The 10 Best Sound Machines for Sleep of 2023

Hatch Restore is feature-rich and designed for sound sleep

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Best Sound Machines for Sleep (Tested Overhaul)

Verywell Health / Reese Herrington

Many of us have experienced the dreaded effects of insomnia: tossing and turning, waking to every sound, and being unable to fall back to sleep. We want to think of our sleep environment as controllable, but unfortunately, that's not the case. Noisy neighbors, barking dogs, and bustling traffic can all complicate our restful slumber. 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 on the market, we tested 30 sound machines by having staffers each use one sound machine at home while they slept for five consecutive nights. During testing, we rated the sound machines on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for qualities such as the type of sound offered, portability, volume settings, alarm capabilities, special features, effectiveness, and value.

Best Overall

Hatch Restore

4.7
Hatch Restore Sound Machine and Smart Light at Amazon

Amazon

Pros
  • Soft glow reading light

  • Sleep sounds, meditations, and stories

  • Personalized morning and evening routines

Cons
  • Requires Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

  • Optional subscription sold separately

  • Unwind routine costs extra

So long are 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. 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.

Price at time of publication: $130

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

Hatch Restore Sound Machine

Verywell / Michelle Parente

Best Budget

Letsfit White Noise Machine

4.8
Letsfit Sound Machine

Target

Pros
  • Memory function

  • Built-in night light

  • Auto-off timer settings

Cons
  • No battery backup

  • Buttons are hard to find in dark

The Letsfit Sound Machine offers up 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. However, we did have difficulty navigating the buttons in the dark. 

Additionally, the Letsfit does not offer battery backup in case of a power outage, since it must remain plugged in for operation. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Letsfit 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.

Price at time of publication: $25

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

Letsfit White Noise Machine with Adjustable Night Light

Verywell Health / Brian Kramer

Easiest to Use

Yogasleep Nod White Noise Sound Machine & Night Light

4.8
Yogasleep Nod Sound Machine & Night Light

Amazon

Pros
  • Dimmable night light

  • Auto-off timer settings

  • 1-year warranty

Cons
  • No battery backup

  • 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 tester 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. The included one-year warranty covers defects for peace of mind. Overall, the Yogasleep Nod offers a straightforward solution with a respectable set of sound settings.

Price at time of publication: $20

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

Yogasleep Nod White Noise Sound Machine

Verywell Health / Jessica Eno

Best White Noise

SNOOZ Go Travel White Noise Sound Machine

4.2
SNOOZ Go

Amazon

Pros
  • Battery lasts up to 20 hours

  • Doubles as a portable speaker

  • Built-in night light

Cons
  • No nature sounds or music

  • Only lasts 8 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. 

Price at time of publication: $60

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

SNOOZ Smart White Noise Machine

Verywell Health / Ashleigh Morley

Best for Blocking Snoring

Magicteam White Noise Machine

4.2
Magicteam Sound Machine

Amazon

Pros
  • Loop-free sounds

  • Five auto-off timer options

  • AC or USB-powered

Cons
  • No night light

  • Buttons are small

  • No battery backup

  • 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, 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 sounded 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.

Price at time of publication: $37

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

Magicteam Sound Machines White Noise Machine

Verywell Health / Jamie Abarca

Best with Alarm Clock

Reacher R3 Dual Alarm Clock and White Noise Machine

4.2
Reacher R3 Dual Alarm Clock and White Noise Machine

Amazon

Pros
  • Wake-up and sleep sounds

  • Built-in USB charger

  • Battery backup for power failures

Cons
  • 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.

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.

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.

Price at time of publication: $34

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

REACHER R3 Dual Alarm Clock and White Noise Machine

Verywell Health / Carolyn Malcoun

Best with Night Light

Jack & Rose White Noise Machine

4.7
Jack & Rose White Noise Machine

Amazon

Pros
  • Seven light settings

  • Timer with five settings

  • Light and sound function separately

Cons
  • No battery backup

  • 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 light colors 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. 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.

However, the machine does remember your previous settings and will restore the lights, sound, and volume when you turn it back on. It's important to note there's no battery backup for power issues, so you're out of luck if there's an outage.

Price at time of publication: $40

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

Jack & Rose White Noise Machine

Verywell Health / Ashley Jacobs

Best Variety of Features

Loftie Smart Alarm Clock

4.4
Loftie Smart Alarm Clock

Amazon

Pros
  • Gentle two-phase alarm cycle

  • Meditations and soundbaths

  • Doubles as Bluetooth speaker

Cons
  • 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.

Price at time of publication: $150

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

Loftie Alarm Clock

Verywell Health / Riyana Straetker

Best for Travel

Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine

4.2
Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine

Amazon

Pros
  • Rechargeable

  • Impressive volume range

  • Includes lanyard for hanging

Cons
  • 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.

Price at time of publication: $30

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

Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine

Verywell Health / Ashley Craiger

Best Sound Library

Dreamegg D1 Sound Machine

4.7
Dreamegg D1 Sound Machine

Amazon

Pros
  • Loop-free sounds

  • Built-in night light

  • Headphone jack for private listening

Cons
  • No battery backup

  • No alarm clock

  • Lacks dimming function

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 runs on AC power only (no battery backup here) 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.

Price at time of publication: $50

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

Dreamegg D1 Sound Machine

Verywell Health / Jessica Mahgerefteh

How We Rated Sound Machines for Sleep

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best sound machines we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These sound machines are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great sound machines, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These sound machines are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend sound machines with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

How We Tested the Sound Machines

The Verywell Health team tested a range of 30 sound machines at home to see how they fared on their own and compared to one another. We evaluated key attributes, including features, volume, effectiveness, and value. We paid particular attention to sound quality and variety since these factors are critical for most users.

We noted which features enhanced the product or detracted from the overall experience. We also considered the variety of volume settings and the ease of adjusting them.

After using each sound machine for at least five nights, we evaluated how well the device helped us relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep. 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.

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

What to Look For in a Sound Machine for Sleep

Cost and Value

Cost varies widely among sound machines, with some models priced as low as $20. While budget-friendly options tend to be less feature-rich than the pricier alternatives, they can still provide sufficient distraction for those with basic needs.

For those willing to spend more, plenty of higher-end models offer additional features like Bluetooth, companion apps, alarm clocks, and add-on sound libraries. It all depends on your budget, but spending a bit more could make a world of difference in the overall quality of your sleep.

Value also hinges on the audio quality; some machines offer a more enhanced sound experience than others. Likewise, certain models have little variety, while others have multiple settings and more extensive libraries with meditations, sleep stories, breathwork exercises, and more. It's important to find the right balance of features and sound quality at a price you're willing to pay.

Effectiveness 

Research suggests white noise effectively improves overall sleep quality, especially in environments with increased background noise. Other types of noise, such as pink and brown, have also been studied for their sleep-improving effects. 

"If you are a person that regularly deals with loud external noises such as in a busy city at night, a snoring bed partner, or noises from neighbors, then sound machines can mask and make these disruptive noises less noticeable," says Camilo Ruiz, DO, PA, sleep and internal medicine specialist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "Also, a particular repetitive sound can help train the brain to prepare to enter rest and sleep time."

There's no "one" most effective noise; it's about personal preference and how your brain responds to different frequencies. While sound machines are effective for many, Ruiz recommends new users test different settings. "Sleepers can try out different noise backgrounds to determine which suits them best," he adds.

Volume 

If a sound machine is too loud, it can distract rather than soothe. Adjusting the volume helps you find a comfortable level that masks disruptive sounds while allowing you to remain in a tranquil space. Look for machines with adjustable volume settings and multiple power levels, and avoid those with limited volume controls.

Sound Effects 

Modern sound machines have various options, from fan noises to nature sounds. Some models also include special features, such as the ability to mix and match different noise combos or adjust tone, pitch, and treble settings. Those that connect via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi often offer a sound library of additional noises, lullabies, meditations, and sleep stories. This allows you to customize your bedtime routine with your favorite combination of sounds.

However, too many bells and whistles can confuse some. For those who prefer a more straightforward design, plenty of sound machines do one job well: provide soothing white noise.

Features 

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. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it better to sleep in silence or with a sound machine?

    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.

  • What sound noise is best for sleep?

    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.

  • Where is the best place to put a noise machine?

    "Some manufacturers recommend placing the sound machine at least three feet away from the sleeper's head," says Monique May, board-certified licensed family physician and medical advisor for Aeroflow Sleep. "It should be on a flat, secure surface with the cord (if present) stored safely away."

  • Is it OK to leave a sound machine on all night?

    Yes, it's considered safe to operate a sound machine all night. "Light sleepers should probably leave it on all night to prevent middle-of-the-night awakenings," adds May. "Keep in mind, these recommendations apply to adults only.” May suggests speaking with your child's pediatrician for advice on safe sound machine use for babies and children.

Why Trust Verywell Health

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.

1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Ebben M, et al. The effects of white noise on sleep and duration in individuals living in a high noise environment in New York City. Sleep Medicine. 2021;83:256-259. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2021.03.031