White Noise
The classic sleep & focus masker
What is White Noise?
White noise contains equal power across all audible frequencies, creating that familiar "sssshhh" sound similar to TV static, a fan, or an air conditioner. It's the most widely studied noise color for sleep and focus applications.
White noise works by masking sudden sounds — a door slam, a car horn, a snoring partner — that would otherwise disrupt sleep or break concentration. By raising the baseline noise floor, these interruptions become less perceptible.
It's widely used in neonatal units to soothe newborns (it resembles the sound of the womb), in open-plan offices to improve speech privacy, and in sleep clinics for patients with insomnia.
Benefits of White Noise
- Masks sudden sounds that disrupt sleep
- Soothes newborns and babies
- Improves speech privacy in offices
- Reduces time to fall asleep
- Consistent sound environment for light sleepers
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Gear for White Noise listeners
Curated picks to get the most out of your sessions.
Hatch Restore 2
Sunrise alarm, reading light and sound machine in one. You are paying for the light, not the noise quality.
LectroFan Micro 2
Pocket-sized and battery powered. Thinner sound than the full-size unit, but the best thing to travel with.
Bose Sleepbuds II
Designed for sleeping rather than listening. Comfortable for side sleepers in a way normal headphones are not.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
White noise contains equal amounts of every frequency the human ear can hear — from 20Hz to 20,000Hz — played at equal power. This creates a consistent "shhh" sound similar to static or a fan.