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Brown noise vs white noise vs pink noise
Updated 22 October 2026
White, pink, and brown noise are all random noise. The only difference is how their energy is spread from low to high. White is even and sounds bright. Pink leans low and sounds balanced. Brown leans further and sounds deep. Play them one after another below and the difference is obvious.
Press play
Play opens the sound masker with this mix already loaded, so you can hear it and shape it.
How to set it up
- Use headphones if you can.
- Play White, then Pink, then Brown, for ten seconds each.
- Pick the one you could imagine listening to for an hour. That is a good place to start.
The difference in one table of words
White noise: equal energy at every frequency; sounds like a hiss; covers the widest range. Pink noise: equal energy per octave, falling 3 decibels per octave; sounds like rain; balanced. Brown noise: falls 6 decibels per octave; sounds like a deep roar; softest on the ears.
Which is best for sleep?
Most people prefer brown or pink noise for sleep, because they are easier to listen to for hours. White noise covers high sounds best, but it can feel harsh. If your noise problem is low, like traffic or neighbors, brown noise is the better match.
Which is best for focus?
Brown noise is the popular choice for focus and ADHD. Pink noise covers voices a little better, which helps in shared spaces. White noise is the one most studies used.
Which is best for babies and tinnitus?
For babies, start with a low sound like brown noise or a fan at a low volume. For tinnitus, try a curve that matches your ringing, which is often brighter, like white or a shaped noise.
Questions
Is brown noise better than white noise?
Not better, different. Brown is deeper and softer; white is brighter and covers more of the high range.
What is between white and brown noise?
Pink noise.
Which noise color is most popular for sleep?
Brown and pink.