White noise machines are useful in more settings than you’d think. While they are best known for helping people fall asleep, they can also be used for quite the opposite. Say you’re at the office and need to focus—a white noise machine can protect your concentration from the loud printer or conversation across the room. Some white noise machines can help you relax by transporting your spirit to the coast or the woods. You can even upgrade your yoga or meditation practice with one of these peace-inducing noise toys. So before you dim the lights and draw yourself a bath, make sure to have a white noise machine on hand. Here are some of our favorites.
The best: Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Sound Machine
This noise machine has white noise, pink noise, and brown noise capabilities. While it does not imitate the sound of a forest or stream, the variations of ambient noise create a similar effect. It has 20 different sound settings as well a 60-minute sleep timer should you drift off.
Runner-up: Yogasleep Dohm Classic (Black) The Original White Noise Machine
The Yogasleep Dohm Classic white noise machines contain fans that create a constant ambient sound to level out what is going on around you. There are two adjustable speed settings to customize the sound. Use it to help fall asleep, concentrate, or make sure your private conversations aren’t overheard.
Most high-tech: SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine
This fan-powered white noise machine looks like a smart speaker. Inside, however, a powerful fan pushes air through a series of vents to create a steady, calming whoosh of moving air without creating a draft like a typical fan. Touch controls on top—and companion controls in the app—allow you to choose from 10 different power levels. Rotating the fabric-lad case allows you to control the sound’s pitch, so you can really dial in the perfect sound for canceling out a snoring partner or the pesky 5 a.m. garbage truck noise.
Budget pick: Homedics White Noise Sound Machine
This noise machine is wonderfully compact and easy to use. It has six sound settings including thunder, rain, brook, ocean, summer night, and white noise. Each setting has its own button, so you can seamlessly switch between them. It also has a convenient timer that you can set to either 15, 30, or 60 minutes. This is awesome for napping or inducing a full night’s sleep for you or your baby.
Best for kids: MyBaby Soundspa On-The-Go – Portable White Noise Machine
This cute noisemaker is specifically designed to help your young one drift off to sleep. It can be set to white noise, lullaby, heartbeat, or ocean waves, with individual buttons for each setting. It is plastic, light, and durable with a clip you can attach to a stroller, crib or baby carrier. The fact that it is battery operated makes it easier to use on the go than most other options. It also has an auto-off timer so that battery is never wasted.