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National Post
06-05-2025
- Health
- National Post
The best white noise machines for a sound sleep
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content Although commonly associated with babies and children, white noise can be beneficial for kids and adults alike. Studies have shown that white noise can help improve sleep quality by masking disruptive sounds, promoting relaxation, quieting the mind and ultimately building better sleep routines by signaling to the brain and body that it is time to wind down. Article content Apart from sleep, white noise can also prove to be helpful for focus and relaxation in various settings by creating a steady background sound. This can include when working or studying, meditating or even working out. However, it is key to ensure not to overdo it because overexposure to the noise can lead to hearing loss. So, it is best to place the machines at a distance and have the volume at a safe level, which is typically between 50 and 70 decibels. Article content Article content That being said, the effects and benefits will vary from person to person. It all comes down to trial and error. So, if you are struggling with any of the above, testing out a white noise machine may be worth the trial – we've rounded up some of the best ones to make sure you give it a fighting chance. Article content Article content Article content Featuring white, brown and pink noise as well as two ocean sounds, the LectroFan EVO has 22 non-looping sound options. It also has fan sounds with no rattling noise. With adjustable volume control, a compact size, an audio connector and timer, this sound machine can be used anywhere and everywhere and by anyone whether it is for sleep, relaxation or rest. Article content Invented in 1962, this classic sound machine has been loved for years and by many. It is a best-seller that features fan-based natural white noise. There are two speed options and adjustable volume – simple and effective. Article content While not exclusively a sound machine, the Amazon Echo Dot can easily be used as one along with its many other functions. In fact, this newest model has an improved audio experience compared to previous ones. Playing white noise can be done in a number of ways including through an app such as Amazon Prime Music or Spotify, or alternatively by asking Alexa to play white noise.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
My rowdy neighbors are no match for this small yet mighty white noise machine
Hi, I'm Britt, and in honor of Sleep Week, here's a fun fact about me: I happen to live right across the street from the noisiest neighbors on the planet. Alright, I might be exaggerating, but when I'm trying to fall asleep and it's clear that their night is only just getting started? Yeah, it certainly feels that way. Add a snoring spouse into the mix, and getting some shut-eye becomes, well, a challenge. At least, it was — until a little lifesaver called the LectroFan Classic White Noise Machine found its way onto my nightstand. Now? I don't know how I ever slept without it. In the depths of my cranky-pantsed, sleep-deprived misery, I'd spoken to friends, many of whom live in loud cities, who swear by white noise machines for getting a solid night's slumber, so I thought it couldn't hurt to try one myself. After all, any other noise had to be better than my screaming neighbors, right? After doing some research, I opted for the LectroFan. It boasted more than 10,000 five-star ratings, and I thought its sleek design would look great in my bedroom. If you're new to the world of white noise, here's how it works: It's essentially a combination of frequencies that can help block out distracting sounds — and that's why so many people rely on it to fall asleep. Among those people, some prefer a higher-pitch sound to send them off to dreamland, some a lower-pitch option. One of the things that drew me to the LectroFan is that it offers 20 sounds: 10 white noise variations and 10 fan sounds. It seemed like the right number of options without being overwhelming, and I was eager to see if it was worth the hype. The first thing I noticed about the LectroFan was how tiny it was. I knew it would be compact from reading reviews, but this thing was only slightly larger than my not-very-big palm — a plus for people like me who are short on surface space. Another standout was its minimalist appearance. I'd ordered the white model, which I thought would add a calming presence to my bedroom. I was also hopeful that, in addition to giving it visual appeal, its seven sides would ensure I got at least seven hours of solid sleep! I'll admit that I'm not remotely savvy when it comes to electronics, so I was pleasantly surprised by how user-friendly the LectroFan was right off the bat. There are only three buttons: one that turns it on and off and sets a timer, one for volume, and one to switch between the white noise and fan sounds. As far as setup goes, all you do is plug the power cord into an outlet, and you're golden. Once bedtime rolled around, I clicked through the sounds until I found one I thought would drown out outside noise without being disruptive. Admittedly, I thought some of the higher-frequency sounds were too intense and shrill, but there were several lower-sounding options I found a lot more soothing. I was also impressed by the volume settings, which go from whisper-soft to startlingly loud. Since I was going for a more peaceful sleep environment, I went with the quietest setting that still managed to muffle outside noise, got into bed, and hoped for the best. After just one night with the LectroFan, I was sold. Not only did it block out the commotion on my street, it lulled me into a state of deep relaxation and I drifted off in no time. Since then, I've used my LectroFan to help me fall asleep every night, and it still works just as well as it did the first time. One of the great things about this machine is that it uses non-looping sounds to keep our brains from picking up on noise patterns, which can minimize effectiveness. This means the sounds are always changing ever so slightly, but I truly can't even tell. My favorites still sound the same night after night, and I find it extremely comforting. The built-in timer is also convenient in case you want the noise to turn off after an hour. I leave mine on all night. Icing on the cake: Its simple, stylish look will suit pretty much any room, and its wee little size makes it great for travel. After all, anyone who's ever tried sleeping in a hotel room near the elevator or ice machine knows how loud that can be. I do find myself wishing the LectroFan was battery-powered at times, as outlets can be hard to come by when you're traveling, but it suits my nightly needs just fine. Another slight inconvenience is that if you accidentally click past the sound you want, you have to keep clicking through all of the others to return to it, since there's no back button. That said, you'll have to scroll through 10 sounds at most, so I'm really nitpicking here! In case it isn't glaringly obvious, I wholeheartedly recommend this little gizmo — but I'm not alone in thinking it's the greatest thing to happen to sleep since beds themselves. One shopper, who has been using the LectroFan for many blissful years, raved, "This thing has saved my sanity, and possibly my marriage. I bought it in January of 2016, and seven years later, it's going and going and going." "This is my fifth time buying this sound machine because I've been so happy with it!" wrote a LectroFan loyalist. "We have one in all our kids' rooms, as well as our room and a spare at my mom's house. The sound is easily adjustable ... Another bonus for us is that it doesn't put off any lights/glow. Between cameras, clocks and air purifiers, the last thing I need is another glowing light." "First off, this thing is tiny!" exclaimed a third enthusiast. "For how small it is, it can still pack a punch! ... I just moved in with roommates who have dogs, and I am very sensitive to noise. This has been a lifesaver to have in my room when I am trying to wind down! The sounds are also very solid ... the only word I can think of is 'smooth.'" "I work third shift, so I'm sleeping in the mornings when most other people are getting up and heading out to start their day," explained a generally pleased snoozer. "I also live not too far from a school, and busses run nearby my house ... So I really benefit from having some white noise to help block out outside sounds. This device is great. ... The ONLY negative thing I can think of is that I kind of wish the controls were digital rather than analog so it would be easier to differentiate when scrolling through the different sounds." "I was sick of using an actual box fan every night for white noise," shared a final fan. "This machine is tiny but mighty with the sounds it creates. ... The only drawback of this product is the extremely short cord that connects the machine to the outlet." While we're on the subject of things I can't sleep without... If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
My noisy neighbors are no match for this small yet mighty white noise machine
Hi, I'm Britt, and in honor of Sleep Week, here's a fun fact about me: I happen to live right across the street from the noisiest neighbors on the planet. Alright, I might be exaggerating, but when I'm trying to fall asleep and it's clear that their night is only just getting started? Yeah, it certainly feels that way. Add a snoring spouse into the mix, and getting some shut-eye becomes, well, a challenge. At least, it was — until a little lifesaver called the LectroFan Classic White Noise Machine found its way onto my nightstand. Now? I don't know how I ever slept without it. In the depths of my cranky-pantsed, sleep-deprived misery, I'd spoken to friends, many of whom live in loud cities, who swear by white noise machines for getting a solid night's slumber, so I thought it couldn't hurt to try one myself. After all, any other noise had to be better than my screaming neighbors, right? After doing some research, I opted for the LectroFan. It boasted more than 10,000 five-star ratings, and I thought its sleek design would look great in my bedroom. If you're new to the world of white noise, here's how it works: It's essentially a combination of frequencies that can help block out distracting sounds — and that's why so many people rely on it to fall asleep. Among those people, some prefer a higher-pitch sound to send them off to dreamland, some a lower-pitch option. One of the things that drew me to the LectroFan is that it offers 20 sounds: 10 white noise variations and 10 fan sounds. It seemed like the right number of options without being overwhelming, and I was eager to see if it was worth the hype. The first thing I noticed about the LectroFan was how tiny it was. I knew it would be compact from reading reviews, but this thing was only slightly larger than my not-very-big palm — a plus for people like me who are short on surface space. Another standout was its minimalist appearance. I'd ordered the white model, which I thought would add a calming presence to my bedroom. I was also hopeful that, in addition to giving it visual appeal, its seven sides would ensure I got at least seven hours of solid sleep! I'll admit that I'm not remotely savvy when it comes to electronics, so I was pleasantly surprised by how user-friendly the LectroFan was right off the bat. There are only three buttons: one that turns it on and off and sets a timer, one for volume, and one to switch between the white noise and fan sounds. As far as setup goes, all you do is plug the power cord into an outlet, and you're golden. Once bedtime rolled around, I clicked through the sounds until I found one I thought would drown out outside noise without being disruptive. Admittedly, I thought some of the higher-frequency sounds were too intense and shrill, but there were several lower-sounding options I found a lot more soothing. I was also impressed by the volume settings, which go from whisper-soft to startlingly loud. Since I was going for a more peaceful sleep environment, I went with the quietest setting that still managed to muffle outside noise, got into bed, and hoped for the best. After just one night with the LectroFan, I was sold. Not only did it block out the commotion on my street, it lulled me into a state of deep relaxation and I drifted off in no time. Since then, I've used my LectroFan to help me fall asleep every night, and it still works just as well as it did the first time. One of the great things about this machine is that it uses non-looping sounds to keep our brains from picking up on noise patterns, which can minimize effectiveness. This means the sounds are always changing ever so slightly, but I truly can't even tell. My favorites still sound the same night after night, and I find it extremely comforting. The built-in timer is also convenient in case you want the noise to turn off after an hour. I leave mine on all night. Icing on the cake: Its simple, stylish look will suit pretty much any room, and its wee little size makes it great for travel. After all, anyone who's ever tried sleeping in a hotel room near the elevator or ice machine knows how loud that can be. I do find myself wishing the LectroFan was battery-powered at times, as outlets can be hard to come by when you're traveling, but it suits my nightly needs just fine. Another slight inconvenience is that if you accidentally click past the sound you want, you have to keep clicking through all of the others to return to it, since there's no back button. That said, you'll have to scroll through 10 sounds at most, so I'm really nitpicking here! In case it isn't glaringly obvious, I wholeheartedly recommend this little gizmo — but I'm not alone in thinking it's the greatest thing to happen to sleep since beds themselves. One shopper, who has been using the LectroFan for many blissful years, raved, "This thing has saved my sanity, and possibly my marriage. I bought it in January of 2016, and seven years later, it's going and going and going." "This is my fifth time buying this sound machine because I've been so happy with it!" wrote a LectroFan loyalist. "We have one in all our kids' rooms, as well as our room and a spare at my mom's house. The sound is easily adjustable ... Another bonus for us is that it doesn't put off any lights/glow. Between cameras, clocks and air purifiers, the last thing I need is another glowing light." "First off, this thing is tiny!" exclaimed a third enthusiast. "For how small it is, it can still pack a punch! ... I just moved in with roommates who have dogs, and I am very sensitive to noise. This has been a lifesaver to have in my room when I am trying to wind down! The sounds are also very solid ... the only word I can think of is 'smooth.'" "I work third shift, so I'm sleeping in the mornings when most other people are getting up and heading out to start their day," explained a generally pleased snoozer. "I also live not too far from a school, and busses run nearby my house ... So I really benefit from having some white noise to help block out outside sounds. This device is great. ... The ONLY negative thing I can think of is that I kind of wish the controls were digital rather than analog so it would be easier to differentiate when scrolling through the different sounds." "I was sick of using an actual box fan every night for white noise," shared a final fan. "This machine is tiny but mighty with the sounds it creates. ... The only drawback of this product is the extremely short cord that connects the machine to the outlet." While we're on the subject of things I can't sleep without... If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The 6 Best White Noise Machines of 2025
Getting quality sleep is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Whether you have trouble falling asleep or just want help improving sleep, white noise machines work to eliminate any environmental sounds or background noise and replace it with calming white noise. Read more: 4 Best Noise Colors to Boost Your Sleep Quality When I lived in an apartment complex with thin walls, a sound machine helped drown out environmental noises such as crying babies, revving engines and barking dogs. White noise machines can also make an excellent gift for your fellow insomniacs. To help everyone catch more z's and get some solid sleep, I tried out a bunch of white noise machines. If these can help me, the ultimate light sleeper, drift off to dreamland, then they're definitely worth checking out if you want a good night's sleep too. We tested the best white noise machines on the market and narrowed our top pick to the Homedics Sound Spa. We chose this as the best overall white noise machine because of its unique features and affordability. The best white noise machine for you is the one that checks all the boxes for your specific needs. A favorite on Amazon, the Homedics Sound Spa strikes the perfect balance of quality and budget; it's a good value. This white noise machine has a timer you can set for 15, 30 or 60 minutes and plays six calming nature sounds and sleep sounds. Choose from the soothing sound options of white noise, brook, thunder, summer night, ocean and rain. You can plug the Sound Spa into a wall outlet or use batteries to take it on your travels, which brings me to one of the best features -- that it's incredibly portable. This white noise sound machine is lightweight and thin, so you can slip it into a carry-on or personal item with no problem. What I love: The Homedics Sound Spa is inexpensive, easy to use and portable. It produces high-quality sound for the price (although the rain setting has an obvious loop), and it has enough sound settings for the average person. What I don't love: When the Sound Spa is turned on, there's a little green light on top of the machine. I'm pretty sensitive to light when falling asleep and while sleeping (I'm a very light sleeper), so this green light felt very bright and unnecessary to me. If you want pitch-black darkness, the Homedics Sound Spa is probably not the right choice for you, or you can try covering up the light. See at Amazon Unlike many models, the LectroFan doesn't have sounds of birds chirping, ocean waves, water falling or other nature sounds, and I think that's a good thing. It means that people who buy a white noise machine for white noise are getting exactly what they want. The LectroFan has 20 total sounds: 10 white noise sounds and 10 fan sounds. It only has three buttons on the front: power, volume control and sound selection. The adjustable volume control is pretty sensitive, and I've never had a problem finding just the right volume to mask outside sounds on any given night. I've used the LectroFan on and off for about six months, both at home and while traveling. What I love: I adore the simplicity of the LectroFan. Its small size and portability add to that. This is the perfect white noise machine for people who don't need many sound options but do need to bring their white noise machine when they travel. What I don't love: There's not anything to dislike about the LectroFan, unless you're looking for something with nature sounds. If that's the case, definitely look elsewhere. See at Amazon If you want a white noise machine that's much more than just a white noise machine, the Sound Plus Sleep SE from Sound of Sleep is the one you need. It may cost more than most people would want to spend on a white noise machine, but you get your money's worth. I've been using it for more than six months, and not only does it put me to sleep (and keep me asleep), but it also helps me focus while working from home and drown out distracting sounds. What I love: The sheer range of sounds you get with this white noise machine. I use the pink noise setting to fall asleep and the meditation or rainfall settings to focus while I'm working. I also love the acute volume control and sleek design. It doesn't look out of place on my nightstand or my desk. What I don't love: There's nothing I dislike about the Sound+Sleep SE. It's expensive for a sound machine, but it's well worth the price if you have trouble falling asleep at night. You can't put a price tag on feeling well-rested. See at Amazon CNET's Vanessa Hand Orellana tested this noise machine, and I'll share her comments here. The Hatch Baby Rest (or Hatch Rest 2nd Gen) is a sound machine, night light and alarm in one. As a sound machine and night light, it's pretty straightforward. You can turn the sound and light on from the device itself, change the type of sound or color of the light and raise or lower the volume and brightness. You'll have to pair it with the app to do anything more complicated than that. If you have the Rest Plus, the app also serves as a baby monitor (audio only) to [let you] either listen in or talk to your baby. It'll still play the sound even when your phone screen is in standby mode. What I love: There are similar products out there that offer similar features for less -- the Rest retails for $55 while the Rest Plus (which also has a digital clock and baby monitor) is $90 -- but what drew me to use the Rest was the level of customization in the app and the sleek design. It didn't clash with my baby's nursery, the one room in the house that I put a lot of creative effort into. It looks like a little candle and doesn't take up much space on your bookshelf or countertop. What I don't love: You will need access to an outlet to plug it in, although the Rest Plus can actually hold a charge if you want to move it somewhere else during naptime. See at Amazon The Hatch Restore 2 is a great multifunctional white noise machine that also serves as a sunrise alarm clock (something you should consider if you hate waking up to abrupt and invasive alarm sounds). What I loved most about the Hatch Restore is its ease of use: With the Hatch Sleep app, you can set up an entire bedtime routine with multiple alarms to have separate ones for weekdays and weekends. You can also adjust volume, light intensity and sounds. For example, here's what I set up on my Hatch Restore: A bedtime routine that starts with 20 minutes of reading. The Hatch Restore softly illuminates my room with peach-colored light. A 10-minute wind-down guided meditation. You can choose from several in the Hatch app, plus more with a premium subscription. Pink noise that continues until my alarm goes off. A 30-minute sunrise alarm that culminates in the Mountain Alps sound: I wake to what sounds like an early winter morning. What I love: You set all of this up in the app, but you don't need your phone nearby to start your bedtime routine: You can simply tap the button on top of the Hatch Restore to get things going. Without a premium subscription, you have access to more than 20 hues of light and 31 sleep and wake sounds. What I don't love: If you'd like to explore more hues and sounds, you have to subscribe and unlock additional content for $5 a month or $50 a year. See at Amazon Honeywell makes trustworthy, high-quality products, and the Dreamweaver Sleep Fan is no different. This small bedside fan doubles as a sound machine, but it doesn't actually use white noise. It uses pink noise, a softer type of ambient noise that's been shown to increase time spent in deep sleep and improve memory. When I was living in a busy apartment complex, this fan-and-pink-noise combo helped drown out the sounds of cars and passers-by. What I love: There's a little night light on top of the unit that has three levels; if you like to sleep in pitch-black darkness, tap it three times to turn it off completely. If you like a little bit of light, the Dreamweaver can be your white noise machine, night light and fan all in one. What I don't love: It seems like the fan collects dust pretty easily, but that's what fans do. It's nothing a quick wipe-down can't fix. See at Amazon To determine our roundup of best white noise machines, we considered factors like functionality, special features, range of noises and price. These selections are based on personal preference, and you should consult your doctor before buying a white noise machine to ensure you get the best one for your needs. These two white noise machines aren't my top choices, but they still offer value and might be right for you. Dohm proclaims itself the first company to manufacture white noise machines, and the Dohm Classic is the original sound machine for sleep. The Dohm Classic is super simple, much like the LectroFan: It only produces white noise, and the controls are on, off, high and low. Once you choose high or low, rotate the cap to adjust the sound to the perfect level for you. If you're really looking for simplicity, the Dohm Classic embodies it. To me, this white noise machine feels a little limited for the price, and the sound quality isn't as great as some of the others on this list. It comes from a reputable brand and has nearly 4,000 positive reviews on Amazon, so it's worth looking into if you want a trustworthy product in the middle of what seems to be the price range (about $15 to $90) for white noise machines. Yoga Sleep Dohm Classic See at Walmart The Snooz White Noise Sound Machine is a good choice for people who want an authentic fan sound. Most white noise machines come with a fan sound, but if you're used to falling asleep with a fan, you can tell the difference. That's where the Snooz comes in: This sleep machine is a simple acoustic enclosure with a mechanical fan on the inside. This means the sound doesn't loop, so that's a bonus. By rotating the body of the machine, you can alter the pitch of the fan sound to find one that best drowns out the sounds keeping you awake. I would probably just prefer to sleep with a fan because I sleep warm anyway. It's kind of pricey for a white noise machine with such limited sound options, but the Snooz could work well for people who like fan sounds but don't want cold air. Snooz See at Snooz
