New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.

In desperate need of the best white noise machines? I’ve been there and have spent several hours of my life weighing my options between machines before making a wish upon a dream.

There are so many different sleepers. Some who need absolute silence to get their shut-eye, those who like to read a book before hitting the hay, and those who like to transport their atmosphere with the sound of rain falling, ocean waves crashing, or fire crackling.

I personally prefer absolute silence, but I live in Manhattan, and that’s never going to happen. When I’m not booking stays in the country to run away from the horns, I’m testing sound machines so I can sleep at night.

They’re ideal for masking your partner’s snoring, the voices from the apartment next door, or even helping your toddler nap in the middle of the day.

While not everyone benefits from white noise machines, they can help anyone struggling to sleep through distracting sounds. Personally, I love the Ozlo Sleepbuds since I share a bed with someone who doesn’t want a sound machine.

You, on the other hand, might prefer the gentle glow of a Hatch sunrise alarm that also blocks out background noise, or maybe you’re just tired of shushing guests with, “Don’t wake the baby!”

Whatever your need is, I’m positive there is a noise machine below that will suit your sleep lifestyle.

Looking for other products to help better your sleep experience? Check out our articles on the best places to buy mattresses, sheets, duvets, pillows, sleep eye masks, bed frames and more.

The SNOOZ White Noise Machine is an essential tool for anyone struggling with sleep disturbances, noisy environments, or irregular sleep routines. Its natural fan-generated white noise not only helps you fall asleep faster but also keeps you asleep longer by masking disruptive sounds.

It can be scheduled via the app, creating a consistent bedtime cue that trains your brain to wind down automatically. Compact, family-friendly, and travel-ready, SNOOZ brings a soothing sound environment wherever you are, making restful, uninterrupted sleep achievable for adults, children, and even pets alike. With simple controls and durable construction, it’s a practical, science-backed solution for better sleep every night.

New York Post Review: “I first used the SNOOZ Smart White Noise Machine when I stayed the night at a friend’s house, but I slept so well that night, I went home and immediately bought one for myself. I typically need noise to sleep, but I also prefer a fan over any kind of digital white noise.

“That’s what makes the SNOOZ so great; it has a real fan inside, so I get the sound of the fan without having to actually turn my fan on if I’m already cold. It’s also app-controlled with schedules, so I don’t even have to think ahead about remembering to turn it on before getting in bed. I can turn it on and adjust the volume from my phone in bed.” — Angela Tricarico, commerce streaming reporter

Speacil Features: Natural, Non-Looping White Noise | App-Controlled Scheduling | 10 Volume Settings | Simple Touchpad Controls |

This machine is a useful tool designed to support healthy sleep habits in children, while providing parents with peace of mind. With 34 soothing sounds and a customizable night light, it creates a calming bedtime environment that helps babies and toddlers fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for longer periods.

Its easy-to-use controls and app integration make it simple to set routines, combine favorite lights and sounds, and personalize the sleep experience for your child. Compact, family-friendly, and thoughtfully designed, this alarm clock is perfect for nurseries, bedrooms, or travel, ensuring restful nights for the whole family and helping establish lifelong healthy sleep habits.

Special Features: Adjustable Light & Music Signals | 34 Soothing Sounds | 3 Night Light Modes (Solid, Sunlight, Dynamic) | 8 Customizable Favorites | Easy One-Button Control | App Integration for Scheduling

Sleepbuds are designed to provide a clinically proven, non-pharmaceutical solution for better sleep. They are designed for someone who has roommates or partners in the same room, so that a standard white noise machine will not block them out. By masking disruptive noises like snoring, traffic, or neighbors, they help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, without the side effects of medication.

New York Post Review: “I absolutely love using these Sleepbuds as a white noise machine because they block out my husband’s incredibly loud snoring safely and effectively, allowing me to finally get a full night of uninterrupted rest. Once paired with the app, I enjoy choosing a programmed background sound to play when my playlist ends and my sleep cycle begins.

“As a fan of white noise, I selected ‘Soar,’ the sound of moving air while riding a plane, which instantly created a calming, immersive environment. My audiobook started, and I was able to drift off to sleep peacefully, completely undisturbed by outside noises. They’ve truly transformed my bedtime routine into a relaxing, restorative experience. ” — Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce reporter

Special Features: Up to 10-Hour Battery Life | Smart Case for Portable Charging | Clinically Proven Sleep Technology | Noise Masking for Snoring & City Sounds

After the brand’s debut on “Shark Tank” in 2016 (previously known as Hatch Baby), it has become one of the most well-known of white noise and sunrise light machines. The Restore 3 is a sleep-enhancing device designed to help you build healthy bedtime habits and improve overall sleep quality.

With its calming, screen-free design and customizable light and audio pairings, including guided meditations and over 80 science-backed sleep sounds, it creates an optimal sleep environment that quiets the mind and helps you fall asleep faster. The dimmable clock ensures your room stays dark, while the sunrise alarm clock gently wakes you in tune with your natural circadian rhythm, replacing jarring alarms. It’s also a great option at the office or while studying to help switch up the mood and focus your work.

If you like this noise machine, you may enjoy our edit on sunrise alarm clocks to start the day off naturally.

Special Features: Customizable Sleep Routines | 80+ Science-Backed Sleep Sounds | Dimmable Clock Display | Sunrise Alarm Clock | Large One-Button Control | Bedside Night Light Button

The HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine is a simple yet effective tool for creating a peaceful sleep environment for adults and babies. There are six soothing sounds that mimic nature, masking disruptive noises and promoting uninterrupted sleep.

This size is ideal for packing or keeping near the crib, as it doesn’t take up much space. The auto-off timer and adjustable volume provide convenience and customization for any sleep routine. If you’re looking to improve your own rest or help your baby fall asleep faster, this sound machine is a practical, reliable, and easy-to-use solution.

Special Features: 6 Digitally Recorded Relaxing Sounds | Compact & Portable | Baby Sleep Aid | Auto-Off Timer (15/30/60 min) | Adjustable Volume Controls |

The Magicteam Sound Machine comes equipped with 20 sleep sounds, including white noise, brown noise, pink noise, blue noise, fan, and more. With 32 levels of volume and the option to time out exactly how long you need the noise to run, it’s a great pick for your furry family member. If you hate it, return it to Amazon hassle-free within 30 days.

Special Features: 20 Non-Looping Soothing Sounds | 32 Volume Levels | Sleep Timer (1-4 Hours or Continuous) |

This white noise machine gets great reviews for how easy it is to use and for how portable it is. It has ten fan speeds and ten white noise sounds that mask all the sounds you want to block out. Helping you sleep more peacefully, concentrate better, or maintain privacy. The solid-state design ensures quiet, reliable operation without moving parts, while precise volume control allows customization for small and large spaces.

Special Features: 20 Unique Non-Looping Sounds | 10 Fan & 10 White Noise Variations (Including Pink & Brown Noise) |

We tested several white noise machines over a few nights to see how effectively they created a calming sleep environment. We tried a variety of soothing sounds at different volume levels and used timer functions to observe performance throughout a typical sleep cycle. Even with limited testing, it was clear that these machines helped mask background noise, reduce disturbances, and promote a more restful, uninterrupted sleep experience.

Yes, it is generally safe to sleep with white noise every night. Many people use it to mask background sounds, improve sleep quality, and maintain a consistent bedtime routine. However, it’s important to keep the volume at a comfortable level to avoid potential hearing strain over long periods.

According to Frontiers in Neuroscience, brown noise, which has one of the lowest frequencies, is best for reducing stress. Its rumbling sound is similar to a waterfall, and it’s effective at hiding other noises, such as talking in the next room or a car coming up the street.

Brown noise isn’t the only type of noise that is beneficial, however. White noise, as well as pink, are options to consider.

Experimenting with these sounds can help you find the one that best promotes relaxation and restful sleep.

Yes, white noise machines can effectively mask snoring by creating a consistent background sound that reduces the perception of disruptive noises. While they don’t stop snoring itself, they make it much less noticeable, helping you and your partner sleep more peacefully.

However, if the person who snores sleeps next to you, we recommend trying something like Ozlo Sleepbuds, which will block out sound even more.

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.