travel fan sound machine

The 9 Best Sound Machines for Sleeping Through the Night, Tested by Gear Experts

Finally get the zzz 's you deserve with these high-tech sleep aids.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Amazon’s Choice Sound Machine

Homedics soundsleep white noise sound machine.

Best Basic Sound Machine

Riptunes sound machine with 28 soothing sounds.

Best Sound Machine for Travel

Dreamegg d11 white noise sound machine.

Easiest-to-use Sound Machine

Yogasleep whish white noise sound machine.

Best Smart Sound Machine

Hatch hatch restore sound machine and smart light.

Most Stylish Sound Machine

Snooz snooz white noise sound machine.

#1 Best-Selling Sound Machine

Adaptive sound technologies lectrofan premium white noise sound machine.

Most Unique Sound Machine

Morphée morphée sleep aid device / meditation box.

Best Sound Machine Alternative

Amazon echo dot (5th gen, 2022 release) with clock.

Before you reach for the melatonin or something even harder, you might want to consider a sound machine. These days, the best sound machines offer a wide range of settings for all kinds of sleepers. The most basic models act as “white noise” machines to drown out ambient noise (think snoring partners and passing subway trains) in your apartment or home. More advanced sound machines add a mix of soothing noises, like falling rain, whale calls, blowing fans, and other nature sounds. The very best models even include next-gen features like guided meditations, built-in Bluetooth, or built-in “smart” lighting to help you fall asleep and wake up more naturally

Thankfully, sound machines are simple devices. Most look like fancy alarm clocks with a few more dials and buttons and switches to access their various sounds and features. If you’re ready to upgrade your bedroom but can’t decide on the right sound machine for you, we’re here to help. These are the best sound machines to help you sleep soundly through the night in 2023

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Homedics has long been a favorite brand of ours for its affordable, niche home products, including everything from foot massagers to portable humidifiers . The key word being affordable . The SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine is no exception, with a starting price under $20. It’s a basic, streamlined design without any bells and whistles. In fact, this sound machine offers only the essentials, including a volume knob, a timer, and just six built-in sounds (White Noise, Thunder, Ocean, Rain, Summer Night, and Brook). It’s incredibly lightweight and compact, making this a decent solution for travel, too. Plus, it runs on wall (AC) or battery power.

There’s not much to this sound machine, and it’s one of the most basic in our roundup. If you’re looking for something simple and budget-friendly that gets the job done without a flashy design, this is your man. Beyond the overly basic (bordering on cheap) aesthetic and limited sound library, we’re hard-pressed to find much to dislike about this model. And, with more than 40,000 glowing, five-star reviews, it’s clear many Amazon buyers agree.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 56,000 Amazon reviews, 89% recommend the Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine with at least a 4-star rating.

Riptunes Sound Machine is a half-step above the Homedics SoundSleep. With a clean, minimalist aesthetic, it’s designed to blend seamlessly into almost any décor. With dedicated buttons for every feature and sound, it’s also extremely easy to use. There’s a total of 28 total sound options, including 12 fan sounds, 12 white noise sounds, three nature sounds, and a dedicated “lullabuy” option, making this great for children’s and baby’s rooms. This is another compact, lightweight option, although it does only run on wall power without a built-in battery.

This is a perfect, middle-of-the-road sound machine for anyone looking to upgrade from the most basic models, but who isn’t prepared to splash out on a unit that’s more than $80. With a good list of sound options, including several dedicated to white noise, a tasteful design, and a portable form factor, we think it’s also great for kids’ rooms or guest rooms. At less than $40, this is a solid sound machine.

Sometimes, the hardest place to find a good night’s sleep is on the road. If you’re a light sleeper who can’t sleep, even on vacation, or a road warrior who needs a little snooze assistance while traveling for business, having an ultra-portable sound machine can be a game-changer. Dreamegg’s D11 White Noise Sound Machine offers all the standard features of a typical nightstand-style model. As the name implies, it offers 11 sounds, including several white noises (like a vacuum cleaner, shushing, and a generic “white noise”) and natural sounds like the ocean, a babbling brook, and crickets. This model boasts a “lullaby” sound, too, making it another solid option for children’s rooms. But, most importantly for travelers, it’s ultra-compact and lightweight at just 0.35 pounds.

This is easily one of the most versatile sound machines in our roundup. The night light and built-in child lock features make it a great choice for putting in kids’ rooms, while the portable design and USB-C rechargeability mean that it’s perfect for travelers, too. Plus, with more than 5,000 five-star Amazon reviews, and a starting price under $30, it’s also a great value.

What do buyers say? “I work with newborns for a living and this is the best white noise machine I have ever used. The sounds are wonderful and soothing and the volume range is great. The night light is really helpful too,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Read more: Best Travel Gadgets

The Whish White Noise Sound Machine from Yogasleep (formerly Marpac) offers dead-simple usability. The design resembles a kitchen egg timer with a power button on the front and a ring of dedicated buttons for each sound surrounding the top speaker. Just turn it on, select a sound, and snooze off. The library of 16 sounds includes basic white noises, nature sounds, meditation-friendly background noise, and a proprietary “Marpac sound.” We also like the built-in rechargeable battery that can be plugged in continuously via Micro-USB or tossed in a travel bag for on-the-go sleep assistance. Plus, the sleek, ABS plastic shell is durable and easy to clean.

This sound machine offers all of the same features as our more basic picks, including a compact size, a decent sound library, and a rechargeable battery. But the ultra-clean design sets it apart for anyone looking for the easiest-to-use sound machine of 2023. The only downside? The price. At more than $80, it’s one of the most expensive non-smart sound machines we’ve seen this year.

What do buyers say? “I bought one of these several months ago and use it every night. I absolutely love it!” said one Macys.com reviewer.

Of course, even the lowly sound machine has gone high-tech these days. Hatch’s aptly named Restore Sound Machine is like a sound machine on steroids, offering the same features as a traditional sound machine but taking it all to the next level with several sleep-friendly smart features. Using the built-in ambient light, it’s designed to take you through your entire sleep cycle, from bedtime to wake up the next morning. You can use it to unwind with a “sunset,” fall asleep to a deep library of sounds, stay asleep with a mix of white noises, then wake up with a natural-ish sunrise. Hatch offers a rich library of soundscapes, guided meditations, and sleep stories, plus the optional Hatch Sleep membership unlocks unlimited access to even more sound options. It’s easily the best smart sound machine on the market, and the design is guaranteed to elevate any bedroom decor as well.

The Hatch Restore has every feature any sound machine buyer could want, including all the essentials, plus smartphone connectivity, allowing you to customize almost every option for your perfect night’s sleep. The only con here is the price. At $130, it’s among the most expensive sound machines we’ve seen this year. But if consistently good sleep is important to you, and you don’t mind splurging on the best tech to help get you there, this is hands-down the best choice.

What do buyers say? “I’ve been seeing it everywhere and didn’t want to spend the money, but it is WELL worth it,” said one Amazon reviewer.

If you value the look of everything that goes into your bedroom just as much as how well it helps you sleep, the Snooz White Noise Sound Machine might be for you. The sleek, Apple-worthy aesthetic blends seamlessly into any décor with a look that’s more like a compact Bluetooth speaker than a traditional sound machine. Inside, you won’t find a tiny, alarm-clock-style speaker. Instead, it’s filled with a working, built-in fan to provide real white noise, rather than a looped, recorded track. It features 10 levels of customization, too, so you can dial in your preferred level of ambient whoosh . An optional companion app unlocks additional features, like a timer, a nightlight, and a remote control.

We love the beautiful design and simplicity of this unique sound machine. It’s unlike anything else in our test. But its greatest strength (a built-in fan) is also its weakness. For users who want a sort-of-customizable white noise generator, this is a great combination of functionality and style. The elephant in the room, however, is that you’re paying almost $150 for a stylish, nightstand-friendly fan. But if you’re looking for more of a white noise machine (rather than a sound machine with a library of sounds) and don’t mind paying a little extra for the best-designed model, the Snooz is probably for you.

What do buyers say? “We use this in our daughters nursery. It's works amazing!” said one Walmart.com reviewer.

If you’re anything like us, you appreciate simplicity. Adaptive Sound Technologies (AST) keeps it dead simple with the LectroFan—a compact, hexagonal sound machine with a white, retro-modern design that feels like a cool throwback to 80s technology. All of the features (power and volume) and the sound library (including fan sounds and white noises) are easily accessible through one of three rocker-style buttons on the front. There’s no quirky nature sound library here, just 20 total fan and white noises (10 fan sounds and 10 white, pink, and brown noises)—all non-looping, so there’s no jarring pause along the way.

If you just can’t sleep without some sort of white noise in your bedroom, but dislike the often quirky, tinny nature sounds of traditional sound machines, this might be the best option for you. We love the easy-to-use design, all accessible through dedicated buttons without having to fiddle with a Bluetooth connection and a finicky companion app. The design is “just right” and, at less than $50, so is the price. Plus, this model is an Amazon #1 Best Seller in “Sound Therapy Products” with more than 23,000 five-star Amazon reviews. If you decide it’s not for you, AST even offers a “1,000-day satisfaction guarantee.”

What do buyers say? Out of more than 28,000 Amazon reviews, 91% recommend the Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan Premium White Noise Sound Machine with at least a 4-star rating.

One look at the Morphee Sleep Aid, and this clearly isn’t your typical sound machine. The design looks more like an old-school music box, in fact. It’s quirky, unique, and guaranteed to add a dash of whimsy to your bedroom’s setup. The sound library is equally one-of-a-kind, with more than 200 audio sessions divided into one of eight themes. These include “body scan, breathing, movement, visualization, heart coherence, nap, relaxing music, and sounds of nature”—all of which are customizable using a male or female voice in 8- or 20-minute sessions. Unlike looped white noise and nature sounds, each of Morphee’s sessions is scientifically designed to help you sleep better.

The Morphee isn’t your typical sound machine. The physical design and user interface are both unique, as are the sounds found in each themed library. This is the sort of device that you probably won’t know if it works for you until you try it at home. At around $100, it’s pricier than many of our more budget-friendly picks. But if you’ve tried traditional sound machines and white noise generators and were left feeling wanting, this is a great, out-of-the-box alternative that’s worth trying. (Bonus: There’s even a My Little Morphée Meditation Box designed specifically for children’s rooms.)

What do buyers say? “If you have insomnia, get this! Did some research on this device and decided to give it a try. Better than a white noise machine, this thing was scientifically studied and created to help you get to sleep as well as improve your deep sleep,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Nowadays, most of the tech in our house does more than it was intended to do. That means you may not want or need to buy a dedicated sound machine. Many smart speakers can typically do everything a traditional sound machine can. The latest generation of Amazon’s Echo Dot (5th Gen), for example, can be enabled with an Alexa skill called Ambient Noise. It features hundreds of stories, sounds, and meditations, and you can even combine two sounds to play at once. Just say something like, “Alexa, ask Ambient Noise to play thunderstorms.” Of course, having the latest Echo Dot also provides access to the long list of other features baked into Amazon’s favorite smart speaker (and the entire Alexa ecosystem), too.

If you’re planning to buy a sound machine anyway, the Echo Dot is a great option that offers a deep sound library and so much more. It’s one of our favorite smart speakers, especially with a price tag just under $60. Plus, the 5th-generation model features more than 7,000 ratings, including over 6,600 five-star reviews.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 7,800 Amazon reviews, 95% recommend the Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker (5th Gen) with at least a 4-star rating.

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Like we said, sound machines aren’t complicated. They’re like fancy alarm clocks with a few extra bells and whistles. But if you’re not sure what to look for, here are a few things to consider:

Sound library quality A good sound library is arguably the most important feature of any sound machine. It’s what you’re buying the device for, after all. The “right” sound library is the one that helps fall asleep and stay asleep, so it’s a matter of personal preference. Consider the type of sound that you prefer—nature sounds, white noise, ambient fan sounds, guided meditation, sleep stories, and more are all options with many of today’s best sound machines. Size and portability How you plan to use your sound machine will determine how small you’ll need it to be. Every sound machine we tested and researched is designed to sit on a nightstand. Some are even compact and lightweight enough to toss in a travel bag and take on the road, too. If you do plan to take yours on the go, you may want to consider a battery-powered option, which might allow you to leave the power cord at home or use your phone’s standard USB cord for charging along the way. Power supply That leads us to the fact that some sound machines rely on plug-in power supplies, some have built-in rechargeable batteries, and some models use both. If possible, opt for a sound machine with a rechargeable battery (versus relying on AA batteries) since it’ll save you money and be more eco-friendly in the long run. Price Most sound machines are very affordable. Budget models are often priced below $50, while midrange options are under $100. The very best sound machines (like those from Hatch), however, can run north of $120, although these typically offer a long list of “smart” features over traditional sound machines. Extra Features In addition to simply playing white noise or nature sounds from a library, some sound machines also boast built-in timers, remote controls, or other “smart” features.

How We Selected the Best Sound Machines of 2023

Our sleep-loving staff writers and in-house experts tested dozens of top-selling sound machines over the last year. We carefully compared every feature, spec, and option, including easy-of-use, overall design, power options, sound library quality, price, and more. We also considered several well-reviewed models with at least 200 positive ratings on the etailer sites we trust most. The final list above represents our honest pick of the nine best sound machines to help you sleep through the night in 2023.

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The Best White-Noise Machines for a Blissful Night’s Sleep

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It's Technically Not White Noise A Note on Sound Machines

Best for Classic Sleep Sounds LectroFan Classic Read more

If You Sleep Best to the Sound of a Fan Yogasleep Dohm Classic Read more

A Multipurpose Machine With a Large Library Hatch Rest (2nd Generation) Read more

I cannot sleep in total silence. I need the hum of a fan or the crackle of a fire. Too much noise and I can't turn my brain off, but too little, and every toss, turn, or sniffle is amplified. Whether you feel the same or not, you probably still don’t get enough sleep , and if you’re like most people, it’s not for lack of trying. Help is available. A good sound machine is just one tool in an arsenal of gadgets that can help you get your recommended number of z’s.

WIRED’s gear reviewers have filled their homes with sound machines for everything from muffling Witcher battles in the living room while the kids snooze to help keep us asleep while night-owl partners sneak into bed. These are our favorite machines for getting some shut-eye. Be sure to read our other sleep-related buying guides, including the Best Mattresses , Best Sheets , and Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks .

Note: If you're buying for a child, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns parents to keep sound machines to around 50 decibels and farther than 200 centimeters (6.5 feet) from where your baby sleeps.

Updated October 2023: We’ve added sound machines from RaptBaby and ErgoPouch.

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It's Technically Not White Noise

You've likely heard "white-noise machines" more often than “sound machines” but that technically is incorrect. The steady background whirr produced by most of these machines isn't white noise at all. Most sound machines use pink or brown noise instead. If you think of sound waves as being loosely analogous to light waves, then the different colors of noise refer to different parts of the sound spectrum. Pure white noise is a mix of all the frequencies humans can hear, so it can be a little agitating (think of the static on your TV). Pink and brown noise are at the lower end of the spectrum. They aren't as grating and have been found to help people sleep a little more deeply . So even though a lot of brands call their own products white-noise machines, just know you're likely listening to something much more pleasant.

Best for Classic Sleep Sounds

The Lectrofan Classic is in several WIRED staffers’ homes, divided between children and adults. At 4 inches across and 2 inches tall, it's small enough to fit on the most crowded nightstand. You can also often find it for cheaper than its $50 price. There are no bird sounds or fireplaces—we have many options for that—but you can choose between fans or a spectrum of colored noise. It has a 60-minute timer and cranks up to a whopping 85 decibels, or stays low enough to barely hear it at all.

★ Alternative: The Lectrofan Evo for $35 is another solid option from this brand. The Evo has a few more sound choices (like ocean noises) and looks nicer, but we prefer the buttons on the Classic. They're better for fiddling with in the dark.

If You Sleep Best to the Sound of a Fan

Yogasleep's Dohm (originally called the Sleep-Mate) was invented in 1962, and it's still one of the most reliable sound machines you can buy. At 4 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide, it's a little larger than the LectroFan, but it's much simpler. A rotating fan is set within the Dohm's acoustic housing, and it has just two settings (the lower one is under 55 decibels). If you've ever been to a therapist's office, you may have noticed these outside the doors. They conceal the conversation inside without being obtrusive.

If you normally sleep with a box fan running but don't want dust bunnies blown into your face all night, this is the pick for you. Don't be alarmed if you see Marpac on the packaging or buy page—it's the same company.

A Multipurpose Machine With a Large Library

The second-generation Hatch Rest combines a sound machine and night-light with two added features for children: time-to-rest and time-to-rise lights. These are called beacons, and they're helpful reminders for adults too. This version also includes a dimmable clock, and it's controllable via Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth. In the app, you can customize colors, adjust the volume, and pick from the sound library. Tapping the top of the Hatch Rest cycles through sounds and turns it on and off. (There's a child-lock function to prevent kids from messing with the settings, and it still gives them control of the nightlight button on the back of the machine.)

You don't have to subscribe, but if you do, the $50 annual Hatch membership offers great bedtime stories, lullabies, and meditations I absolutely adore. It's just a shame none are included in the base price. Hatch has a few different models too. We've tested and like the Rest Plus for $90 , which adds Amazon Alexa support and includes an audio monitor. We don't recommend the Rest Mini for $40 though, as it stopped turning on after several months.

Juliane Bergmann

Kathy Gilsinan

Julian Chokkattu

Made for Babies

Raptbaby's sound machine is cute and has four sound categories, each with two options. I particularly loved the classical music tracks, which put me right at ease. It's designed for babies, so there are also womb sounds that might comfort them. You can play sounds continuously or choose 30- 60- or 90-minute timers.

If you have a baby, any low-decibel sound machine will work (see the note at the beginning of this guide on safe volume), but Raptbaby says its machine goes a step further with neuroscientist-designed soundtracks that promote sleep and help develop the “ neuronal connections that are critical to language development in young children.” I couldn't verify this claim, but I liked listening to its tracks.

A Portable Machine

This machine is also marketed for babies—there's a shhhh sound that sounds comforting and a child lock on the back to disable the buttons. But anyone can use a portable sound machine! If you frequent hotels, occasionally like to drown out distractions in your office, or have a child who's fussy in the car, it's nice to pick it up and go where you need to go.

The D11 has 11 sounds including a fan, lullaby music, and even a busy restaurant-like sound with muffled chatter. It's small but can get quite loud, and the swirl design works as a night light. There are 30-, 60-, and 90-minute timers, or you can leave it running continuously. It charges via USB-C, and if you use a timer, the battery should last you for a few nights. I left it on for nearly 12 hours in my office and it was still going the next day.

★ Alternative: The Baby Brezza Sleep and Soother ($30) is super light, can run on batteries or be plugged in, and has 18 sleep sounds and three timer options (or it plays continuously). There’s also a night light with three brightness levels.

Another Cute Portable Machine

The ErgoPouch costs more than the Dreamegg above, but I think you'd be happy with either, whether you need portability or not. I particularly loved how pretty this one is; its neutral aesthetic reminds me of a pebble at a spa without going full beige . There are seven sound options ranging from colored noise to rain and shushing. A charge should last you a few nights, but I wish there was a timer option to conserve battery. The back has a light with three levels of brightness. I liked to carry this around my house pretending I was holding a candle in an old movie. It's just very cute.

This One Has a Sunrise Alarm

We already like most of Hatch’s lineup, including the original Restore . This Restore 2 gets a pretty redesign, with a full-linen look that makes its sunrise and sunset simulations more serene, and two new speakers for better sound. There’s a digital clock face too, and you can set it to automatically turn off in a dark room.

The Restore 2 has physical buttons to start and stop sleep and wake cycles, but you’ll need to use the app to customize everything. Like the Hatch Rest above, there are a few nice free options, but if you pay for the Hatch Sleep Membership, there’s a rotating library of more sounds, stories, and meditations. Check out our Best Sunrise Alarms guide for other similar options.

For Sleep Sounds and Meditations

Morphée's meditation machine includes a range of sleep sounds—I particularly like the cat purring and fireplace sounds—but I love the meditations that are designed to relax you into a deep sleep. You can unplug it and take it with you, too. It looks like a little music box!

There are eight themes—body scan, breathing, movement, visualizations, cardiac coherence, napping, relaxing music, and nature sounds—each theme has eight sessions all available in either eight or 20-minute lengths. The visualizations theme has different stories for the male and female voices. My only quibble is that I wish you could let the sleep sounds play continuously.

★ A Morphée for kids: The My Little Morphée ($100) is cute, compact, and designed for kids from 3 to about 10 years old. Senior reviews editor Adrienne So's 7-year-old loves the stories, which take kids on meditative journeys with an animal companion. The only problem is that she sometimes demands to hear the end of the stories while she's awake, which is a problem for bedtime but a testament to the quality. Stock tends to fluctuate on this one.

If You Already Have a Smart Speaker

Do you have a Google smart speaker —or any smart speaker for that matter? Congratulations, you already have a sound machine capable of noise and much more. A simple command like, “ Hey, Google, help me relax ” will trigger 12 hours of ambient noise (if you don't stop it). You can also ask for specific sounds like rain, a fireplace, country nights, or a babbling brook. Google speakers let you create a bedtime routine, as well ( learn more about routines ). These features work on any Google speaker.

Alexa Also Works

If you have an Amazon Alexa speaker , you can enable an Alexa skill called Ambient Noise to select sounds ranging from a whale to a dishwasher or washing machine. There are other Alexa sleep sounds too. Alexa may even suggest some if you ask for white noise or sleep sounds. You can also search for white-noise playlists on Spotify or other music services, like Prime Music.

Try an App and a Bluetooth Speaker

You might not need to buy anything at all if you have a Bluetooth speaker lying around. I used to blast Good Charlotte from a Walkman under my pillow to fall asleep as an angsty preteen. Eventually, I graduated to an app that lulled me to sleep via the sound of a clothes dryer tumbling. There are tons of noises to help you relax, but if you need some inspiration, we compiled our favorite apps and Spotify playlists here . A Bluetooth speaker will step it up a notch.

More Sound Machines We Like

Dreamegg D1 for $36 : This one plays a lot of the same sounds as the D11 portable machine, with a handful more fans and a spectrum of noises. The control panel is matte and soft to the touch, and you can set it to play continuously or for 30, 60, or 90 minutes. I tried the white version, but you can get a few other nice colors on the Dreamegg site . The rim also lights up.

Snooz Sound Machine for $100 : The Snooz machine has one sound: the comforting whir of a fan, thanks to the real fan that spins inside it. That’s the sound I turn to most so I appreciate that there’s nothing to futz with. It also has a nice fade-in and fade-out feature for timers, so it’s not jarring. The biggest problem is how expensive it is for one noise compared to other machines on this list.

Allway Aqua10 for $119 : I love that this looks like a cute Marshall amp and works as a decent-sounding Bluetooth speaker for sleep sounds and anything else you want to listen to the rest of the day. You need the Allway app to access the sounds, which include crackling fires, busy cafes, a spectrum of colored noises, and a wide selection of instrumentals. They’ll play for anywhere from five to 120 minutes. The Aqua10 also has a humidifier function, which looks extremely cool paired with lights that illuminate the vapor like a fire. But I found it to be fussy, and it seemed to stop even though the reservoir was full. While it seems to be easy to clean, I’m not sure you can really scrub the parts that need to be cleaned for a humidifier to function properly.

Avoid This One!

The Marpac Go is a portable, rechargeable sound machine that we liked for helping our kids sleep while traveling, but it was recalled in 2019 because the internal battery can leak, making it a burn hazard. It's been long enough that you probably won't be able to find it anymore, but just in case you see it second-hand, it's best to avoid it. The company makes another sound machine . Like most of Marpac's sleep products, it's now sold under the Yogasleep brand, which we recommend above.

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The Best Sound Machines for Falling Asleep Fast and Sleeping Well

Plus, everything to look for in a sound machine, according to a sleep doctor.

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With that in mind, you’d likely do anything to get a better night’s sleep. Some turn to natural sleep aids , while others might consider investing in one of the best sound machines. Along with avoiding stimulating activities and screens before bed and creating a dark, cool, quiet environment for sleep, sound is also a part of good sleep hygiene.

Sound machines, which may play digitally recorded noises or rely on an internal fan to create a whirring sound, help drown out other noises that can keep you up at night (or simply be an alternative to total silence). Not only do they help some people sleep soundly, they can also help you decrease the time it takes to fall asleep when used in a nighttime routine regularly, Dr. Guevarra notes.

Our top picks

Best Sound Machine with a Sunrise Alarm Clock

Hatch restore 2.

Best Basic Sound Machine

Yogasleep dohm classic.

Best Value Sound Machine

Sharper image sound soother revo.

There are many different types of sleep machines to choose from, including affordable, basic options and high-tech gadgets with dozens of sounds and extra features. Ahead, check out the best sound machines for better sleep, based on expert advice.

Hatch’s Restore 2 is a multifunctional sleep aid with a slightly different design and a few more bells and whistles than the original Restore. It features 21 new sleep sounds to help you fall and stay asleep. Plus, it acts as a sunrise alarm clock, waking you with subtle light and sound pairings. It even as a morning feature designed to help you feel inspired first thing before you get out of bed.

The sound machine comes in three neutral colors and is made with soft linen, which gives the sunrise alarm light a diffused effect. To display or hide the clock feature, simply tap the device. It also has large, easy-to-use buttons to activate sleep or wake modes and a simple switch for toggling your alarm on and off.

“It’s a sunrise alarm clock and sound machine in one, and it’s been a game changer for me,” says Madeleine Haase, Prevention’ s assistant editor. “I personally love the thunderstorm option, which is very effective at tuning out my partner’s snoring.”

When it comes to sound machines, the Yogasleep Dohm Classic is a long-time favorite among many. Created in 1962, the device has clearly stood the test of time. Today, it still features the same fan-based natural white noise. This is ideal for those who like the sound of a fan whirring without the actual airflow.

It has two speed options giving you a bit of variation in tone and volume to mask nearby sounds or simply help you fall asleep if you don’t enjoy total silence. It operates with a switch and is powered by a seven-foot cord.

“It’s pretty bare bones in terms of sounds (only offers white noise) but it is So. Good,” according to Prevention ’s senior editor, Emily Goldman. “It’s a great, no-frills option that truly changed my sleep.”

With six soothing sounds, this compact machine is travel-friendly and comes at a great value for the price. Choose from nature-inspired sounds, like rain, forest, and ocean, or classic white noise and other relaxing sounds. It also has a sleep timer that gradually decreases the volume of your selected noise after 15, 30, or 60 minutes. That way, you won’t wake up to noise in the middle of the night.

It’s a great basic option for those looking for a variety of sounds and a sleep timer. However, it doesn’t function as an alarm clock like some other options on this list.

“I can’t fall asleep without white noise anymore, so I like this convenient machine that’s small enough to bring with me wherever I go,” says Isabella Cavallo, an editorial assistant at Prevention . “The volume is loud enough to block out any loud noises while I’m asleep, and there’s even options for rain, ocean, and calming sound effects!”

LectroFan Evo

Despite its name, this sound machine doesn’t actually include a fan. Instead, it’s a digital device that can play 22 unique fan variations, white noise, brown noise, pink noise, and ocean sounds. You can keep the noises going all night long, or set a timer to ensure the sounds stop once you’ve fallen asleep.

While it doesn’t come with an alarm clock, it does have buttons for volume control, a timer, and a headphone jack, so you can enjoy your relaxing sounds without disturbing others around you. With 5,400 five-star ratings on Amazon, the sound machine has won over many users.

“This little machine is so loud and so perfect that I slept through my alarm,” said one reviewer. “I actually slept six hours straight without waking up once; I think the last time that happened I was probably in third grade.”

Loftie Clock

For those looking for a stylish sound machine that doubles as a sleek alarm clock, this option is for you. Sure, it’s pricier than other options on this list, but it comes with the features and design to back it up.

Meant to reduce phone use in the bedroom, it doesn’t rely on an app to set up. It has simple, large buttons that allow you to queue up white noise, nature sounds, and stories to help you fall asleep. It even comes with breathwork, meditations, and sound baths.

When it’s time to wake up, you’ll rise with help from a two-phase alarm: Phase one uses soft sounds to start the wake-up process before fading after 30 seconds. Phase two kicks in with energizing sounds nine minutes later. The clock also doubles as a bluetooth speaker, so you can put on your own curated playlist anytime.

Tuft & Needle White Noise Machine

A modern fan-operated white noise machine, Tuft & Needle’s device has a minimalist design. The round gadget houses a nylon fan inside its plastic shell that’s hidden beneath a layer of knit material fitting for a cozy bedroom. It provides a natural sound with no moving air or looping. While it has buttons for operating the device by hand, you can also program its volume, light, and timer features with an app on your smartphone.

“Soothing noise that works ‘falling fast asleep’ magic for all ages. The high quality and cool design of the machine is worth every penny,” according to one shopper.

Homedics SoundSleep

This sound machine plays six digitally recorded white noise and nature sounds, including rain, ocean, and thunder. It has easy-to-use buttons to select your favorite sound, control the volume, and set a 15-, 30-, or 60-minute timer. Plus, it’s small and light enough to bring with you while traveling.

More than 8,000 Amazon shoppers have left it a five-star review. “I use this white noise machine at home and when I travel,” said one. It “smooths out any irritating noises, so I can sleep peacefully.”

Adaptive Sound Technologies Sound+Sleep

This sleep machine sets itself apart from others on this list because it has adaptive sound technology. Depending on the sounds in your environment, the sound machine instantly adjusts its volume and mix to what’s appropriate for the existing noise level around you.

It also has 30 unique sounds, including white noise and other cozy audio options, like waterfalls and a crackling fireplace. You can set a timer to turn off the sounds after 30 to 120 minutes, or let it play all night. There’s even a headphone jack, so you don’t have to disturb others when the machine is in use.

“This has great sound quality, and the variety of options is great! What I really like about this one over more basic ones is definitely the layering of sounds,” wrote an Amazon shopper. “With this one, you can add in more complexity such that you can’t tell when the sound is looping at all.”

Yogasleep Hushh+

Ready to play white noise, nature sounds, and lullabies, this wireless sound machine is ideal for those with little ones, whether you use it at home in the nursery or for on-the-go naps. Choose from 20 sounds, taking advantage of the device’s long-lasting battery, volume control, and optional timer. It even has a dimmable amber light, which you can adjust, and is attached to a strap you can easily clip to a stroller, crib, or playpen.

“I wish I had gotten on the whole white noise bandwagon a long time ago,” said an Amazon reviewer. “This is a lifesaver for letting our baby know it’s sleepy time, for transferring from car to house or stroller, for loud guests, all of it.”

How to choose the best sound machine

✔️ Look for volume control. “One of the most important things is the ability to adjust the volume and the tone,” says Dr. Guevarra. That way, you can lull yourself to sleep with a sound that’s comfortable and safe. Not all sound machines come with a sound gauge, but there are many smartphone apps you can use for that, according to Dr. Guevarra.

✔️ Pay attention to noise type. The ideal noise for sleep could be different for everyone. There’s white noise, brown noise, rainfall, ocean waves, and so many more. If you know which you prefer, you’ll want to make sure the sound machine you buy offers your favorite. And if you don’t know what sound is best for you, go for a machine with options.

✔️ Keep additional features in mind. Not all sound machines come with the same features. Some include alarm clocks, timers, and wake up features, while others only produce sounds for sleeping.

Is it okay to play white noise all night?

The short answer is maybe. “While several studies have shown the noise is safe to sleep [with] throughout the night, some research has shown contrary results where white noise disrupts sleep and potentially induces hearing loss, especially when set at exceedingly high volume,” says Dr. Guevarra. Keep in mind that these studies were done with small sample sizes, so more research is needed to make a formal conclusion, adds the expert.

What decibel is best for a sound machine?

A sound machine should offer a sound level of about 50 decibels (dB), according to Dr. Guevarra. That’s a little less than the level of a normal conversation.

“If one lives in a particularly noisy neighborhood with a lot of ambient noise (highway, city streets), it should be fine to increase between 55-60 dB,” Dr. Guevarra says. However, “anything above 70 dB can be damaging to the ears.”

Benefits of sleeping with a sound machine

A quiet environment is important for a good night’s sleep, but it’s not always easy to achieve, especially if you live in a city or share a home with people who have different sleeping schedules than you do. That’s where sound machines come into play.

“A sound machine can be used to mask other noises that can be disruptive to sleep,” says Dr. Guevarra. “They reduce our perceived loudness of other noisy events while we sleep, resulting in fewer awakenings.” What’s more, they may also shorten the time it takes to fall asleep (aka sleep latency) when added to your nighttime routine.

How we chose the best sound machines

We consulted Jay Guevarra, M.D. , assistant professor of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to learn more about what to look for when shopping for a sleep machine. We also tapped Prevention editors for products they have personal experience with and analyzed countless customer reviews and product specs to find the best sound machines available right now.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Christie is a writer, editor, and content strategist living in New York City. She is currently the senior commerce editor at Prevention.

Previously, she was the news editor at Shape, where she wrote and edited timely stories with a focus on celebrity, health, beauty, and wellness news. She interviewed celebrities, celebrity fitness trainers, and other experts to provide insider tips and information to readers about emerging wellness trends. Prior to that, she was a commerce editor at Meredith. She wrote and edited shopping content for Real Simple, Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, and Martha Stewart Living.    

Christie has also written features for InStyle and Glamour, and more of her previous work can be found on People, Travel Leisure, and MyDomaine. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a B.A. in humanities.

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This TikTok-approved Noise Machine Will Help You Sleep Better While You Travel — and It’s Only $19

Shoppers swear the battery “lasts all night.”

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The idea behind going on vacation is that on top of exploring a new destination, you’re also able to finally catch up on the sleep you’ve been missing in your day-to-day life. However, if you struggle with getting comfortable in unfamiliar places, this may be far from your reality. Thankfully, one TikTok influencer recently took to the app to reveal their favorite hacks for a smoother, more relaxing travel experience, and there was one product that stood out above the rest for a better night’s sleep: the Babelio Mini White Noise Machine .

For just $19, this compact, packable device is the one thing you’re not going to want to travel without moving forward, so you can fall asleep to the sounds of a soothing oceanside escape, rather than your hotel neighbor’s snoring. The best part? It barely takes up any space in your suitcase.

To buy: amazon.com , $19

If you struggle to fall asleep in a too-quiet hotel room while you travel, this compact noise machine is the budget-friendly solution you’ve been looking for without keeping your phone running all night. The tiny machine features 15 sound options to lull you to sleep, including white, pink (ambient sounds), and lower-frequency brown noise, as well as the more traditional sounds of rain and waves. A timer option even allows you to set the machine to run for 30 and 60 minutes, but it can also run indefinitely if you need the relaxation all night long.

The sleek, compact design is easy to slip into your carry-on for quick access once you arrive at your accommodations, and you never have to worry about running out of battery as the machine is simply recharged with a Type-C charging port. Plus, three basic buttons at the base of the noise machine make it easy to operate and no-fuss for travel.

One frequent flier turned to TikTok to highlight their favorite products for travel, noting that this machine is perfect for people who “have trouble falling asleep in silence.” They even raved that the charge “lasts all night” so you’ll never wake up to the eerie silence of an empty hotel room. Another customer at Amazon agreed , adding that the machine is their “new travel companion,” because it “has a good variety of sounds and excellent sound quality and volume control.”

It’s entirely normal to have difficulty falling asleep in silence, but other shoppers are raving about this sound machine for blocking out the noises of their surroundings while they travel. One shopper explained that they “travel a lot for work” and “all of the little hotel noises that may keep me awake, disappear.” And yet another customer admitted that they’re sensitive to light while they’re falling asleep, but this sound machine is perfect because “it’s built so the light is on the bottom, so [there are] no annoying device lights on your nightstand while you try to sleep.”

Your sleep is precious, especially when you’re on vacation and potentially fighting jet lag. Therefore, any hacks you can find to make drifting off just a little bit easier may transform your vacation experience from exhausting to rejuvenating, and the Babelio Mini White Noise Machine is approved by TikTok travelers and Amazon shoppers alike. For just $19, you can put the silence (or noise) of your accommodations out of your mind and get a night of sleep that will leave you well-rested and prepared for the adventures ahead.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $19. 

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• 52 things we love

The Sweet Sounds of This White Noise Machine Keep Me From Smothering My Husband With a Pillow

By Rachel Cericola

Rachel Cericola is a writer covering smart home. In addition to testing hundreds of smart devices, she has also tested dozens of ice cream sandwiches.

I love to sleep. I’d say sleeping is almost a hobby—something I’m always up for, whether it’s daytime, nighttime, or right after a giant cup of coffee. However, traffic, wind, dripping, ticking, and snoring can really disrupt my favorite pastime.

Then I discovered the LectroFan EVO . It can help mask a variety of disturbing noises, and with its lulling sounds, I sleep like a newborn.

LectroFan EVO

The best white noise machine.

With its electronically generated sounds, the LectroFan EVO masks a wider variety of noises than the other machines we tested in its price range.

Buying Options

It sounds better than other sound machines.

My husband introduced me to sleeping with a white noise machine . He can’t sleep without one, and he even packs one to go on vacation. These devices help induce sleep for a scientific reason: Not only does a white noise machine mask sounds, but it also creates boring, consistent sounds that the human brain interprets as “safe,” which helps lull a person to sleep, Stanford University sleep researcher Rafael Pelayo told us in an interview for our guide.

But the machine that my husband used back then played repetitive sounds—almost like a record skipping over and over—which were more unbearable for me than the noises we were trying to drown out and made my nights a lot worse.

Five years ago, I picked up the LectroFan Classic, a long-standing Wirecutter pick for the best white noise machine. My husband and I loved it because it had a variety of sounds that were relaxing, and it was small enough for us to stuff into a carry-on. (If you’re a rough traveler, you may want to invest in a travel case for your white noise machine.)

After years of service from the Classic, we upgraded to the latest model—and Wirecutter’s current top pick—the LectroFan EVO , which offers everything the Classic does plus some thoughtful design upgrades.

The LectroFan EVO plays random, non-repeating white noise, which is soothing and effectively masks the outside world. (If your brain can pick up on a pattern, it might be harder for you to fall asleep, according to an interview we did with University of Pennsylvania sleep researcher Michael Perlis for our guide. That explains why my husband’s old machine might have done me more harm than good.)

The controls on the EVO are easier to manage too, which is a nice perk when you are slipping in or out of a deep sleep.

In our guide to the best white noise machine , our testers found that the LectroFan EVO effectively drowned out all manner of irritating noises (pets, rowdy roommates, snoring spouses). Its “clear and rich” sound quality also helped it stand out against similarly priced competitors, which in some cases sounded “tinny or muffled.”

Sam Nicolino, founder, president, and CEO of Adaptive Sound Technologies, knows all about the struggle to get some good shut-eye in a loud environment. Back in 1995, work crews were extending a freeway past his quiet home. “My wife and I didn't like the noise, and I started working on ways of cancelling it,” he said in an interview. The end result was a patent for “adaptive noise transformation” in 1998.

The price tag for the original sound machine that Nicolino created was way beyond reasonable for most folks, so he decided to wait until the technology was more affordable. Ten years later, the cost of memory chips, CPU chips, speakers, and amplifiers dropped, and Adaptive Sound Technologies was born.

It has an array of options for every snoozer

The LectroFan EVO can produce 10 fan sounds and 10 ambient-noise sounds, plus two ocean soundscapes, so you should be able to find one that sends you off to the Sandman. You could also use an app to do that, such as Wirecutter’s pick, myNoise , but the LectroFan EVO doesn’t require you to keep your phone in your bedroom, doesn’t light up, and doesn’t send nagging text messages, all of which can keep you up at night.

The LectroFan EVO cranks out not only white noise but pink and brown noise as well. Who knew noises had a color wheel ?

Pink noise has lower pitches than white noise, similar to that of rainfall. Brown noise has the lowest frequencies of them all and is often considered the most soothing, like listening to waves crashing. A New York Times article reported on research suggesting that brown noise may be helpful for focus, and some people with ADHD find that brown noise helps them tune out distractions and calm their brains. In her article about using brown noise for focusing, Wirecutter senior staff writer Elissa Sanci notes that the EVO can connect to speakers or headphones, helping users further shape their work environments.

Nicolino suggests finding one white noise sound and one fan sound that you like best. “Many find the fan better for sleep and the deep white noises (brown noises) better for study, privacy, concentration, yoga,” he said.

Once you find a sound you like, the EVO saves it in your settings, so you just need to turn it on every night.

The original version of this post was published as part of our 2020 “52 Things We Love” series, an ode to Wirecutter picks that have withstood the test of time. Read the entire series . This version was edited by Rachelle Bergstein and Catherine Kast.

Meet your guide

Rachel Cericola

Rachel Cericola is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter who has been covering smart-home technology since the days of X10. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, Men’s Health, USA Today, and others. She hopes her neighbors read this bio because it would explain why she always has four video doorbells running simultaneously outside her home.

Further reading

The Best White Noise Machine

by Joanne Chen and Annie Chou

A white noise machine can mask irritating noises that make it hard to sleep or difficult to focus. The LectroFan EVO is the most effective option for the price.

How to Conquer Annoying Noises So You Can Sleep

by Joanne Chen

Sound can be the most frustrating thing that keeps you from getting good sleep. Here’s how you can silence your sleep space.

15 Tools and Tips That Have Helped Our Kids (Finally!) Get to Sleep

by Wirecutter Staff

A full night’s sleep sounds like a dream to parents with young kids. We’ve found that with the right tools, there’s hope that everyone gets a bit more shut-eye.

Great Sleep Deals for Your Memorial Day Bedroom Makeover

by Rose Maura Lorre

Celebrate the holiday weekend with Memorial Day deals on our favorite mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories—then doze away your days off in comfy bliss.

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The 8 Best Sound Machines for Getting to Sleep or Concentrating

Adding some noise can actually help you drift off.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

These devices emit low-level noise that drowns out street parties, barking dogs, noisy neighbors, and anything else that goes bump in the night. It also breaks up the silence and provides a comfortable background hum for your hyperactive brain.

The soft blanket of noise from a sound machine is also effective for a private conversation or focused studying. The wave of sound keeps your voice from echoing down hallways or bleeding through thin walls. This is particularly useful when talking about sensitive subjects or in tight apartment buildings. A good sound machine has settings and sound variations for sleep and study, as well as for adults and babies.

If you’re having trouble drifting off, are parent to a fussy baby, or are simply looking for a bit more focus as you work, we tested out and reviewed several sound machines that help both noisy rooms and brains alike.

The Best Sound Machines

• Best Overall: LectroFan Evo Sound Machine
• Best Value: Dreamegg Portable Sound Machine
• Best Splurge: Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock Sound Machine
• Best Alarm Clock: Loftie Smart Alarm Clock
• Most Portable: LectroFan Micro2 Non-Looping Sound Machine

What to Consider

Types of sound machines.

Most sound machines we cover here are electronic. They’re about the size of an average portable Bluetooth speaker and come with physical buttons for the controls. These are ideal for your bedroom or home office, as the speaker is powerful enough to cover the entire room. A typical sound machine can reach up to 80 or more decibels, though you’ll most likely have more than enough for your bedroom with 50 to 60.

Portable sound machines are small enough to fit into a backpack pocket and are great for nights away from home. In camping tents or hotel rooms, whip out your device and lull yourself to sleep at the press of a button. The tradeoff for the portable size is the lack of power. Most portable sound machines don’t have the speaker volume to fill large rooms.

Other sound machines come with added features, including alarm clocks , lights, and internet connectivity. Smart devices with virtual assistants often have white noise or sound bath features as well.

There are also manual sound machines, if you don’t need or want all the functionality or control of a device. Instead of relying on an electronic speaker to pipe out noise, these devices have internal fans that create sound by physically moving the air. You adjust the external cover to change the frequency.

Sound Variety

Nearly all sound machines offer white noise, a sound made up of every frequency audible to the human ear. White noise balances each of these frequencies equally. Other “colors” of noise favor higher or lower frequencies over that balance. The two most common shades of sound to be included are pink and brown.

White noise is offered on all the devices on this list, though it’s rarely the most popular. White noise is a little too close to the hiss of TV static for most people. Brown and pink noises, which also come programmed on these devices, are a lot softer on the ears over a long period of time because of their lower frequencies.

Many speaker sound machines also come with more natural options, such as whale calls, chirping birds, and crashing waves, among others. If you prefer different noises for different points in the day or just variety in your sleep sounds, consider one of these.

Additional Features

Some sound machines come with built-in alarm clocks. These clocks come with night cycles that transition away from white noise and into bird chirps in the morning. This slowly lifts you out of sleep instead of jarring you awake the abrupt, loud alarms most of us use do. Even without a built-in alarm clock, sound machines often come with sleep timers that shut off the speakers after a preset period of time.

Many smart devices, like virtual assistants , also function as sound machines. In cases like this, you get tons of features outside of just the sound—sleep tools like morning alarms and timers, as well as conveniences like weather forecasts and music streaming.

Sound machines aren’t limited by the preset sound options, either. Because they have such high quality speakers, many come with Bluetooth connectivity so you can stream your own sounds—think music and podcasts—like a regular speaker.

Speaker Safety

While background noise at low volumes is generally safe for most kids and adults alike, there is concern when the volume goes up. It is generally safe for adults to have an average listening level below 70 decibels . For children and infants, that figure should be lower. Make sure to keep the noise levels on your sound machine at 50 decibels or below for children.

For young children and infants, place the sound machine on the opposite end of the room, or more close to 7 feet away from their head. Try to limit usage with a sleep timer, so it doesn’t play all night long.

How We Tested

We tested several different sound machines and considered our personal sleep quality with each device. We took those unscientific impressions with a hefty grain of salt, though, focusing primarily on metrics we could measure and compare—speaker quality, sound options, size, price, and power.

We used each sound machine for overnight sleep and background noise while working. For our sleep tests, we focused on sound quality and the device’s ability to mute noise outside of the bedroom. For the sound machines with sleep timers or alarms, we tried out these features as well.

We tested each sound machine as an individual device and then in comparison to one another. We highlighted the strengths of each one and which use cases they shine in. In the case of the Dohm, Hatch, and Loftie, we gathered first-hand experiences of editors on the Popular Mechanics team.

We tested and used all sound machines on this list except the Amazon Echo and Sound+Sleep. For sound machines we did not test ourselves, we researched each option on product websites, read reviews from other online publications, and sifted through hundreds of customer reviews.

LectroFan Evo Sound Machine

Forget the fancy bells and whistles. This sound machine from LectroFan provides everything you need at an affordable price. Combine its quality and cost, and there are very few options that compete.

This sound machine has just six buttons, but on those six buttons are everything you need to control every aspect of the device. Don’t let the simple design fool you. This sound machine has over 20 sounds to choose from and a timer feature that lasts for up to eight hours.

Even though the traditional power adaptor keeps it from being the most portable pick as well, I was impressed with how small it was. It fit comfortably on a crowded nightstand and would easily fit in a backpack or carryon luggage.

While the lack of buttons streamlines the device, it also hinders the timer feature. I had to press through the button and count out the hours in my head. The only indicator is a small beep once you reach eight hours.

Dreamegg Portable Sound Machine

The value of this portable sound machine from Dreamegg comes from more than the price. This sound machine comes with a collection of lullaby music and sounds for babies and kids.

Alongside the melodic tunes of “Cradle Song” and “Rock-a-bye Baby” are sounds of vacuuming, a parent shushing, and even fetal noises that mimic the sound patterns babies hear inside the womb.

I was most impressed by the small locking feature on the back of the sound machine. If your kids are playing around with it, flip the switch and all the settings will stay as you programmed them—even if the little ones are pressing all the buttons.

The locking feature also makes it easy to leave overnight in a kid’s bedroom without them changing the preset sleep timer or blasting th volume.

The sound machine takes its portable design beyond just the size. It comes with a rope and hook so you can hang it on strollers, in bedrooms, or on a door handle. Was able to tie it comfortably around my closet door a few feet away from my bed, letting the sound wash over the entire room.

Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine

This is a sound machine that listens as much as it speaks. With an adaptive sound feature, the device automatically changes and mixes its sounds to respond and counteract the noises in the environment.

Unlike other sound machines, the majority of options on this device are sounds found in every day life such as trains, waterfalls, rain, and fireplaces. The non-looping sounds play continuously or on an up to two-hour timer.

When the timer is active, this sound machine will slowly reduce the volume, so the shut off doesn’t disturb you as you sleep.

Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock and Sound Machine

Hatch has evolved its product from just a sound machine into the ultimate nightstand companion. Consolidate your lamp, alarm clock, and sleep device into one machine with this Restore 2.

With the press of a button, the sound machine begins a three-part cycle to help you fall asleep, sleep deeply, and wake up gently. It begins by playing noises, music, meditations, or even bedtime stories as you go through your nighttime routine and get into bed. It then transitions into traditional white noise or nature sounds as you sleep.

Senior Reviews Editor at Best Products Cat Bowen uses the Hatch as a part of her regular routine. “I love it because I have the ADHD and I need sound all of the time,” Bowen says. “Hatch has several in-built sounds that play in a constant stream with no interruption. I also love that it wakes me up slowly with light and a gentle song that increases in volume.”

The alarm clock function wakes you up with a specific sound meant to mimic birdsong and chimes.

Marpac Yogasleep Dohm White Noise Machine

Instead of pumping in your sleep sounds through a speaker, make them yourself. This device creates its noise through an internal fan, generating natural sound instead of replicating it.

Director of Product Content Will Egensteiner keeps the Dohm in his son’s room for naps and bedtime, saying, “I like it primarily because it’s manual, with a fan inside that moves the air to create a pleasant whoosh (unlike the tinny static of YouTube clips of white noise I’ve resorted to).

“But it’s also blessedly easy to use, which I appreciate as I’m trying to juggle a sleepy toddler without spending time futzing with an app or too many buttons,” he continues. “The single switch flips up and down to activate the low and high speed settings, respectively, for softer or louder noise. And the housing and cap rotate to close or open vents, producing a gentler or more forceful hum as they keep air contained or let it out. This means that, when we’re done with story time, all I have to do is press the switch to turn the Dohm on, and we’re back to the bedtime routine.”

Loftie Smart Alarm Clock

With a tech-forward, modern style and a powerful internal speaker, this alarm clock from Loftie is both a time piece and a conversation piece.

As a sound machine, it comes with over 100 free tracks that range from traditional white noise and nature sounds to meditations and breathwork guides. The Loftie has also become the de facto bedside necessity for our Reviews Editor Danny Perez .

After using it for months, Perez says, “The Loftie alarm clock unexpectedly changed my nighttime routine. I don’t sleep with noise, but I do like to wind down with some and read before bed. The Loftie has natural sound options that help me tune out my downstairs neighbors and random cat fights outside my window. The nighttime routine alarm beckons me to bed and then I listen to preloaded sounds like ‘campfire’ or ‘morning rain’ for half an hour or so before turning my lights out.

“The speakers are plenty loud to use for both a sound machine and an alarm clock,” he adds. “The fact that I don’t need my phone to stream the sounds or set an alarm keeps me away from any screens. Plus it looks sleek on my nightstand.” He says the display light dims very low, so light sleepers needn’t worry about the brightness.

Perez likes that he can schedule different alarm times for different days: “I know you’re supposed to wake up at the same time every day, but I don’t wan’t to. It’s nice to have my alarms set for office days, work-from-home days, and weekend morning long runs without constantly changing times.”

LectroFan Micro2 Non-Looping Sound Machine

This compact sound machine from LectroFan could fit in your pocket. Don’t let the size fool you. The sound machine comes packed with enough punch to fill a bedroom or even double as a portable Bluetooth speaker.

The small size gives way to simple functionality. The five buttons are intuitive to use and work essentially the same way whether you’re blasting fan sounds or your favorite song. To swap between white noise or Bluetooth, simply flip the switch.

What stood out the most during testing was the swivel-top design. The speaker twists up and to the side, so you can angle it directly toward your head as you sleep. The directional flexibility also focuses the sound toward your ears as you sleep, more effectively drowning out other sounds.

The angling top also meant I could keep the volume on the sound machine lower than some of the other options. That said, it really is just a portable option, lacking even a basic timer function.

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) with clock

While the Echo Dot is a virtual assistant, it is capable of playing white noise and other sleep sounds, too. Use the device to control your smart lights , stream music, read news headlines, and provide real time weather forecasts.

As a sound machine, simply request the type of noise you want to hear, and the Echo Dot will play it. This includes ocean sounds, white noise, rain sounds and more. That said, without dedicated functionality, some of the sounds may loop or abruptly stop after the track ends.

Alongside its smart functions, this version of the Echo Dot also works as an alarm clock. With a digital display on the front of the speaker, you can set alarms, check the time, and even snooze a few times all from the same device you order new rolls of toilet paper from.

Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling . He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website .

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The 10 Best Sound Machines for Sleep, Tested and Reviewed

Our favorites have a ton of features and are designed for restful slumber.

Verywell Health / Reese Herrington

Noisy neighbors, barking dogs, and bustling traffic can all complicate our sleep. Thankfully, sound machines offer a cost-effective solution for drowning out unwanted noise and regulating our surroundings.

According to Monique May , board-certified licensed family physician and medical advisor for Aeroflow Sleep, getting quality sleep helps your body reset, heal, and recover. How much sleep you get affects your memory, concentration, mood, blood pressure, immune system, and weight .

To find the best sound machines for sleep, we tested 32 sound machines by having our editors each use one sound machine at home while they slept for five consecutive nights. During testing, we rated the sound machines based on the type of sound offered, portability, volume settings, alarm capabilities, special features, effectiveness, and value . A physician on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for accuracy and integrity around sound machines for sleep, their effectiveness, and how to evaluate them.

We Also Tested

• How We Tested
• What to Look For

Our Experts

Why trust verywell health, best overall, hatch sound machine.

• Ease of Setup 4.8 /5
• Performance 4.8 /5
• Design 4.9 /5

Soft glow reading light

Sleep sounds, meditations, and stories

Personalized morning and evening routines

Requires Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Optional subscription sold separately

Unwind routine costs extra

Why We Recommend It

So long to the days of restless nights and loud noise from the street. With  Hatch Restore , you’ll wind down with ease using its curated library of soothing sounds, meditations, and stories . Choose from a selection of classic white noise or opt for nature-inspired audio like beach waves and rainforest ambiance. The Restore also features a night light that illuminates just enough for late-night reading without disrupting your sleep cycle.

In testing, we found Hatch Restore extremely intuitive and well-designed. We were also impressed with the personalization options available through the free Hatch Sleep App, including custom brightness, volume, sound, and color settings . With the app, you can create personalized morning and evening routines so Restore begins playing at set times. A gentle tap on the top of the device activates your routine.

Waking refreshed is the ultimate goal, and the alarm function does not disappoint. The Restore gently wakes you with its Sunrise Alarm , stimulating your body’s natural wake-up cycle.

Keep in Mind

While impressive, there are some potential drawbacks. Firstly, most features require a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection to work correctly. Secondly, the Hatch Sleep Membership (optional) costs around $50/year and includes access to a more extensive library of sounds, stories, routines, and guided exercises. While it may come with additional costs and requirements, the tranquilizing features are hard to pass up.

Key Specs:  Noise Type: White noise, pink noise, ambient music | Sound Settings: 9 free + optional content library (sold separately) | Volume Settings: Adjustable range | Features: Sunrise alarm, custom routines, mood lighting, companion app

Verywell Health / Michelle Parente

Best Budget

Letsfit sound machine.

• Features 4.6 /5
• Volume 4 /5
• Effectiveness 5 /5

Memory function

Built-in night light

Auto-off timer settings

No battery backup

Buttons are hard to find in dark

The Letsfit Sound Machine offers a surprisingly impressive set of features and options at an affordable price . This device packs 14 natural sound options: three white noise, three lullabies, three fan sounds, and five nature-inspired settings. You can let it play non-stop or utilize the auto-off timer for a specific interval of up to two hours.

The built-in night light offers a warm glow with the touch of a button, and the machine can remember your sound and light settings from the previous session. In testing, we found this device surprisingly powerful for its size. This sound machine has a minimalistic aesthetic, is easy to set up, and is an inexpensive way to create a healthy sleep environment for children and adults alike.

We had difficulty navigating the buttons in the dark. Also, the Letsfit does not offer battery backup in case of a power outage, and it must remain plugged in for operation.

Key Specs:  Noise Type: White noise, fan, nature, lullabies | Sound Settings: 14 | Volume Settings: Unknown | Features: Auto-off timer, night light, memory function

Verywell Health / Brian Kramer

Easiest to Use

Yogasleep sound machine & night light.

• Features 4.5 /5
• Volume 5 /5
• Effectiveness 4 /5

Dimmable night light

1-year warranty

USB wall plug not included

The Yogasleep Nod offers a simple, intuitive way to help you unwind at day's end. This device comes programmed with 20 sound settings, including nature, music, pink noise, and traditional white noise . The amber hues of the night light can be adjusted for brightness or turned off entirely, but the lights won't disrupt your sleep cycle in the same way that blue light can. The timer function allows you to set it for up to eight hours before it automatically shuts off.

In testing, we found the overall sound quality of this device quite impressive. The Yogasleep Nod was easy for our editor to set up and operate in both light and dark settings. While it doesn't strike the same level of sophistication as some of the other devices we tested, its simple functions work in favor of those who don't want an overly complicated sleep machine.

The Yogasleep Nod does have a few downsides, namely its lack of battery backup and the fact it doesn't include a USB wall plug for charging. However, it does come with a 5-foot USB cable, although you'll have to purchase a plug separately.

Key Specs:  Noise Type: White noise, pink noise, ambient music | Sound Settings: 20 | Volume Settings: 25 | Features: Auto-off timer, dimmable night light, 1-year warranty

Verywell Health / Jessica Eno

Best for Small Spaces

Snooz travel white noise sound machine.

• Features 3.5 /5
• Effectiveness 3 /5

Battery lasts up to 20 hours

Doubles as a portable speaker

No nature sounds or music

Only lasts eight hours on high volume

Not compatible with free SNOOZ app

The SNOOZ Go is the perfect device for those who prefer to travel light but want a larger device's sound capabilities. This powerful machine provides up to 20 hours of soothing white noise on a single charge. This device's portability is impressive—it fits easily into a pocket, purse, or small travel bag and weighs only 5.7 ounces.

Paired with six peaceful white noise settings and the ability to double as a Bluetooth speaker , this machine provides an immersive sound experience from anywhere. We liked its pleasant sound quality and that it still fills a room with noise despite its small size. The built-in night light also proved helpful for midnight bathroom trips.

Though small and mighty, the SNOOZ Go's limited sound settings deliver white noise only, with no options for nature sounds or music. It also only lasts eight hours on high volume and is incompatible with the free SNOOZ app other models come with. That said, the device is rather powerful for its size, with the added perk of portability. 

Key Specs:  Noise Type: White noise, pink noise, fan sounds | Sound Settings: 6 | Volume Settings: 15 | Features: Rechargeable, portable, night light, Bluetooth speaker

Verywell Health / Holly Klamer

Best for Blocking Snoring

Magicteam white noise machine.

• Features 3 /5
• Volume 3 /5

Loop-free sounds

Five auto-off timer options

AC or USB-powered

Buttons are small

Sound quality could be improved

Have you ever drifted into a deep sleep only to be woken by your partner's less-than-melodic snoring? If so, it might be time to consider an anti-snoring device . And the Magicteam Sound Machine may be your savior. This white noise machine is designed to block out intrusive sounds—including that nightly serenade from your partner. This device features 20 loop-free sounds , meaning it's a continuous flow of sound rather than a constant loop.

During testing, Magicteam's sound machine stood out for its various noise options. Not only does it have the standard range of white and pink noise , but it also has fan and nature sounds, such as ocean waves. The auto-off timer has six set times when the machine can shut off, from one hour up to five hours or continuous play. When you've found the perfect setting, the machine memorizes your preferences for the next time you turn it on.

The sound machine itself is relatively light and compact, making it easy to store away or travel with. However, the sound quality sounds muffled instead of crisp. The buttons are also small and tricky to use in the dark. Additionally, the machine doesn't have a night light or battery backup, so plan accordingly.

Key Specs:  Noise Type: White noise, brown noise, pink noise, blue noise, fan, nature | Sound Settings: 20 | Volume Settings: 32 | Features: Auto-off timer, memory

Verywell Health / Jamie Abarca

Best with Alarm Clock

Reacher white noise machine.

• Features 4 /5

Wake-up and sleep sounds

Built-in USB charger

Battery backup for power failures

Aesthetics could be improved

No fading alarm volume option

Lacks dimming function

Instead of having multiple devices and cords at your bedside, Reacher's White Noise Machine is a convenient all-in-one alarm clock, sound machine, and USB charger . This device features 18 sound options, including six wake-up sounds and 12 sleep sounds, to customize your sonic experience. The sound library includes the usual white and pink noise, fan sounds, nature sounds, and lullabies.

Reacher's White Noise Machine is equipped with an AC power adapter but comes with a battery backup just in case of a power failure. There's also a USB port on the back of the device to charge your phone or tablet. Adjustable snooze, an auto-off timer, and memory settings round out this multi-functional pick.

We liked the variety of wake-up and sleep sounds. However, the dimmer function on the LED display is lacking, and we had trouble adjusting the brightness to our desired level. The alarm volume has no fading option, so it goes off at the selected volume instead of gradually increasing. Unlike other options on this list, it's not a very attractive sound machine either.

Key Specs:  Noise Type: White noise, brown noise, pink noise, fans, nature | Sound Settings: 18 | Volume Settings: 30 | Features: Auto-off timer, wake-up sounds, adjustable snooze, battery backup, built-in USB charger, display dimmer, memory

Verywell Health / Carolyn Malcoun

Best with Night Light

Jack & rose white noise machine.

Seven light settings

Timer with five settings

Light and sound function separately

Night light may be too bright

No dimmer to adjust colored lighting

Waking in the night for bathroom breaks and other distractions is a fact of life, but Jack & Rose's White Noise Machine illuminates the way with customizable brightness. This unit has seven colors of lights and 16 sounds, including white noise, nature sounds, and lullabies.

We enjoyed the sound quality, features, and effectiveness. The sound range is customizable with volume control, and an auto-off timer shuts the device down after 15, 30, 60 minutes, or longer. To top it off, we love that the machine remembers your previous settings and will restore the lights, sound, and volume when you turn it back on.

The biggest downside to this machine is that the colored lighting isn't adjustable, so if you find it too bright, you’ll have to turn it off completely. It's also important to note there's no battery backup for power issues, so you're out of luck if there's an outage.

Key Specs:  Noise Type: White noise, nature, lullabies | Sound Settings: 16 | Volume Settings: Adjustable range | Features: Night light (seven colors), portable, auto-off timer, memory

Verywell Health / Ashley Jacobs

Best Variety of Features

Loftie clock.

Gentle two-phase alarm cycle

Meditations and soundbaths

Doubles as Bluetooth speaker

Requires Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Included app lacks functionality

Can't customize alarm sounds

The Loftie Alarm Clock is designed to provide a gentle wake-up experience via a two-phase alarm. First, you're eased out of sleep with a soft harmony, and then a more energetic tone kicks in to fully wake you. At bedtime, choose from one of the preset playlists, sound baths, or breathwork exercises to disconnect from the day and drift into a tranquil slumber. You’ll find no shortage of sleep sounds, including white and pink noise, to drown out the outside world's distractions.

We were captivated by its sleek, modern design and the fact that it packs many features into such a small package. The Loftie doubles as a Bluetooth speaker for streaming podcasts and music. However, the companion app is limited in function and customization, so you can't fully customize alarm sounds if you don't like the pre-set cycle.

Loftie also requires Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for the all-inclusive experience, so unexpected connection issues throughout the night could impact your alarm and settings. But if feature-rich, high-quality sound is what you're after, Loftie's Alarm Clock may be your ticket to sweet dreams and refreshing mornings.

Key Specs:  Noise Type: White noise, brown noise, pink noise, red noise, meditations, sound baths, breathwork | Sound Settings: 100+ | Volume Settings: 12 | Features: Alarm clock, Bluetooth speaker, night light, companion app

Verywell Health / Riyana Straetker

Best for Travel

Yogasleep rohm travel sound machine.

• Features 3.2 /5
• Value 4.2 /5

Rechargeable

Impressive volume range

Includes lanyard for hanging

Must unplug regularly

Limited sound options

No additional features

As the lightest, most compact sound machine on our list, the Yogasleep Rohm Portable Sound Machine is an excellent choice for travelers longing for shuteye. With push-button adjustable volume equivalent to that of a blender (85 decibels), it's surprisingly powerful for its size. The three included sounds—bright white noise, deep white noise, and gentle surf—provide just enough distraction to help you drift off peacefully.

We appreciate the portability and battery power but found the overall sound quality lacking, with some slight static-like distortion. The volume range and ease of use made up for it, and the simple design is small enough to toss in your bag or carry-on. It also includes a lanyard for hanging and a 3-foot micro USB charging cord for convenience.

Since the Rohm doesn't offer additional features like an auto-off timer or memory, it likely won't be your primary sound machine. But for travel purposes, the unit blocks out the ambient noise of a hotel room and provides just enough distraction to lull you to sleep. According to its manufacturer, users must unplug and turn off this model every 14 days to prevent operation issues—a potential drawback for some.

Key Specs:  Noise Type: White noise | Sound Settings: 3 | Volume Settings: Adjustable range | Features: None

Verywell Health / Ashley Craiger

Best Sound Library

Dreamegg d1 sound machine.

Headphone jack for private listening

No alarm clock

Sometimes, variety is the spice of life, and if you're looking for a range of sound options, the Dreamegg D1 Sound Machine should be a contender. This model offers 24 calming noises that mimic natural environments , from ocean waves to chirping birds and gentle rain. The timer feature is a welcome touch: you can set it to shut off after 30, 60, or 90 minutes or play continuously throughout the night.

Unlike many sound machines on the market, D1's digital library is loop-free , so it doesn't repeat after several minutes of playing. There's also a headphone jack for private listening. We were impressed with its variety and think the night light is a pleasant touch, though color options would have been a welcome addition.

The Dreamegg D1 doesn't have a battery backup and doesn't offer Bluetooth capabilities or extra features like an alarm clock. But this model should do the trick for those looking for a simple design paired with an impressive sound library.

Key Specs:  Noise Type: White noise, fan, nature, lullabies | Sound Settings: 25 | Volume Settings: 32 | Features: Night light, timer, headphone jack

Verywell Health / Jessica Mahgerefteh

• SNOOZ White Noise Machine: While the app offers intuitive features, this model lacks the variety you'd expect for the price.
• HoMedics Portable Sleep Therapy: The portability makes it a great travel companion, but the illumination on the buttons can be a harsh distraction.
• Morpheé: This model boasts a minimalistic design and a two-year warranty, but it's on the pricey side.
• Honeywell Dreamweaver Fan with Pink Noise: The pink noise offers a unique alternative to white noise, but its only sound setting is the fan option.
• Sharper Image Meditative Sleep Therapy Machine: Its petite design is appealing, but the volume settings jump too quickly from low to high.

How We Tested the Sound Machines

The Verywell Health team tested a range of 32 sound machines at home to see how they fared on their own and compared to one another. We evaluated each sound machine based on the following key attributes:

• Features: We noted which features enhanced the product or detracted from the overall experience. We paid particular attention to sound quality and variety since these factors are critical for most users.
• Volume: We also considered the variety of volume settings and the ease of adjusting them.
• Effectiveness: After using each sound machine for at least five nights, we evaluated how well the device helped us relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep.
• Value: Finally, we factored in the overall value to determine whether the price was worth it. The top-performing models earned the highest ratings in our test.

What to Look For in a Sound Machine for Sleep

If you're tech-savvy and relish having the latest sleep technology , look for advanced sound machines with intuitive controls. Some of the most common features include: 

• Auto-off timer : Automatically turns off after a set amount of time. This is ideal for those who forget to turn it off each morning.
• Memory settings : Save your favorite noise combinations and settings so the machine automatically resumes the same sound and settings each night.
• Night light : Some come with a built-in nightlight, allowing you to read a book, use the bathroom, or tend to your little one without turning on bright lights that disrupt the sleep cycle.
• Alarm clock : Some machines double as alarm clocks, eliminating the need for multiple devices at your bedside.
• Companion apps : Connect your sound machine via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to control sleep settings, add sound libraries, and customize your experience. 
• Portability : Many sound machines are lightweight, compact, and easy to travel with. Some offer rechargeable batteries, making them convenient for planes and road trips. 
• Bluetooth speaker : Some machines have a built-in Bluetooth speaker to stream your favorite music, audiobooks, or podcasts.

We also spoke to experts to understand the important factors to consider when selecting a sound machine. Experts we spoke to include:

• Kevin Motz, MD, Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, at Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Monique May , board-certified licensed family physician and medical advisor for Aeroflow Sleep
• Camilo Ruiz , DO, PA, sleep and internal medicine specialist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone is different, but many people find that sleeping with a sound machine creates a more calming and consistent sleep environment. However, some feel they’re best suited for a noise-free environment.

The best sound noise for sleep depends on individual preference. Commonly used noises include white, pink, nature, and fan sounds.  Experimenting with different sounds can help you determine the most effective type for you.

Yes, it's considered safe to operate a sound machine all night. May notes that light sleepers may do well to leave their sound machine on all night to prevent waking up in the middle of the night.

Lindsay Modglin is a writer, editor, and healthcare professional with a decade of clinical health and wellness experience. Her entire household has relied on sound machines to regulate their sleep environment for years. You can find her byline in Forbes, Insider, Healthline, and many more. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring readers have access to accurate and actionable information to make the best health decisions.

The Best Sound Machines of 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Adaptive Sound Sound + Sleep

Performed best in our tests

Completely blocked all noise

Adaptive setting adjusts sounds automatically

Somewhat pricey

Dreamegg D1

Multiple sound options

Includes nightlight

Blocks noise well

Loftie Alarm Clock

Array of alarm sounds

Easy to use

Bonus features like white noise

Adaptive Sound LectroFan

Streamlined interface

High-fidelity speaker

60-minute sleep timer

No extra features

Snooz White Noise Machine

Has internal mechanical fan

Bluetooth app gives additional controls

None that we could find

Updated April 22, 2024

After hours of exhaustive research into the best sound machines on the market, followed by thorough hands-on testing and scientific sound quality comparisons, we've uncovered the best sound machines money can (currently) buy.

We love the Sound & Sleep because of its volume range, sound quality, and intuitive extra features. However, there are plenty of other great sleep sound machine options at all price ranges.

The Sound + Sleep is the only machine to feature a richness mode and an adaptive feature to adjust to sudden noises.

Number of sounds: 30 Battery: No Cord length: 57 inches Weight: 2 pounds

The Sound & Sleep from Adaptive Sound Technologies offers a top-notch sound machine experience. From the sleek tear-drop design to the excellent sound, it exudes quality across the board.

This sound machine offers 10 distinct sound categories, each with three different “richness” settings, which give you a total of 30 sounds to choose from. The richness setting allows you to tweak the variables that get layered into the sound.

For example, on the ocean setting, the standard sound is crashing waves; one tap of the richness button adds the sounds of seagulls and seals. A second adds bells and faraway foghorns to create a more soothing, layered sound.

It is also the only sound machine to feature an adaptive mode, where the internal microphone monitors your room’s ambient noise level and adjusts the volume accordingly.

The Sound & Sleep easily got loud enough to drown out competing sounds in our noise masking tests; it completely blocked out the sounds it was put up against. Both testers also noted that at every volume level, the speaker produced high quality sounds from clear highs to soothing bass without distortions.

It is one of the biggest of the units we tested, both in weight and size, which makes it difficult to recommend traveling with. It has a headphone jack but doesn’t offer a nightlight, clock, or app— and it’s on the higher side, price-wise. If that’s not an issue for you, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better sound machine than this one.

The Dreamegg D1 has 24 sounds, including three lullabies, and a gentle nightlight.

Number of sounds: 24 Battery: No Cord length: 60 inches Weight: 1.19 pounds

The Dreamegg D1 presented a pleasant surprise across the board. This sound machine is compact, with well-designed buttons, and 24 sounds that don’t diminish in quality as the volume rises. The D1 can get plenty loud; it features over 32 volume levels, and in testing we successfully blocked almost every bit of intrusive noise by level 20.

Among the 24 sounds are seven white-noise and seven fan sounds alongside nature tracks like brook, ocean waves, and thunderstorm. It also includes three lullaby tunes in case you’d like to place it in a baby’s room and has a gentle nightlight in a warm hue.

There’s no battery, but at 60 inches, the cord length is generous enough to be able to position it where you need to. At a little over a pound, it’s compact and heavy enough so that it should survive traveling well.

More a sleep guru than a sound machine, the Loftie Clock also has a dual-alarm wake system.

Number of sounds: Dozens Battery: No Cord length: 72 inches Weight: 0.84 pounds

In addition to the standard white noise sounds, Loftie can play you meditations or bedtime stories (the company updates these regularly). The sound quality is high across volume ranges, and the Loftie got impressively loud through its 10 or so volume steps. It was able to block unwanted sounds with some success, though noise blocking isn’t really what Loftie’s aim is.

The goal of this device is to provide support to both ease you into, and out of, healthy sleep routines. From the extra content and the soothing light to the nighttime routines and the two-stage morning alarm, Loftie wants to be your sleep guru. The white noise and background tones are just one brick in that building.

Loftie can be controlled either via the five buttons on the top, or from its minimalist smart phone app. The app was straightforward and offered good troubleshooting support when we had to adjust time zones, but we fumbled through learning the menus a bit with the physical buttons. Loftie can also double as a Bluetooth speaker, which may help ease the sting of its price tag some.

The LectroFan has two adjustable sounds to cover a spectrum of white noises.

Number of sounds: 20 Battery: No Cord length: 58 inches Weight: 1.2 pounds

The LectroFan is humble, practical and—if you’re looking for a straightforward white noise machine—undoubtedly the best bang for your buck. It does exactly what it promises without any compromises in quality.

A streamlined noise maker for those who simply want to plug in and sleep, the LectroFan offers two sound settings, fan and white noise, with 10 selectable options for each setting.

Both testers noted that the machine’s high-fidelity upward-facing speaker replicated each sound beautifully, producing a warm, bass-heavy profile. The “fan setting” did sound exactly like an actual box fan, albeit one with more tonal and volume control.

In terms of decibels, this machine held its own against our top pick, successfully drowning out all three levels of conversation without having to turn the volume up to unsafe levels.

Most importantly, the LectroFan’s output retained its smooth, soothing qualities even when we pushed it to the limits. There aren’t a lot of extra bells and whistles here, aside from a timer, but its simple effectiveness is its best feature.

Other Sound Machines We Tested

Number of sounds: 1 (with variations) Battery: No Cord length: 72 inches Weight: 0.34 pounds

The Snooz is made for one thing—easily adjustable white noise courtesy of an internal mechanical fan. The outer shell of the machine can be twisted to a deeper tone, the sounds themselves run the spectrum from the light, static waves of an oscillating fan to a bass drone that you’d expect to hear in an airplane cabin.

In testing, the Snooz was effective: during sound masking testing, the Snooz generally didn’t have to be turned up more than halfway to mask the sounds of parties, dogs, or babies, and in real-use testing, it was simple to use and effective in aiding sleep.

The Snooz can be controlled either via the three top buttons (+/- for the light and sounds and a power button), or via the uncluttered app. The app additionally lets you access an off/on scheduler, with a fade in/out feature, that will set times for Snooz to go on and off, and the nursery calibration setting—a setup sequence intended to keep Snooz in a safe range for baby’s ears.

Number of sounds: Dozens Battery: No Cord length: 60 inches Weight: 2.07 pounds

The Hatch Restore is another smart sound machine on this list, and like the Loftie Clock, it provides users with a comprehensive sleep experience. It includes white noise sounds, wake tones and an ample array of ambient music, dreamscapes and sleep stories, as well as a domed nightlight with over 20 hues and a subtle alarm clock on the fabric-covered bottom section.

The Restore app can access all these controls, as well as help you create an a.m. or p.m. routine with custom sounds and lights. Though the setup process was a bit finicky, the detailed app wasn’t overly difficult to navigate. The Hatch Sleep Membership subscription provides even more content.

However, the physical buttons on the Restore can only control basic functions, like starting a sleep routine, volume, or brightness. Everything else must be accessed in the app, which may be a drawback to some users.

It’s also an expensive device, and its size and weight could make it hard to place in a room or travel with.

Completely customizable

Numerous audio options

Sleek, low-profile design

Requires app to access all controls

Yearly subscription to access all features

Number of sounds: 1 (with variations) Battery: No Cord length: 90 inches Weight: 1.6 pounds

The Marpac Dohm Classic, also known as the Yogasleep Dohm Classic, is credited as being the first widely available sound machine—and it’s been popular since its release in 1962. It’s also unique in that it’s an actual fan whose sound can be manipulated by rotating its casing. It is simple, it is effective, and it is as analog as it gets.

This means it’s uncomplicated to set up, and most folks will be able to use it right out of the box without issue. Both of our testers agreed that the Dohm does exactly what it was designed to do: produce a soothing, easily customizable sound.

During sound masking testing, we were able to successfully block almost all of the party noises by adjusting the Dohm’s shell, though we were still able to hear a good amount of construction noise. With a decibel range of 41 to 52 the Dohm doesn’t get nearly as loud as other devices, so it may be more difficult to block intrusive sounds as well as other devices on this list which feature a variety of tones or a higher decibel range.

Simple and classic

Limited decibel range

Number of sounds: 6 Battery: Yes Cord length: 73 inches Weight: 0.37 pounds

Our previous testing of the Big Red Rooster’s BRRC107 sound machine found it to be a well-built, lightweight device that produced soothing—if distinctly digital—sounds. This time around, we were more impressed by the BRRC107’s ability to mask unwanted background sounds; we couldn’t hear any party noise even after turning the Rooster down a few volume steps, and both the construction sound and the barking dogs were significantly muted.

Unfortunately, we weren’t big fans of any of the six sounds, which felt both digitized and sped up or too fast to be soothing. The device itself operates easily enough; there are physical buttons for all the controls, though they feel a bit cheap and click audibly when pressed.

The BRRC107 does run on either AAA batteries or an AC adaptor with a 75-inch cord, so it’s easy to place it anywhere or travel with it.

Good for travel

Digital sounds

Number of sounds: 20 Battery: No Cord length: 39 inches Weight: 0.37 pounds

The smallest sound machine that we tested, the Magicteam, is popular for its variety of 20 non-looping sounds, from white noise to a bonfire setting. It’s compact enough to travel with, but it will still need to get plugged in and its 40-inch cord limits where it can be placed.

It did well enough in the sound masking testing, where it blocked the sound of party noises and barking dogs without having to get uncomfortably loud, and we couldn’t hear any looping or fuzziness in the noises. With over 30 volume levels, it has a good range from 36 to 73 dBA.

However, the diminutive size of the buttons made it difficult to navigate the controls, particularly in the dark, and as there are no presets or way to quickly access favorites, you’ll be stuck pressing those tiny buttons constantly to cycle through to the sounds and volume you want.

Good decibel range

Small control buttons

Short power cable

Number of sounds: 6 Battery: Yes Cord length: 73 inches Weight: 0.5 pounds (without batteries)

Homedics is a major name in sound machines; the company makes more than a dozen different devices. The White Noise Sound Machine (SS-2200) is an unusual fidget-spinner shaped device, extremely lightweight, with a speaker on top. There are six available sounds, three timer options, and a volume dial that doubles as an on/off switch.

In use, we found the SS-2200 serviceable if unremarkable. It blocked party noises well enough, less so for the dogs barking and construction sounds. The six sounds themselves sounded fine but suffered some in quality as the volume rose. We could also detect the looping on at least one of the settings.

It’s one of the few devices on this list that will also take batteries; an advantage, because it means you can place it anywhere in your home as well as travel with it. There wasn’t anything definitively terrible about it, but it’s the cheapest device on this list, and it feels like it.

Lightweight

Takes batteries

Sound loops

No bonus features

Number of sounds: 14 Battery: No Cord length: 63 inches Weight: 0.95 pounds

The Letsfit T126L is identical to other sound machines found on Amazon’s bestsellers list—a sleek, round device with a row of three physical buttons on the front, plus five touch buttons and a touch ring around an upward-facing speaker grill. It offers 14 sounds, a timer, and a nightlight, but suffers from aggravating design flaws.

In order to control the machine's sounds and functions, you’ll need to switch between physical and touch buttons: the five touch buttons on the top control volume, the selection of sounds and the on/off switch, while the front three buttons handle the brightness of the night light and the timer. The night light, however, is powered on by touching the ring around the metal speaker grill.

This is unintuitive at best, and at worst, left our testers fumbling in the dark to adjust the controls. The night light directs its illumination downwards, making it nearly impossible to see the controls on the top of the machine, and making it less useful overall as a nightlight.

And the timer loudly and audibly announces your selection when pressed, which means you’ll risk waking others in the room if you set it.

Nice looking

Confusing controls

Timer announcements

Number of sounds: 6 Battery: No Cord length: 60 inches Weight: 1.21 pounds

Intended to be propped upright at an angle, the Pure Enrichment Wave is sleek, lightweight, and has straightforward controls. It also includes a USB port, so you can plug your phone in to charge. However, the sound machine we ordered arrived without the silver support cylinder, so finding a way to keep the machine upright was more difficult than it should have been.

A bigger issue was the plug itself, which didn’t sit flush with the port, and could be wiggled about. While this didn’t affect our connection, users have complained about devices shorting out and have said that even with the stand, the machine was not stable.

The Wave offers six sounds via physical buttons, a timer with presets, and a volume dial. The sounds themselves were a bit fuzzy in quality and there was some noticeable looping in the summer night setting. It was also on the quieter side; in our real- use tests, we had to get out of bed to readjust the volume.

While it did fare decently enough during sound masking, we had to turn it up quite high. A more minor annoyance, the power button also controls the timer, so you’ll have to cycle through the timer presets every time you turn the machine off.

USB port to charge phone

Slim design

Fuzzy sounds

Missing parts

How We Tested

I’m Amber Bouman, and I am chronically sleep deprived. Over the years I’ve struggled with a variety of sleep challenges from third shift work and interruptive insomnia to chronic pain issues like sciatica. Currently, my biggest hurdle to getting a good night’s rest is my 2.5-year-old twins; believe me when I say that sleep is one of my most precious resources.

Because my partner has tinnitus and our twins are NICU-graduates, we’ve used several different sound machines over the years to assist with sleep. In my professional life, I have over 15 years’ experience reviewing everything from Windows phones and gaming monitors to leather backpacks and, of course, white noise machines.

This guide was originally written by Kevin Oliver, a reviewer and contributor to Reviewed who has experience as both a touring musician and a sound engineer. He used his professional expertise in reviewing sound machines, in a way only an audiophile can appreciate.

First, we spent days researching the sound machines most highly rated by expert reviewers and users alike. In addition to ratings, we considered factors like decibel levels, sound settings, size, weight, and extra features. We narrowed down our list to twelve top contenders, including the sound machines that Kevin originally tested.

Upon unboxing, we inspected each device thoroughly and took note of build quality. We took notes on ease of setup and portability and ran through each machine’s entire feature list to compare special features and functions. We used a decibel reader to determine a rough estimate of how loud each machine is at both minimum and maximum volumes and listened closely for looping sounds and overall sound quality.

We set up all the sound machines in the same room and took a decibel reading of the ambient noise level for a baseline. In an adjacent room, we played a variety of sounds that commonly disturb sleep, including party noises, construction sounds, dogs barking, and babies crying.

We measured how loud each of these noises was in our test room, then set each machine to its white- noise setting. We then measured the decibel level and volume setting it took for each machine to cover the intrusive noises.

What You Should Know About Buying Sound Machines

Types of noise.

While you may be familiar with the term white noise, you may not be familiar with how it differentiates from brown noise or pink noise. White noise, a combination of all frequencies on the acoustic spectrum, is often compared to the static hiss of a television. Pink noise contains bass, lower frequencies, and sounds more like steady rainfall. Brown noise, which has the most bass and even lower frequencies than pink, is said to be like strong winds or the rush of a river.

Many noise machines offer at least one white-noise option, and many include variations on pink or brown noises as well. If you’re new to sound machines, you’ll want to pick one that has a variety of tones and sounds to experiment with—often you’ll find nature sounds that mimic white, pink, or brown noise like rushing rivers, storms, rain, or waves. Some include alternate tracks like birds or crickets, the rush of traffic or meditation chimes.

Whatever option you go for, make sure that the noise machine you choose doesn’t loop sounds that can draw your attention and keep you awake.

It’s also important to consider where a noise machine will be placed. It’s recommended that a noise machine be positioned at least 7 feet away from your head and in between your bed and the source of any background noise you’re trying to mask.

Consider where the speakers on the machine are placed, as well; speakers on a noise machine can be on top of the machine, on the front, or even through vent holes on the side and bottom.

It’s worth noting where your available electrical outlets are placed, as many noise machines will need to get plugged in (though some will also take batteries). If you’re planning to travel with the same noise machine you use at home, you’ll want to ensure that the sound machine you use is lightweight.

Your sound machine should provide you with quality background noise to help you sleep, but it can also do double duty as a night light, an alarm clock, a rise-to-wake smart machine, or a Bluetooth speaker.

Some sound machines also have companion apps that will allow you to control the machine from your phone, access meditation or wellness programs, or even play your own music from the device.

Finding a noise machine that also has a nightlight or an alarm clock isn’t hard—many of the machines on this list have either or both—but it’s also possible to snag a sound machine that includes meditation or wellness programming, rise-to-wake settings, a Bluetooth speaker, or even a smartphone app.

It’s worth thinking about where and how you’ll be using your sound machine, to determine if any of these features are of value to you but keep in mind that any additional features are usually found on higher-priced devices.

Sound Machines vs. White-noise Apps

For instance, a phone speaker can't get anywhere near the decibel level of an external speaker. If your phone is acting as a white noise machine, then it often can’t be used for anything else, which means you can’t have white noise and run a meditation podcast, or use a journaling app, or anything else you may need from your smartphone.

A dedicated sound machine can also be positioned in places you may not want to leave a smartphone—say, on the ground outside of a bedroom door. Many dedicated sound machines now also have additional features, so they also work as an alarm clock or nightlight to boot.

Basically, those who want more volume, more features, and richer sound would be better served by a dedicated sound machine.

Are Sound Machines Harmful

The CDC also recommends placing the sound machine as far from your bed as possible and, ideally, to set a timer so your brain isn’t constantly perceiving and attempting to process audio signals throughout the night.

Using a sound machine should also be part of a larger nighttime routine that signals to your body that it is time to wind down and rest.

More Articles You Might Enjoy

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Meet the testers

Kevin Oliver

Contributor

Kevin Oliver is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.

Amber Bouman

Parenting Editor

Amber Bouman is the Parenting Editor at Reviewed. She has twin toddlers and has tested everything from smart breast pumps to leather backpacks.

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5 Of The Best Travel Fans For White Noise + Buying Tips

Below you’ll find 5 of the best travel fans for white noise on the market along with short reviews and pros & cons lists for each.

There are also some helpful things to know and consider before spending money or picking a fan. I’d love to help you get the best fan for your needs so read on to learn more.

How does white noise from a fan help?

Fan options to shop for, important foreign travel fan tips, ★ 5 of the best travel fans for white noise ★, summary – the top recommended travel fan for white noise, what is white noise.

White noise is the term used to describe a sound production that’s made up of all frequencies in the audio band (the range you can hear) at equal levels.

“White” is used to describe this particular type while others such as brown and pink exist and describe similar noise but with different acoustical levels in certain frequency ranges.

How white noise helps

White noise helps by “masking” bothersome noise and creating a more relaxed and distraction-free environment for. Sounds you otherwise would hear are “covered” (masked) by the sound your fan generates, resulting in it effectively eliminating it. As long as the outside sound is of an equal or lesser volume than the white noise it can be blocked.

Fans can improve your quality of life using the principle of sound masking.   This means that the noise it generates simple “covers”, or masks, the sounds that cause you problems and make sleeping or concentrating more difficult.

In reality, the fan isn’t actually removing outside sounds – but for all practical purposes, our brains think it’s gone.

This is because when many sounds are combined together well (especially with noise!) our brains can’t “hear” the distractions anymore.

The result is that as long as the bothersome outside sounds aren’t able to exceed the white noise level we no longer hear them.

Sleep like a baby!

It’s a well-known fact that infants and children are able to sleep more readily with gentle sounds. For example, dishwashers, washing machines, and other sources have a pretty steady and rhythmic “pattern” that affects our brains in a pleasant way.

The psycho-acoustical effect of a soothing noise causes a pleasing and focused state in both many people’s minds and bodies. The result is better sleep as well as better concentration.

It’s especially helpful to have a fan when you travel for many adults or children sleeping in a new environment can be tough. You’re not accustomed to your surroundings and haven’t had time to adapt.

New environments mean new nuances and small sounds you’re not used to which can hurt your quality of sleep. I speak from personal experience!

How fans make white noise

“White noise”, the soothing sound produced by many fans, is produced by a number of things that happen when a fan is running. It’s generally caused by the air turbulence created by the blades but often contains the sound of the fan motor, too. When a fan run runs, the air is drawn from the rear and forced out the front which causes noise.

Fans (especially traditional ones like box fans) are an easy-to-use and economical source of noise to cover sounds, reduce stress after a hard day, and promote better sleep.

The funny thing is that fans  aren’t intentionally designed to make noise!  It’s a wonderful side effect of how they work.

There are several factors involved that result in that soothing noise we love:

• Air passing by the surfaces of the fan’s body
• The rush of air on the input (suction) and output (forward) sides
• Fan blades spinning through and disturbing the air
• Turbulence caused by the nearby air being disturbed due to blowing
• The gentle humming and operation of the motor itself

These factors combine to produce the cumulative effect as a “white noise” our ears and then brain receive. The result is rhythmic, calming, and most of all helpful sound.

As I described, this white noise is used to “mask, or cover, and effectively eliminate bothersome sounds as far as our brains are concerned.

Because of how fan work, they often have a tendency to vibrate on a very small scale which also contributes to a gentle undertone you’ll enjoy. Both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC, like from USB power or batteries) have sound characteristics you’ll hear without realizing it.

For example:

• Power sources: Will an electrical outlet or USB power be available? Do you need cordless (battery) power?
• Fan speeds: Will a simple single-speed fan be ok or are more important to you?
• Folding/compact size: Is a slightly large fan ok or is space really tight?
• Warranty length
• Positioning or swivel features

Be sure to give these a thought when shopping. However, you can’t go wrong with the products I’ve researched, tested, and that I recommend below.

When traveling abroad it’s critical to be prepared for other power voltages and non-USA electrical outlets. A universal travel adapter set is something I’ve relied on many times. No products found. is a great example of one I recommend. Using a fan without an adapter could destroy it or even cause a fire! This particular model in an amazing 192 countries!

I’ve traveled overseas quite a few times. Without a doubt, one of the best investments I’ve ever made was a universal travel adapter set with outlet adapters and a voltage converter.

Many countries have electrical outlets with different connector jacks that won’t work with American power plugs. Additionally, some countries I’ve been to have 220V (not 120V) power which can destroy your fan, a phone charger, or any electrical devices.

They could potentially even cause a fire!

Be ready to power a fan or other small electrical devices. Do a little research before you go to be sure you can power your small electronics to avoid a tremendous amount of inconvenience.

I’ve learned the hard way that in many areas of the world it’s very difficult to find special power adapters for some of the devices you bring from back home.

Our top picks at a glance

Product reviews and details, 1. vornado fit personal circulator – quality cooling and gentle sound on the go.

The wonderful Vornado Fit Personal Air Circulator is nice take on the traditional small fan. If you’re unfamiliar with the company, Vornado manufactures some of the best air comfort products on the market.

It’s a well-made fan that takes up very little desk or table space as well. Two color options are available: Aqua or pink.

2 speeds are available for your comfort and white noise needs: low and fast. While it’s a quiet fan, it still provides a pleasing white noise sound you can use next to when you’re traveling.

It’s just a matter of selecting low, off, or high from the sturdy rocker switch on the side.

The Vornado Fit is a great little fan that’s well-made and perfect for putting in luggage. The base folds underneath when not in use for compact storage.

And speaking of travel, what would a small be without portability? The Fit folds up easily and is great in luggage. The design makes it easier to pack it in luggage when you’re ready to go.

It’s powered by standard 110 AC power so unfortunately there’s no battery option. However, one reason for this is that it’s more powerful than lesser fans and provides much greater airflow.

Measuring a small 8.3 x 7.5 x 5.2 inches in size, it’s definitely a travel fan that’s great for hotel rooms, resorts, and just about anywhere you need nice white sound and an outlet is available.

Vornado also offers a 3 year warranty which most others don’t.

• 2-speed fan control
• Compact but good airflow for cooling
• Small size (8.3 x 7.5 x 5.2″)
• 2 accent colors available
• Folds up for easy travel
• 3 year limited warranty
• Nice white noise sound, but not too loud
• No battery or USB power option
• Fan angle not adjustable like some competitors
• Costs a bit more than some others

Vornado’s fans are some of the best you’ll find anywhere and the Fit is a great fan that’s well-made and dependable.

2.  O2Cool 10″ folding fan – Great portable white noise with or without an outlet

As it can be powered by both an outlet or 6 “D” size batteries there’s nowhere you can’t use it!

It features 2 selectable speeds: low and high, with a nice gentle but helpful white noise level on high.

Measuring 12 x 3.5 x 12.4 inches in size, there’s a great 10″ fan providing compact but great cooling ability.

Thanks to the unique design the base serves as not just a stand but a battery holder, too. When folded for travel it’s very compact and easy to store.

It’s also energy-efficient and features a patented blade design to help extend battery life while keeping airflow maximized.

There’s also a small carry handle feature at the top as well. An AC adapter is included.

• 2 selectable speeds
• Battery power option
• AC adapter included
• Folds for compact size
• Nice 10″ size fan
• Good white noise and cooling
• Easy to use
• Traditional fan design for reliability
• No rechargeable battery option
• No USB power option
• One color only (gray)
• Basic, no additional side features
• Batteries not included

Want a great travel fan but don’t want to be stuck with a tiny  one like so many others are? It’s an excellent choice and I recommend it.

3. Opolar rechargeable portable fan – Feature-packed and a wonderful all-around choice!

Ready for one of the best travel fan values you can find? Then the No products found. may be  exactly what you’re looking for.

Measuring a tiny 5.9 by 4.9 inches, it’s ultra-compact and easy to fit into bags when it’s time to go. With the Opolar fan you’re ready for all sorts of environments even if outlet power isn’t available.

Be ready for anything!

Depending upon use, you’ll get several hours of comfortable cooling and soft white noise to get you through your rest. Expect about 3-11 hours of use depending on which of the fan speeds you choose (low, medium, or high).

Even more, you also get an optional internal accent light/night light as well as a side light that works like a small flashlight. They’re cool features that are unexpected in this price range.

2 built-in lights are provided and I really like them. LED lights are provided for optional use as an accent light/night light as well as a mini flashlight on the side of the base.

Electronic controls round out a  great little fan.

And most importantly, it produces a steady and soothing ambient white noise you’ll enjoy. It’s also one of the best rated in its price range!

• 3-11 hour battery power time
• Rechargeable battery included
• USB power option (cable included)
• Built-in flashlight
• Electronic controls
• 3 fan speeds
• Internal accent/night light
• AC adapter not included
• No swivel positioning for fan top
• No carrying case

I recommend it because it’s a great combination of cooling, features, and especially value.

4. SkyGenius rechargeable clip-on – It goes and provides white noise where others can’t

• Battery and USB powered (no outlet needed!)
• Rechargeable, and includes the battery
• Can be used on a table or clip on to  nearly anything

Sound impossible? It’s not. The SkyGenius battery powered clip-on mini fan is all of these things. It’s a fantastic choice for where other fans can’t go!

The SkyGenius fan includes a rechargeable battery and USB cable for powering the fan or charging the battery. What’s especially great about this model is how you can adjust it for airflow  perfectly where you need it. The swivel head is easy to use and works great.

One of my biggest reasons for recommending this little winner is how great the design is. The fan cage can be rotated to  any position you need for cooling or white noise use.

There’s also an adjustable fan speed control on the rear . That’s a very unique – and rare – feature for a fan that’s priced so low.

The SkyGenius works great both with its clip feature or standing on its base. Don’t forget you can power it directly from any USB port!

But you’re not limited to using it only with the clip – the base is designed to work on any tabletop or desk just like any other small fan. It measures a mere 7.5 x 6 x 4 inches in size, so it’s an excellent choice for travel.

For having white noise you can literally take anywhere, it’s a slam dunk.

• Battery or USB power
• Rechargeable battery and USB cables included
• Adjustable fan speed
• Clip-on feature works almost anywhere
• Desk stand base
• Swivel head w/ 360 degree rotation
• Simple controls
• Great price
• Good buyer reviews
• Some buyers prefer fixed speed controls
• No AC adapter included
• Black only (no white available)
• Can’t fold for storage

All-in-all, it’s one of the values in a travel fan for white noise anywhere. If you need the greatest in ease of use and portability, be sure to check it out.

5.  Honeywell HTF090B Turbo – Compact and convenient with 3 power options

I’m already a big Honeywell fan as I’ve tested many of their air quality products. They’re some of the best I’ve owned and tested. This cool little Turbo model is no different.

It’s a single-speed fan with simple operation that folds  very neatly out of the way. At 4.7 x 2.28 x 6.4 inches, it’s really small but can cool efficiently and create great white noise you’ll like.

Two great power options are available: USB power (using the included cable) or 4 AA batteries if you need cable-free power.

Thanks to the DC motor design it helps reduce energy waste and can be powered by the batteries more efficiently for extended battery length.

Not only that, but the base it folds into can also double as a carrying handle for your convenience.

• Battery powered (4 x AA)
• Super compact
• Smart folding design
• Simple on-off control
• Clear, helpful instructions
• High airflow despite small size
• Nice white noise production for its class
• Great price and build quality
• Excellent buyer reviews
• Single speed only
• No AC-USB power adapter included
• Cannot swivel fan horizontally

Undoubtedly, the Turbo on the Go fan is one of the most compact and easy-to-use travel fans you’ll find.

If you’re on a budget but want a well-made mini fan for traveling and still enjoying white noise, it’s an excellent choice.

I awarded the Vornado Fit my Editor’s Choice distinction. For those who need a solid performer for white noise you can take with you, it’s a great choice.

It was a tough call, but I’m happy to recommend the Vornado Fit folding portable fan to anyone with access to a standard outlet. You’ll get lovely white noise to help you relax or sleep with the added benefit of great build quality and ease of use.

About the author

Grant is a professional engineer by trade and has experience with both maintenance and do-it-yourself home projects. He enjoys sharing his expertise & ideas with others to help them improve their comfort and quality of life. Read more »

Your comments are welcome!

Which one was the loudest? Thank you!

Hi, the Vornado is one of the louder ones. Most were pretty similar, more or less, depending on their speed setting, etc.

However, another option, if you’ve got room in your luggage or bag, is a slightly larger one like an 8-inch portable fan like this one. They’re louder and still pretty affordable. Hope that helps!

Hi there, I was so happy to find this page. We are traveling to Europe this June from America and my hubby and kids are addicted to the sound of loud box fans, as well as the breeze they offer. I’m trying to figure out what on earth I can do that is small enough to travel with but that also makes as loud of a noise as possible. I do have some white noise machine makers, but they will still want a fan, so having a fan that is loud is the best solution. So funny companies pride themselves on making quiet fans when so many of us want LOUD fans for sleeping LOL! I found a video of the Vornado one and it makes an ok sound when on high, but I was hoping for louder. Grant, I love the 8″ portable Comfort Zone fan you linked to in the comments section. This is exactly what I’m looking for I believe. Only issue is that it is definitely a 120V and I need one that is 220V for Europe (specifically Amsterdam, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France and UK). I have heard it’s possible to buy a voltage converter but so many people say they cannot be counted upon to work, and often blow a circuit and that would be horrible cuz then we’re stuck with no fan at all. Don’t suppose anyone out there has any advice? Thanks in advance! -Katie

Hi Katie. I understand what you mean about fan noise & quiet fan noise. The good news is I can tell you from personal experience that a 220V to 110V travel converter with a real transformer will work fine, as I’ve used them myself.

It’s the other type (the ones that don’t produce a real sine wave like you find in your home’s electrical supply) that can cause issues. Here’s an example of the type I’m talking about that work well: ELC step down voltage converter.

Note that you may be be able to use a smaller version based on the wattage of whatever you’re planning to plug in requires. Here’s an example of a lower wattage model adapter.

Best regards!

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The Russian vuvuzela: What noisy instrument will 2018 World Cup fans use?

The spoons deployed in this Russian folk instrument are just that - real spoons, which in Ancient Rus' were part of a dining set.

Russia is preparing for the World Cup. With two years to go, the national instrument fans will play has already been chosen: Wooden spoons, which are a percussion instrument from Ancient Rus'.

Unlike the South African vuvuzela, whose sound was similar to the din of a busy beehive, the Russian spoons have a particular appeal. In expert hands spoons can produce interesting combinations of rhythmical sounds, which in a way resemble those of Spanish castanets. But if there are many spoons and it is impossible to maintain a steady rhythm, one thing can still be said: The sound will be very, very loud.

The spoons deployed in this Russian folk instrument are just that - real spoons, which in Ancient Rus' were part of a dining set. They were made of various types of wood, including linden, aspen, maple and ash. It is not known precisely when the spoons were first used as musical instruments. The first citation is from the 13th century but some historians give a date for first use in the late 18th century.

The difference between them and the spoons used for eating is in their durability. To strengthen them, they are mostly made of thick and hard wood, such as maple or birch. The type of timber also determines the timbre of sound produced.

One of the main requirements that a World Cup fan's national musical instrument must meet is its cultural association with the host country. Russia has a long list of national instruments, but the spoons came out top.

"From the beginning we excluded wind instruments due to the large-scale criticism of the vuvuzela used in South Africa. Then we excluded bulky instruments that are difficult to use, such as the balalaika, the accordion, as well as string instruments like the gusli [a type of lyre], but also the horn, the cymbals and others," Rustam Nugmanov told  (in Russian) Znak.com. A musical instrument maker from Moscow's Elektrostal suburb, he came up with the idea to make the spoons a symbol of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The idea came to him in 2010 when in Zurich Russia officially announced its intention to host the championship. But obviously he could not propose using those spoons that Russians are familiar with.

Better bowls

The quantity of spoons that are held varies depending on the complexity of the rhythm and deftness of the spoon player. However, novices will have a hard time even with the basic number (two pieces) since the spoons must skillfully be placed between the fingers. Even Russians do not do a good job in the beginning. Especially since very few people play spoons - today the instrument can only be found in souvenir stands and is bought mostly by tourists who are unlikely to understand all its possibilities.

Whatever the case, spoons are not the mainstream - they are used only by Russian folk ensembles. And they are not pipes, with which to create a noise you just have to blow into them.

Nugmanov considered this problem. He developed a rubber fixer - a V-shaped holder, which will help circumvent long training sessions to master the instrument. Thanks to the fixer, the instrument now resembles the Latin letter V, alluding to the word Victoria, which means victory in Latin. The instrument's working title for now is "spoons of victory."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already approved the idea and Nugmanov expects to receive a presidential grant of about one million rubles ($17,000). Industrial designers and planners will be invited to work on the "spoons of victory" project. Also, "a series of scientific and sociological studies" will be conducted (apparently, to make sure no one goes crazy).

Read more: How horsehair, sheep's wool and soft stone became objets d'art in Tuva>>>

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