Best white noise machines: how to buy the right model

If you sleep better with background noise, a white noise machine could be a useful gadget for your bedroom.

The best white noise machines might help you doze off faster by producing a constant, soothing background sound. Or if your bedroom has a lot of distracting noise, for example, from a busy street outside, a white noise machine could mask it. 

You can find white noise machines for adults and babies, with different types of noise ranging from radio static to rainfall. Some are battery-powered and compact, so you can take them on overnight trips, and others double up as a bedside sunrise alarm clock. 

If you’re wondering whether a white noise machine could help you get better rest, this guide will cover everything you need to know before buying one. 

How does a white noise machine work?

White noise machines work by creating ambient sounds that mask other, unwanted, noises. 

The goal is to prevent sudden noises from waking you during the night and to reduce distractions by blending ambient noise with external sounds. 

Mechanical models generate a natural sound using an internal fan, while digital white noise machines use a speaker and offer a variety of sounds to choose from. Because of its versatility and range of options, a digital white noise machine may be the better choice for most people.

What is the evidence for white noise machines?

Which? scientist Ruby Gordon has reviewed the available scientific evidence on white machines. 

She said: 'White noise refers to a sound that contains all audible frequencies at an equal intensity, similar to the noise of TV static. White noise machines produce this sound to create a consistent, neutral background that’s believed to improve sleep, focus and relaxation.  It's understood that this works to dampen sudden or disruptive environmental noises with a steady, ambient sound.

Some research supports the idea that white noise can make their sleep better. For example, one small study reported that participants fell asleep 38% more quickly when listening to white noise compared to normal background noise. Additional studies also report positive outcomes with white noise, including falling asleep more quickly and for longer in a participant group living in a noisy, urban environment. 

However, the overall scientific evidence is limited. Many of the studies are flawed by poor methodology and unreliable results. A recent systematic review concluded that the quality of evidence for the effect of white noise on sleep was ‘very low’ and noted contradictory findings, with some studies stating that it 

Expert verdict: Is it worth trying a white noise machine for sleep?

Ruby says: 'Despite the lack of conclusive research, there are a growing number of subjective reports from people who feel that white noise positively impacts their sleep quality. Personally, I rely on the steady, noisy hum of my fan every night to get a good night’s sleep. Ultimately, whether white noise will help you drift off is something best determined by giving it a go.'

Popular white noise machines

Which? hasn't tested white noise machines, so we've rounded up popular models across a range of budgets based on retailer data and search trends.

Dreamegg White Noise Machine D11 Max

• USB rechargeable 
• 21 sounds 
• Timers

The Dreamegg D11 Max is a white noise machine with 21 sounds to help you doze off, including eight nature sounds. You can adjust the volume to different levels and set off timers. There's also a child lock. It's portable and has a large battery that is easily recharged via a USB. 

Yogasleep Hushh 

• Three natural sounds
• Volume control
• Compact

If you want a noise machine that you can take with you anytime you spend the night away from home, the Yogasleep Hushh is compact enough to fit in a backpack. You can pick between bright white noise, deep white noise or gentle surf. It claims to last about six hours of continuous use, which should be more than enough to help you get to sleep. When it does need charging, you plug it into power via USB. 

Zello Original White Noise Machine 

• 30 sounds
• Seven-colour night light
• 30, 60 or 90-minute timer 

A rechargeable white noise machine with a built-in night light, the Zello Original has 30 sounds to choose from, including fan sounds, nature sounds and meditation tones. The built-in night light can be set to seven colours and five brightnesses. Zello claims the battery will last 20 hours before it needs recharging, and there's a timer to turn it off when you're asleep. 

Momcozy Smart White Noise Machine 

• 34 sounds
• Night light with seven colours
• App control

Slightly smarter than a lot of the other white noise machines on this list, Momcozy's device has wi-fi so you can control its sounds and lights through an app on your phone, and you can pick your own songs to fall asleep to as well. There are plenty of sounds from nature to lullabies, and it's battery-powered, so you can move it around easily. 

Hatch Restore 3 

Buy from Amazon for £261.

• Doubles up as a sunrise alarm clock
• Includes more than 50 sleep sounds
• Pick from 20 alarm sounds

For a more premium choice that also serves as a sunrise alarm clock, the Hatch Restore 3 offers more than 50 sleep sounds (or more than 150 with a Hatch+ subscription). It also features a night light, on-device controls, and comes in three colours to match your room decor. It may help you wake up more smoothly, thanks to a sunrise alarm and gentle light. 

Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)

• Smart speaker that can play white noise
• Doubles up as a digital photo frame
• Voice control

The Echo Show 8 can act as a white noise machine and a home speaker. Simply ask Alexa for the type of sound you want before getting into bed, and it'll play them as you fall asleep. 

To add to that, you'll get all the perks of a smart speaker, so you can use it to play music, ask questions and manage smart home devices. Unlike many other options on this list, it isn't portable and needs to stay plugged in.

Read our Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) review.

What other devices can you use for white noise?

You can use one of the best wireless speakers instead of a dedicated white noise machine.

Simply ask your smart speaker to play white noise. Google speakers respond to voice commands for specific sounds such as rainfall or fireplace sounds, or ask Alexa to activate the Sleep Sounds skill to access noises such as fans, aeroplanes and thunderstorms.

Another way to generate white noise without a dedicated machine is to connect your phone to a speaker and stream it via apps like Spotify, Headspace or BetterSleep. All offer a range of white noise playlists that can last throughout the night.

What are the different types of noise?

There are several types of noise:

• White noise produces sounds at the same frequency, creating a steady, continuous noise in the same way as an untuned radio, a fan or a consistent hiss.
• Pink noise is calming, with more emphasis on lower frequencies, including natural sounds like rainfall or ocean waves.
• Brown noise places more emphasis on lower frequencies, resulting in a bassier sound, like the noise of a river flowing or a powerful waterfall.
• Green noise concentrates on mid-range frequencies. It is more balanced and often associated with nature sounds, such as a gentle waterfall or light wind.

Can you leave a white noise machine on all night?

Yes, you can leave it on overnight. If you prefer it to switch off as you fall asleep, some white noise machines have timers that can be set for 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

How loud should a white noise machine be?

The volume setting depends on personal preference and your sleeping environment. If your home is on a busy street, you might need it louder than if you live in a quiet countryside area.

To protect your hearing, keep white noise below 70dB, the safe decibel level recommended by the Hearing Health Foundation. Some devices can reach levels of 85dB, so don't place the machine too close to your head, especially if you use a higher volume setting.

What else can you do if you’re struggling to sleep?

There are lots of other strategies to improve sleep:

• Limit your sleep hours to establish a consistent sleep routine.
• Avoid napping during the day or restrict naps to 20 minutes or less.
• Choose the best mattress or a top-performing pillow suited to your sleeping style.
• Reduce screen time in the evening.
• Block out bedroom light or wear one of the best eye masks.
• Take a warm bath or shower in the evening to help you relax.
• Consult your GP to check for health issues such as sleep apnoea.

Meet our experts

Ruby Gordon, scientific advisor at Which?

Ruby has a first-class honours degree in psychology and has experience conducting both small and larger-scale research studies, so she knows how to dissect a research paper and get the facts straight.

As part of the Which? in-house science team since 2022, Ruby has advised across more than 30 projects covering everything from air pollution during cooking to finding the best tech.