The LectroFan white noise machine offers an incredible 22 sound options.
If getting better sleep is on your agenda now that daylight saving time has returned, we've got you covered. Sleep is the key to overall health and wellness, but the truth is, it's not easy for many Americans. In fact, more than 14% of adults in the United States have trouble falling asleep, while almost 18% struggle to stay asleep. And without a good night's rest, everything else becomes more challenging.
From noisy neighbors to snoring partners and nocturnal pets, nighttime disruptions come in all shapes and sizes. But white noise machines are here to save the day — or rather, the night — drowning out those annoying sounds to help you achieve the serene, uninterrupted sleep you deserve.
Sleep expert Sarah Bossio explains that white noise may replicate the brain waves seen during deep sleep, though more research is needed to understand the exact mechanism. "The most obvious benefit of white noise is its ability to reduce the external noise from your surrounding environment, allowing you to stay in a deeper sleep or smoothly transition through sleep cycles," she says.
Our team spoke with three sleep experts — a sleep coach, a sleep consultant and a sleep product expert — to explore the features and benefits of white noise machines and what makes them a valuable addition to your sleep routine. We put 10 different models to the test, focusing on price, sound quality, features, usability and overall experience. These seven white noise machines came out on top.
Update, Mar. 10, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for the best white noise machine remains unchanged.
Related: We've also rounded up a list of the best alarm clocks (including those for heavy sleepers) and a list of the best sunrise alarm clocks that help you wake up more naturally. You can track and improve your sleep hygiene with one of the best sleep trackers. We've put together lists of the best earplugs for sleeping and the best headphones for sleeping. If you want to try one of the best sleep aids you can take without a prescription, we have a list for that too. For those who need their sleeping space to be pitch dark, check out our lists of the best blackout curtains and shades and the best sleep masks.
Number of sound options: 11 | Extra features: Clock, 10+ lighting options, rechargeable, temperature/humidity sensor, cry detection, routines
I've never fallen in love with a sound machine as quickly as I did with the Nanit Sound & Light. It's designed specifically for babies and young children, and the features prove Nanit put a lot of thought into its design. The sound quality is superb, and I haven't had any issues with audio looping.
"White noise has been proven to help reduce the amount of time it takes infants to fall asleep and prevents unnecessary wakings due to disruptive environmental noise throughout the night," says Bossio. And while Nanit boasts a great selection of white noise options, you can also set routines to activate your favorite lights and sounds at specific times. The cry detection is also a nice perk — it alerts your device when your baby starts to fuss, and you can quickly soothe them at the touch of a button.
This is the white noise machine I've settled on for my youngest, but it's worth noting that some reviewers have experienced connectivity issues. One said, "The setup of this product to connect to a phone took a few tries. Once connected, it hasn’t had a problem." Keep this in mind if tech issues tend to frustrate you.
Number of sound options: 22 | Extra features: Headphone jack, USB power option, auto-off timer
LectroFan EVO offers an outstanding selection of fan and white noises without complicated tech features. There are no companion apps or Bluetooth connections — just plug it in and power up for a peaceful night's sleep. I'm all for simplicity in my bedroom, so this sound machine won me over on night one. It took me all of two minutes to unbox, set it up and find a white noise option I liked.
"I recommend white noise, which is the same tone or frequency emitted consistently, such as a fan," says Bossio. She explains that consistent tones help when transitioning between sleep cycles versus varying tones (such as ocean waves, thunderstorms or lullabies) that can activate the brain and disrupt quality sleep.
For the price, the sound quality is quite impressive. It drowned out the neighbors' barking dogs and my husband's 4:00 a.m. work departure. Amazon customers rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars, citing its sound quality, functionality and value as reasons for their high scores. One reviewer raved about the customer service, saying, "I was able to talk to an actual person who was very helpful." A great product paired with excellent customer service? That's a win in my book.
If you're looking for a similar option, Eva Mendes also swears by this LectroFan model.
Number of sound options: 6 | Extra features: Battery power option, auto-off timer
If you're tight on cash or don't want to invest much in a sound machine, the Homedics SoundSleep is a solid choice. While it may have fewer sound options than others on our list, its compact design and battery power option make it worth considering. At under $25, I wasn't expecting what I got: a small device that packs a punch.
The sound quality is impressive for its size, and the auto-off timer is super convenient. I also appreciate the option to use batteries — you can still soothe yourself to sleep during a power outage. The more than 57,000 Amazon reviewers give it 4.5 out of 5 stars, with many saying it exceeded their expectations. One reviewer said, "It feels too good to be true for such an affordable price!"
A few comments mention that the audio can sometimes loop, which refers to an audible sound heard when the track restarts. This can be distracting if you notice it, which might make falling asleep more difficult. "Ideally, the loop should be seamless, with the end blending smoothly into the beginning to keep you undisturbed while resting," says sleep product expert Nichole Mondshein.
Number of sound options: 55+ | Extra features: Alarm clock, night light, companion app, Alexa integration, customizable routines
I'm a sucker for devices that "do it all," as I don't need the clutter that comes from juggling multiple devices. The WiiM Wake-Up Clock and Sound Machine has everything I look for in a bedside companion. Not only does it function as a sound machine with over 55 sound options, it also has an alarm clock and a customizable night light. Oh, and Alexa integration, so I'm not fumbling from underneath my sleep mask to turn off my morning alarm.
The companion app is where it really shines. It's incredibly user-friendly, so much so that my 12-year-old had no trouble setting it up, and it allows you to personalize your sound and light settings. I set mine to play ocean waves and sunset hues for 30 minutes before bed and to wake me with gradual light 15 minutes before my morning alarm. The app also connects to your music streaming accounts, like Amazon Music, Spotify and Pandora.
"Alexa, turn on my white noise." What's not to love? And I'm not the only one who thinks so. One Amazon reviewer said, "I really love the beautiful lights and that it's very easy to control both from the device itself and the app." Another said, "I use it every night to play calming music, and I feel like it’s helped me fall asleep quicker."
Number of sound options: 7 | Extra features: Rechargeable battery, 3-setting light, hanging strap
The Drift Away White Noise Machine by ergoPouch is small enough to fit in your hand and has a hanging strap for attaching to doorknobs, nightstands, headboards or strollers. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 48 hours, but mine stayed charged for three nights (or 24 hours) on average.
It's especially useful when traveling because it's incredibly compact, has a handy night light with three brightness settings and charges quickly. It doesn't take up space, and you can use it while plugged in. Given its size, I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality and volume range, but it may not live up to your plug-in model.
I've used sound machines in my home for more than a decade, and this is my new go-to for travel. However, some users report that the hanging strap breaks easily. I haven't had any issues with mine, but I also hook and unhook it carefully.
Number of sound options: 1 (10 speeds) | Extra features: Adjustable tone, night light, auto-off timer
I was skeptical about the Dohm Nova because it only has one sound, but then I tried it. Inside, a real fan produces white noise, which sounds more natural than the digital versions. Rotate the outer shell to adjust the fan's sound. It took me 10 seconds to home in on my ideal setting and about a minute to realize how much I loved it.
As a light sleeper, I was impressed that this sound machine kept me undisturbed throughout the night. I’m pretty sure my husband was snoring, but I slept right through it. While it may not be the most feature-rich on our list, its superior sound quality more than compensates. The auto-off timer has 45-minute, 90-minute and 8-hour options, and there's a soft night light if you need it.
The biggest downside to the Dohm Nova is that it has only one sound option: fan-based white noise. It may not be your "dream machine" if you prefer different types of white noise each night. But if you're loyal to your bedroom fan, this may be your new favorite. One customer raved, "I debated which model to get, but I'm really glad I chose the Nova. I like the multitude of ways to adjust the sound via speed and tone, and I like the many options for each."
Number of sound options: 28+ | Extra features: Sound library, alarm clock, companion app, routines, night light
Hatch Restore 2 has all the bells and whistles: a sound machine, night light, sunrise alarm clock and "rest" and "rise" routines. You can customize everything from the color and brightness of your night light to the sound you want to fall asleep and wake up to. The best feature, in my opinion, is the sunrise alarm clock. Instead of being jolted awake by a loud noise, you can opt for a soft, simulated sunrise.
But since we're talking white noise, I'll mention the expansive library of 25+ sleep sounds. There's also a host of unwind and wake-up sounds. I set my device to ease me into sleep with a coastal soundscape before switching to brown noise, which sleep science coach Jill Zwarensteyn says is less harsh than white noise. It's pure bliss!
It's important to mention that some features are locked behind a subscription service called Hatch+. It's $50 for an annual membership or $5 per month, and it unlocks access to premium content like advanced sleep sounds and guided meditations. But even without the subscription, there are plenty of free features to keep you satisfied. Just don't expect a battery backup — this device needs to be plugged in to function.
When choosing a white noise machine, our experts suggest considering the following:
Sound quality: This is probably the most crucial factor to consider. You want a sound machine that produces high-quality, consistent white noise without distortion or looping. Some machines, like the Yogasleep Dohm Nova, use actual fans to create the sound, which can result in a more natural experience.
Sound options: While having a specific sound preference is great, having multiple options allows you to discover what truly helps you sleep best. Some machines offer as many as 40+ sound options, while others have five or fewer.
Volume control: "Being able to adjust the sound level is also important so it's not too loud while trying to fall asleep," says Mondshein. You can damage your hearing with prolonged exposure to loud noises, so make sure the machine has a gradual volume increase and decrease that you can set or control.
Timer function: "A timer can shut off the machine automatically after a certain amount of time, which is convenient and saves energy," says Zwarensteyn. Standard options are 30, 60 and 90 minutes, but some machines offer more customizable timer settings through companion apps.
Portability: Mondshein and Zwarensteyn agree that traveling with a sound machine creates a more consistent sleep environment. Who wants to hear the commotion outside their hotel room? Opting for a compact machine with optional battery power can help mask noise while you’re away from home.
Additional features: Night lights, alarm clocks and smart home integration are just a few of the optional features to consider. Some models, like the Hatch Restore 2, offer guided meditations and sleep routines. Put some thought into which features are most important to you.
Price: White noise machines can range from $20 to $200, but the price tag doesn't always reflect sound quality. Do your research and consider your budget before making a purchase. Keep in mind that some machines may have additional subscription services or features that require extra fees.
We tested ten white noise machines across various brands and price levels to pinpoint the best options. We spoke with three sleep experts, including a certified sleep consultant and a sleep science coach, to gain insights. Each machine was thoroughly tested at home, focusing on key features, user experience and overall performance.
White noise is the go-to for sound machines. It contains all audible frequencies at equal levels to create a constant "shushing" sound that can help mask other noises in your environment. Pink noise has more low-frequency sounds, and brown noise has the lowest frequencies of the three.
Sound machines are safe when used correctly. However, listening to any noise at high volumes for extended periods can damage your hearing. When using a sound machine for an infant, child or adolescent, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends placing the machine as far away as possible from the crib or bed and setting it to a low volume to prevent any potential hearing damage.
Yes, white noise can help with the perceived symptoms of tinnitus by masking or covering up the ringing or buzzing sounds associated with the condition, says Bossio. "It's also proposed that white noise can help your brain become more accustomed to tinnitus."
Dreamland Baby Dream Sound Machine: At under $40, this sound machine is cost-effective and features six sound options, an auto-off timer and a built-in night light. While it's exactly what I expected for the price point, the buttons were somewhat tricky to press.
Momcozy Smart White Noise Machine: Though I was impressed with the 34 sound options and app control, the sound quality was not as crisp as I had hoped. A small power indicator light stays on while the machine is in use, which is annoying for some.
Loftie Clock: I wanted to love this smart clock: It's attractive, multifunctional and has a library of white noise and natural sounds. Unfortunately, the tech is glitchy, and the clock isn't as user-friendly as expected.
Sarah Bossio, a certified sleep consultant and owner of Your Zen Baby Sleep
Nichole Mondshein, a sleep product expert at Sleepopolis
Jill Zwarensteyn, a certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor
