10 Best White Noise Machines in 2022 (Letsfit, Hatch, and More)
Loud neighbors, barking dogs, traffic - the list of distracting noises goes on and on. When you're trying to concentrate or catch some much-needed Zs, even the slightest sound can be disruptive. Add to this an overactive brain, and it's easy to find yourself lying awake, lost in your thoughts, until the wee hours of the morning. The good news is that sometimes all you need is some white noise, a sound that's loud enough to mask distractions and constant enough to lull you into focus or sleep.
We've compiled a list of the top 10 best white noise machines to help you find your perfect match. Our favorite is Letsfit's White Noise Machine, thanks to its simple design and useful features. It has multiple sounds, including fan sounds, nature, and white noise, as well as a night light and sleep timer. Read on to see the rest of our list! And check out our buying guide for some tips on how to choose a machine that best suits your needs.
Quick List - Top White Noise Machines
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Table of Contents
How to Choose White Noise Machines
White noise machines often share a lot of features. They may have the same sounds and same control options. So how do you choose? In this guide, we dive deeper into the different types of sounds and break down some of the most important things to consider when choosing a white noise machine.
Pick a Machine That Fits Your White Noise Needs
Are you using white noise as a sleep aid? For meditation? To help block out other sounds while you work? Before you choose a machine, consider the environment in which you’ll be using it. This will help you determine what features you need.
Calming Sounds for Sleep, Relaxation, and Meditation
If you want to use a white noise machine primarily for sleep or relaxation, consider what type of sound you find most calming. Maybe you like the constant whirr of a fan? Or perhaps you prefer nature sounds?
One thing that can be disruptive when trying to sleep or meditate is a looping sound that has a noticeable change when the sound restarts. To avoid this, look for a machine that specifies that the sounds are non-looping or try an analog white noise machine.
Another factor to consider is light. Bright lights or a bright display can be distracting for some people. But if you like a soft nighttime glow, some machines come with built-in mood lighting. If you plan to use your sound machine primarily for sleeping, make sure to get one that’s easy to use in the dark.
White Noise for Sound Masking
Some people like to use a sound machine during the daytime to help them concentrate by blocking out background sounds. For this purpose, constant noise will work better than fluctuating sounds. Look for a machine that can provide white or brown noise.
Consider how loud the machine can get versus how loud the background noise is in your space. Another thing to look for is pitch control. If you can change how high or low the frequencies are, you can easily adjust them to cover up other sounds.
Specific Machines for Babies
If you’re looking for a sound machine for your little one, make sure to pick one that is specifically made for babies, as their ears are more sensitive. As a general rule, white noise for babies should not exceed 50 decibels. It’s also recommended to place the machine at least seven feet away from your child’s crib.
Note that there may be risks associated with the use of white noise for infants. Some studies suggest that white noise may have a negative impact on infants' hearing, language, and speech development. The regular use of white noise can also lead to a reliance on it for sleep.
When in doubt, take the time to do some research and consult with your child's pediatrician so you can make an informed decision about what's best for you and your child.
Consider the Sound Variety
Sound machine options generally include white noise and nature sounds. If you know that a specific sound works best for you, look for a machine that specializes in that sound, since it’s more likely to have more variety within that category.
If you specifically want fan sounds, there are even analog sound machines that mechanically create the whirring sound of a fan without the moving air. These types of machines are simple and easy to use, and run no risk of looping.
The Difference Between White, Pink, and Brown Noise
Some machines will differentiate between white, pink, and brown noise. These types of noise are defined by the different levels of low and high frequencies in the overall sound.
White noise is a soothing hum that contains equal levels of all frequencies. Examples of white noise include the hum of a fan or static from a radio. Pink noise is more uneven, containing varying levels of all frequencies. Examples of pink noise include rustling leaves and the pitter-patter of rain.
Brown noise puts more emphasis on lower frequencies for a deeper sound. Examples of brown noise include the rumble of thunder and the roar of a waterfall.
Don’t Overlook the Physical Aspects
Aside from the sounds, consider how the physical aspects of the machine will work for you and your needs. The size and power source will determine where it can be placed. If you plan to use your sound machine at night, look for one that’s small enough to fit on your nightstand.
If you travel a lot, it might be useful to get a small machine that you can easily store in your luggage. A battery-powered machine can avoid the need for electrical adapters.
Also, take a look at the buttons and interface to make sure they’re easy to use and understand. The last thing you want to do is have to mess around with a bunch of settings when you’re already in bed.
Decide if You Want Any Other Features
At its most basic, a white noise machine will be able to turn on and off and create a constant background sound. For some people, this is exactly what they need! But if you want more out of your sound machine, there are plenty that include additional features and customization.
If you’re using the sound machine for sleep, look for a sleep timer setting. This will let you set the sound to shut off after a certain amount of time has elapsed. You can also find machines that include an alarm to help you wake up. Many will use a soothing sound for the alarm, letting you ease from sleep into wakefulness.
Some machines double as a speaker or clock. Some have adjustable lights or an essential oil diffuser. Some have a headphone jack for personal listening. There are even sound machines that create an entire evening or morning routine, complete with timed sounds, lights, and alarms.
10 Best White Noise Machines Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Letsfit White Noise Machine | | A Minimal Machine With a Night Light | |
2 | Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan | | Fan Sounds and Ambient Noise for Work or Sleep | |
3 | Letsfit Portable White Noise Machine | | A Sound Machine for People on the Go | |
4 | Hatch Restore | | Create a Personalized Sleep-and-Wake Routine | |
5 | Marpac Dohm Classic | | A Non-Looping Mechanical Machine | |
6 | Adaptive Sound Technologies Lectrofan Micro 2 | | A Mini Machine for White Noise and Music | |
7 | Homedics White Noise Sound Machine | | Surround Yourself With the Sounds of Nature | |
8 | ArtNaturals Essential Oil Diffuser & Sound Machine | | Scents and Sounds for Relaxation | |
9 | Hatch Baby Rest | | A Machine Made for Little Ones | |
10 | Gladle White Noise Machine for Sleeping | | A Rechargeable Battery for Easy Portability |
A Minimal Machine With a Night Light
This white noise machine from Letsfit has a minimal design but packs a punch. It features a variety of sounds, including three white noise sounds, three fan sounds, five natural sounds (including the ocean, birds, and crickets), and three bedtime lullabies.
It will remember the last used sound and volume, so you won't need to constantly readjust. And it has a sleep timer that you can set for 15 to 120 minutes! An adjustable night light makes this machine a great choice for kids as well as adults.
Some reviewers complained that they could hear background noise in the audio and that the short loops were disruptive. They also found the multi-functional buttons to be confusing. Still, most reviewers said they appreciated the variety of sounds and volume range on this machine. And they thought the night light was a nice touch.
Fan Sounds and Ambient Noise for Work or Sleep
If you're a fan of fan sounds, the 'LectroFan will give you all the noise without the moving air. It plays a range of 10 fan sounds, including industrial, box, and oscillating fans, as well as 10 ambient noise variations in white, pink, and brown noise. Its design is simple and easy to use.
The 'LectroFan comes in black or white and can be powered by an outlet or via USB. Some reviewers complained that it didn't sound like a real fan. Others found some of the sounds to be annoying.
However, most reviewers said this machine was instrumental in helping them get a good night's sleep. They liked the volume range and variety of sounds. And many said it was compact enough to take with them when they travel.
A Sound Machine for People on the Go
The Portable White Noise Machine from Letsfit measures less than four inches in diameter and can fit in the palm of your hand. The added strap means you can hang it anywhere - no need for a nightstand. It also features a headphone jack so you can sink into some relaxing sounds no matter where you are.
This machine plays a mix of sounds including white noise, fan sounds, nature sounds, and three lullabies. Set a sleep timer for intervals between 15 and 120 minutes or let it play continuously. It's powered by a rechargeable battery that's designed to last for up to 70 hours on a single charge.
Some reviewers didn't like the charger, while others said that the charge doesn't last very long. For some, the machine stopped working. On the other hand, many reviewers praised this machine for its small size and portability. They said it was loud for its size and effectively masked background noise.
Create a Personalized Sleep-and-Wake Routine
The Hatch Restore goes beyond your typical white noise machine, offering a full suite of features to help you wake up gently in the morning and unwind at the end of the day. Using the companion app, you can choose from multi-colored lights and a variety of relaxing audio, including white noise, nature sounds, and meditations.
It also features a sunrise alarm clock that brightens gradually, while gentle sounds help you transition into the day. Some reviewers didn't like that this machine is reliant on WiFi and experienced issues with the connection. Others were disappointed that they couldn't use the Bluetooth connection to play music.
But most reviewers said the Restore fit seamlessly into their daily routine, lulling them to sleep and waking them up peacefully. They liked the wide variety of sounds that are available on the app. And they were pleased with the level of customization the machine offers.
A Non-Looping Mechanical Machine
The Dohm Classic has been around since 1962, so it doesn't have the bells and whistles of modern sound machines. It may only do one thing, but it does it well. Choose from two volume options and the fan blade on the inside will start whirring. Then, rotate the cap and collar to adjust the tone of the sound.
Since the Dohm Classic creates fan sounds mechanically rather than digitally, there's no disruptive looping. Some reviewers noticed a sound that they described as a humming, rattling, or clicking after a period of use. Others said that this machine doesn't get loud enough.
On the other hand, many reviewers praised this machine for its high-quality sound, saying it was much more natural than a digital fan. They appreciated that they could adjust the tone to mask different types of background noise and said this machine helped them fall asleep and stay asleep.
A Mini Machine for White Noise and Music
Measuring in at just two inches in diameter, the Lectrofan Micro 2 is small but mighty. It plays 11 non-looping digital sounds, including white noise, fan sounds, and the ocean, and it also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. Stream audio from your device and even take calls using the built-in microphone.
The rechargeable battery can last up to 40 hours on a single charge. Choose from black, white, blue, or red. The main qualm reviewers had was with the charging port. They said it was poorly made and either lost connection or broke completely. Others said the machine stopped working after a while.
However, many reviewers loved this sound machine, especially for travel. They said it was compact and lightweight and had decent sound for such a small device. And they also liked the directional speaker that can be adjusted to target background noise.
Surround Yourself With the Sounds of Nature
This white noise machine from Homedics specializes in sounds from the natural world. It has six sounds including thunder, the ocean, rain, a summer night, and a brook, as well as white noise. Each sound is selected using its own button - no need to cycle through the options to find the one you like.
For those using the machine for sleep, you can set an auto-off timer for 15 to 60 minutes or let the machine play all night. It can be powered by a cord or batteries, making it a great option for travelers. Some reviewers complained about the quality of the sounds, saying that they could hear noises in the background.
Others said that the noticeable repeating loops were distracting. Still, many reviewers liked this machine's simplicity and ease of use. They preferred the volume knob over buttons and said this machine was wonderful for both daytime and bedtime.
Scents and Sounds for Relaxation
Create a relaxing atmosphere with this machine from ArtNaturals that doubles as a sound machine and essential oil diffuser. It can play six sounds including white noise, rain, birds, and multiple ocean sounds. Add water and essential oil, and the 300-milliliter diffuser will create a fine mist, infusing your room with scent and humidity.
The machine also has a color-changing night light for a soft glow. Some reviewers complained that the sounds looped, with a noticeable restart after 5 to 15 seconds. Others found the buttons to be confusing. And some said their machine stopped working after some use.
However, many reviewers said this machine was an excellent bedtime companion. They found the sounds to be relaxing and said the diffuser worked well. They liked that they could set the machine to turn off after a couple of hours or let it run all night. Many used it in their kids' rooms with positive results.
A Machine Made for Little Ones
The Hatch Rest pairs calming sounds with soothing lights to give your baby an easy wind down to naptime or bedtime. Use the companion app to control the settings from your phone and save your favorite selections. Or choose from preset sound and color combos recommended by experts.
The machine can be programmed to customize the color, brightness, sound, and volume. It also features a time to rise function that will help your child know when it's time to get out of bed. Some reviewers disliked the physical design of this machine, saying that the buttons on the bottom were difficult to use.
On the other hand, many reviewers said this machine helped their child go to sleep in no time. They loved how customizable it is and said it was easy to program with the app.
A Rechargeable Battery for Easy Portability
This white noise machine from Gladle is sleek and compact but packed with 24 different non-looping sounds and a night light. Choose from seven white noise sounds, seven fan sounds, and ten natural sounds including bonfire, thunderstorm, and stream. A sleep timer can be set for 30, 60, or 90 minutes.
The night light has two different settings: warm white light and amber light, and can be dimmed to your liking. The machine will also remember the last brightness level you set, so there's no risk of being disturbed by an extra bright light in the middle of the night.
A few reviewers said their machine stopped working after a short while. However, most reviewers were impressed by its long battery life and portability. They said the sound quality was great and that the night light was convenient and easy to control.
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Top 5 White Noise Machines
No. 1: Letsfit｜White Noise Machine
No. 2: Adaptive Sound Technologies｜LectroFan
No. 3: Letsfit｜Portable White Noise Machine
No. 4: Hatch｜Restore
No. 5: Marpac｜Dohm Classic
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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