5 Best White Noise Machines For A Relaxing Sleep
A white noise machine can dramatically improve your life; your sleeping life and therefore your waking life, the two being inextricably connected. Not only can it help with sleep, it can also improve concentration in waking hours, relieve some of the symptoms of tinnitus, and help you relax more fruitfully, helping you unwind from the day. They are also great at helping young children and babies drift off to sleep, which can be a life-saver for weary, worn-out parents.
It actually isn't quite so original, after all. In the old days, ambient noise could be generated simply by tuning your TV to channel zero, or twiddle your radio dial to a place between stations. The resultant static creates a background sound that can be easy to sleep to, or productive to work to. White noise machines work on that same basic principle; they don't destroy other sounds but renders them less jagged and jarring on the brain. It masks rather than obliterates, minimizes rather than destroys.
The best white noise machines will not simply generate endless static. No, they will actively emit a constant, subtle noise with equal volume from every frequency that is able to be heard by the human ear. A bit like what a baby might hear in the womb, or a mom during an ultrasound, a constant yet comforting sound is the result, to which are brains are hardwired to find soothing, as opposed to harsh or sudden sounds which are naturally upsetting or shocking.
There are other settings on the best white noise machines, these days. 'Pink' or 'brown' noise is also possible, which are essentially similar to white noise but offer fewer frequencies so have a different feel to the ear; pink noise centers at a higher pitch, whereas brown noise centres at a lower pitch. White noise machines will also offer other soothing sounds, from nature and even distant human voices or the gliding of fabrics over a variety of surfaces.
The Best White Noise Machine
1. Adaptive Sound Technologies White Noise Machine
HIGHLIGHTS:
An American company
30 rich sound options
Adaptive Sound – responds instantly
3.5mm headphone jack
Optional sleep timer
Front panel lighting automatically dims
1.
Adaptive Sound Technologies White Noise Machine – Best Choice
This innovative, sleep-inducing product is engineered to block out sharp or irritating noises with calming, background sounds. Sound+Sleep stands out from many competitors because it rests on the research of 100s of sounds captured from nature by a team of auditory experts; these raw sounds have been fine-tuned and rendered soothing via the means of a high fidelity speaker. Unlike certain programs which effectively loop the same few sounds repeatedly, Sound+Sleep has at its command a plethora of original, bespoke sounds from nature which are highly effective and unfold over many hours. This Adaptive Sound technology actually morphs throughout the night, continually adjusting itself in accordance with the noise occurring in your environment; especially useful if you happen to live in a more built-up, urban setting.
There is also the possibility of putting it on a timer, so that it turns itself off after you’ve fallen asleep; choose from 120, 90, 60 to 30 minutes, because only you know how hard it is for you to fall asleep. It will even work in conjunction with your own personal earbuds, speaker pillow, headphones or portable speaker, thanks to its 3.5 mm audio output. There are 10 particular sound profiles from which to choose; each one contains degrees of quality and detail, thus making 30 specific sound profiles overall. These are not just ‘white noise’ programs but actual recordings from nature, lasting 30 minutes each, in which there is no repetition and artificial tinkering. The front panel lighting tactfully dulls over time, in order not to distract you or keep you awake. This is an American company; with that, you get all the benefits of great customer service, high quality of production and a sense of helping the national economy.
Learn more about Adaptive Sound Technologies White Noise Machine
2. Marpac Dohm-DS White Noise Machine
HIGHLIGHTS:
Includes Lightweight Sleeping Mask
Two speeds – dual speed motor
Unique asymmetrical fan
Marpac Signature Sound
Voltage rating = 120 VAC, 60 Hz – For use in North America Only
2.
Marpac Dohm-DS White Noise Machine – Premium Pick
This impressive white noise machine will help you to get a great night’s sleep, and comes with a state of the art sleeping mask. It conceals irritating sounds by creating a calmness which enables you to focus, chill out and sleep soundly. Thus, it is not merely for those who wish to sleep but for those who wish to get things done in a focus or concentrated way, or indeed for those who live in a busy, urban environment in which noise pollution is a real issue. The original version of this machine goes back to 1962, so this model is a 4th generation product.
This Dohm classic DS works by emitting ‘white noise’ mechanically, DS meaning Dual speed, so there are two speeds available. It emits a soothing background ambience, which filters out sharp, grating sounds but also renders complete silence less hostile, for those who do not like it. It can help a baby or young toddler get to sleep, so could be used in a day care center. Alternatively, it could be used in a college dorm, in order to help a student maximize his/her potential when it comes to hitting the books. It is made from resilient, heavy-duty plastic, so people who travel a lot can easily take it with them in their suitcase. Being made in the US, you can have the assurance that it is UL listed and has a reliable 1-year warranty. It is to be used only in the US, in the first instance, with a Voltage rating of 120 VAC, 60 Hz.
Ambient noise is masked in part due to the original design of its asymmetrical fan, which is accompanied by acoustic housing; together this combines to produce a pleasing and relaxing sound of rushing air, otherwise known as the Marpac Signature Sound. Crucially, it does not require actual moving air but simply engineers it. A high quality, customized sound is the result, and the volume and tone can be altered to produce a personalized sound experience which suits you personally.
With regard to the luxurious Zonoz Sleepy Eyez Lightweight Sleeping Mask which is included in your purchase, it is ideal for those who travel, on business or pleasure. It is lightweight, black, and designed in a two-strip design which is long-lasting. In any space which is not completely dark, it helps to create that experience. This is especially helpful in any environment which contains low-level light pollution, or even natural ambient light due to the particular time zone or geographical location, in which your natural calming and sleeping routine can be disrupted.
Learn more about Marpac Dohm-DS White Noise Machine
3. Adaptive Sound Technologies White Noise Sound Machine
HIGHLIGHTS:
Designed in the USA
Provides ten fan sounds and ten ambient noise variations
Includes white, pink and brown noise
Minimizes disruptive environmental noises
Powered by AC or USB
No moving parts.
Precise volume control
1,000 day satisfaction guarantee
This sleek looking, electronic ‘white noise’ sound machine contains no motor or other moving parts, simply allowing you to access a wide plethora of sound options which are emitted digitally, through a high fidelity speaker. White noise sounds are perfect for getting you off to sleep; they are also well able to help you relax, study, focus due to the filtering out of annoying and disruptive background noise pollution. The wide range of 20 specifically engineered digital sounds is made up of 10 variations of just white noise, 10 distinct electric fan sounds.
The ultra sensitive volume control can go from a sound as low as a whisper to a sound much louder than an old-school mechanical fan. You can benefit from white noise, but also from pink and brown noise, which have their own unique frequencies and advantages, in terms of good quality sleep. LectroFan can also help you to focus on your day job more effectively; if you work in an office it can even help filter out background conversations happening the other side of the office. As for childcare, this device is very useful in helping a toddler or baby to drift off into sleep.
Designed in the US, you can be confident in this product, and have 100% confidence that its 1,000 day satisfaction guarantee will be honored. Its safe and sturdy design can be powered via USB or AC; the product works by producing original, non-repeating sounds which smooth away those irritating and distracting sounds like traffic, shouting and banging door, thus allowing you both to sleep well and work well.
Learn more about Adaptive Sound Technologies White Noise Sound Machine
4. Homedics White Noise Sound Machine
HIGHLIGHTS:
6 digitally recorded relaxing Sounds
Compact & Portable For Travel
Helps Your Baby Sleep
Auto Off Timer
30 day money back Guarantee
4.
Homedics White Noise Sound Machine – Best Value
Homedics has been going since 1987, and with its range of products, sees its White Noise Sound Machine as an excellent addition to its wide range of products. It offers you 6 different natural sounds, ie. not just white noise but summer night, brook, ocean, rain and thunder. Its adjustable volume control allows you to focus effectively on a task, relax or fall asleep with ease, as irksome background noises are deftly filtered out. These specially crafted sounds actually imitate and replicate the ambient sounds of the natural environment in order to immerse the listener in a peaceful realm of tranquillity.
The small size of this device is highly convenient; it fits neatly into a suitcase, travel bag, or even a purse! If you have a baby or young toddler, its sounds actually mimic the rhythmic nature noises in order to soothe your child to sleep. Its in-built auto off timer means you can have nature sounds playing continuously, or set them to run for 15, 30 or 60 minutes, using its helpful timer function Included in your purchase is an adapter, although the 4 ‘AA’ batteries which can power it must be supplied by you. You can, if you choose, leave this machine on throughout the night, in order to ensure a perfect night’s sleep. There is a 30-day money back guarantee
Learn more about Homedics White Noise Sound Machine
5. Big Red Rooster 6 Sound White Noise Machine
HIGHLIGHTS:
6 soothing sleep sounds
Reduces background noise
Optional auto-off timer
Plug in or battery operated
For travel, vacations or business trips
5.
Big Red Rooster 6 Sound White Noise Machine – Budget Pick
This fantastic product boasts a plethora of sleep-inducing and mind-soothing sounds, which can conceal irritating urban background noise pollution, and help you work, rest and sleep more effectively than ever before. It is as useful to an adult seeking to maximize productivity in an office as it is to baby drifting off to sleep in a bedroom. It could be left on continuously, but also has a timer function which permits you to set it for 15, 30 or 60 minutes. It can even help treat tinnitus, and due to its modest dimensions (4 inches deep x 4.375 inches wide x 2.63 inches tall) can be taken with you wherever you go. An AC adapter is provided in your purchase, although 3 AA batteries would also do the trick.
The six main sounds offered by this device are: ocean, brook, rain, thunder, white noise, summer night. Each one of these sound options, including nature sounds, is able to conceal harsh and grating sound that interrupts night-time sleep or day-time concentration. There is the functionality of a timer, too, by which you can set it for 15, 30, or 60 minutes each time, if you don’t want to leave it on all night, for example. It can be powered via AA batteries x 3, or via an AC adapter. It is also small and light enough to go with you during your travels, and help you to settle into a slumber even in unfamiliar conditions, such as a hotel or friend’s spare room.
Learn more about Big Red Rooster 6 Sound White Noise Machine