The Food and Drug Administration does not evaluate the products sold on this Website. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any medical conditions. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a medical health professional before using any product on this Website.
Getting a good night’s sleep is no joke. When you’re supporting kids with autism or sensory needs, bedtime often involves unique considerations that can require creative solutions. The constant hum of life—cars outside, squeaky floors, ticking clocks—can disrupt sleep for both children and adults alike.
That’s where white noise machines come in.
These handy devices have been an invaluable tool for countless families, especially for kids or teens (or, yes, even adults) who need help calming their minds and feeling secure in a consistent sensory environment.
Whether you’re looking for the best white noise machine for sleeping at home or the best portable white noise machine for your next vacation, finding the right fit can significantly improve sleep routines. Never underestimate the calming power of sound.
Curious how white noise machines work their magic, and which ones are the best you can buy? Let’s break it down.
What is a White Noise Machine?
A white noise machine is a device designed to produce consistent, soothing sounds that mask disruptive background noise.
White noise itself is a combination of sounds from across all frequencies that creates a calming, static-like sound—think of it as the auditory version of a blissful blur.
The science behind white noise is captivating. By masking sudden changes in sound—like a car alarm or a creaky floor—it helps the brain relax instead of hyper-focusing on those noises.
Research supports its benefits, showing that white noise can enhance sleep quality and improve focus for people in distracting environments.
However, responses to white noise can vary greatly among individuals, including neurodivergent individuals, so it’s important to consider personal preferences and needs. For kids and teens with autism or sensory needs, these machines are especially effective because they provide sensory regulation, creating a controlled, predictable environment that reduces anxiety and overstimulation.
It’s no surprise white noise machines are becoming a household staple for parents looking to help their kids wind down. But not all white noise machines are created equal. Before you hit the “add to cart” button, you’ll want to consider a few key features.
What to Consider When Choosing Between White Noise Machines?
Not all white noise machines will suit every child or household, as individual preferences—especially among neurodivergent children—play a significant role in determining the most effective option.
From sound options to portability, here’s a breakdown of the features worth considering to find the best one for your family.
Sound Options
The first thing to look for is the variety of sounds the device can produce. While traditional white noise (the static-like sound) works wonders for many, some machines offer additional options like brown noise, pink noise, nature sounds (think rain or ocean waves), or even lullabies.
This is particularly useful for kids with autism or sensory needs, as each child’s response to different sounds is unique and varies based on their preferences and needs. Check to see if the machine allows you to customize its sound options, so you can experiment to find the most soothing tone for your child.
Portability
If your family travels frequently, portability is a key factor to consider. Look for the best travel white noise machines that are lightweight, compact, and run on batteries or have USB charging options.
Consistency is vital for children who rely on white noise to feel calm, so a travel-friendly option can make vacations or sleepovers feel like home. Compact designs that fit easily into a bag are a bonus when you’re always on the go.
Timer and Continuous Play
Some white noise machines come with built-in timers that automatically shut the device off after a set period. While this can save energy, it may not be the best option for kids who wake up during the night or need consistent sound to fall back asleep.
Look for a machine that offers continuous play if your child requires all-night sound coverage. This way, you won’t have to worry about unexpected silence disrupting their sleep.
Volume Control
A machine with adjustable volume settings is essential. Every child has unique needs when it comes to sensory inputs, and having the ability to fine-tune the volume ensures the sound is neither too faint nor too overpowering.
If you can, spring for a device that offers a wide range of volume adjustments. That way, you can create an environment that works perfectly for your child’s sensitivities.
Quality and Durability
Kids and electronics don’t always mix, so durability is something you’ll want to pay attention to. Look for a machine that feels sturdy and is built to last, with controls that are easy for adults to operate but child-safe enough to avoid accidental resets or damage.
Machines made with high-quality materials will outlast cheaper models, making them a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Design and Aesthetics
While not the most important feature, the design of your white noise machine does matter. Many modern machines are sleek and minimalistic, blending seamlessly into a nursery or cozy bedroom.
If your child is drawn to visually stimulating objects, you may also want a machine with soft lighting features to double as a night light.
Cost and Value
Finally, consider your budget. The best-rated white noise machines don’t have to cost a fortune, but higher-end options often come with added features like more sound selections and customizable settings.
Decide what features are most important to you and your child, and choose a machine that offers the best value for your needs without breaking the bank.
10 Best White Noise Machines for Kids and Teens
Ready to start shopping? Here are ten of the best white noise machines for anybody desperate for a good night’s sleep:
1. Unionow White Noise Wireless Sound Machine
The Unionow White Noise Wireless Sound Machine is a strong contender for those who value variety and versatility. This machine comes packed with an impressive 36 chimes, including white noise, natural sounds like rain and creeks, and relaxing tones designed to lull users into deep, restorative sleep.
What sets it apart is the dual mode functionality—not only does it provide sound therapy, but it can also double as a speaker by connecting to your phone or device wirelessly.
For busy families on the go, Unionow offers five timer settings, allowing you to customize how long the device runs before it shuts off. Its compact and lightweight design makes it effortless to carry in bags or suitcases, perfect for travel. And with voltage compatibility across regions, it’s an easy choice for family vacations.
2. Babelio Mini Sound Machine
If space-saving is your top priority, Babelio’s Pocket-sized White Noise Machine stands out as the smallest option on this list.
But don’t be fooled by its miniature size; this device packs in 15 non-looping sounds like pink noise, fan hums, rain, streams, campfires, and birds. Whether you’re soothing an infant or helping a teen block out distractions during study time, this tiny powerhouse delivers big results.
Its timer function allows you to choose between continuous operation or turning off after 30 or 60 minutes—perfect for short naps or an entire night’s rest. Rechargeable via a convenient Type-C port and designed to fit in the palm of your hand, this device is ideal for families always on the move. Its sleek design blends in well on any bedside, making it versatile for all ages, from kid to adult.
3. Brown Noise Sound Machine with 30 Sounds
For equal parts functionality and aesthetics, the Brown Noise Sound Machine shines with its 30 soothing sounds and customizable sleep environment features.
Beyond classic white, brown, and pink noises, this device takes it a step further with lullabies and natural tunes like rain and ocean waves, making it a top pick for kids of all age groups.
The real standout here is the 12-color night light and 10 adjustable brightness levels, helping create a cozy sleep environment and making nighttime feeds or story sessions much easier.
With timer settings ranging from one to four hours and a memory function that saves your last choice, this device is intuitive and effortless to use. Its portable design and ease of operation make it an excellent companion for home, office, or travel needs.
4. Dreamegg Portable White Noise Machine
The Dreamegg D11 Max doesn’t just help kids sleep—it caters to the entire family.
With 21 soothing sounds, ranging from white noise and lullabies to nature effects, this device’s diverse sound library fits right into bedtime routines. It’s child-friendly with safety features like a child-lock mode and memory functions, offering ease of use for parents juggling multiple bedtime tasks.
What sets Dreamegg apart is its remarkable battery life, powered by a built-in 1800mAh rechargeable battery that lasts well through the night and into the day.
Its ultra-portable nature, loop and lanyard attachments, and feather-light design make it fantastic for travel. Whether clipped to a stroller or packed in luggage, this device ensures peaceful sleep wherever your adventures take you.
5. Magicteam Sound Machine
Magicteam’s Sound Machine shines with its precise attention to detail and expandability. Its compact design is ideal for packing into busy households or taking on the road. It offers 20 diverse non-looping sounds to help kids drift off without getting distracted by repetitive loops.
From white, pink, and brown noises to fan hums and natural ambiance, the variety makes it a great match for day or night use.
Another standout feature is its volume precision, with 32 adjustable levels that cater to light sleepers and those needing more robust sound shielding. It includes flexible timer options, from 1-hour sessions to continuous play—a convenient addition for unpredictable routines. With its solid-state design and many comforting safety certifications, Magicteam truly embraces user-friendly accessibility.
6. SNOOZ Smart White Noise Sound Machine
SNOOZ is the go-to machine for parents seeking natural sound. Unlike artificial loops, this device offers authentic white noise generated by a real fan, creating a calming ambiance proven to help users fall—and stay—asleep.
Equipped with simple controls, 10 volume settings, and additional scheduling features available via its smartphone app, the SNOOZ prioritizes ease of use.
Compact and travel-friendly, this higher-end white noise machine is worth the price. It works well in nurseries, kids’ rooms, or even on business trips. Plus, it’s designed with all ages in mind—whether soothing a baby, drowning out noisy neighbors, or masking barking dogs, this machine adapts to any environment with ease.
7. Easysleep Sound Machine
Easysleep packs value into every inch of its compact frame. With 25 non-looping sleep sounds and adjustable nightlights, it caters to babies, teens, and even adults struggling with noisy distractions. The four lighting levels offer warm and soothing tones, ideal for night feeds or bedtime stories.
Families will appreciate the flexibility of the device’s auto-off timer, which can shut off in 60-minute intervals, or provide all-night quiet time. Plus, its memory function ensures you’ll never need to set the same preferences twice.
Perhaps most importantly, this machine is reliable, portable, and travel-ready.
8. Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock
Perfectly blending modern design and multifunctionality, the Hatch Restore 2 is more than just a sound machine. With its sunrise alarm clock feature, it supports gentle wake-ups that match natural circadian rhythms, replacing abrupt alarms with a smooth transition into the day.
The Hatch Restore also offers a library of white, pink, and brown noise alongside peaceful nature-inspired sounds, designed for both kids and adults. And for those craving true darkness at night, its dimmable clock display prevents unnecessary distractions.
Available in soothing tones to complement any nightstand décor, it’s a well-rounded addition to a bedroom dedicated to what matters most: a good night’s sleep.
9. Color Noise White Noise Machine
This feature-packed machine is another great option on our list. With 25 high-fidelity, soothing sounds, including white noise, fan sounds, waves, and even sounds for meditation, it’s an excellent pick for parents and kids alike.
Its 10 ambient night light colors offer adjustable brightness. Plus, its compact design makes it an excellent portable white noise machine for travel.
It’s intuitive and easy to use, with large buttons for quick adjustments. Five timer options (including continuous play and automatic shutoff) make it adaptable to any routine. Even better, the device remembers your previous settings, so you won’t have to reprogram it during future uses. Certified safe and durable, this one’s a keeper for sure.
10. Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Machine
This portable gem lives up to its name by transforming sleep for both parents and kids. With six nature-inspired sounds, including ocean waves, rain, and summer nights, it creates an environment that feels calming and natural.
The compact design makes it one of the best travel white noise machines for families who are often on the go. It easily slips into a bag or suitcase, so your little one’s sleep routine won’t miss a beat while traveling.
Designed with efficiency in mind, the HoMedics SoundSleep lets you play sounds non-stop or set an auto-off timer for 15, 30, or 60 minutes. It’s especially popular for soothing babies to sleep, but is also a superb pick as a best rated white noise machine for teens and adults, too.
Tips for Using Your White Noise Machine
White noise machines are like a sleep superhero for families, helping block out household noises and creating the perfect atmosphere for snoozing.
But getting the most out of your white noise machine takes a bit of know-how. Here are some useful tips to turn these gadgets into your new bedtime besties.
Placement Is Everything
Where you put your white noise machine matters. Think of it as setting the stage for great sleep.
Too far from the bed, and you might not get the full benefit of the sound masking. Too close, and it could be disruptive rather than soothing. A safe bet is placing the machine a few feet away—close enough to cast its relaxing sounds but far enough to avoid being overpowering.
Another tip? Point the machine toward the part of the room where most noise tends to sneak in. If the bedroom window faces a busy street, position the machine between the window and the crib or bed. This helps block out honking horns or late-night chatter. You can also try placing it near thin walls or noisy vents where outside sounds creep through.
Experiment with the Volume
Just like Goldilocks looking for the perfect porridge, the volume of your white noise machine needs to be just right. Too loud, and it can disturb sleep instead of promoting it. Too soft, and it won’t drown out that early-morning bird squawking outside your window.
Ideally, the volume should mimic a soothing, natural level—think of calming rainfall or a whispering breeze.
If you’re using it for your child, make sure the volume is safe for more sensitive ears, especially if they have sensory issues. Keep it at a comfortable level where it masks other noises without becoming a noise itself. Personal preference plays a big role here, so don’t hesitate to adjust it until you find your happy medium.
Sync It with Your Sleep Routine
For neurodivergent children, the consistency of a sleep routine can provide a comforting sense of predictability. Incorporating a white noise machine into this routine helps create a structured and calming environment, signaling that it’s time to rest. For example, turning on the machine as part of a nightly sequence—such as brushing teeth, reading a book, and then activating the white noise—can enhance its effectiveness by reinforcing a soothing ritual. The key is to make it a dependable part of their routine, which can help reduce bedtime anxiety and promote better sleep.
A white noise machine works best when it’s part of a consistent sleep ritual. If you’re using it for a young child, make turning it on a part of the pre-nap or bedtime process.
For example, you can pair it with a storytime session.The consistent use of the machine helps signal that it’s time to wind down, creating a strong association with sleep.
For adults or even older teens, have them place the white noise machine on the nightstand and start it a few minutes before hitting the sheets so the sound isn’t jarring once they curl up beneath the covers.
Traveling? Go Portable
If you’re already accustomed to a white noise machine, traveling without one can throw off the whole sleep routine. Thankfully, the best portable white noise machines are compact, lightweight, and easy to throw in a carry-on.
These travel-friendly devices often operate on batteries or USB, saving you from hunting down outlets (though many offer the ability to be operated in either way). They’re perfect for setting up in hotel rooms or noisy relatives’ homes, making sure your kids (and you!) still get a good night’s rest no matter where you are.
Just be sure to test your portable setup at home before the trip to make sure it works as well on the go.
Choose the Right Sound
From ocean waves to simple static, most white noise machines come with a variety of sound options. Not all sounds work for every person, so take time to explore. Babies might find the shushing sound of a womb simulation soothing, while teens and adults may prefer soft fan noise or the rhythm of rainfall.
If your kid is someone who tosses and turns, take note of which sound seems to create the most relaxation. The best rated white noise machines often offer multiple soundscapes, giving you the opportunity to find what fits best.
Keep It Clean
A white noise machine might not seem like it requires maintenance, but they can collect dust, just like any other device. A quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth every few weeks can help make sure your trusty sleep assistant stays in good working order.
Some white noise machines also come with fabric speaker covers. If yours does, double-check whether it’s safe to gently vacuum. Keeping it fresh and clean is an easy way to make sure the sound quality stays top-notch.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right white noise machine for your child is like discovering the key to a more peaceful bedtime routine. Whether you’re searching for the best white noise machine for sleeping or a reliable, portable option for family trips, these devices can make a big difference in your child’s overall well-being.
By considering the features and top picks we’ve mentioned above, you can select a machine that fits seamlessly into your family’s routine.
Start your search with some of the top-rated options online and prepare to transform your family’s sleep schedule—one soothing sound at a time.
FAQ
Are white noise machines good for autism?
White noise machines can help children (and adults) with autism by reducing sensory overload and creating a predictable sound environment. However, some individuals may find white noise overstimulating, so it’s essential to personalize the approach based on their unique needs. However, individual needs may vary, so it’s important to monitor how your child responds.
Do sound machines cause sensory issues?
Used responsibly, sound machines typically don’t cause sensory issues, but sensory responses are highly individual, so monitoring their effects is essential to ensure they meet the user’s needs. Be mindful of the volume—keep it at a moderate level—and use them as part of a balanced sensory diet.
What color noise is best for sleep?
While white noise is popular, other options like pink noise or brown noise offer subtle variations. Pink noise, for instance, has a softer tone that some find more relaxing, while brown noise has deeper, bass-like qualities.
Can white noise be overstimulating?
Yes, if the volume is too high or the sound is overly intense, it might disturb rather than soothe. Always make sure the sound level is gentle and appropriate for the setting (and for the person using the machine) and either adjust the settings or discontinue the use of the white noise machine if it becomes too overwhelming.
Further Reading
- Haupt, Angela: The Full Spectrum of Colored Noise
- Rideout, Nicole: White, pink noise improve focus for children with ADHD, OHSU study shows
- Sippl, Amy: Can Different Color Noise Help With Executive Functioning Skills? What The Research Says
- Pierce, Rebekah: The Connection Between Trouble Sleeping & ADHD | Life Skills Advocate