At one point in your life, you probably suffered a sleepless night of tossing and turning, whether it's from stress or environmental factors. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic reports that one in three adults globally presents common symptoms of insomnia, including trouble falling and staying asleep.
If this sounds familiar, you've probably tried everything under the sun to help improve your sleep quality. One popular recommendation that comes from experts is investing in a white noise machine, especially if you have trouble relaxing or live in a noisy environment. That's why we tapped two sleep experts to help further break down the benefits of white noise machines.
Can white noise machines help you sleep?According to Research Fellow for the National Sleep Foundation, Natalie Dautovich, the ideal sleep environment is a bedroom that is dark, quiet and cool. She explains that a white noise machine is a way to mask unwanted noise that can disrupt your sleep. "When sleeping with white noise you may be less likely to wake up from ambient noise," Dautovich says. "Even if you don’t fully wake up, small noises in the environment can cause you to move from a deeper to a lighter stage of sleep, resulting in less restorative sleep overall."
You may even have nights when your mind is racing and having a difficult time relaxing, well there is a reason for that. Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a Sleep Scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, says our sound sense affects the ability to relax and unwind before bed. "White noise machines and their sounds, such as the sound of rushing water or wind, can be soothing to some, and help them elicit their relaxation response as they approach bedtime," says Robbins.
The sleep scientist also has similar notes and says white noise creates a "constant background level of sound" to help mask random noises in the night, especially if you live in a large city and hear sirens, garbage trucks and other intermittent noises.
Our top picks
Best white noise machines, per editors
How do you know which white noise is right for you? Well that's a personal preference and the key is to experiment with sound helps you relax best, explains Dautovich. "White noise comes in different variations, often categorized by 'color' based on how sound frequencies are distributed," she notes.
Below, our sleep experts break down the most common "white" noise sounds:
- White: A static-like sound that spreads noise evenly across all frequencies.
- Pink: A softer, natural sound with lower frequencies that sounds like steady rain or rustling leaves.
- Brown: An even deeper and softer tone that's similar to heavy rainfall or a strong waterfall.
- Green: Offers mid-frequency tone that can be associated with ocean waves.
If you're hoping for some more solid beauty rest, we're rounding up the best white noise machines that our editors can't sleep without. Plus, you'll find a few picks of bestselling, shopper-loved finds.
Best white noise machines, according to editorsBgoverss White Noise Sound Machine
What we like
- High level of volume
- Can double as a nightlight
Something to note
- Buttons can be hard to see
Amount of sound types: 14 | Other key features: Touch-control and adjustable light, timer, volume control
I [Garlin] live on the ground floor, so you can imagine how noisy my sleeping environment can be. This white noise machine has been a game changer. It has tons of different sound options and the volume goes up pretty loud and I like to blast it. The machine also functions as an adjustable light, which is great if you get up in the night because you don't need to turn on a big light, you can just tap it.
However, I'm most impressed by the tone and quality of the sound. I like the pink noise option the best because it helps drown out my neighbors and any street noise. I even have it on when I'm in bed reading, as it helps relax my mind so I can concentrate.
HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine
What we like
- Includes many nature sounds
Something to note
- No frills; simple machine
Amount of sound types: 6 | Other key features: Timer, volume control
One Shop TODAY writer said that she uses this sound machine's rain sound to help her sleep. If you prefer nature sounds over white noise, this option has sounds for thunder, ocean, brook and more. Reviewers say they love this machine most for its simplicity and straightforward design.
Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
What we like
- Has sunrise alarm simulation
- Different light colors
Something to note
- USB plug in; no batteries
Amount of sound types: 25 | Other key features: Timer, volume control, light control, sunrise and dimmer simulation
Commerce writer Emma Stessman has previously used the original sunrise simulation alarm clock, but the brand recently launched a new option that features white noise and other soothing sounds. Like the original, you still have the sunrise function, but the new upgrade has a sleep aid function that will gradually sunset and dim the white noise, too.
Hatch Rest Go Portable Sound Machine
What we like
- Small design/portable
- Clear sound and good volume
Something to note
- Not just for babies
Amount of sound types: 8 and FM radio | Other key features: Timer, volume control, light control and sunrise simulation
Production associate Camryn Privette says she always needs a white noise machine to help her sleep, and this small device from Hatch helps her sleep when she's traveling. "It's pretty basic and has everything you need for a good night's sleep. It has 10 different sounds (rain, ocean, white noise) so you can change it up," says Privette. "The battery lasts for 15-plus hours, so I think overall this is a great value. Obsessed!"
The brand also markets this device for babies. From strollers to car seats, you can clip it on various carriers so they can successfully nap while on the go.
Loftie Alarm Clock
What we like
- Functions as a clock
- Hundreds of sound options
Something to note
- Option for Loftie+ app
Amount of sound types: 100+ | Other key features: Bluetooth compatible, two-phase alarm, nightlight
Stessman says ever since she moved from a quiet Brooklyn neighborhood to Manhattan, she's been sleeping with a sound machine. She explains that she likes this option for its countless features.
"The brand sent me one to try and I've used it pretty much every night I've spent at home since. It's great because it's basically an entire sleep wellness system packed into a small, sleek gadget. By far, the feature I use most is the white noise (there's also brown noise, campfire sounds, rain and plenty more, if that's your thing), but it's also a great alarm clock overall," says Stessman. "Once you set everything up, the sounds, brightness, alarms, everything can be controlled right from the device, so you don't need to have your phone next to your bed when you're sleeping."
Hatch Restore 3
Amount of sound types: 80+ | Other key features: Sunrise alarm simulation, dimmable clock, nightlight
The Hatch restore has the seal of approval from multiple Shop TODAY editors. It has tons of features, including a sunrise-simulated alarm clock and allows you to completely customize your winddown routine.
“As someone who tends to sleep through just about anything, I never thought I needed a white noise machine. That is, until I met the Hatch Restore," says commerce editor Kelly Vaughan. "This is so much more than a white noise maker, it’s also an alarm clock and bedside light that I can completely customize to fit my sleep habits. I swear by it, and dare I say, sleep worse without it,” Vaughan adds.
"Aside from that, I love that my dark, cave-like room finally gets some light in the morning. Everything is super customizable — from the color of the light (currently loving "Conquering Fiji"), to the sound that wakes you up ("Morning Singing Bowl" all the way) to the wind-down routines you can create for bedtime ("Brown Noise" is my #1)," says associate editor Lauren Witonsky.
Even associate editor Kamari Stewart loves the endless sound options the Hatch has available. "I'm also a fan of the sounds you can set for both sleepytime and morning. I personally do rain for sleep and ocean sounds for the morning ... according to a few TikToks I've seen, you can also do custom sounds," says Stewart.
More white noise machines to shopDreamegg White Noise Machine
What we like
- Remembers last noise played
- Great for travel and babies
Something to note
- Battery-operated
Amount of sound types: 21 | Other key features: Cordless, child lock, customized timer
If you're looking for an affordable travel option, this device is compact enough to throw in your purse or carry-on bag. Reviewers say they love that the machine remembers the last sound and volume level that you played, so you can just easily turn it on and hit the pillow.
Magicteam Sound Machine
What we like
- Non-looping sounds
- Long timer options
Something to note
- Buttons are small, per reviews
- Only one "white" noise option
Amount of sound types: 20 | Other key features: Timer up to four hours
This classic sound machine has 20 sounds, which include nature, fan and white noise. It has over 46,000 five-star Amazon ratings with shoppers noting they like the variety of sound options, its handheld size, and continuous play of each sound.
Buffbee Sound Machine & Alarm Clock
What we like
- Dimming display clock
- Alarm clock function
Something to note
- Buttons hard to see in dark
Amount of sound types: 18 | Other key features: Dimmable light, digital alarm clock
This white noise machine also functions as a bedside alarm clock. According to the brand, it has a good variety of nature sounds and five different types of white noise. Reviewers love the nighttime feature that allows you to turn off all the function lights, including the digital clock display.
LectroFan EVO White Noise Machine
What we like
- Fan, white noise, ocean sounds
Something to note
- Simple and no frills
Amount of sound types: 22 | Other key features: Headphone jack, timer
If you prefer white noise over nature sounds, this machine has 10 types of white noise and 10 types of fan sounds. To set it apart from other machines, the brand says this device has "super precise volume control" and allows you to increase or decrease the volume by one decibel.
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Sealy Molded Bed Pillow
Real Simple voted this the "Best Memory Foam Pillow" in their Sleep Awards.
$55.95
Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
White noise can be useful for those who have difficulty sleeping, have a noisy sleep environment, or need to sleep during the day," says Dautovich. However, she notes that you want to keep the noise level at a safe volume to avoid any hearing damage.
- Dr. Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D., is a sleep scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
- Dr. Natalie Dautovich, Ph.D., is a research fellow at the National Sleep Foundation and an assistant professor in psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University.
We selected the white noise and sound machines based on sleep experts’ insights and Shop TODAY editor tried-and-true picks. We also looked at verified customer reviews for top-rated white noise machines and alarm clocks.
Shannon Garlin
Shannon Garlin is an Associate Editor for Shop TODAY.
