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Do you need a white noise machine?
Updated 22 October 2026
A white noise machine is a small speaker that plays one or a few sounds. It is simple and reliable, and it does one job well. But you may not need one. A phone, an old laptop, or a cheap speaker with a browser tab can do the same job and give you more sounds. Here is how to decide.
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
- Try the sounds here for a week before buying anything.
- If you like it but do not want a phone in the bedroom, use an old phone or a small speaker plugged into a laptop.
- If you want one button and nothing else, a machine is worth it.
What a good sound machine does
It plays a non-looping sound, does not beep or flash, has a volume control that goes low enough, and runs all night. Some have real fans inside, which many people prefer to recordings.
Machine vs app vs browser
A machine is simple and keeps your phone out of the bedroom. An app is free or cheap but may have ads, loops, or subscriptions. A browser tab needs no install and here gives you an equalizer, layers, and a timer. Its weakness is that a phone may pause the tab if battery saving is on.
What to look for if you buy one
A truly continuous sound, not a short loop. Low minimum volume, especially for babies. A deep sound option like fan or brown noise. No bright lights. A timer if you only want it while falling asleep.
Questions
Are white noise machines worth it?
If you use one every night and want simplicity, yes. To find out whether noise helps you, try a free one first.
Is a phone as good as a white noise machine?
The sound can be just as good. The main drawbacks are notifications and battery.