeping & relaxation.
【HUGE BATTERY, WORRY-FREE ON THE GO】- Everything D11 max has, PLUS a LONG-LASTING battery. The portable sound machine is built with unbeatable1800mAh battery compared with 500mAh of others. Easily lasts through the night and into daytime naps on a single charge. For parents who are worried about baby getting naps on the go and especially when the power goes out, it is definitely a life saver! Battery is built in (comes with a USB-C cord to charge) so no need to worry about buying any.
【HELPS SETTLE-IN & STAY ASLEEP】- Moms know how precious sleep can be. Turn it on to create peaceful sleep environment to help crying baby calm down and stay asleep. Choose from selected 21 soothing sounds including classic white noise sounds, to baby lullabies and nature sounds. Fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer with this baby sound machine.
【ULTRA PORTABLE AND CORDLESS】 - D11 Max make magic happen for better sleep anywhere. Small and lightweight makes it a perfect travel noise machine. It is extremely convenient when you are packing around so much stuff whether for a baby or for your travel. With a lanyard and loop, you can easily hang it on the stroller or car seat or suitcase. Take it along in the car, on walks, hotel stays, business trips to enjoy portable freedom.
【HAPPY EXPERIENCE, CUSTOMERS TURN BACK】- Dreamegg has been the standard in white noise sound machine. Neutral look makes it fit into any room décor and works with aesthetic very well. D11 Max is the fancy gift choice with unbeatable quality for babies and also for adults who struggles to switch off or wind down after a long hard day. High-quality customer service saves you worry and brings your smile back on face.

Bestseller No. 6

Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine, Silver, Small Travel Size with 6 Relaxing Nature Sounds, Portable Therapy for Home, Office, Nursery, Auto-Off Timer

White Noise Sound Machine: The Homedics White Noise Sound Machine includes 6 digitally recorded relaxing sounds designed to mimic the natural environment: White Noise, Thunder, Ocean, Rain, Summer Night, and Brook
Compact and Portable: This portable sound machine is lightweight, compact, and easily fits into your purse, bag, or suitcase
Baby Sleep Aid: Add these rhythmic sounds to your baby’s sleep routine to help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer; it makes the perfect baby sound machine and baby registry must-have
Auto-Off Timer and Volume Controls: Choose to play relaxation sounds on this ambient sound machine continuously or opt for the auto-off timer; the timer features 3 options: 15, 30, or 60 minutes; adjust the volume with convenient volume control buttons
What’s in the Box: (1) Homedics White Noise Sound Machine, (1) Wall Outlet Adapter, (1) Quick-Start Guide

Bestseller No. 7

Yogasleep Dohm Uno White Noise Sound Machine, Real Fan Inside for Non-Looping White Noise, Sleep Aid, Office Privacy & Meditation for Adults & Baby, Registry Gift (White)

WHITE NOISE, SIMPLIFIED: Dohm Uno features our Yogasleep sound: natural, comforting, fan-based noise, without the annoyance of moving air. It blocks out disruptive sounds like traffic, snoring, or neighbors, so it’s easier to sleep & concentrate.
CUSTOMIZED EXPERIENCE: Dohm Uno offers a simple one-speed setting while allowing you to effortlessly tailor the tone to your preferences. It's perfect for enhancing sleep quality, ensuring office privacy, soothing kids and babies & comforting pets.
CRAFTED WITH LOVE: For over 60 years, Yogasleep has consistently set the gold standard in crafting sleep-enhancing products, leading the way in the industry. It’s lovingly assembled by hand in the USA, a testament to our commitment to quality.
SIMPLE TO USE: Plug in Dohm Uno using the included 6-foot 120V AC power cable, flip the switch & find your happy sound. This sound machine is a lifesaver for better sleep, soothing babies, tuning out tinnitus, or escaping the snore-fest next to you.
CLASSIC DESIGN: Dohm Uno's timeless design fits into any space. Available in a wide palette of colors to match your style—white, black, gray, pink, tan, and even camo. To care for & clean your sound machine, wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.

Bestseller No. 8

Portable Baby Sound Machine [White Noise for Babies Kids Adults][Timer Function][12 Soothing Sounds][Sleep Soother] 15 Hours Battery Life, Travel,Registry,Gifts,Shower,Clips on Baby Stroller

White noise on the go: Portable sound machine with 12 kinds of the most soothing white noise can carry everywhere. Sounds including: White Noise, Hush, Heartbeat, Ocean and more.
USB charging port for worry-free charging anytime: With a minimum 15-hour ultra-long battery life, it ensures uninterrupted use throughout the night, acting as your most reliable sleep companion,and usb-c is also included.
Timer function: Start the timer function according to the manual, and it can be automatically turned off after you or your baby are asleep to create a more comfortable sleeping environment.
Help baby fall asleep at any time: This product can help your baby fall asleep at any time. It does not require any app, wifi, or bluetooth.
Professional design: The mini body seamlessly integrates into the bedroom aesthetics, only the size of the palm of the hand can release a professional-grade sound field, built-in ASMR-level white noise algorithm, 30 seconds to guide the brain into relaxation mode, scientifically shorten the time to fall asleep by 45%. In addition, a variety of colors are available.

Bestseller No. 9

Housbay White Noise Machine with 31 Soothing Sounds, 5W Loud Stereo Sound, Auto-Off Timer, Adjustable Volume, Sleep Sound Machine for Baby, Kid, Adult -Wood Grain

【Sleep, Finally】- 31 real nature sounds like white noise, fan sounds, rain, thunder and ocean—recorded from real environments to bring true-to-life soundscapes for relaxation and sleep
【Sound That Wraps You】- Forward-facing speaker directs sound only to you—so you hear clearly at low volume, shielded from outside noise or snoring. Other machines fill the room. Ours protects your sleep
【Sleep on Your Rhythm】- Set your timer, or let it flow till morning. Volume fades softly—no sudden shifts, just seamless rest
【Controls That Guide You to Sleep】- A 45° tilt meets your hand where it naturally rests, so you can adjust it without effort, or even opening your eyes. No clicks, No light
【Looks Like Nature. Sleeps Like Peace】- Real wood texture and soft curves bring a touch of nature to your space—more aesthetically pleasing than the plain white designs out there. Natural design for a restful night's sleep

Bestseller No. 10

Wall Plug in White Noise Sound Machine for Office Privacy & Noise Canceling, White Noise Machine for Sleeping Adults & Baby, Therapy Noise Blocker with 20 Soothing Sounds & Nightlight by Calm Me.

✨ SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY – The plug-in white noise sound machine delivers crystal-clear sound, blocking distractions to create a peaceful environment—whether you're working in an office, relaxing at home, or winding down for the night. Ideal for privacy, focus, and calm in any space.
✨ 20 NON-LOOPING SOUNDS FOR ANY ENVIRONMENT - Enjoy a wide range of 20 relaxing, non-looping sounds including two types of white noise, brown noise, pink noise, 6 fan sounds, rain, thunder, brook, and gentle music box tones. A powerful sound machine for sleep, focus, or noise masking.
✨ PLUG-IN DESIGN WITH OPTIONAL WIRE EXTENSION - This elegant Italian-designed white noise machine plugs directly into the wall for a clean look. Also includes a cable option for flexible placement — ideal for offices, therapy rooms, nurseries, or bedrooms.
✨ ADJUSTABLE VOLUME, TIMER & MEMORY - Customize your sound experience with easy volume control and timer settings. Perfect as a noise machine for office privacy, or a white noise sound machine for babies or adults at bedtime. Automatically remembers your last settings.
✨ DUAL-COLOR NIGHT LIGHT & PORTABLE SIZE - Features a soft night light in two calming colors — ideal for night feeding, bathroom noise blocking in hallways, or hotel stays. This white noise sound machine doubles as a travel noise machine for peace anywhere you go.

Last update on 2026-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API