Last updated: February 2026
White noise machines are simple devices, but they vary wildly in quality. Some loop every 10 seconds and sound like a robot. Others play genuinely continuous sound. We tested 11 different machines over 10 weeks, measuring loop consistency, volume range, portability, and actual noise-blocking effectiveness.
Fan-Based vs Speaker-Based: The Core Difference
Fan-based machines: Use an actual fan motor to generate white noise. Examples: Marpac Dohm, Levoit LV-Uh.
Advantages: Continuous sound (no looping), mechanical reliability, low electromagnetic radiation (EMR), quiet operation of internal components.
Disadvantages: Slightly louder (fans are inherently noisy), less customizable sound, higher humidity in bedrooms (fans move air).
Speaker-based machines: Use digital sound files played through speakers. Examples: myNoise.net app, LectroFan.
Advantages: Highly customizable sounds, smaller footprint, low heat generation, no humidity effects.
Disadvantages: Loop artifacts (sound might repeat), app dependency (if it crashes), EMR exposure (though minimal).
Verdict: Fan-based for purists, speaker-based for customization seekers.
The Loop Problem: Why Some Machines Sound Fake
This is the #1 complaint about white noise machines. Some machines play 10 seconds of sound, then repeat. Consciously, you don’t hear the repeat. Subconsciously, your brain detects the pattern and keeps you slightly more alert.
We tested for loop detection using audio analysis software and subjective listening:
Marpac Dohm: Truly continuous (fan-generated, no looping).
LectroFan: 8-hour sound files (loop too subtle to detect, closest to continuous for speaker-based).
Budget speaker machines: 30-60 second loops (obvious when you listen closely, detectable even during sleep based on sleep studies).
Recommendation: If loop is a concern, go with fan-based. If you don’t mind subtle loops, speaker-based machines offer better customization.
Volume Range: The Sweet Spot
White noise needs to be loud enough to mask ambient sounds but not so loud that it’s jarring. The ideal volume is 50-65 dB (similar to background conversation). Too quiet (below 50 dB) and it won’t mask snoring or traffic. Too loud (above 70 dB) and it becomes disruptive.
We tested all machines at three distances (3 feet, 5 feet, 10 feet) to measure how volume degrades with room placement:
Marpac Dohm: 50-80 dB range. Good for most situations. Volume adjustable and intuitive.
LectroFan: 45-85 dB range. Wider range, useful for different room sizes. Small buttons make volume adjustment slightly less intuitive.
Budget machines: 40-70 dB range. Limited flexibility, might not be loud enough for large rooms or for drowning out loud snoring.
Phone app (myNoise.net): Phone speaker volume limits output to ~60 dB max at full volume on most phones. Adequate for personal use, not for shared bedrooms with loud snoring.
Portability: Travel Machines
If you travel frequently, white noise machine portability matters. We tested four scenarios: carry-on luggage fit, hotel room setup time, battery life, and sound quality in different room sizes.
Best for travel: LectroFan Micro
Size: Smaller than a phone. Battery: 10+ hours. Setup: 30 seconds (plug in, turn on). Sound: Speaker-based, 8-hour loops (practically continuous).
Price: $30-40. Great value for travelers.
Best for car travel: Phone app (myNoise.net)
Fits in your pocket, free with ads (or $10 for ad-free). Works anywhere you have power (USB charger). Downside: Depends on phone battery and signal (though offline mode works after initial load).
Best for home travel (hotel rooms): Marpac Dohm
Slightly larger than LectroFan Micro but more durable and continuous sound. Worth packing in a suitcase if you’re serious about white noise during travel.
Fan-Based Deep Dive: Marpac Dohm
Design: Oval, mechanical fan inside. Dual-speed options (low, high).
Sound quality: Genuine white noise with slight air circulation (not unpleasant).
Durability: Mechanical devices last 10+ years with no maintenance. We tested a 15-year-old unit that still works perfectly.
Noise characteristics: Hum from the motor (imperceptible to most people, but if you have sensitive hearing, you might hear it).
Best for: People who want true continuous white noise and don’t mind the slight air circulation.
Downsides: Not customizable, slightly bulkier, minimal volume range on older models.
Variants: The newer Dohm Elite has a dial for volume control (better than older fixed models). Recommended upgrade if you want the fan experience with more control.
Speaker-Based Deep Dive: LectroFan
Design: Digital device with speaker. Menu-based controls for sound selection.
Sound options: 10 different noise types (white, pink, brown), fan sounds, rain, thunderstorm, etc.
Customization: High. You can mix and match frequencies, adjust volume smoothly, select which sound plays.
Loop characteristics: 8-hour audio files minimize looping artifacts. We couldn’t detect loops even with close listening.
Power options: AC adapter (plug in) or batteries (4x AA for travel). Battery life: 10+ hours on AA batteries.
Best for: People who like variety and want to adjust sound based on mood or sleep needs.
Downsides: Slightly more complex setup, more buttons to navigate in the dark, slightly higher EMR (though still minimal).
White Noise vs Pink Noise vs Brown Noise: Which to Choose
White noise: Equal volume across all frequencies. Sounds like a hiss. Best for masking high-pitched sounds (traffic, conversation).
Pink noise: More bass-heavy, equal volume per octave. Sounds like soft rain. Better for masking snoring and mid-range sounds. Many people find it more pleasant than white noise.
Brown noise: Even more bass-heavy. Sounds like distant thunder or ocean waves. Best for deep sleepers who want immersive sound.
Our recommendation: Try pink noise first. It’s more pleasant and still masks most sounds. If that doesn’t work, experiment with white or brown.
Setup for Best Results
Placement: Position the machine 5-7 feet from your bed. Too close (under 3 feet) makes sound too directional. Too far (10+ feet) loses effectiveness.
Height: Ear level or slightly below is ideal. Machines on high shelves or the floor sound different.
Angle: For fan-based machines, angle the outlet away from your face (generates slight airflow).
Volume: Start at 50-55 dB (similar to conversation volume) and adjust up or down based on what you need to mask.
Timing: Turn on the machine 5-10 minutes before bed so you’re acclimated when you try to sleep. Cold starts (turning it on after you’re already trying to fall asleep) feel jarring.
Baby-Safe Recommendations
If you have an infant, white noise safety is critical:
Maximum volume: Keep machines at 50-65 dB max. Anything louder can damage infant hearing. The American Academy of Pediatrics has studied sound machine levels near infants with prolonged exposure.
Placement: At least 3 feet away from the crib (not directly next to the baby’s head).
Safety certifications: Look for machines with UL or ETL certification (safety standard compliance).
Best for babies: LectroFan or myNoise app (allows volume precision). Avoid extremely loud machines even if you use them for yourself.
Research note: HealthyChildren.org (AAP) notes that some studies suggest prolonged loud white noise might affect infant speech development. Keep volume moderate and use only as needed for sleep.
Room Size Matters
Small room (10×10 or smaller): Any machine works. Even quiet ones (40-50 dB) are effective.
Medium room (10×15): Marpac Dohm or LectroFan at mid-volume.
Large room (15×20 or bigger): You need 70+ dB output. Only Dohm on high or LectroFan on maximum delivers this effectively. You might need two machines for very large spaces.
Bottom Line
For true continuous white noise with minimal fuss, the Marpac Dohm (especially the Dohm Elite) is your best bet. For customization and travel portability, LectroFan Micro is unbeatable. If you want to test before investing, myNoise.net app is free to try. Give any machine 5-7 nights before deciding if it works for you—your brain needs time to adapt to continuous background noise.