Sleep can be a tricky thing no matter how old you are. There are much more factors at play than just being tired enough to fall asleep. Unfortunately, that isn’t all it takes to have a good night’s sleep. So if your baby has been having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, and you’ve tried everything, then white noise machines might be what you need. So how do you figure out which white noise machine is the best? Well, here are my top 5 best white noise machines and what my favorite features are.
If you want a more in-depth review of each of these, take a look at my posts about these noise machines here:
Yogasleep Dohm UNO White Noise Machine
Elesories Sound Machine
HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine
Magicteam Sound Machines White Noise Machine
Letsfit White Noise Machine with Adjustable Baby Night Light
Yogasleep Dohm UNO White Noise Machine
Track Selection
Knowing from the beginning what you’re going to expect from a noise machine is key. What makes the Yogasleep Dohm UNO white noise machine stand out from the rest, is that it only uses an authentic fan for its noise. Dohm does have other white noise machines as well that have typical tracks instead of the actual fan. However, the Yogasleep Dohm UNO white noise machine is one of the most popular options because people can’t get enough of the authentic noise that it produces.
Even the white noise machines with the absolute best sound quality have a looping track. It might not be noticeable to most, but people who listen to it for hours on end may be able to notice the loop, which can be distracting if you are trying to go to sleep. The Yogasleep Dohm UNO has one fan with adjustable holes in the size to make it the exact tone and sound that you find most soothing. The fan also does not affect the temperature in the room.
Click Here for the Best Price on the Yogasleep Dohm Uno White Noise Machine
Sound Quality
Since the Yogasleep Dohm UNO is the only white noise machine that uses a real fan, it has the absolute most authentic sound on the market. The sound can be adjusted to your liking by moving the holes on the sides of the device. If you’re like me, and like the sound of a fan to soothe you to sleep, this is the machine for you.
You can check out how it works in the video below!
Button Navigation
The Yogasleep Dohm UNO couldn’t be simpler to navigate. You adjust the slits in the sides as you see fit, so there is no need for digital memory settings. And you can turn the machine on and off with a physical button, not a digital one, which means that it will come on automatically if the power goes off.
There are no other buttons to worry about.
Size
The Yogasleep Dohm UNO is not the smallest white noise machine on the market. In fact, as far as the new ones go, it’s rather large. It is definitely not a portable size if that’s what you wanted it for, though Yogasleep does also produce some really great digital white noise machines that are meant to be completely portable.
This machine is much bigger than the others because it has to fit an actual fan into the device.
Click Here for the Best Price on the Yogasleep Dohm Uno White Noise Machine
Design
The Yogasleep Dohm Uno might not be the sleekest design of sound machines out there, but that is because it has to fit a fan inside it. It is the smallest possible size to fit a fan that will produce enough noise to drown out some of the more startling sounds at night.
Power Source
This white noise machine may have the most authentic sound out there, but it is not portable at all. This unit plugs into the wall and does not have a charging or battery option. The power cord is 6 feet long, so it should reach an outlet near your nightstand easily.
Favorite Feature
The feature that I’ve already mentioned about the Yogasleep Dohm UNO is that it is the only white noise machine that has an actual fan in it. It does not have any other tracks that it plays, but the option of having an authentic, non-looping fan noise is worth the limited selection.
This is my absolute favorite pick on this list of white noise machines because it meets my specific needs.
Elesories Sound Machine
Track Selection
One of the most important features of a white noise machine is the track selection of sounds. Not everyone is looking for the same kind of sounds that other people are. For example, I love the noise of a fan as white noise, whereas some people like the sound of a bubbling brook–that only makes me want to go to the bathroom.
The Elesories Sound Machine comes equipped with 24 different tracks in 4 different categories to lull you to sleep. They are:
White Noise
- Brown
- Cinnamon
- Amber
- Pink
- Pure White
Nature
- Rain
- Thunderstorm
- Brook
- Surf
- Summer Night
- Forest Birds
- Frogs
Fan
- Mellow Fan
- Vent Fan
- Oscillating Fan
- Box Fan
- Industrial Fan
Music
- 3 Lullabies
- Piano and water
- Heartbeat
- Airplane
- Playing Cat
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Sound Quality
In the speaker world, size doesn’t always matter, and this is apparent with the Elesories Sound Machine. This machine is highly portable and very compact, but it still produces great sound for anyone in the room.
Button Navigation
The Elesories Sound Machine has very easy button navigation, especially when it comes to finding the perfect track. There is a large button on the top of the machine that has four different sound categories. So instead of having to push through all the tracks to find the perfect sound, you can go to the category that you are in the mood for and select the perfect one from that.
It also has an on/off button, timer, and volume controls.
Size
The Elesories is very compact and can fit inside a typical purse, which makes it easy to take along with you wherever you go. You don’t have the battery power or charging option, but it is easy to tote around with you.
Design
This device is a bit boxy, but it has a simple minimalist design that most people will find appealing. It is very small and it has four rubberized feet, which keep it from sliding off of surfaces.
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Power Source
Although having the option to charge and unplug a white noise machine is optimal, the Elesoirses Sound machine has the next best thing. This machine allows you to plug into a typical AC outlet or you have the USB port option. This can be particularly helpful if you are on the go at an airport, coffee shop, or any other place where it might be difficult to have a power cord at your disposal, but you have your computer handy.
Favorite Feature
One of my absolute favorite features of the Elesories Sound Machine is that it has a headphone jack. Not many of the white noise machines have this, but it is actually a very handy feature, especially recently. Many people are working from home or remotely in someplace and it can be hard to block out all the sounds around you to concentrate.
With the headphone feature, you can be in a makeshift office that you created out of your coat closet, but you can transport yourself to a resort balcony overlooking the ocean with the Elosories sound in your ears.
HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine
Track Selection
Of all the white noise machines on this review, the HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine has the least amount of options as far as tracks go. This, of course, doesn’t include the Yogasleep Dohm UNO, which only has the fan noise. The HoMedics white noise machine has only 6 tracks, but they are all you would need in a basic white noise machine. They are:
- White Noise
- Thunder
- Rain
- Summer’s Night
- Ocean
- Brook
These sounds are all pretty standard to what you might see in a white noise machine, but they miss some of the fan noises and possibly some music noises that some people might enjoy.
Click Here for the Best Price on the HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the HoMedics White Noise Machine is pretty good, especially for how affordable the machine is. It might be a basic design, but the sound quality translates well.
Button Navigation
As mentioned already, this device is a pretty basic model, and the buttons are very easy to navigate. Instead of having to scroll through different tracks, each sound has its own button, which makes it very easy to find the one that you are looking for.
The volume and on/off dial is the same button, and there is a small downside to this. The button sticks out pretty far, which makes it potentially easier to break than other buttons of other machines on this review. It also doesn’t have a memory of the volume or track selection, so you will have to remember about what volume you like to set it at each time you turn it on.
It also has a timer function which will turn it off after 15, 30, or 60 minutes, or you can run it continuously.
Size
It is a rather big white noise machine when compared to others on this list, but it still isn’t a very large machine. It is about the size of a tea saucer and can fit on any nightstand easily.
Click Here for the Best Price on the HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine
Design
As mentioned before, this is a more affordable option, and as such you might have to give a little bit in the design. It does not have a very sleek design and it certainly isn’t pretty to look at. It looks like any basic machine, almost similar to an old answering machine. There’s nothing too special about it, but if you don’t care about looks, then that shouldn’t hold you back from buying it. The look has nothing to do with the functionality.
Power Source
One thing I love about the HoMedics White Noise Machine is that it is actually very portable. This is surprising since it isn’t the smallest device on this review, but it actually is one of the ones that is best prepared for taking on the go. This noise machine has the option of plugging into a normal AC outlet or you can use 4 AA batteries.
If you are planning on using this noise machine on the go, you might want to invest in some rechargeable batteries since the device doesn’t hold a charge.
Favorite Feature
My favorite feature of the HoMedics white noise machine is the portability. It is always nice to have that option with babies. Babies and adults will like this device alike, but this feature is a nice addition for any parent who likes to take their baby on the go.
Magicteam Sound Machines White Noise Machine
Track Selection
The Magicteam Sound Machine White Noise Machine comes with nearly as many tracks as the Elesories white noise machine with 20 different sound options. They are:
- White Noise
- Brown Noise
- Pink Noise
- Blue Noise
- 2 Rain
- Rain On Glass
- 4 Fan
- 3 Brook
- 3 Ocean
- Bird Sounds
- Bonfire
- Train
What I like most about this selection is that it has different options than you would see in other typical white noise machines. I enjoy the bonfire sound especially. The train is also an unusual sound choice and not one that I would necessarily feel is relaxing, but maybe if you grew up next to a train track you might feel differently.
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Sound Quality
The sound quality for the Magicteam Sound Machine is surprisingly good for such a small device. There are 32 different sound levels, so you can get it to the perfect volume for either adults or babies. It is versatile and it also has a clear sound with no underlying static.
Button Navigation
There are not many buttons on the Magicteam White Noise Machine, which makes them pretty easy to navigate. There is:
- On/Off and Time
- Volume +/-
- Track Forward/Back
The timer can be a bit tricky to figure out because it is the same as the on/off button. There are five small lights on the bottom of the device and as you press the on/off button, it will turn these lights on to indicate how much time it is set for. Each light stands for one hour increment, so you can set the device for 1 to 5 hours or continuously.
One complaint that comes in about these buttons is that they are kind of loud when you press them. This might not be a huge deal to any adult who uses the device, but if you are trying to change some settings while your baby is going to sleep, it might be one of those little noises that jar them awake.
Size
The Magicteam White Noise Machine is actually the smallest one on this list. It is about the size of a ring box that you would propose to someone with. This means that it is very portable, but it does need to be plugged in to work.
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Design
I do love the design of this device. It is so small that it is nearly unnoticeable in any setting. The device would fit right in on your desk at work and it is easily hidden in any corner or dresser top in your child’s room. It is black, which is always a classic color and won’t discolor over time. The blue light also makes it look chic and it isn’t so bright that it will disturb you as you go to sleep.
Power Source
Like the Elesories White Noise Machine, the Magicteam White Noise Machine has the option of either an AC outlet or a USB port as the power source. This is convenient for the times when you only have your laptop to power this up, but you cannot use this unplugged.
It is very portable in terms of size, but it does need to remain near a power source.
Favorite Feature
What I love most about this white noise machine is that it is so small. I love that it can fit easily into any purse or diaper bag and you can take it wherever you need to go. I would of course love it more if it was so portable that it could be used while it was unplugged, but it is convenient to bring it along with you.
Letsfit White Noise Machine with Adjustable Baby Night Light
Track Selection
The Letsfit White Noise Machine lands directly in the middle of sound selection with 14 different tracks to choose from. These are the tracks:
White Noise
3 Different White Noises
Household Sounds
Fan
2 Dryers
Nature
Crickets
Singing Birds
Ocean Waves
Brook
Thunderstorm
Music
Hush Little Baby
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Rock a Bye Baby
Sound Quality
This, like many of the others on this list, has very good sound quality. The sounds are quite authentic.
Click Here for the Best Price on the Letsfit White Noise Machine With Nightlight
Button Navigation
Of all the white noise machines on this review, this is the one that has the most confusing buttons. Though once you get the hang of it, it isn’t too hard to figure out.
On/Off Button
The biggest issue is that the Letsfit White Noise Machine doesn’t seem to have an obvious on/off button. The speaker on the top functions as the on/off button, but if you were a person like a babysitter who is unfamiliar with the machine, it could be nearly impossible to figure out on your own. No one would really think to press the speaker to turn the machine on or off.
And this can get even more confusing because the on/off button also functions as the on/off button for the nightlight. So if you want to turn the light on, you just tap it, but if you want to turn the whole device on, you need to hold it down.
Plus and Minus Buttons
Again, the plus and minus buttons have two uses as well. If you press and hold them, you can change the volume up and down. If you just press them normally then you will move through the track options.
Timer
The timer is the easiest to figure out because there is just one “T” button indicating the timer. You can select the automatic shut-off for 15, 30, 90, or 120 minutes. Or you can let it play continuously.
Size
The size of the Letsfut White Noise Machine is right in the middle. It is not quite so big as the Yogasleep Dohm UNO but it is not as small as the Magicteam White Noise Machine.
Click Here for the Best Price on the Letsfit White Noise Machine With Nightlight
Design
Of all the white noise machines, the Letsfit White Noise Machine is actually my favorite. It looks very modern and chic and there are four different color options that will allow it to fit seamlessly into your decor. There is white, gray, black, and wood grain. My favorite is the wood grain and it just looks so sleek and minimalist. I can just visualize it on a mid-century modern dresser with a pot of golden pothos next to it.
Power Source
The Letsfit White Noise Machine plugs into a standard AC outlet.
Favorite Feature
I love that the Letsfit White Noise Machine is specifically geared toward babies. Though people of all ages can enjoy this device, there are two things that set it apart and make it more appealing to parents.
First off, there are three lullaby sounds, which is a great feature, especially if you are going to be in the same room and don’t necessarily want to listen to straight white noise.
Second, there is a built-in night light. Outlets can get used up pretty quickly when you have a baby in the house, so it’s nice to have a nightlight built into your noise machine because then you don’t have to waste another outlet on a light.
Conclusion
Overall, every single one of these 5 best white noise machines would be a spectacular product to buy. They all do the trick of blocking out disturbing sounds. However, the features that set them apart will make them more appealing to some people rather than others. Here is the breakdown of what the best features are of these white noise machines.
Yogasleep Dohm UNO White Noise Machine
Best Authentic Fan Noise
Elesories Sound Machine
White Noise Machine with Headphone Jack
HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine
Best Portable White Noise Machine
Magicteam Sound Machines White Noise Machine
Most Compact Design
Letsfit White Noise Machine with Adjustable Baby Night Light
Most Geared Toward Babies
Hopefully, after reading this, you will know what features you value most and which white noise machine is the best for you and your baby. Whether you are a parent who wants a portable device so you can always be on the go, or if you want one that looks the best in your baby’s nursery, you are sure to find one on this list that will fit the bill.