Is falling asleep particularly hard for you? Maybe all you need is a white noise machine. Research has shown that these machines can improve the quality of sleep and help you fall asleep faster. And we've done our best to find the best white noise machine UK has to offer!
Falling and staying asleep is a problem that bothers a lot of people. Waking up sore, and feeling grumpy and tired can take a toll on your life, so dealing with sleep issues should be your number one priority.
Now, there are many methods you can try and improve your sleep, but sometimesΒ all you need is the best white noise machine (UK)Β on your nightstand to help you fall asleep faster and wake up fresh and rested early in the morning.
White noise machines have been proven to work for manyΒ and thatβs why weβve decided to help you find the perfect one.
Our top picks
Finally, it is time to unveil our top picks for the best white noise machine in the UK! We've done our best to test, compare and consider everything there is to consider so that we can make an unbiased, objective decision for our top picks. With that in mind, we're certain you'll like at least one of our picks.
DreamEggβs D11 white noise machine is a highly portable, all-around sleeping assistant. Just like all the others on our list, this one is a lot more than just a white noise machine.
Unlike the ones we mentioned so far, D11 doesn't have a sound library that vast. You only get 11 different sounds to choose from, but even that should be more than enough for most users.
At only 3.4β³ in diameter β this is the smallest device on our list. In addition to the small form-factor, this one also comes with a baby-safe clip, so you can hang it pretty much anywhere you want.
Relaxing your mind and body has never been more affordable. Now, this device won't be as good as a trip to the spa, but you listen to spa βmusicβ and pretend you're there.
With 36 high-quality sounds, this one is one of the most versatile white noise machines, offering even more options than our top pick. Just like our champ, this one also comes with a timer and a βmemoryβ function β which is always welcome.
Volume adjusting is pretty solid, with 16 levels to choose from, which is not as great as our champ β but still pretty good. On the flip side, this one is rather portable since it can be both powered by a rechargeable battery and from an outlet.
Hatch Restore combines a white noise machine, alarm, smart light, meditation app and an alarm clock into one smart sleep assistant β sounds rather great, right?
Since they claim to be a lot more than a white noise machine, we have to treat it as such. Pretty much everything this machine does is impeccable.
The price tag is high but it is highly justified, considering the overall quality, features & durability.
Expensive when compared to similar products. You have to pay for an app too.
Best With Timer: LectroFan White Noise Machine
A solid choice for everyone looking for nothing more than a white noise machine!
Best With Timer
For our next pick, we have a device that does exactly what it has to do and not a lot more.
This device isnβt the greatest when it comes to sound variety, nor does it have a night light, but if youβre simply looking for fan and white noise and nothing else β this is the one for you.
Just like all of the other ones on our list, this one also comes with a simple timer, but unlike most of our picks β this one can be powered both by USB or directly from an outlet.
Back-to-back products from Hatch, only this time weβre looking at a product for your little ones.
Once again weβre looking at an all-around sleep assistant, rather than just a white noise machine. This one is pretty much on par with the previous one, with the main difference being the style and size and the app you kind of have to use if you want to make the most out of this device.
Hust like youβd expect β everything can be customised via an app, but not as much with the touch controls on the device itself.
Features to look for in the best white noise machines
Now that we've gone over our top picks for the best white noise machine UK, let's go into more detail. After all, a white noise machine isn't just something that creates background noise! There's a difference between a good white noise machine and a bad one.
However, it might not be obvious what those differences are. So, let's go through all the different features that make a white noise machine good and talk about how this sleep aid works in the first place.
Sound colours
The first thing we need to discuss is the difference between white noise, pink noise, and brown noise. After all, while we're searching for the best white noise machines, some of them will have pink noise and brown noise options. So, it's important to get a general idea of what this actually means.
White noise
Since we're looking for the best white noise machines, it only makes sense that we first talk about what white noise is. Basically, white noise is a combination of all the frequencies the human ear can detect and it typically sounds a bit high-pitched.
When it comes to a direct comparisson, think of something like fan sounds but slightly pitched up. And white noise does seem to help with some issues – such as ADHD. At least to an extent.
Pink noise
Of the two, pink noise is more similar to white noise than brown noise. Just like white noise, pink noise contains all of the frequencies we can hear. However, pink noise does dampen some of the higher frequencies. To some, this results in more soothing sounds. For a point of reference, think of natural sounds such as the rain or wind.
In terms of how pink noise is used, it's mostly for relaxation. It's a bit less distracting than white noise and some research does suggest that pink noise can help with falling asleep more quickly.
Brown noise
Brown noise is generally has much more prominent lower frequencies, giving it a bassy sound. Think of sounds such as crashing waves for a point of reference. When it comes to the benefits of brown noise, it's a bit limited. Some research does suggest that it might help with ADHD and concentration, but isn't anything concrete.
It's also important to dispel a common myth – brown noise doesn't effect your bowels in any way. So, don't think that brown noise is the cure for your constipation problems.
Sound varieties
Arguably one of the first things you should pay attention to when shopping for a white noise machine is the sound variety. In case you didnβt know, there are two different kinds of white noise machines β those that play prerecorded sounds and those that create the sound mechanically. Those that create the sound mechanically do so with a fan.
Choosing between the two is solely based on your personal preference. If you enjoy variety, then youβll most likely gravitate towards those that play recorded sounds. Recorded sounds can be various because what one might find soothing, the others might not. In general, you can expect rain sounds, waves, wind, babbling brook, chirping of birds and other nature sounds.
For some, these nature sounds are going to be more effective since it will calm them down. This is especially true if you like to visualise that you're in a calm, peaceful environment. However, others do prefer the “bland” fan sounds as they're not as distracting.
Volume settings
Another quite important feature to look for is the volume adjuster. Just like with any other βspeakerβ, you need to have complete control over the sound levels. Adjusting the volume and finding that sweet spot that masks ambient noise, is comfortable and does not disturb your sleep is paramount. This is especially important if the machine is being used by the children, as theyβre even more sensitive to loud white noise. And even nature sounds can be distracting if they're too loud!
Keep in mind, that some lower-end models have only a few volume settings, for instance, quiet, normal or loud. We'd recommend avoiding those products, as fine-tuning the volume of the machine is quite important. Also, keep in mind what's loud for someone, might be too quiet for someone else.
Smart features
Just like many other gadgets in the 21st century, white noise machines can offer a handful of additional, smart features. Obviously, it could be quite useful if you could connect the device to your home network, smartphone or a home assistant like Amazon Echo, for example.
In addition to interconnectivity between your smart devices, some of these machines could also act as a night light or an alarm clock. To be fair, in most instances, these additional features won't make or break the product since you probably have a phone that acts as your alarm, but in case you don't like keeping a smartphone by your head while you sleep, a feature like this one could come in handy.
Another handy feature is a child lock. Sure, a white noise machine isn't exactly dangerous but it's nice to know that your children can't accidentally turn off your alarm clock or change your sound settings. Although we will point out that not many white noise machines have this option.
Display
Some white noise machines, although not many of them, come with displays. Now, when you think of a product that helps you sleep you donβt really picture them with a light source strapped onto them. As you already know, light, especially blue light thatβs emitted by the displays is quite detrimental to healthy sleep patterns.
If you must choose a device with a display on it β at least make sure the display can be turned off. Ideally, when shopping for a white noise machine, youβre better off choosing the one without the display. Instead, choose the one with physical buttons from which you can control the device.
Timer
Another neat feature for a white noise machine is a timer. You see, some people only need ambient noise to fall asleep and they prefer sleeping in complete silence. The others, on the other hand, prefer to have their white noise machines playing for as long as theyβre asleep. In most cases, a quality white noise machine will come with a built-in timer function, for this exact reason.
The main difference when it comes to timers is whether you'll set them up using an app or directly through the device. All of this pretty much comes down to personal preference, so pay attention to it if you'd like a fully customisable experience.
Portability
Finally, another thing to pay attention to is portability. In general, white noise machines arenβt bulky, but that doesnβt mean theyβre travel-friendly or portable. Some white noise machines require a power outlet to run, which can be quite tricky if you're a frequent traveler. In some instances, a hotel room might not have a power outlet by the bed or it only has one and you need to charge your phone instead.
Either way, it would be wise to consider a a portable white noise machine that runs on batteries or is charged via USB, so you don't have to worry about whether you'll be able to set it up once you're away from home.
Do you need a white noise machine?
Some people might wonder why they even need the best white noise machines. After all, you can have fan sounds by, well, turning on a fan. And when it comes to nature sounds, there's about a million YouTube videos that fit the bill. In fact, there are even countless white noise apps that claim to do the same things as the best white noise machines!
So, do you really need a special device to create background noise or can you just use your phone? Well, it depends. On the one hand, yes, there's absolutely nothing stopping you from downloading a white noise app and playing some background noise.
This saves you money and nothing is more portable than a phone! However, it's not always perfect. For one, you'd have to keep your phone close to your head while sleeping – which isn't healthy. Secondly, some of the white noise apps will have ads which can disrupt your sleep. Or they can carry the same price tag as a white noise machine!
However, it's also possible that you'll find an app that has better sound quality (if you have a good phone), is free, and has a bigger library of sleep sounds than any white noise machine. So, it all depends on how much you're willing to look around and how good your phone speakers are.
Are white noise machines good for you?
On the tin, listening to calming sounds can only sound beneficial. At best it can help you get better sleep and at worst it can be a letdown. But what does science have to say about white noise and its effects? Well, while it can vary a bit, it does seem that white noise sound machines (or apps) can help to a degree.
For one, like we've already mentioned, studies do suggest pink, brown, and white noise can help with certain conditions such as ADHD, as well as overall concentration, relaxation and falling asleep. And seeing how many of the sound options are based on nature sounds, this makes sense.
White noise can also help block out unwanted background noise, such as dogs barking or traffic. However, there are also more subtle benefits of white noise. For one, white noise can be used in the field of occupational health and safety.
White noise machines can also help babies fall asleep. However, it's worth pointing out that this isn't always effective and some white noise machines can be too loud for the baby.
Tips for buying and using best white noise machine
Now that weβve highlighted some of the key features for every white noise machine, we thought weβd make your shopping experience more pleasant by presenting you with a few additional tips.
First things first β read the reviews. Listening to the voice of others can be quite helpful if youβre not sure which product to choose. If you stumble upon a product that youβre torn about, it might be wise to check out what other people have to say about it. A review can really change your perspective on a product.
Next up, if you plan on using a white noise machine in your baby's room, it is recommended by paediatricians that you keep the device at least 2m away from the crib. Also, mind the volume!
Finally, always pay attention to how you feel the next day after you had slept with a white noise machine on. Compare the before and after, so you have a better understanding of whether you're making progress or you need to look into some other things, as well.
Read the reviews
Keep the device away from the babyβs crib
Do the before & after test.
The advantages of owning best white noise machine
Finally, itβs important that we understand just how beneficial the white noise machines actually are.
First of all, white noise machines can help you fall asleep faster. Many suffer from falling asleep in complete silence as that keeps them restless and their mind wandering, so thatβs where this device comes in handy. Also, a white noise machine is great for masking additional sounds that might disturb you while youβre trying to visit the snooze-ville.
Next up, a white noise machine can help alleviate sleep anxiety which is what keeps many up at night. Turning off the TV and falling asleep to the sounds of a white noise machine is a much better alternative, especially if you factor in the blue light emitted from the television set.
Finally, it has been reported that a white noise machine can help alleviate headaches that could keep you awake at night. Scientist claim that the sound consistency provided by the white noise machines βdullsβ the senses in a way that can help ease the pain.
It helps you fall asleep faster
It helps alleviate sleep anxiety
It helps with headaches.
Conclusion
And that's all you need to know to find the best white noise machine UK! But if you think we've missed anything, or have any questions, either check out the FAQ section or leave us a comment.
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FAQs about your white noise machines
Sometimes, itβs just that one question thatβs bothering you that could be the difference between buying or not buying a product. On that note, we wanted to answer some of the frequently asked questions that we felt might be important to the buyer.
Can white noise machines be harmful?
Yes. If used improperly i.e. too loud, a white noise machine can be harmful both to your health and your sleep cycle.
Should white noise be played all night?
If you set the volume correctly and turn off the machine in the morning β you may use the machine all night long if that's what's helping you sleep soundly.
Are white noise machines bad for adults?
There have been some claims that overly stimulating your auditory system during the night can be bad for your health, however, nothing of sorts has been definitively proven.
Are all noise machines the same?
No. White noise machines differ in more than one way i.e. how they make the sound, how quiet or loud they get, portability and more.
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