This review is based on in-depth tests of (so far) 10 white noise machines, all acquired at standard retailers.
The 10 candidates were shortlisted over time from a much larger selection of machines (through experience, reading, and listening to samples).
I have used each of them until I was confident I had figured out most of the strengths and weaknesses and formed an opinion. This means that this best-of-list was put together over months!
I have also put the more promising machines through various measurements (checked for loops and breaks in the sounds, frequency analysis, sound level, etc.).
For each machine, I have included sound samples so that you can compare with your own ears. I recommend you use headphones or earbuds to listen.
I have also included links to detailed reviews, if you want go deeper or listen to more sounds.
Pro: Decent sounds and nice lullaby in a portable, battery-powered machine
Con: Sounds are repeating and some sounds lack variety
How to choose your white noise machine?
The most important thing to decide is whether you want:
A machine that focuses on white noises (e.g., brown, pink and white noises) and fan sounds,
a mechanical fan-based machine,
a machine that also offers nature sounds.
White noise machines that focus on white noises and fan sounds
Electronic white noise machines with a good selection of white noises and a good volume and frequency range are very effective at blocking environmental noises such as barking, speech, traffic noise, crickets, etc.
If you don’t need nature sounds, I recommend you get a machine that dynamically generates white noises and fans using electronics rather than playing a recording.
The advantage is that you won’t hear patterns or breaks in these non-repeating sounds as you could with short sound recordings on repeat.
This review points out which machines fit the bill.
You might think, “I want white noises, but I am getting one that also offers nature sounds, just in case.”
The problem is that in virtually all budget machines that offer nature sounds and white noises, the white noises are recorded and generally worse than in dedicated white noise machines.
So if you only need white noises and fan sounds, you can get a better product for your money by buying a machine that specializes in these sounds.
Machines with a real fan
Fan-based machines contain a motor and a real fan inside their housing, but are designed to prevent airflow and the stirring up of dust.
These machines are attractive if you want the soothing sound of a real fan to help you relax and fall asleep, but don’t want that fan to cool down your room.
Because these machines aren’t as adjustable for volume and frequency range as electronic white noise machines, they don’t block nearly as much environmental noise.
Machines with nature sounds
These include sounds like rainfall, ocean surf, brook, fire place, waterfall, train ride, and so on.
Current budget nature sound machines (at least the ones I have come across) are similar to MP3 players that play sound samples on repeat.
When you choose the sound “ocean waves,” the machine plays the pre-recorded track “ocean waves” from its memory card. At the end of the track, the machine loops, i.e., restarts the track.
Typically these machines also have their white noises and fan sounds as pre-recorded sounds.
The quality of such a machine depends on the track length and how seamless the looping works.
If the track is short, it lacks variety, and if the looping isn’t done well, you’ll notice a break in the sound or a strange underlying pattern.
Some people are sensitive to any kinds of patterns while others don’t seem to mind.
There are a few nature sound machines that go beyond looping sound players and create rich changing nature sounds.
Adaptive Sound Technology’s Sound+Sleep series, for example, dynamically puts together nature sound stories from different sound elements.
These machines cost more money but they may also keep you content for longer.
#1 Lectrofan Classic
The Lectrofan Classic is my favorite white noise machine. I have used it for several years, and it just works and helps me sleep.
It looks and sounds good, blocks a lot of noise, is very easy to operate, and it travels well.
It dynamically creates its 10 white noises and 10 fan-sounds using a synthesizer, so the sounds don’t repeat.
The white noises range from dark brown over pink to pure white and are very well equalized to sound good and encompass a large frequency range (important for blocking noise).
The volume can be set from barely noticeable to very loud [max 85 dB (1m), depending on the white noise selection].
Its great frequency and volume range make the Lectrofan Classic very effective at blocking noise such as barking dogs, traffic noise, speech, etc.
Thanks to its three distinct rockers, the Lectrofan is easy to operate without having to resort to any light. The machine has a sleep timer and it remembers volume and last used white noise and fan setting.
It is also a great travel white noise machine:
It is compact, weighs 13 oz. (370 g), and can be powered via the included multi-voltage adapter, USB power, and even a USB battery (not included). When on the road, I often use it together with a small USB power bank originally purchased to charge a phone.
Here are samples of the first six white noises (out of 10) for the Lectrofan Classic:
