5 Best White Noise Machines That Will Make You Sleep Like a Baby

Whether you live in the city, or in the wilderness, there are some nights where every little noise is keeping you awake, and we all know that rest is arguably the most important part of training. While you can't control what's happening outside, a white noise machine is a great way to block it out, and replace it with a relaxing, soothing, atmosphere. Most white noise machines are under $100, which makes them relatively accessible.

Not only can they be used to help you sleep better, but they can also create a great environment for work, studying, or meditation—either with white noise settings, or natural sounds like rain, waves, or thunder. Read about some of the best white noise machines on the market below, and how to choose the right one for you.

How to Choose Your White Noise Machines

White noise machines are not the most difficult thing to shop for, but there are a few key aspects to consider that will help you choose the right one for you. The most important of these is deciding which sounds you prefer and how many options you would like. If you know that you just want white noise, your choice is easy, but if you are new to sleeping with sound in the background you may wish to experiment.

Most models will offer three types of noise: white, brown and pink. White noise is broadly spread across the sound system, including both high and low frequencies and most resembles the sound of a waterfall. Brown noise is strong and deep with mostly low frequencies—this is closest to the sound of gentle surf. Pink noise falls in between the two with mostly low frequencies, but still a touch of high—this is often described as being more soothing than white noise, and it is similar to the sound of light or medium rainfall.

Some machines will also have the addition of nature sounds like waves, nighttime bugs, or thunder, which can feel more natural than the monotonous whirring of white noise. Lastly, you will want to consider the size, particularly if you travel frequently. (Looking at you, marathon season.)

Since white noise machines can be lifesavers when trying to sleep in thin walled hotels or places that have an outside environment you are not used to, you would want to choose one that is small enough that it fits easily in a carry on bag without taking up a ton of space.

How We Choose

To find the best options among the many white noise machines out there, we researched the most popular models available, and looked to expert sources like Wirecutter and Healthline.com that tested and reviewed these products. We then took into account price, size, volume, and variety of sounds. Finally, we consulted more than 53,000 reviews, written by people who’ve bought these models, on sites like Amazon and Walmart to settle on these five.