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Whether you’re trying to mask the noise around you or fill the silence, a sound machine can be a handy sleep aid. The constant background noise that a sound machine creates can drown out loud (potentially sleep-disrupting) noises, foster relaxation, and create a sense of comfort and familiarity, according to neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez. But a good sound machine doesn’t just make sound — it should also be easy to use, provide appealing sound options, and potentially even be aesthetically pleasing. To find sound machines that fit the bill, I talked to a neuropsychologist and a sleep researcher about how sound machines impact sleep, spoke to sound-machine users (some of whom feel very passionately about their sound-machine preferences), and called in a few options to test myself.
Below, you’ll find sound machines offering a variety of sound types, as well as machines in various shapes and sizes to fit different lifestyles. If you’d rather block out the noise altogether, take a look at our guide to the best earplugs for sleeping. Or if you’re shopping for kids, check out our favorite sound machines for babies.
Update on November 4, 2024: Added images of the Restnature and Pure Enrichment machines in situ; updated prices and checked stock for all other products.
What we’re looking for
Sound type and variety
The two main types of sound are mechanical and electronic. A mechanical sound machine uses a physical mechanism to create sound — usually a fanlike device that creates a whirring sound. An electronic sound machine, on the other hand, plays an audio recording of a sound. Neither is better than the other — it mostly comes down to personal preference. With a mechanical sound machine, you will likely have only one sound type, which you may be able to slightly adjust. With an electronic sound machine, you are likely to have at least a few different sound options to choose from and will likely have more volume control.
Mechanical sound machines primarily make the kind of ambient noise colloquially referred to as “white noise,” though it may or may not be actual white noise. Technically, white noise refers to a sound “that covers the entire range of audible frequencies, all of which possess equal intensity,” according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Hafeez says that because white noise merges all sound frequencies, it is effective for drowning out environmental sounds that could affect sleep. Chiropractor and sleep researcher Dr. Robert Oexman notes that white noise may be particularly helpful for shift workers who sleep in the daytime, people with tinnitus, or those who need help calming a “busy brain.” There are other types of ambient sound named for colors with pink and brown noise being used most commonly in sound machines for sleep. Electronic sound machines may also produce white, pink, or brown noise via a recording of the sound.
Unlike mechanical sound machines, electronic ones can also have a host of other sound types, including ocean waves, rainfall, birds chirping, or even music. Hafeez says that nature sounds can trigger a relaxation response in the brain, both because they create a serene atmosphere and because they “typically follow predictable, rhythmic patterns, which help lower heart rates and ease anxiety, facilitating easier sleep onset.”
Power source
Some sound machines have an internal rechargeable battery or will run on batteries. That makes them much more travel-friendly or convenient to move to different spaces throughout your home. I’ve indicated whether each machine below needs batteries, is rechargeable, or whether it needs to be plugged into an AC and/or USB power source.
Size
When possible, I’ve listed the dimensions of each sound machine, so you know if it will fit where you intend to use it or will be convenient for travel.
Notable features
Where relevant, I’ve noted any important features that help or hinder using the device.
Best electronic sound machine overall
Sound type and variety: Electronic; 10 fan sounds, 10 white/pink/brown noise sounds, and 2 ocean surf sounds | Power source: AC or USB | Size: 4.7” x 4.7” x 3.3” | Notable features: Physical buttons on top of the machine
This sound machine earned the top spot on this list for electronic sound because it strikes a nice balance between being versatile and being easy to use. While there are sound machines with more options out there, I think the LectroFan offers a good amount of customization without veering into overcomplication. And it comes highly recommended: Samantha Irby and Eva Mendes own similar models and have sung its praises. “It feels almost like a cocoon around your eardrums,” Irby says. “I think it’s the white-noise machine that has kept our marriage intact.”
Strategist staff writer Lauren Ro has tried both the LectroFan and the Yogasleep Dohm (our pick for best mechanical sound machine below), and prefers the LectroFan for its compact size and customizability. It’s fairly small, so it doesn’t take up much space on a nightstand — Mendes and Ro both take theirs with them while traveling. Ro also likes the variety of pitches you can choose from on the LectroFan, as well as being able to control the volume. Senior editor Simone Kitchens (who overall prefers the Dohm) agrees that the LectroFan is much louder than the Dohm: “I like that you can crank up the volume on the Lectro, which sometimes you need to.” Another handy feature includes the physical buttons on top of the machine — no need to use an app or consult a manual to use this sound machine — as well as a sleep timer. While it has to be plugged in, you can use either a USB port or an AC outlet, and it comes with an adapter.
One downside to the simple controls of the LectroFan is that you have to cycle through the sound selections to find the one you want, so if you accidentally hit that button (fumbling around in the dark, for example), you’ll have to go through all the sounds to return to your original setting.
Best mechanical sound machine overall
Sound type and variety: Mechanical noise, adjustable volume | Power source: AC | Size: 5.75” x 5.75” x 3.25” | Notable features: 7-foot power cable, single on-off switch
The Yogasleep Dohm uses an internal fan to generate a “white noise” sound mechanically. The simple device has been around since 1962 and has gained many fans along the way, including Emma Roberts, politician Andrew Yang, New York Magazine deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff, and several Strategist staffers.
The fan runs at two speeds and you can adjust the volume by twisting the outer plastic cap, allowing the air to escape the device differently and resulting in tones subtly ranging between a “lighter, airier” sound or a lower hum. I’ve tried the Dohm and found it exceptionally easy to use — you really just have to plug it in and switch it on, so I think it’s very appealing for those who hate futzing with too many settings. One such user is senior editor Winnie Yang, who prefers the Dohm over the LectroFan for its simplicity. Yang says that having just one switch to operate on the Dohm makes it easier to use in the dark, particularly compared to the LectroFan, which has several buttons for various controls. “The switch has a really nice satisfying heavy click when you flip it, and the twist adjustment is intuitive and simple,” Yang says. That keeps her from hitting the wrong button and accidentally changing her settings in the middle of the night, as she’s done with the LectroFan, which forces her to cycle back through all the options to find the right one, disrupting her sleep.
A big pro for the Dohm is its mechanical sound. With electronic sound machines, there’s always a possibility of the sound feeling too artificial, or even the track noticeably looping. The Dohm sounds like a fan, but without the cooling blast of air a fan makes. Kitchens, also a Dohm user, likes the “real” whirring sound of the Dohm over electronic white noise. She also likes how simple it is — she doesn’t have to mess with the volume or choose which “type” of white noise to listen to. Yang agrees: “As someone who uses these primarily for her kids when they’re babies and toddlers and is therefore usually sleep-deprived and time-crunched, it’s very appealing to have so few options with the Dohm.”
One con for the Dohm is that it can only be plugged into an AC power outlet. But it does have a seven-foot-long power cord, which makes it a little easier to use if your outlets are inconveniently spaced. Additionally, in the white colorway, I think it looks a little like a medical device, but it also comes in gray, black, tan, and pink as well if you prefer a less sterile look.
Best sound machine for kids
Sound type and variety: Electronic; 15 sounds, including white noise, various nature sounds, and three lullabies | Power source: AC | Size: 4” x 4” x 6.6” | Notable features: App-controlled, various light options, and optional subscription ($4.99 per month)
The Hatch Rest is our favorite baby sound machine, but it’s more than just a sound machine — it can also be a nightlight or sunrise alarm clock, and with the Hatch+ subscription, it provides a library of lullabies, bedtime stories, and guided meditations. I’ve tried this sound machine, and like other Hatch products, it’s fun to play around with because there are so many different settings and options. It comes with 15 sounds for free (you can access more through the subscription) that I thought provided a nice variety of options. I also liked the light functions — you can choose between a wide range of colors to create a vibey feel for a bedtime wind-down routine, or to act like a sunrise alarm clock by scheduling the lights on a timer. It’s all controlled through the corresponding smartphone app, which I found easy to use. I think the app controls also make a nice touch for parents if they need to control the settings without disrupting their kids’ sleep.
The Hatch Rest comes highly recommended by lots of parents and experts on children’s sleep. “I decided to invest in the Hatch because it promised to grow with my daughter Olive,” says Claire Jopson, parenting blogger at Twin Perspectives. “I also liked that it didn’t look like another brightly colored baby product and would look nice around the house.” The time-to-rise light is one of the features that makes the Hatch Rest an investment beyond the baby years; like a sunrise alarm clock, it’s a light feature that signals to kids when to wake up. “When it turned blue, my kiddos knew it was time to begin getting ready for the day, and when it turned green, it was sleepy time,” Sittercity nanny expert Jada Rashawn says.
Best portable sound machine
Sound type and variety: Electronic; 16 sound options, including 7 nature sounds, 3 white noise sounds, 3 fan sounds, and 3 lullabies | Power source: Rechargeable battery; comes with a USB-C charging cord | Size: 1.8” x 1.8” x 1.9” | Notable features: Comes with optional strap, physical buttons on underside
This sound machine is one of the smallest I have ever seen — it’s about the size of an egg, and I can almost wrap my hand around it. With 16 sound options, volume controls, and sleep timer options (30, 60, or 90 minutes), it does much of what a larger sound machine does, but takes up only a fraction of the space. I also appreciate that it comes with an optional strap, which would allow you to hang it or attach it to a bag strap or key ring. And because it runs on rechargeable batteries, you can truly use this little machine anywhere.
If you’re picky about sounds, however, the Restnature may not be for you. Some of the sounds have a slightly canned quality, and I found that the rainfall and fire-crackling options also had some white-noise fuzz in the background. Overall, it sounds a little less crisp than the LectroFan and Hatch Rest.
Best portable sound machine for kids
Sound type and variety: Electronic; 3 white noise sound options | Power source: USB power and rechargeable battery | Size: 3.4” x 1.6” x 3.84” | Notable features: Flexible hanging clip and nightlight
For a kid-specific portable option, we like this machine by Yogasleep (the makers of our best mechanical sound machine). “We are never without this dinky noise machine,” says senior editor Ailbhe Malone. “We’ve used it in Airbnbs, hotels, and guest rooms to mask a cacophony of noises.” Malone adds that though there are only three noise variations, her 1-year-old daughter likes the general white-noise setting the most. Swerdloff agrees, calling it “extremely lightweight.” Attorney Samantha Shipp Warrick likes that there’s a carabiner on the machine so she can clip the sound machine to her stroller, car seat, or travel crib. The battery life is enough to last one full night, and it’s easy to recharge via USB. There’s a small nightlight function, but it’s not enough to illuminate a room.
Best meditative sound machine
Sound type and variety: Electronic; 6 sound options, including moving water, soft piano, Tibetan meditation music | Power source: Rechargeable battery, comes with a micro-USB charging cord | Size: 2.4” x 2.4” x 3.2” | Notable features: Physical buttons on the back
This Pure Enrichment sound machine is extremely tiny — though still significantly larger than the Restnature Mini. It has a rechargeable battery and relatively basic button controls on the back, which allow you to rotate through the six sound options, set a sleep timer (for ten, 30, or 60 minutes), and control the volume. But what made this sound machine stand out to me compared to the others I tested were the sound options it offered. I turned it on to test and immediately felt transported from my bedroom to a day spa or yoga studio. The sounds are much more musical than those of most of the other machines on this list. I heard an option that sounded like meditation singing bowls, another like musical wind chimes, and still another like a contemplative synth. For those who prefer something other than straight white noise or basic nature sounds, I think this Pure Enrichment sound machine is a great option. I like the sounds, it’s easy to use, and it is noticeably more aesthetically pleasing than similar machines.
Best sound machine and alarm clock
Sound type and variety: Electronic, 100+ sound options, including ambient noise and meditation tracks; Bluetooth-enabled | Power source: AC power and back-up battery, comes with USB-C cord and adapter| Size: 6.5” x 2.75” x 2.75” | Notable features: Alarm clock, nightlight, Bluetooth connectivity, optional app control
If you want to combine your sound machine and alarm clock into one, the Loftie is a sleek and simple option. While the Loftie is first and foremost an alarm clock, it has a vast library of audio options that make it a great choice for a sound machine too. Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa loves his Loftie alarm clock and regularly uses the sound options to fall asleep at night. He says the sound options are high-quality, both in terms of the content and audio itself. “There’s something so tasteful to their sound selection,” Rellosa says. His preferred Loftie track is called “Redwoods,” which he describes as a “calming woodsy vibe that actually sounds like a tranquil forest rather than some canned recording.” I’ve tested the Loftie too and agree with Rellosa — the sounds do have a “high end” feel to them, compared to run-of-the-mill sound-machine options. You’ll find a variety of sound-bowl meditations, an entire rainbow of ambient noise (white, red, pink, gray, blue, brown), guided meditations, and breath work (Loftie provides samples of some of its calming sounds on its website). Rellosa is a fan of the sound bowls, saying he feels like he’s in a temple while listening to them. Even the nature sounds convey a feeling of authenticity. You can also connect your phone to the clock via Bluetooth to stream any audio you want through the speakers.
On top of the excellent sound-machine capabilities the Loftie offers, it’s a great alarm clock. It offers a similarly excellent range of wake-up sounds in its catalogue, which help rouse you with ease rather than with the panic traditional alarms can induce. It has an optional nightlight feature as well, which casts a subtle ambient glow. And for the design-minded, the clock looks great on any nightstand — especially if paired with the Loftie Lamp.
Best sound machine for tinnitus
Sound type and variety: 288 nature sounds with sound mixing | Power source: AC power and battery | Size: 8.25” x 5.75” x 6.5” | Notable features: Bluetooth connectivity, radio, clockface
By far the most expensive option on this list, the S-6000 is the Rolls Royce of sound machines, featuring more sounds than all the others on this list combined, and is designed for those with hearing problems. Audiologist Ben Thompson recommends Sound Oasis’s devices for his tinnitus patients because of their high-quality audio, which has more in common with a professional speaker system than a cheap, tinny product. “This is the one that we can recommend to our patients who come in asking questions about sound machines for the evening and sleep,” says Thompson. Users can also use bass and treble controls to home in on their exact sound preferences.
Some other sound machines we’ve written about
Our experts
• Sanam Hafeez, neuropsychiatrist and founder of Comprehend the Mind
• Claire Jopson, parenting blogger at Twin Perspectives
• Simone Kitchens, Strategist senior editor
• Ailbhe Malone, senior editor at the Strategist
• Robert Oexman, chiropractor, chief science officer at iSense, and chief executive officer and founder of Somly
• Jada Rashawn, Sittercity nanny expert
• Jeremy Rellosa, Strategist writer
• Lauren Ro, Strategist writer
• Samantha Shipp Warrick, attorney
• Alexis Swerdloff, New York Magazine deputy editor
• Ben Thompson, an audiologist at Treble Health
• Winnie Yang, Strategist senior editor
Additional reporting by Chris Stokel-Walker.
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