The 10 Best Sound Machines (Updated 2022)

The 10 Best Sound Machines (Updated 2022)
Summary List

  • 9.90/10

    1.
    Editors choice:
    Magicteam Sound Machine

  • 9.50/10

    2.
    Premium pick:
    Hatch Restore

  • 8.50/10

    3.
    Best value:
    Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine

  • 9.00/10

    4.
    Marpac Dohm Classic

  • 9.15/10

    5.
    Snooz Smart White Noise Machine

  • 9.00/10

    6.
    LectroFan

  • 9.25/10

    7.
    Dreamegg D1

  • 9.25/10

    8.
    Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine

  • 8.25/10

    9.
    Yogasleep Rohm Portable Sound Machine

  • 8.75/10

    10.
    Airsee Sound Machine

It may sound counter-intuitive, but more noise can actually help you sleep better. It’s not that additional noise helps by being louder than other noises; additional noise becomes effective by masking other noises that are distracting. If your attention is taken away from, or you don’t notice the other distracting sounds, you’re in a better position to get to sleep or stay focused on work or study. (Think about how some people like to fall asleep with the bedroom TV on or study to mellow music.) Producing those masking sounds to help you get quality sleep and keep you focused against audible distractions is the job of the sound machine, sort of like good noise-canceling headphones can help you focus on what you’re doing while your up trying to focus.

Considering the importance of sleep, not just any old box that makes noise will provide the benefits of a good sound machine. If quality sleep or focus is what you’re looking for, you’re going to have to find a sound machine that has the functions and usability that will meet your needs. Just any old thing that makes noise isn’t going to cut it. Read on to learn about what a sound machine does and what features to look for when choosing the right sound machine for you.

Editors choice

1. Magicteam Sound Machine

9.90 / 10

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There’s nothing more annoying than a sound machine that loops, once you detect it, you focus on it, and the chances for a good night’s sleep are destroyed. Hard to imagine that something so simple is not a standard feature on sound machines. The Magicteam Sound Machine is one of the best sound machines because it uses that simple feature for great performance.

The Magicteam measures a cube-like and compact 2.64 x 2.64 x 2.83 inches with its top-firing speaker. Controls for volume, timers, and sound selection are located along the botton of the unit. There are 20 sound profiles including variations of white noise, brown noise, pink noise, blue noise, fan, brook, rain, ocean, bird, and bonfire. Where the Magicteam stands out is the fact that all the sound profiles are non-looping. The Magicteam has a wide range when it comes to volume with 32 levels. The auto-off timer can be set for 1 to 5 hours. A nice feature is the memory function which automatically restores the last settings for sound, volume, and time. The Magicteam is powered via AC or USB and its compact size makes it portable to be used at home or while traveling.

The Magicteam Sound Machine is an excellent option when it comes to sound machines. It features a good variety of sound profiles that are non-looping making it one of the best sound machines for sleeping on our list.

Key Features

  • Non-looping sound machine
  • 20 sounds
  • Auto-off timer
Specifications

  • Control Type: Physical
  • Number of Sound Options: 20
  • Light Function: No
  • Brand: Magicteam
Pros

  • 32 volume levels
  • Memory function
  • Compact design
Cons

  • No battery-powered option

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Premium pick

2. Hatch Restore

9.50 / 10

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For some of us, the nightstand is prime real estate that can only hold so much of our stuff. Typically, you have to find room for a clock, night light, and sound machine. Thankfully, the Hatch restore is a multi-functional device that serves as a clock, night light, and sound machine.

The Hatch Restore features a sedate, minimalist sort of design with its ¾-circle shape measuring 7.5 x 2.75 x 5.75 inches. The upper half of the Hatch Restore is plastic and houses the night light functionality. The lower half is wrapped in fabric and has a digital clock display. There are soft-touch buttons for volume and brightness along the sides and a routine/snooze button on the top. The light features a wide variety of colors and settings and works well as a wake-up light. As a sound machine, the Hatch Restore has eight sounds ranging from white noise variations to nature sounds. Additional sounds are available via the Hatch Sleep Membership which provides an extensive library of profiles with various profile categories like meditation sounds, cityscapes, and deep sea dreams. The Hatch Restore and optional membership can be controlled via the Bluetooth-connected companion app. The Hatch Restore is powered via an AC adapter.

The Hatch Restore is not only a great device to wake you up it is also a very versatile and capable sound machine to help get you to sleep. No need to have a separate clock and sound machine with the multi-functional Hatch Restore. Versatility and multi-functionality make the Hatch Restore a top choice on the list of best sound machines.

Key Features

  • Multi-functional sound machine
  • App control via Bluetooth
  • Optional extensive sound library
Specifications

  • Control Type: Physical and app
  • Number of Sound Options: 8
  • Light Function: Yes
  • Brand: Hatch
Pros

  • White noise and natural sounds
  • Wide variety of sound profiles available
  • Versatile night/wake light
Cons

  • Not very portable

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Best value

3. Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine

8.50 / 10

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Sleep is precious and you shouldn’t have to break the bank to get a good amount of it. The Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine may be a great “budget” option but there is no sacrificing when it comes to features and usability making it one of the best sound machines available.

Looking sort of like the flying saucers from the original War of the Worlds movie, the Homedics SoundSleep measures a compact 6.5 x 6 x 2 inches. Controls on the top of the unit include buttons for sound selection, timers, and a dial for volume adjustment. The Homedics SoundSleep features six sound profiles: one white nose profile and five nature sounds including thunder, ocean, rain, summer night, and brook. Sound quality is effective at masking noise to help you sleep or stay focused. Sounds can play continuously or be set using auto-off timers for 15, 30, and 60 minutes. The Homedics SoundSleep is easily portable and powered via a wall adapter or 4 AA batteries.

The Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine proves that you don’t have to spend big bucks to get a good night’s sleep. It is a straightforward sound machine that is portable and effective at blocking noise. It works very well and is one of the best budget picks on the list of best sound machines.

Key Features

  • Portable sound machine
  • 6 sounds
  • Auto-off timer
Specifications

  • Control Type: Physical
  • Number of Sound Options: 6
  • Light Function: No
  • Brand: Homedics
Pros

  • White noise and natural sound profiles
  • Battery power option
  • Affordable
Cons

  • Looping white noise sounds

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4. Marpac Dohm Classic

9.00 / 10

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Brands come and go in the sound machine industry just like any other, but there is one that has proven itself as a mainstay. The Marpac Dohm set the standard for sound machines back in 1962 and still proves itself to be one of the best sound machines available.

The Dohm is a mechanical sound machine with sound generated by an actual functioning fan. The fan is housed in a 5.75 x 5.75 x 3.25-inch, unassuming design that probably won’t win any aesthetic awards, but what it lacks in beauty, it more than makes up for in functionality. Being fan-based, there are no choices when it comes to sound profiles. Technically not a sound machine for sleep, the Dohm is a sound “conditioner” using white noise (fan noise) to mask or drown out surrounding sounds for privacy and ample sound to help you fall asleep. Operating the Dohm is simple, turn it on to the desired speed (high or low), and adjust the fan sound (high or low pitch) by turning the body of the Dohm left or right. The Dohm is powered by AC only.

If you’re going to describe your product as “original”, you’d better be able to back it up. The manufacturer touts the Marpac Dohm as the original sound machine and rightfully so. The Marpac Dohm is the standard-bearer for sound machines and even after close to 60 years, remains one of the best.

Key Features

  • Mechanical fan sound machine
  • Customizable sound adjustment
  • Simple to operate
Specifications

  • Control Type: Physical
  • Number of Sound Options: One
  • Light Function: No
  • Brand: Yogasleep
Pros

  • Excellent sound masking
  • 101-night satisfaction guarantee
  • Non-looping sound
Cons

  • No natural sound profiles

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5. Snooz Smart White Noise Machine

9.15 / 10

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Why shouldn’t a sound machine be smart just like the rest of our tech toys? We’re so connected it just makes sense that something we use to help us disconnect can be controlled by an app. The Snooz Smart White Noise Machine is a great smart option when it comes to sound machines.

The Snooz resembles a smart assistant speaker measuring 5.65 x 5.65 x 3.15 inches and encased in a soft, polyester mesh wrap. Touch-capacitive controls for power and volume are located on the top. Volume on the Snooz has 10 settings ranging from 46dBA to 87dBA. The Snooz uses an actual fan to produce white noise sounds and the tone is adjusted from low levels like a table fan to higher levels like an airplane cabin by rotating its outer shell. The Snooz can also be controlled via a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone. The user-friendly companion app controls the basic functionality as well as a programmable auto-off timer, night light, and nursery calibration to help protect a baby’s ears. The Snooz may not have a variety of sounds to choose from, but it nonetheless functions as an excellent sound machine.

Much more than just a sound machine, the Snooz Smart White Noise Machine is a sound conditioner that does an excellent job at masking noise to help you sleep, stay focused, or for privacy. Being smart with solid performance makes the Snooz one of the best sound machines on our list.

Key Features

  • Mechanical fan sound machine
  • App-based remote control
  • Nursery calibration
Specifications

  • Control Type: Physical and app
  • Number of Sound Options: One
  • Light Function: Yes
  • Brand: Snooz
Pros

  • Non-looping sounds
  • 10 volume settings
  • Excellent sound masking
Cons

  • No natural sound profiles

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6. LectroFan

9.00 / 10

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Getting to and staying asleep doesn’t need to be complicated which is why a sound machine to help you to do just that shouldn’t be either. The LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine does not come with a lot of bells and whistles because even the best-intentioned options for a sound machine can defeat its own purpose which is to help you get to sleep or focus.

The LectroFan is all about simplicity, even with its hexagonal 4.4 x 4.4 x 2.2-inch sedate design. Three clearly labeled buttons for power/timer, volume, and fan/white noise are located on the front of the LectroFan. The LectroFan is powered via AC or USB. There are 10 fan sounds and 10 white noise variations (including pink and brown noises depending on the pitch) to choose from which are cycled through using the fan/white noises button. Sounds from the LectroFan are very clear and non-looping with various depths. Volume can get quite loud and is adjusted one dB up or down per button click. The LectroFan does not have lullabies or nature sounds, but the upward-facing speaker on the LectroFan provides room-filling sound and is excellent for blocking noises. The 60-minute auto-off timer is a nice touch.

You can’t get more straightforward than the LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine. It is one of the best sound machines because it has easy-to-use buttons, a compact design, and enough white noise/fan noise options for your sleeping or focus needs.

Key Features

  • Fan sounds/white noise sound machine
  • 20 unique sounds
  • Compact design
Specifications

  • Control Type: Physical
  • Number of Sound Options: 20
  • Light Function: No
  • Brand: Adaptive Sound Technologies
Pros

  • Non-looping sounds
  • Large buttons
  • Auto-off timer
Cons

  • No lullabies or nature sounds

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7. Dreamegg D1

9.25 / 10

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Sound machines are not just for sleeping. Any sound machine worth anything will be multifunctional to help you sleep, stay focused, and any other use you may need for it. The Dreamegg D1 is one of the best sound machines because it is versatile enough to satisfy your sound machine needs, even those you didn’t know you needed.

The Dreamegg D1 measures a compact 4.1 x 4.1 x 2.5 inches which is great for not taking up too much room on just about any nightstand. Controls on the top of the Dreamegg D1 include power, volume, sound modes, timers, and one for the LED light. Sound options include seven white noise sounds, seven fan sounds, and ten natural sounds (birds, sea waves, brook, little star, lullaby, music box, thunderstorm, rain, crickets, and fetal tone). Audio from the Dreamegg D1 is crisp and clear and can go from very quiet to quite loud. The LED nightlight is a nice feature with two modes, a warm steady-on and a soothing sort of breathing mode. If you don’t want the Dreamegg D1 to operate constantly, the timer can be set to 30, 60, or 90 minutes before auto-shutoff. The Dreamegg D1 is powered via AC and also has a headphone jack.

Whether you need it to help you sleep, focus, or provide a nightlight while night-feeding a baby, the Dreamegg D1 is a sound machine that will check just about every sound machine box you have. Versatility, solid build, and performance make the Dreamegg D1 one of the best sound machines you can get.

Key Features

  • High fidelity sound machine
  • Compact design
  • White noise and natural sounds
Specifications

  • Control Type: Physical
  • Number of Sound Options: 24
  • Light Function: Yes
  • Brand: Dreamegg
Pros

  • Night light
  • 24 unique sounds
  • Memory function
Cons

  • No battery option

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8. Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine

9.25 / 10

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Since we are all unique individuals with unique needs for sleep and focus, a good sound machine is one that will adapt to meet our personal needs. To be effective a sound machine should be adaptable to meet our specific needs and the Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sound Machine is one of the best because it does just that.

Featuring a tear-drop sort of design with its speaker covering the entire top, the Sound+Sleep measures a somewhat sizable 7.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches. Controls are large and easy to use with buttons for power, volume, timers, and sound selection (via a dial button). Lighting on the front panel automatically turns off for additional distraction-free use. The Sound+Sleep offers 10 unique sound profiles (nature and mechanical sounds) each with three different richness levels for a total of 30 sound options. Thanks to Adaptive Sound Technology, the Sound+Sleep reacts to ambient noise levels and adjusts the volume and mix accordingly. The sound quality is robust and clear. The timer can be set for 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. Though there is no battery-powered option, the Sound+Sleep does have a 3.5mm jack.

The Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sound Machine is the type of sound machine that can be adjusted to you and what you require for sleep and focus. Its myriad features and adaptability make it an outstanding entrant on the list of best sound machines.

Key Features

  • High fidelity sound machine
  • 30 sound profiles
  • Adaptive sound technology
Specifications

  • Control Type: Physical
  • Number of Sound Options: 30
  • Light Function: No
  • Brand: Adaptive Sound Technologies
Pros

  • Auto-off timer
  • Sound richness adjustment
  • 3.5mm jack
Cons

  • No battery-powered option

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9. Yogasleep Rohm Portable Sound Machine

8.25 / 10

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Though certainly different from pre-COVID, travel is becoming a thing again. And with the increased amount of stressors out there when it comes to travel, quality sleep is probably more important than ever. To help take the worry away from getting good sleep on the go, there’s the Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine.

The Yogasleep Rohm measures an easily portable disc-like 3.4 x 1.6 x 3.84 inches and weighs only 3.4 ounces. It can be easily stuffed away in a backpack or carry-on and its portability is enhanced by the included lanyard for easy handling or hanging wherever you need it. Controls are located on the edge and include power, volume, and sound selection. The Yogasleep Rohm features three sound profiles: bright white noise (like the thrum of an airplane), deep white noise (fan sound), or gentle surf (ocean waves). Though small, the Yogasleep Rohm booms sound enough to mask annoying and distracting sounds, but also quiet enough to aid with sleep. The Yogasleep is powered via a USB cable and has a long-lasting rechargeable battery. Unfortunately, there is no timer function on the Yogasleep Rohm.

Take the hassle out of travel and getting sleep with the Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine. It may not have a lot of the bells and whistles that other sound machines may have, but as a portable sound machine, it’s one of the best on this list of best sound machines.

Key Features

  • Portable sound machine
  • 3 sound profiles
  • Rechargeable battery
Specifications

  • Control Type: Physical
  • Number of Sound Options: 3
  • Light Function: No
  • Brand: Yogasleep
Pros

  • Included lanyard
  • Long battery life
  • Effective noise masking
Cons

  • No auto-off timer

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10. Airsee Sound Machine

8.75 / 10

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What helps us fall and stay asleep can change and a good sound machine with options enough adequately to meet those changes. White noise may help you fall asleep one night while nature sounds will work better another. The Airsee Sound Machine has a good number of sound profiles that will help you sleep whatever will help trigger a plunge into slumberland.

Compact and portable, the Airsee measures 2.9 x 6 x 4.8 inches and has a rechargeable battery (via USB cable). Controls for power, volume, sound selection, nightlight mode, and timers are located on the top. The Airsee features 31 sounds eight of which are unique non-repeating white noise sounds (white/grey/pink/blue/purple), 16 nature sounds (crickets, birds, rain, ocean waves, etc.), and seven fan sounds. Whether needed for sleep or a focused environment, the Airsee will have a sound profile that works for you. Volume adjustment is incremental through 32 levels. The auto-off timer can be set for 30, 60, or 120-minutes. The memory function allows for easy recall of the last settings used. The Airsee also features a warm night light with a soothing breathing mode. The 3.5mm jack and elegant-looking wooden stand are nice touches.

Because it comes with a plethora of choices, It will be hard not to find a preferred sleep sound with the Airsee Sound Machine. Its wide variety of sounds and additional features make it one of the best sound machines available for sleep and focus.

Key Features

  • Sound machine with night light
  • 31 sound profiles
  • Rechargeable battery
Specifications

  • Control Type: Physical
  • Number of Sound Options: 31
  • Light Function: Yes
  • Brand: Airsee
Pros

  • Numerous sound options
  • Long lasting battery
  • Night light with 2 modes
Cons

  • Does not get very loud for privacy masking

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Noise as a sleep aid is scientifically proven to help you fall asleep but also stay asleep. However, noise as a sleep aid just can’t be any old sound. We’ve all heard of white noise, but just what is it, and how does it help us sleep? White noise is a “broadband” noise because it contains all frequencies found in the spectrum of sounds we can hear and uses that mix of sound frequencies to create a static sound. Some examples of white noise include fan or vacuum sounds.

How Does White Noise Work?

What makes white noise effective to help us sleep is that the static sound it produces helps drown out disturbing noises. White noise is just one within the noise color spectrum, there is also pink, blue, brown, purple, and gray among others each with their own take on frequencies producing masking sounds. In addition to color noises, nature sounds or the opposite of artificial noise can also be sleep-assistive with sounds like water sounds, crickets, and many others. There are myriad choices when it comes to the types of sounds that will help you fall asleep and there are just as many choices when it comes to sound machines to produce those sounds for you.

Are Sound Machines Just for Sleep?

One thing to note is that a sound machine can be useful not only for sleep but also for masking distracting sounds, so you can work or study, and provide privacy by masking your conversations so no one else can hear. Whatever your need for a sound machine, there are many things to consider when choosing the right one for you. Sound machines can differ depending on the type of sound they produce. Sound machines that are strictly color noise can have their sound produced via recording or digitally or mechanically by the use of a non-air moving fan. Some sound machines produce both color noise and nature sounds. Additional features to consider include whether you want an auto-off timer, does it need to be portable, do you want it to have a night light, etc.

To help you navigate through the tons of choices out there when it comes to sound machines, here’s a listing of the best sound machines to help you with sleep, study, work, or whatever you may need a sound machine for. Before you know it, your sleep and focus issues will be a thing of the past.