5 Best Portable White Noise Sound Machines: Reviews, Testing, Top Pick

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Blocking out noise isn’t just limited to a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds while you’re listening to music or taking calls on the go. Even when you’re heading to bed, you’ll want to limit how much outside sounds get into the room, so you’re able to get some serious shut-eye and wake up refreshed.

And while brands are making decent sleep earbuds these days, the best way to block out distractions in the bedroom may actually be by pumping in well… some noise. This isn’t just random noise though, but rather white noise, which is a din created by combining multiple frequencies of sounds in equal parts. The resulting effect is a monotone hissing or light buzzing that actually works to blanket disruptive sounds, and create a focused and consistent environment for concentration and sleep.

This is also where a good sound machine comes into play. White noise sound machines have been around for decades, but have seen a surge recently as people look for ways to enhance their sleep quality, block out distractions, and create a more relaxing environment. What we take in during the day (and especially right before bedtime) affects our sleep at night significantly – stress from work, relationships, and the news can raise cortisol levels and get the body into a tense, “fired up” state when you want to be calming down. A good white noise machine not only blocks out distracting sounds that might keep you up, it also gives you something peaceful to listen to, so you can drift off.

I personally also like using a white noise machine while writing or doing work, to help block out co-worker chatter or random office noise. I find that turning on a white noise sound machine next to my desk helps with my focus and concentration.

What Are the Best White Noise Sound Machines?

With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. We’ve tested and reviewed five top picks below. All of them are portable enough to move from room to room, or take with you on your travels, say, if you want to bring the relaxation to the office or hotel room with you.

This bedside device pulls double duty as a sunrise alarm clock and white noise machine, with more than 80 “science-backed” sounds and a soft glow that mimics sunlight to gently wake you up. This clock helps to support your natural circadian rhythm (a.k.a. your internal “body clock”) so you (ideally) wake up more refreshed and less groggy rather than being jolted out of bed with a loud alarm. The Hatch can also function as a night light if you need it.

You’ll want to download the corresponding Hatch Sleep app to get the most out of this machine. The app helps you customize a sleep schedule and nightly rituals, and can track how well you’re staying asleep. There are also a ton of helpful tips on how to achieve more meaningful rest — especially important in today’s fast-paced whirl of a world. Amazon says more than 8,000 shoppers have purchased this Hatch Restore Clock and Sound Machine in the last month.

The Yogasleep offers a range of soothing white noise options, and also comes with a night light feature that can be customized to fit your mood and decor. With its compact design and easy-to-use controls, the Yogasleep is idea for use at home or when you need to travel, thanks in part to its rechargeable battery. There are 20 sound options in total, including nature sounds, pink noise (which is a little bit deeper than white noise) and even lullabies, making this great for a baby or child’s room.

I personally picked this up for my brother and sister-in-law when they were sleep training their toddler, but I liked it so much that I tested one out in my bedroom too. The verdict: works just as well for adults as it does for kids.

The SNOOZ has an impressive range of options to choose from, including ten fan sounds, ten white noise sounds, and a beach-like sound. You can also adjust the volume and tone to create a customized atmosphere for sleeping, working, or relaxing. I found it incredibly easy to use, with simple, intuitive controls and a compact design that makes it quick to take on the go. Plus, it’s made from high-quality, durable materials that are built to last and can deal with being knocked off your nightstand accidentally.

I’ve personally been using this sound machine for the last two years and it’s continued to be a go-to for me. There’s a built-in headphone jack for people who prefer to sleep with headphones on or don’t want to disturb a partner/roommate, and a “smart” alarm function that gradually wakes you up with a gentle sound, along with a variety of timer and scheduling options.

The sound quality is outstanding too, thanks to a powerful, high-quality speaker that delivers crystal-clear audio and deep, rich bass. Get more than 60 unique sounds in total, including waterfalls, ocean, pink noise and brown noise (which is more bass heavy than white noise). This one is a larger-sized pick on our list of portable white noise sound machines; if you don’t need all the bells and whistles, the brand makes a more compact $50 model here.

Reviewers love how simple this sleep machine is to use right out of the box, and an auto-off timer makes it easy to doze off without worry. Choose from 30+ different sounds that the manufacturer says were “recorded from real environments to bring true-to-life soundscapes for relaxation and sleep.”
What we like: the sleek and contemporary design of this white noise machine blends in easily to your existing decor. This one shown here is an “oak” wood grain colorway, but you can choose from six other styles too.

White Noise Machine Buying Guide:

Keep these features in mind when shopping for your next white noise sound machine.

Sound Quality and Volume Control: One of the most important factors to consider when buying a white noise sound machine is the sound quality. You’ll want to look for a device that produces clear, consistent white noise, without any audible loops or interruptions, as these can defeat the whole purpose of giving your distracted mind something unbroken to focus on. Additionally, look for a device with an adjustable volume control too (or more than one), so you can easily find the perfect volume level to suit your needs. And remember that loudness doesn’t automatically mean better sound quality.

Battery Life and Charging Options: Another important factor to consider is the battery, especially if this’ll be traveling with you. Look for a device that offers long battery life, so you can use it throughout the night without having to worry about recharging blindly at 3 a.m. Additionally, you should consider the charging options too, as some devices may require a traditional wall plug, while others offer USB charging, making it easier to charge on the go.

Portable Design: A portable white noise sound machine should be easy to carry and use wherever you lay your head. Look for a device that’s compact, lightweight, and easy to pack in your bag or luggage. Some devices may also offer a built-in handle or strap for added convenience. Even if you’re not planning on traveling anytime soon, we suggest getting a portable machine anyway. Chances are, you’ll get used to it in your home, and when you do need to hit the road, you’ll be glad to take it with you.

Variety of Sounds: While white noise is the primary reason many people buy a sound machine, some devices may offer a range of different sounds to choose from, including nature, ambient noise, and other calming audio. This can be a useful feature if you want to switch things up and try different sounds to help you sleep or relax, even study or do some yoga, and create a peaceful environment in your space during the day.

Timer and Auto-Off Feature: Having a timer and auto-off feature can be especially helpful when using your white noise sound machine at bedtime. The timer allows you to set the device to turn off automatically after a certain period of time, so you don’t have to worry about waking up in the middle of the night to turn it off. It’s really useful once you get in the habit and learn how long it generally takes you to fall asleep, so you can set it and peacefully relax.