The best sound machines for babies and adults, also known as white-noise generators, are ideal for helping you to create a restful environment for sleep and relaxation. Not only do sound machines promote good sleep, but they're also great for focus, creativity, and even relief from tinnitus symptoms. Simply place the machine in your bedroom, office, meditation space, or wherever you need to relax, and let the sound work its magic.
Marpac Dohm Classic Sound Machine (opens in new tab)
Uses a real fan
The Dohm Classic Sound Machine offers an analog solution with the sound coming naturally from an internal fan (minus the blast of air), rather than relying on the digitally created sounds used by other devices. The tone can be adjusted by twisting the device. The volume is also adjustable.
Magicteam Sound Machine (opens in new tab)
Super-affordable sound machine
This smart-looking sound machine has plenty to offer for its impressively low price. It has 20 non-looping noise options that include ocean waves, birds, log fires, and rain. The Magicteam Sound Machine also has a timer that sets the device to run up to five hours or continuously throughout the day or night. There is also a memory function.
HoMedics SoundSpa (opens in new tab)
Sleep in new surroundings
The HoMedics SoundSpa Portable Sound Machine is a great lightweight option for traveling or for taking to the office, should you need to focus at work. It uses batteries or plugs into a wall socket for full versatility for when you’re on the move. The six natural sounds is enough to help you or your little ones relax away from home.
Baby Shusher (opens in new tab)
Shush your baby to sleep
The Baby Shusher, which recreates a parent's 'shushing', is consistently touted as a ‘miracle worker’ by parents, and the best sound machine for babies. This noise generator helps babies settle down at home, in the car, or out and about in the stroller. The Baby Shusher has two timer options and an adjustable volume.
LectroFan Evo White Noise Machine (opens in new tab)
Multiple white noise sounds
The LectroFan Evo has 10 different white-noise settings with precise volume control to help you get exactly what you need for a peaceful environment. There are also other 10 fan noises available, as well as two natural additions of ‘ocean’ and ‘surf’.
REACHER R2 White Noise Machine (opens in new tab)
Colorful white noise generator
The Reacher R2 Sound Machine combines sound with light to make bedtime, playtime or just relaxing extra-fun for kids. There are 31 sounds to choose from including seven different fan sounds, and 17 natural sounds. The light functionality is ideal for anxious sleepers, with an easy-to-operate dimmable night-light.
Douni Sleep Sound Machine (opens in new tab)
Noise never looked so good
The Douni Sleep Sound Machine has 24 soothing sounds including ocean waves and thunder, lullabies and fetal tones, and seven white noise settings. seven white noise settings. It also looks the part with a stylish woodgrain-effect design. The timer is handy as a meditation aid or to help you focus on a task during the day.
Hatch Restore Sound Machine (opens in new tab)
A more relaxed bedtime
The subtle light colors of the Hatch Restore Sound Machine offer a soft glow that’s ideal if you want to read before bedtime. There is also a sunrise alarm that simulates the natural light cycle of dawn as you wake. This sound machine works with a free companion app so you can set the hue of your light and the white noise sounds.
All about sound machines
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Sound machines are one of our top recommendations for enjoying better sleep. The best sound machines come with a library of sounds ranging from calming ocean waves to the background hum of a fan, based on ‘white-noise’ frequencies. They can be easily customized and controlled at the touch of a button for your sleep style and body type.
The best sound machines come in various shapes and sizes, depending on whether you're buying one for babies or adults. In fact, there are plenty of settings specifically for babies and young children to help them settle. In fact, plenty of parents rely on white noise to help their babies sleep. Some sound machines also come with a ‘heartbeat’ setting, which infants can find comforting.
The best sleep sound machines are great for all ages, and most are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for including in your luggage if you're sleeping away from home.
