If you are anything like me, then one thing is certain – you do not like having to put up with all the noises that come from your neighbors. My closest neighbor has a teenager who likes to bounce a basketball in the kitchen for hours at a time.
This noise used to drive me crazy until I found a soothing sound therapy or white noise machine that could drown out that constant noise from next door. Now, I can listen to the soothing sounds of falling rain or ocean waves whenever I need to.
What To Look For In The Best White Noise Machines
If you find yourself shopping for one of these sound machines so that you can get a more restful night’s sleep or to help you baby sleep, then you might benefit from a quick buying guide on these things. Below you will find some of our tips on what to look for as you compare the various models that you see listed up above.
Sound library
Before deciding on one of the models above, determine what you want to hear from it. Some are just white noise machines or sound conditioners who only offer one noise – white noise. This is designed to help you block out unwanted noises. Other machines offer a sound therapy experience where you can listen to things like waterfalls, waves rolling in at the beach, nature sounds at night, rain on tin roof, and much more. Personally, I prefer to listen to the sounds of rain to sleep, but you should choose the one that works best for you.
Color
As you can see in the chart up above, these devices typically come in one of three colors – black, white or silver. Fortunately, most of the models gives you a choice of color, so don’t rule one out just because it might not be your preferred color in the chart up above. Of course, the only reason that you might be concerned about the color at all is so that it matches the decor of your bedroom or whatever room that you plan on using it in.
Power Source
While most of the devices on our list up above require an electrical outlet, some of them run only on batteries while others offer either type of power option. Know if advance how you plan on using this device in order to choose one that makes the most sense for you. For instance, the travel size sound conditioners typically are only battery operated, which could get a bit costly if you were to use it at home each night instead of one that plugs into the electrical outlet.
Cost
In our list above, you can find sound machines to fit every budget. There are some with cheap prices under $20 and there are some higher end luxury options with a price tag over $100. One thing to keep in mind as you shop by price is that the cheaper options tend to have a more noticeable sound loop, which can become rather annoying as you listen to the machine. So, I urge you to spend at least $50 on a good sound therapy machine or white noise machine in order to have the best possible experience with it.
Why Use A Sound Therapy Machine?
If you are looking at these devices and unsure if it is something that you really need, or if you are considering buy it as a gift, then let me take a moment to share with you why someone might want to use one of these noise canceling machines at home.
When it comes to sleep, these sound conditioner machines are a God-send! They work wonders when it comes to blocking out unwanted noise that prevents you from sleeping soundly. The alternatives to using one of these are:
- use ear plugs in an attempt to block out the sounds you don’t want to hear – however doctor’s recommend that you do NOT wear them every night!
- attempt to get the source of the noise to stop it – this can be challenging if the problem is road noise or something else that you have no control over
That’s why these white noise cancelling machines are such a good idea. With these, you end up creating ambient noise that in effect blocks out those other noises.
Who Should Use A Noise Cancelling Machine?
If you’re still trying to determine if this device is a good purchase for you, then let’s take a moment to see who benefits from a noise cancelling machine. These sound machines are great for a lot of people, like:
- babies who wake easily due to noises during the day
- second and third shift workers who don’t have a normal sleep schedule
- people with tinnitus who have trouble sleeping
- stressed and anxious people who need help relaxing and winding down
- people who are experiencing unwanted noise like barking dogs, road traffic noise, construction noise, noise from neighbors and more!
As you can see, the benefits of sound machines extend to a lot of different people of all ages.
My Favorite Sound & White Noise Machines (Reviews)
I tried out several different models of these noise cancellation machines as they are all supposed to offer sound blocking that can help you sleep as well as just give you a bit more peacefulness during the day. Of those, I found a few models that were the best of the best. So, I want to tell you about my very favorite noise cancelling machines with the reviews below.
LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Sound Machine Review
If you’re not really looking for things like the sound of rain, a babbling brook, the ocean waves, etc., then a good white noise machine is probably the best option for you. Something like this is perfect for therapists looking to block out the sound of their sessions from outsiders, for babies who you want to ensure stay sleeping, the noise of your neighbors, and just when you’re trying to concentrate at work or sleep at night.
I do have to say though that this isn’t the most attractive gadget to leave sitting on your bedside table or desk. But, it does work really well if you want some white noise.
Honestly, I think that this LectroFan model is a better option than the Marpac Dohm because it offers a few more features.
With this one you get:
- 10 fan sounds
- 10 ambient noise variations
- white noise, pink noise and brown noise
- powered by AC or USB
- non-repeating noises/tracks
- volume control
- built-in timer
As you can see, it offers a lot of value for the money. That’s what makes it out #1 pick for the best white noise machine for the money right now.
Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Sound Machine Review
Since I just mentioned this model above, I thought you’d want to see what this one is all about. This model is also focused on white noise, instead of other soothing sounds, and it has a lot in common with the LectroFan – including a similar cost. However, there are some differences between them.
As you can see, the design of this one looks better (in my opinion) that the LectroFan model. I think this one looks more attractive sitting on a table or desk. However, it doesn’t have a lot of features.
And the only sound you get is the white noise generated from this device’s fan – and there are only two different speeds for it. Overall though the sound of rushing air that you hear does sound nice, but I would prefer something with more sounds and features. I also think this is a good white noise machine for babies.
Sound Oasis S-5000 Deluxe Sleep Sound Therapy System Review
After testing out a few different noise cancelling machines and comparing them for about a week, I have found one of favorites in this model.
The best feature it has to offer is that you can choose from 145 different sound possibilities. No other sound therapy machine offers that. The way that this one is able to do it is by giving you 24 main sounds and 5 mix sounds so that you can completely customize your sound environment. Pretty great huh? Plus, it has a fair price for all these features.
The sound quality that you get from this machine is also very high quality. For instance, the nature sounds really sound like you are out experiencing nature at that very moment that you listen to it.
This is a great noise cancelling machine for babies as it really has a lot of great soothing sounds that you can choose from that will help that little one sleep. I used this when my infant was having trouble sleeping through the night and it really helped out a lot.
For me, this is the best noise cancelling machine for the money because it has a lot of great features and is perfect to use for sleeping, for medication, for relaxing sounds and for helping the baby to sleep. And, it blocks the sound of the basketball bouncing next door! It even has some light therapy features, if that interests you.
If you just want a basic little sound blocking or noise cancelling machine, then this one likely has a few too many bells and whistles for you. However, you really cannot go wrong with this one if you’re looking for the best value for the money. You might want to watch the video below – I found it on YouTube and someone discusses all the features of it, so you may find the video of use.
But, if you ultimately decide that this one doesn’t really offer what meets your needs, then you might want to take a look at the other models listed on this page that I identified as having high sound quality and a good price.
top image: www.yourbestdigs.com/reviews/best-white-noise-machine/