The best sound machines for tuning out distractions

By Karen Jensen

When an unexplained thump from my apartment's plumbing and HVAC system began waking me at night, I assumed I just needed to find the source of the noise. But after months of unsuccessful troubleshooting, I realized the bigger challenge was distraction. The intermittent sound wasn't especially loud, but because it was unpredictable, my brain kept noticing it — especially when I was trying to fall asleep.

As I talked with friends, I discovered that many had already found their own ways to tune out unwanted noises. One played rain sounds so her dog wouldn't hear activity outside and start barking. My mother has an old-school solution — she’s been sleeping with the television on for years. Another friend swore by the steady hum of a simple box fan. Their approaches were different, but the goal was the same: creating a consistent background sound that made sudden interruptions less noticeable.

Those conversations sent me looking for the best sound machines. I tested traditional fan-powered models, electronic white noise machines, and newer bedside devices that combine soothing sounds with alarm clocks and guided sleep routines.

In my case, I eventually moved because the building's mechanical noise couldn't be resolved. But along the way, I learned that the right sound machine can be an effective way to create a calmer, less distracting environment for sleep, work, or relaxation.

Choosing the right sleep sound

A sound machine doesn't eliminate noise; it masks it. By creating a steady background sound, it reduces the contrast between your environment and distracting noises like footsteps, barking dogs, HVAC systems, or conversations in the next room, making those sounds less likely to grab your attention.

The best sleep sound is ultimately the one you stop noticing — because that's when it's doing its job.

Why Put Your Phone Away at Bedtime?

Many of us end the day scrolling through email, social media, or the news. But keeping your phone within reach can make it harder to relax and fall asleep.

A dedicated bedside device can help by replacing your phone with calming sounds, gentle lighting, and an alarm clock, encouraging better sleep habits without the temptation of notifications and endless scrolling.

Sleep-focused devices like the Hatch Restore 3 and Loftie Clock are designed around this idea, encouraging healthier bedtime habits while providing relaxing sounds to help you drift off.

Recomendations

Top pick

LectroFan Classic

A simple but effective electronic sound machine

$54.88 from Adaptive Sound Technologies

The LectroFan Classic proves that a sound machine doesn't need a touchscreen or smartphone app to be effective. This compact, no-frills device offers 20 non-looping sounds, including 10 fan sounds and 10 white, pink, and brown noise variations, along with precise volume adjustment and a simple timer. It remembers your last-used setting, so it's easy to use night after night without fiddling with controls.

During testing, I appreciated its straightforward design and intuitive controls. The instruction manual is excellent, but I rarely needed it. The fan sounds range from gentle ventilation to more industrial tones, while the noise options each have a distinct character rather than sounding like subtle variations of the same thing. 

Brown noise was my favorite for sleep because it sounded full and calming without being harsh, while some of the brighter white noise settings became fatiguing over time. The exceptionally wide volume range also made it easy to find the right level for sleeping, working, or reading.

The downside is that cycling through all 20 sounds can be a little cumbersome since the controls only move forward, making it harder to relocate a favorite. Its angular design also feels a bit dated compared with newer competitors. But among the electronic sound machines I tested, the LectroFan consistently delivered the fullest and most natural-sounding audio. If your priority is effective sound masking over smart features, it's the one I'd recommend first.

Also great: Electronic

Manta Dual Speaker White Noise Machine

An innovative electronic option with two speakers

$119.99 (regularly $130) from Manta

The Manta Dual Speaker White Noise Machine takes a different approach than most electronic sound machines by using two synchronized speakers instead of one. 

The idea is compelling: Place the speakers where noise enters the room, then control them both with a compact wireless remote from bed. The system includes 15 non-looping sounds — five noise options, five fan sounds, three rain tracks, and two ocean sounds.

The remote impressed me immediately. It's thoughtfully designed with large tactile buttons that are easy to identify by feel, making it simple to adjust the volume, timers, and sounds in the dark. I also preferred its fan sounds overall, particularly the gentler settings, which sounded more relaxing than many electronic fan simulations. 

Unfortunately, the speakers themselves didn't quite live up to the concept. Compared with the LectroFan, the sound was thinner and more artificial, and several of the noise and nature tracks lacked the depth and realism I was hoping for.

The Manta stands out for its innovative dual-speaker design and remote control. If your bedroom layout would benefit from placing speakers in two different locations, or you value the convenience of adjusting the machine from bed without turning on a light, it's a unique option. I just wish the sound quality matched the ingenuity of the overall design.

Top pick: Fan-based

Snooz Pro White Noise Machine

A modern take on the fan-powered noise machine

$119.99 from Snooz

The Snooz Pro White Noise Machine modernizes the classic fan-based sound machine without losing what makes real-fan white noise so appealing. Instead of digital recordings, it uses an internal fan to create continuous, non-looping sound, with separate controls for volume and tone. The tone is adjusted by twisting a knob on the base, while the optional app adds scheduling, timers, and other conveniences but isn't required for everyday use.

During testing, the Snooz Pro consistently sounded smoother and more refined than the other fan-powered machine I tested. The sound of moving air felt natural, with very little vibration or mechanical motor noise at typical listening levels. Even at higher volumes, the motor noise remained less noticeable than on other fan-based models. 

I also appreciated the clean, fabric-covered design, which looks more like a modern home accessory than a piece of office equipment. The instructions were clear, setup was simple, and the included carrying case is a thoughtful addition, even if it's oddly black regardless of which color machine you choose.

The Snooz Pro isn't packed with features, and even when using the app changing the tone still requires manually adjusting a knob on the machine. But it produced the most pleasant real-fan sound I tested, making it my recommendation for anyone who prefers the natural character of moving air over digitally generated white noise.

Also Great: Fan-based

Dohm Connect

A classic fan-based noise machine, now app-enabled

$79 from Target

The Dohm Connect updates one of the original and most recognizable fan-based white noise machines. It preserves the distinctive mechanical fan sound that has defined the Dohm for decades while adding the convenience of optional app control. 

Sound is generated by a real internal fan, with volume adjusted either on the machine or through the companion app. The fan tone is changed by rotating the outer shell, so it's the one setting that still requires a manual adjustment.

Using the Dohm Connect was refreshingly straightforward, whether through the controls on the machine or the app. The sound has the familiar mechanical character many people expect from a traditional fan-based white noise machine, though motor noise became more noticeable as the fan speed increased. At higher settings, the unit also developed some vibration, making it feel less refined than the Snooz Pro. I also wished the instructions were more detailed, particularly given the app connectivity.

The Dohm Connect remains a dependable, straightforward white noise machine. While the addition of app control adds welcome convenience, the overall experience still feels more traditional than modern. For people who appreciate the distinctive character of a real fan, that familiarity is likely part of its appeal.

Top pick: Sleep companion

Hatch Restore 3

An alarm clock with sound-based sleep routines

$169.99 from Hatch

The Hatch Restore 3 is less of a traditional sound machine than a bedside sleep companion designed to help you build healthier bedtime habits. It combines an alarm clock, colored lighting, and a large library of colored noises, nature sounds, music, guided meditations, podcasts, and other wellness content into customizable sleep and wake routines.

During testing, I found the overall experience more polished and thoughtfully organized than other sleep companion products. Getting started took more time than I'd have liked, and the instructions offered little guidance beyond directing me to the app. I also found it frustrating that the setup strongly encouraged a Hatch+ trial before I could explore the device. 

After that initial hurdle, the Hatch became much easier to use. I appreciated being able to create and save multiple wind-down routines instead of relying on one bedtime program. The colored noise options were softer and less harsh than those on many dedicated sound machines, the ambient music and soundscapes were standouts, and the guided meditations felt natural rather than overly scripted.

The Hatch is designed to do much more than play sounds, combining light, audio, and guided routines into a single bedside device. For people looking to build healthier sleep habits while adding white noise to the bedroom, it's the most complete and cohesive sleep companion I tested.

Also great: Sleep companion

Loftie Clock

A wellness-focused alarm clock that features sounds

$169.99 from Loftie

Combining a sound machine, wellness platform, and alarm clock into a single bedside device, the Loftie Clock is designed to help you put your phone away before bed. It includes a large library of colored noises, nature sounds, guided meditations, breathwork, sleep stories, and music, along with customizable alarms, optional app control, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a clean, modern design with thoughtful touches like a cloth-covered power cord.

During testing, however, I found the experience less polished than other sleep companions. Initial setup required Wi-Fi, the Loftie app, and a lengthy software update before I could begin using the clock, while the instructions often assumed I already knew how the interface worked. Some buttons perform multiple functions, making the clock less intuitive than it first appears. 

I also noticed distortion and static with some sounds at moderate volume, and although the wellness library is extensive, some of the content felt geared toward beginners exploring mindfulness and healthy sleep habits. On the positive side, the recorded nature sounds were among my favorites in the category, and when the clock stopped working twice during testing, Loftie's AI-powered customer support quickly diagnosed the problem and walked me through the fix with remarkable speed and clarity.

The Loftie is designed to build bedtime routines rather than simply play sounds. If you enjoy exploring guided meditations, breathwork, sleep stories, and other wellness content, it offers plenty to discover, even if I found the overall experience needed more refinement.

This article is written and edited by a writer who selects the products and ensures the information provided is accurate. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the publication date. We may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases made through these links.