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White Noise Machines Worthy of Your Nightstand in 2026: Snooz, Hatch, and More
I have chronic insomnia. I need a white noise machine, a sleep mask, a pitch-black room, and maybe some light tranquilizers just to fall asleep. (I'm joking, sort of.) If I'm traveling and forget my sound machine, I have to play white noise from my perpetually dying phone. Whether you're shopping for your kiddo or yourself, a white noise machine can help everyone sleep better at night.
These devices are simple, even as companies keep adding bells and whistles. They now come in all shapes and sizes, with options for playing different noise frequencies and soothing nature sounds—whether you need one at home or a portable model for life on the go. And they’re not just for kids or babies; if, like me, you want to quiet your inner monologue and finally drift off, this guide is for you.
We've tested everything: the best sleep trackers, sunrise alarm clocks, mattresses, and extreme alarm clocks. Check out all of the WIRED Reviews team's sleep coverage for our recommendations.
Note: If you're buying for a child, keep sound machines to no more than 50 decibels and farther than 200 centimeters (6.5 feet) from where your baby sleeps.
“Colors” of noise are measured similarly to light. Pure white noise is a mix of all the frequencies humans can hear, so while these machines are often called “white noise" machines, white noise itself isn't always a relaxing sound (think of the static on your TV). Pink and brown noise are at the lower end of the spectrum, aren't as grating, and have been found to help people sleep a little more deeply. If you've seen pink noise, brown noise, and green noise amid all the white noise machine chatter, it's because, more often than not, you'll find those options bundled into one machine. If you think of sound waves as being loosely analogous to light waves, then the different colors of noise refer to different parts of the sound spectrum. The fun thing about using a sound machine for sleep is that you get to experiment with these noise frequencies to find what works best for you.
The Snooz white noise machine focuses on one thing and one thing only: white noise. Its sound is generated by a real fan, not just fan sounds. There's no need to push extra buttons or fidget when you'd rather be falling asleep. Its design is simple, and there's no overthinking this device—it's got ease of use down pat. Simply plug it in, press the power button, then twist the mesh sleeve to increase or decrease the volume. It's also meant to be placed away from the bed, in a more central position in the bedroom, rather than on a nightstand. This helps project the sound more evenly. —Julia Forbes
WIRED’s resident wearable tester, Boutayna Chokrane, tested this clock for her sleep trackers guide. (Read her full review here.) This brand-new white noise machine also doubles as a sunrise alarm clock and a passive sleep tracker. It uses motion-based tracking to monitor your sleep from your nightstand. The data focuses on the essentials—sleep duration and stages—and appears in interactive visuals. There are no cameras or microphones monitoring you as you sleep, and best of all, your data isn’t locked behind a Hatch+ membership. The machine also features adjustable volume, fade-out timers, customizable full-color light scenes, a gradual sunrise light to wake you gently, and a sunset wind-down light to help you prepare for bed. For sleep-inducing sounds, it offers white noise, nature sounds, sleep stories, and guided meditations. With a Hatch+ subscription, you'll also get access to more than 2,500 sounds, stories, and meditations to help lull you to sleep. Although it's the priciest option in this guide, it's a triple threat: a sunrise clock, a dimmable bedside light, and a sound machine.
We're always on the lookout for new products to add to our Best Sunrise Alarms guide, and the Hatch 3 definitely earned its place. It builds on earlier Hatch models—which we also tested and really enjoyed—with two additional buttons, bringing the total