You'll often hear us talk about White Noise at The Sleep Store and it's one of our number one recommendations for calming babies and helping them settle at bedtime and throughout the night.
But, what is white noise? And how does it differ from pink noise and brown noise? Did you know, in fact, there's many other colour noises too (also known as sonic hues) and their colour depends on the intensity and distribution of energy?
What is white noise?
White noise can be described as a sound similar to radio or TV static or a humming air conditioner. Meghan Neal writes in The Atlantic that white noise is "a mixture of all the frequencies humans can hear (20 Hz to 20,000 Hz), fired off randomly with equal power at each - like 20,000 different tones all playing at the same time".1
Because it covers all frequencies white noise can be used to mask background noises and help people, especially babies, fall asleep more easily and more deeply. It may also help people stay in deep sleep longer as it can mask loud, jarring noises which may otherwise wake a baby or adult out of a deep sleep. Think of all those toddlers & preschoolers jumping about whilst a baby is sleeping and a caregiver trying their very hardest to keep them quiet. White noise can help to mask those sounds, because it contains all frequencies at an equal intensity. Using white noise means the baby can stay asleep longer and caregivers don't have to stress so much about keeping the bigger little ones quiet. Now that's a win in our eyes!
What is Pink Noise?
Pink noise is similar to white noise in that it covers all frequencies that humans can hear, however the energy isn't distributed equally across all of them. Our friends at Yogasleep share that "in pink noise, as the numbers get bigger, the difference in power becomes smaller, so the high pitched sounds are softer."2
This essentially means that pink noise sounds 'deeper' or 'lower' sounding than white noise. So pink noise can seem less intense and less ear-piercing than white noise. A real life example of pink noise may include wind or rain. Like white noise, pink noise can also help improve sleep. Some studies say that pink noise can help improve memory the next day.
Shop the Yogasleep Light to Rise
What is brown noise?
Yes, there's a 3rd type of noise! Brown noise is similar to pink noise, but has an even deeper sound. According to Yogasleep, brown noise is similar to white noise in that it "also generates sound randomly, but unlike white noise, energy decreases as frequency goes up and vice versa."3 Brown noise has more bass in the lower frequencies and could sound like roaring waterfalls (think Huka Falls) or thunder rumbling in the distance.
White, Pink & Brown Noise - The Sound Rainbow
Thanks to Yogasleep for this visual of the Sound Rainbow. Accessed 17 May 2022, from https://yogasleep.com/blogs/give-sleep-a-chance-blog/pink-noise-the-full-sound-spectrum
Is white noise, pink noise or brown noise best for sleep?
The answer is, it really depends on your preference. White noise is excellent at masking loud and jarring sounds, which may be handy if you have a toddler or young children in the house, but equally brown or pink noise can be just as effective at calming, settling and creating a deeper sleep. Many white noise machines offer pink and brown noise options as well, be sure to check this out when choosing the best white noise machine for your family. Always place your sound machine at least 1m from the person sleeping.
References:
1. Neal, M. (2016, February 16). The Many Colors of Sound. The Atlantic. Accessed 28 May 2021, from https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/02/white-noise-sound-colors/462972/
2 and 3: Szkotak, M (2021, April 2). Your Guide to Pink Noise, White Noise, & Brown Noise. Accessed 28 May 2021 from https://yogasleep.com/blogs/give-sleep-a-chance-blog/pink-noise-the-full-sound-spectrum
White Noise Comparison Chart - Mains Powered Sound Machines
Table scrolls right on mobile
| Nod Sound Machine and Night Light | Dohm Nova Sound Machine and Night Light | Dohm Classic - Natural Sound Machine | Dreamcenter - Sound Machine & colour change nightlight | Duet - Sound Machine, Nightlight & Wireless Speaker | Light to Rise - Sound Machine, Clock & Nightlight | |
| Features | 20 Sounds, adjustable volume, dimmable amber LED nightlight, 3 sleep timer settings | Modern style. Fan Based, 10 adjustable speeds, adjustable tone & volume control | The Classic. Fan Based, 2 adjustable speeds, adjustable tone & volume control | 26 Sounds, adjustable volume, dimmable amber LED nightlight, 3 sleep timer settings and headphone jack | 30 Sounds, Bluetooth wireless streaming, adjustable volume, dimmable amber LED nightlight & 3 sleep timer settings | 30 Sounds, dimmable, multicolour nightlight, sleep trainer clock, adjustable volume & 3 sleep timer settings |
| White Noise/Fan Sounds | Bright Fan Noise, Deep Fan Noise, Bright White Noise, White Noise and Dohm | Natural real fan sound - adjustable for near infinite tone choices | Natural real fan sound - adjustable for near infinite tone choices | 2 White Noises, 2 Pink Noises, 2 Brown Noises, Deep Fan, Dohm Low & High | 2 White Noises, 2 Pink Noises, 3 Brown Noises, Deep Fan, Fan, Dohm High & Low | 2 White Noises, 2 Pink Noises, 3 Brown Noises, Deep Fan, Dohm High & Low |
| Nature Sounds | Rain, Gentle Surf, Ocean Surf, Stream, Thunderstorm, Stream and Birds | N/A | N/A | Rain, Gentle Surf, Ocean Surf, Stream, Thunderstorm, Campfire and Birds | Soft Rain, Gentle Surf, Ocean Surf, Stream, Hard Rain, Thunderstorm, Campfire, Birds and Crickets | Soft Rain, Gentle Surf, Ocean Surf, Stream, Hard Rain, Thunderstorm, Campfire and Birds |
| Relaxation Sounds | Womb Sounds, Shushing, Happy Child, Baby Song, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Music Box, Lullaby and Landscape | N/A | N/A | Womb Sounds, Shushing, Happy Child, Calm, Chimes, Relax, Restore, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Lullaby | Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Lullaby, Happy Child, Landscape, Cascades, Healing, Calm, Chimes, Relax, and Restore | Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Lullaby, Happy Child, Landscape, Cascades, Healing, Calm, Chimes, Relax, and Restore |
| Volume Control | Yes, 25 | Yes, 10-speeds with range of fine tuning | Yes, 2-speeds with range of fine tuning | Yes, 25 | Yes, 16 | Yes |
| Maximum Decibel @ 12" | 83.5dB | 69.4dB | 64.9dB | 83.5dB | 83.9dB | 82dB |
| Timer | Yes - 45min, 90min, 8hrs & continuous | Yes - 45min, 90min, 8hrs & continuous | No | Yes - 45min, 90min, 8hrs or continuous | Yes - 45min, 90min, 8hrs or continuous | Yes - 45min, 90min, 8hrs or continuous |
| Nightlight | Yes, Amber, dimmable | Yes | No | Yes, Amber and colour changing | Yes, Amber, dimmable | Yes, colour changing, dimmable |
| Battery | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Cord Length | 5' micro USB cord | Power cord with plug & adaptors for UK, Europe, US, Asia | 6' power cord with plug | 3' USB C cord | 3' USB power cord | 5' power cord with plug |
| Shop Nod | Shop Dohm Nova | Shop Dohm Classic | Shop Dreamcenter | Shop Duet | Shop Light to Rise |
White Noise Comparison Chart - Portable, battery powered sound machines
Table scrolls right on mobile
| Hushh 2 | Travel Mini Sound Machine with Nightlight | Hushh for Baby | Hushh+ | |
| Feature | Modern refresh of the much loved Hushh. 6 sound options, portable, nightlight, backlit buttons & child lock. | 6 Sounds, USB rechargeable, dimmable amber LED nightlight. Includes soft lanyard. Ultra compact. | 3 Sounds, USB rechargeable, child lock, baby safe clip, small amber light. | Improved version of the bestselling Hushh with loads of features - 20 sounds, dimmable, warm nightlight, charge wirelessly & use as wireless speaker |
| White Noise Sounds | White Noise & Dohm | White Noise, Brown Noise & Dohm | Bright White Noise & Deep White Noise | White Noise & Dohm |
| Nature Sounds | Rain, landscape, gentle surf | Gentle Surf, Stream, Thunderstorm | Gentle Surf | Nature sounds |
| Relaxation Sounds or songs | Healing sound | N/A | N/A | 10 Lullabies & relaxation sounds |
| Volume Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum Decibel @ 12" | 78.4dB | 76.5dB | 78.3dB | 79dB |
| Battery | Yes - USB rechargeable | Yes - USB rechargeable | Yes - USB rechargeable | Yes - USB or wirelessly rechargeable |
| Timer | Yes - 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes or continuous | No, continuous play only | No, continuous play only | Yes - 45 minutes, 90 minutes or 8 hours |
| Cord Length | 3' micro USB cord | 3' micro USB cord | 3' micro USB cord | 3' micro USB cord |
| Night Light | Adjustable amber night light | Soft LED Night Light with 3 settings | Warm LED Night Light with 4 settings | |
| Weight | 160g | 136g | 107g | 170g |
| Shop Hushh 2 | Shop Travel Mini | Shop Hushh | Shop Hushh+ |
Yogasleep white noise unboxing: watch our comparison videos
Corded mains powered machines
- Nod - Watch the unboxing of the Yogasleep Nod White Noise Machine and listen to all 20 sound options (wow!) including - white noise, fan sounds, nature sounds, and eight classical lullaby tracks. Includes a "shushing" sound and heartbeat setting engineered to soothe infants. A soft, dimmable night light in amber tones that soothes rather than disrupts sleep cycle. Ability to play sounds without the night light turned on. Shop Nod
- Dohm Natural Sound Machine - This Dohm Natural Sound Machine is just like the beloved original Dohm DS White Noise machine! Watch the unboxing and listen to the classic sound. Shop Dohm Natural
- Dohm Classic White Noise Machine - Developed almost 50 years ago, this is the Original Sound Conditioner you've probably heard about. It's dome shape is easy to recognise. Turn it on, and tune out the rest of the world. It creates the soothing sound of rushing air, also known as "white noise," which has been proven to effectively block noises at a broad range of frequencies. Shop Dohm Classic
- Dreamcenter with Night Light - Set the scene for your little one and let them drift off into dreamland with the help of the Yogasleep Dreamcenter Multi-Sound Machine and Colour-change Night Light. Listen to the 24 sound options - 9 robust white & brown noise options, 8 sleep songs, and 7 nature sounds. Also includes fan sounds and Dohm-inspired tracks. Shop Dreamcenter
- Duet White Noise Machine with Night Light and Wireless Speaker - The Yogasleep Duet is a multi-sound white noise machine and night light works double-duty as a wireless speaker all in one compact & streamlined device. Listen to all 30 sounds in this unboxing video and view the features of this versatile machine. Shop Duet
Portable, battery operated sound machines
- Hushh 2 - A more modern & durable version of the best loved Hushh with 6 sounds, improved battery life & LED nightlight. Shop Hushh 2
- Hushh+ - For great battery life, a range of sound options, nightlight, & wireless charging, you can't go past the Hushh+. Plus, you can also use it as a Bluetooth Speaker. Shop Hushh+
- Travel Mini - Check out this cutie from Yogasleep! White noise in the palm of your hand. Listen to 3 white noise and 3 nature noises, played by the Yogasleep Travel Mini and see all it's features. Shop Travel Mini
- Hushh - Hushh is a portable electronic sound machine designed to help baby fall asleep and stay asleep anywhere. The Hushh cradles your baby in soothing sound to create a comforting, consistent sound environment for sleep. This compact portable unit comes with 3 sound options: choose from bright white noise, deep white noise, or gentle surf and a wide volume range. The sounds are played on a continuous loop. Shop Hushh
