We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Sleep Products The 10 Best Sound Machines for Sleep, Tested and Reviewed Our favorites have a ton of features and are designed for restful slumber. By Lindsay Modglin Updated on April 16, 2024 Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / Reese Herrington Noisy neighbors, barking dogs, and bustling traffic can all complicate our sleep. 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, we tested 32 sound machines by having our editors each use one sound machine at home while they slept for five consecutive nights. During testing, we rated the sound machines based on the type of sound offered, portability, volume settings, alarm capabilities, special features, effectiveness, and value. A physician on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for accuracy and integrity around sound machines for sleep, their effectiveness, and how to evaluate them. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Hatch Sound Machine at Amazon ($130) Jump to Review Best Budget: Letsfit Sound Machine at Walmart ($29) Jump to Review Easiest to Use: Yogasleep Sound Machine & Night Light at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Small Spaces: SNOOZ Travel White Noise Sound Machine at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best for Blocking Snoring: Magicteam White Noise Machine at Amazon ($22) Jump to Review Best with Alarm Clock: Reacher White Noise Machine at Amazon ($22) Jump to Review Best with Night Light: Jack & Rose White Noise Machine at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best Variety of Features: Loftie Clock at Amazon ($150) Jump to Review Best for Travel: Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best Sound Library: Dreamegg D1 Sound Machine at Amazon ($36) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested What to Look For Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Hatch Sound Machine Amazon View On Amazon $130 View On Hatch.co Our Ratings Ease of Setup 4.8/5 Audio 5/5 Performance 4.8/5 Design 4.9/5 Value 4/5 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 Why We Recommend It So long to 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. Keep in Mind 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. 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 Verywell Health / Michelle Parente Verywell Health / Michelle Parente Best Budget Letsfit Sound Machine Target View On Walmart $29 Our Ratings Features 4.6/5 Volume 4/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Memory function Built-in night light Auto-off timer settings Cons No battery backup Buttons are hard to find in dark Why We Recommend It The Letsfit Sound Machine offers 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. This 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. Keep in Mind We had difficulty navigating the buttons in the dark. Also, the Letsfit does not offer battery backup in case of a power outage, and it must remain plugged in for operation. Key Specs: Noise Type: White noise, fan, nature, lullabies | Sound Settings: 14 | Volume Settings: Unknown | Features: Auto-off timer, night light, memory function Verywell Health / Brian Kramer Verywell Health / Brian Kramer Easiest to Use Yogasleep Sound Machine & Night Light Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Target $20 View On Babylist.com Our Ratings Features 4.5/5 Volume 5/5 Effectiveness 4/5 Value 5/5 Pros Dimmable night light Auto-off timer settings 1-year warranty Cons No battery backup USB wall plug not included Why We Recommend It 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 editor 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. Keep in Mind 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. 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 Verywell Health / Jessica Eno Verywell Health / Jessica Eno Best for Small Spaces SNOOZ Travel White Noise Sound Machine Amazon View On Amazon $60 View On Walmart $60 View On Getsnooz.com $60 Our Ratings Features 3.5/5 Volume 5/5 Effectiveness 3/5 Value 4/5 Pros Battery lasts up to 20 hours Doubles as a portable speaker Built-in night light Cons No nature sounds or music Only lasts eight hours on high volume Not compatible with free SNOOZ app Why We Recommend It 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. Keep in Mind 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. Key Specs: Noise Type: White noise, pink noise, fan sounds | Sound Settings: 6 | Volume Settings: 15 | Features: Rechargeable, portable, night light, Bluetooth speaker Verywell Health / Holly Klamer Verywell Health / Holly Klamer Best for Blocking Snoring Magicteam White Noise Machine Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $35 Our Ratings Features 3/5 Volume 3/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Loop-free sounds Five auto-off timer options AC or USB-powered Cons Buttons are small No battery backup Sound quality could be improved Why We Recommend It Have you ever drifted into a deep sleep only to be woken by your partner's less-than-melodic snoring? If so, it might be time to consider an anti-snoring device. And 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. Keep in Mind The sound machine itself is relatively light and compact, making it easy to store away or travel with. However, the sound quality sounds 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. 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 Verywell Health / Jamie Abarca Verywell Health / Jamie Abarca Best with Alarm Clock Reacher White Noise Machine Amazon View On Amazon $22 Our Ratings Features 4/5 Volume 4/5 Effectiveness 4/5 Value 4/5 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 Why We Recommend It 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. 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. Keep in Mind 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. 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 Verywell Health / Carolyn Malcoun Best with Night Light Jack & Rose White Noise Machine Amazon View On Amazon $17 Our Ratings Features 4/5 Volume 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Value 4/5 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 Why We Recommend It 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 colors of lights 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. To top it off, we love that the machine remembers your previous settings and will restore the lights, sound, and volume when you turn it back on. Keep in Mind 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. It's also important to note there's no battery backup for power issues, so you're out of luck if there's an outage. 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 Verywell Health / Ashley Jacobs Best Variety of Features Loftie Clock Loftie View On Amazon $150 View On Byloftie.com $149 View On Huckberry $149 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 Why We Recommend It 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. Keep in Mind 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. 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 Verywell Health / Riyana Straetker Verywell Health / Riyana Straetker Best for Travel Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine Amazon View On Amazon $26 View On Walmart $26 View On Babylist.com Our Ratings Features 3.2/5 Volume 4/5 Effectiveness 4/5 Value 4.2/5 Pros Rechargeable Impressive volume range Includes lanyard for hanging Cons Must unplug regularly Limited sound options No additional features Why We Recommend It 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. Keep in Mind 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. Key Specs: Noise Type: White noise | Sound Settings: 3 | Volume Settings: Adjustable range | Features: None Verywell Health / Ashley Craiger Verywell Health / Ashley Craiger Verywell Health / Ashley Craiger Best Sound Library Dreamegg D1 Sound Machine Amazon View On Amazon $36 View On Walmart $58 View On Dreamegg.com Our Ratings Features 4.6/5 Volume 5/5 Effectiveness 4/5 Value 5/5 Pros Loop-free sounds Built-in night light Headphone jack for private listening Cons No battery backup No alarm clock Lacks dimming function Why We Recommend It 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. Keep in Mind The Dreamegg D1 doesn't have a battery backup 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. Key Specs: Noise Type: White noise, fan, nature, lullabies | Sound Settings: 25 | Volume Settings: 32 | Features: Night light, timer, headphone jack Verywell Health / Jessica Mahgerefteh Verywell Health / Jessica Mahgerefteh We Also Tested SNOOZ White Noise Machine: While the app offers intuitive features, this model lacks the variety you'd expect for the price.HoMedics Portable Sleep Therapy: The portability makes it a great travel companion, but the illumination on the buttons can be a harsh distraction.Morpheé: This model boasts a minimalistic design and a two-year warranty, but it's on the pricey side.Honeywell Dreamweaver Fan with Pink Noise: The pink noise offers a unique alternative to white noise, but its only sound setting is the fan option.Sharper Image Meditative Sleep Therapy Machine: Its petite design is appealing, but the volume settings jump too quickly from low to high. How We Tested the Sound Machines The Verywell Health team tested a range of 32 sound machines at home to see how they fared on their own and compared to one another. We evaluated each sound machine based on the following key attributes: Features: We noted which features enhanced the product or detracted from the overall experience. We paid particular attention to sound quality and variety since these factors are critical for most users.Volume: We also considered the variety of volume settings and the ease of adjusting them.Effectiveness: After using each sound machine for at least five nights, we evaluated how well the device helped us relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep. Value: 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. What to Look For in a Sound Machine for Sleep 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. This is 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. Our Experts 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 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. Is it OK to leave a sound machine on all night? Yes, it's considered safe to operate a sound machine all night. May notes that light sleepers may do well to leave their sound machine on all night to prevent waking up in the middle of the night. 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. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit