• When you’ve got a sound machine, noisy nights don’t have to equal a lack of sleep.
  • Many sound machines incorporate several white noise variations in the form of nature sounds, such as wind, waves, rain, or bubbling streams.
  • Of all the sound machines we researched, the Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sound Machine is our favorite because it eases your way into a refreshing night of deep sleep with many different customizable sounds.

The dog next door is barking, someone nearby is beeping their horn, your significant other is snoring like a chainsaw, and you’re staring at the ceiling in frustration rather than sleeping soundly.

Or, maybe it’s not you having trouble sleeping. Instead, your baby or young child wakes up at every sound, which means that they, in turn, wake you up with their unhappiness.

Noise – it’s hard to escape, especially at those times you’d most like a little peace and quiet. And that’s exactly why sound machines, also called white noise machines or sound therapy machines, were invented.

These handy devices aren’t intended to play so loudly that they overwhelm outside disruptions. Instead, they work with your brain’s natural tendency to mostly notice new or variable sounds while tuning out steady, repetitious noise.

White noise machines, with their soft, steady, repeating loops of sound, help mask sudden or unusual noise, thus lulling your brain into relaxation, and eventually, sweet sleep. Of course, really loud or irregular noise, such as your baby’s crying, will still break through, but in general, you’ll sleep far more soundly with white noise playing in the background than without.

What is white noise?

If you're old enough, you probably remember the sound of static after a television station went off the air for the night. That's the sound of true white noise. It's made up of all the frequencies audible to the human ear playing at once, and at the same intensity. With no variation entering your ears, your brain interprets the sound like a steady hiss.

But white isn't the only "color" of sound. There's also pink noise, which is white noise, but with the higher frequencies somewhat muted. This makes it more soothing. If you've ever peacefully fallen asleep to the sound of steady rain, you've enjoyed pink noise.

Brown noise is another popular variation of multi-frequency sound, which is basically pink noise with even more muting of high frequencies. It's also found in the natural world. Think waves crashing on the shoreline or the sound of high winds.

Many sound machines incorporate several noise variations in the form of nature sounds, such as wind, waves, rain, or streams.

We've analyzed information on the many sound machines available and whittled the choices down to these ones we feel are best.

Here are the best sound machines:

Updated on 6/4/2020 by Emily Hochberg: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

The best overall

The Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sound Machine offers up just about every feature you could ask for in a sound machine.

Want to drift off to the peaceful sound of crickets and wind in a meadow? How about birdsong or buzzing bees? Or maybe you prefer to fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves. If that's not enough, go ahead and add in some crying seagulls. Still need more? You can add in barking seals and a foghorn.

That's just the start of the versatility offered by the Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sound Machine. There are 10 basic sounds to choose from: fireplace, waterfall, white noise, meditation, brook, rainfall, train, city, meadow, and ocean.

You can add two additional levels of sound to each of those basics. For example, a train starts with the clackety-clack of wheels on track. Two additional levels add in bells, train whistles, and the sound of train couplers tapping against each other. You also try white, pink, and brown noise options.

And these aren't short, annoying loops, or synthesized sound. Naturally recorded high fidelity sounds are carefully mastered to relax you into sleep. Plus, the machine "listens" to the ambient noise in your bedroom, and then adjusts its volume as necessary to help protect your sleep.

If your bed partner doesn't want any sound at all, there's a headphone jack so you can enjoy the peaceful tones on your own. Let the machine run all night, or set the timer to shut off after 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. The AC power cord is included.

Pros: Amazingly versatile, high-quality sound, many options to choose from, timer

Cons: Expensive

The best white noise

Foto: Source: 'Lectrofan

If you're just looking for white noise and plenty of it, you've found your match with the LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine.

The LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine is just that: a white noise machine. There are no nature sounds, but that doesn't mean your selection is limited. This high fidelity device has 10 levels of fan sounds, including everything from industrial to an oscillating fan. It's also got 10 levels of white noise ranging from pure white to pink, and brown.

The large top speaker produces excellent sound and does a great job of masking outside noise, including tough-to-sleep-through disrupters like snoring or barking dogs.

You can run the device all night long or set the timer in hour increments. The LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine comes with a USB power cable and AC adapter, so you can power it up just about anywhere. It's available in black or white.

Pros: Excellent sound quality and a large range of fan sounds and white noise, including pink and brown noise

Cons: There are no nature sounds

The best budget choice

Foto: Source: Big Red Rooster

The Big Red Rooster Sound Machine will set your mind at ease with its quality nature sounds and low price.

You don't have to pay a lot of money for a good sound machine - the Big Red Rooster Sound Machine is proof of that.

This straightforward device offers six sounds: summer night, white noise, rain, brook, ocean, and thunder. The sound quality is excellent and the loop is unobtrusive, so you won't feel like you're listening to a broken record.

The Big Red Rooster Sound Machine includes an AC adapter, or you can run it off batteries while traveling. Let it run all night long, or set the timer to turn the device off after 15, 30, or 60 minutes.

Pros: Great price, good sound quality, doesn't take up much room on your nightstand

Cons: Not many sounds to choose from

The best for travel

Foto: Source: Homedics

The Homedics Portable White Noise Sound Machine is compact enough to fit in any piece of luggage, so you'll always have a comforting noise maker when you're on the road.

The Homedics Portable White Noise Sound Machine plays four sounds, including steady white noise, summer night, ocean waves, or rain. Instead of using a dial, it uses buttons that hop from one output level to the next.

This is a travel sound machine not intended for everyday use. As for the volume options, you can always move the unit closer or farther from your bed or your kid's crib, and you can face it down on the nightstand or muffle it if you can't find the perfect setting.

Sure, it only plays four sounds, but it also only costs about $13, making it wildly affordable. At that low price, you won't mind replacing the batteries now and then, or the whole device eventually if it conks out after a few years of intermittent use.

I've used several Homedics sound machines over the years, both on the road, in my bedroom, and for my kids, and they have always performed well for more than long enough based on their low cost. - Steven John

Pros: Very portable, tiny price tag, easy to use

Cons: Some units fail fast with heavy use, middling volume control

The best for babies

Foto: Source: WavHello

Not only is every WavHello SoundBub White Noise Machine and Bluetooth Speaker charming, but they are also easy to use and portable.

The ability to create a calming, comfortable place for your baby or young child, even when you are away from home, is almost priceless. So, a $30 sound machine that can create a familiar and soothing environment just about anywhere is well worth the price. And with the WavHello SoundBub White Noise Machine and Bluetooth Speaker, that anywhere isn't hyperbolic.

These compact sound makers feature a built-in rechargeable battery and a large hook that can also double as a stand, so they are ready to go wherever you go, no plug required. Hang them on the stroller, the car seat, the crib, or anywhere else you need to create a sleep environment. And for the record, I'm saying "them" because SoundBub comes in the option of an owl, bunny, and bear. We have the bear, of course.

The SoundBub comes with a few sounds pre-programmed, such as rain and constant white noise. When you get the free app, you gain access to 12 more sounds. You can set the sounds to play for 30, 60, or 90 minutes or to run until you shut the thing off yourself. When used as a compact Bluetooth speaker, the SoundBub can play any song or sound you want once connected to your phone or tablet. - Steven John

Pros: Compact and portable, comes in three varieties, easy to use and versatile

Cons: Occasional charging issues, LED light might be perceived as bright

The best for kids

Foto: Source: Bubzi

If your baby or young child wakes up at every sound, you'll find sweet relief with the adorable and effective Bubzi Co Sleep Soother.

While some babies and toddlers can sleep through seemingly anything, others awaken at the slightest sound. Those are the kids who most need the Bubzi Co Sleep Soother.

With its cute owl design, this sure-to-thrill-the-PreK-and-kindergarten-crowd sound machine is also blessed relief for tired parents.

The device plays 10 lullabies, including "Are You Sleeping," "Baa Baa Black Sheep," "Brahms Lullaby," and "London Bridge." There's also a heartbeat sound and birdsong. The sound machine shuts off after 30 minutes. Surprisingly, there is no way to leave it on longer, but most babies and toddlers are long off to dreamland before the time is up, anyway.

But the Bubzi Co Sleep Soother isn't just a sound machine. It also has a soft nightlight that projects stars and color onto your child's bedroom ceiling and walls, creating a light show that shuts off after 30 minutes. Plus, it has a Velcro strap for easy portability.

The body of the owl is soft and plush, perfect for hugging and riding along in the stroller or car seat. It's also washable; just remove the battery pack first.

The Sleep Soother runs off three AAA batteries, which are included.

Pros: Soft and cuddly, cute owl design, several lullabies to choose from, light show feature

Cons: Only stays on for 30 minutes at a time, older children may find it babyish, short battery life

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Foto: Source: Brooklinen

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