Testing The Best Noise-Cancelling Machines (2022)

For some people, sleep can be a tough thing to come by. This is especially true if you’re an extremely light sleeper.

Just about any sound might keep you awake. Anxiety can also present a huge problem when it comes to getting the sleep you need. Yet there are so few natural options for dealing with it.

You can take pills to knock yourself out, but those can come with numerous side effects. Ear plugs can also result in increased ear infections or you just might find them uncomfortable to sleep with. If nothing else has really worked in the past, it might be time for you to try a noise-cancelling machine.

Best Noise-Cancelling Machine: Reviews

1. Marpac Classic

Sale
Yogasleep Dohm Classic (White) The Original White Noise Sound Machine, Soothing Natural Sounds from a Real Fan, Sleep Therapy for Adults & Baby, Noise Cancelling for Office Privacy & Meditation
  • THE ORIGINAL WHITE NOISE SOUND MACHINE: Beloved by millions since 1962, the Dohm Classic model features our fan-based natural white noise, it produces the soothing ambient sounds of moving air.
  • CUSTOMIZED SOUND EXPERIENCE: With two speed options for adjustable tone and volume, the Dohm Classic excellently cancels background noise for better sleep for children, adults, office privacy, and soothing sound-sensitive pets.

This is the prime choice for those who just want a simple white noise machine to help them sleep. For a very fair price, it’s designed to help those who have difficulty sleeping using this sound. As a result, it’s reliable for both calming people down and covering up annoying sounds.

Review

The key use for a noise-cancelling machine is to cover up unpleasant sounds with something more uniform. For example, the sounds of nearby parties, noisy neighbors or cars on the street can be disruptive, loud and annoying. 

However, a noise-cancelling device can make those sounds a lot less troublesome by masking up the sound. With a softer, flatter sound, you’ll be able to enjoy your sleep a little bit more. As a result, you’ll have an easier time calming down to focus, meditate, work, study or sleep. No matter your age, this device can be quite helpful.

There are a number of people who opt to use devices like this one to help their infants sleep better. Due to the soothing nature, it can help keep them from being startled awake. Anyone who has children will recognize just how beneficial any extra sleep can be.

Pros

  • Helps sleep in a natural way
  • Easy to adjust
  • Improves quality of sleep
  • Drowns out distractions
  • Great for babies and children

Cons

  • Begins to rattle over time
  • May take longer to turn on over time

Best For

For those who want something simple, easy to use and more than suitable for helping people of all ages get to sleep, this is the choice for you.

2. Sound+Sleep

Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine with 30 Guaranteed Non-Looping Nature Sounds, and Sleep Timer
  • [Masks Noise] Environmental and nature tracks that can cancel out distracting sounds. Can help improve sleep, focus, privacy, and relaxation.
  • [30 Non-Looping Sounds] 10 categories to choose from, with 3 richness options per category totaling to 30 unique sounds. Rich & immersive sound categories include ocean, meadow, train, city, rainfall, brook, meditation, white noise, waterfall, and fireplace.

There are some who know exactly which sound they want, and some who might prefer to explore a number of options to find the ideal choice. While this might be one of the more expensive choices on the market, it does include a huge variety of different sounds to help you sleep.

Review

The Sound+Sleep device is one that offers a plethora of different sound options. With 12 different categories and 48 sounds between all of them, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. That many choices also means you can use different sounds for sleeping, meditating and more.

You’ll also have plenty of options when it comes to providing power to the device; you can plug it into an AC outlet, use a USB cord or simply put some batteries into it. On top of that, this device includes the ability to listen to whatever you want using the audio input.

The recordings that this device uses come from the environment, rather than simple looped digital sounds. You can also use a timer that customizes to what you need. Furthermore, it can be set to lower the volume slowly so that you can fall asleep easily.

Pros

  • Lots of sound options
  • Authentic sounds
  • Aids tinnitus
  • Great customer service
  • Not a lot of static

Cons

  • Difficult to return
  • Poor quality speaker

Best For

This is a great option for those who want a lot of sound options to explore.

3. Big Red Rooster

Sale
White Noise Rain Sound Machine for Sleeping, Baby Soother - Portable White Noise Machine for Office Privacy Travel, Adults Kids Baby Sleep Sound Machine, Plug-in or Battery-Operated Nature Noise Maker
  • 6 SOOTHING SLEEP SOUNDS - The six white noise machine sounds include rain, brook, ocean (no seagulls), soft thunder, white noise, and summer night. This sleep sound machine baby soother helps not only babies but also adults to drift off to sleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
  • MASK BACKGROUND NOISES - The white noise sound machine masks noise for improved sleep, concentration, and comfort. It blocks background noise while sleeping, working, or traveling to experience serenity in every situation. Relaxing sounds are also perfect for yoga, meditation, spas and more!

Not everyone who needs a white noise machine wants to pay a lot for it. This inexpensive option allows you to choose from 6 sounds designed to help you with calming you down, focusing, meditating or sleeping. All of these sounds are natural and sure to help relax you.

Review

Those who want natural sounds will enjoy this device. You’ll be able to find a plethora of choices including the sound of a brook, a soothing summer evening, the ocean, or even rain and thunder. If you prefer simple white noise, this is a device that can offer that as well.

Annoying background noise will be a thing of the past when you try out this device. Instead, you’ll be able to listen to a variety of calming sounds that will help you to sleep well and enjoy sweet dreams. Just like many other choices, this is a great one for adults and babies alike, helping both to sleep well.

When you want to use this device, you can power it through batteries or just by plugging it into an outlet. Those who have tinnitus can also find some relief through the use of the Big Red Rooster, helping them to reach better sleep.

Pros

  • Clear sound
  • Even helps puppies to sleep
  • Quality customer service
  • Blocks troubling sounds
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Too high-pitched
  • Poor quality sound

Best For

For a budget-friendly choice with 6 sounds to select from and an easy-to-use design, make sure to check out this device.

4. LectroFan Evo

Sale
Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine with International Power Adaptors for the US, UK and EU - Global Power Edition
  • [International Model] Includes an adapter kit for US, UK, and EU power outlets. Can also be powered through USB.
  • [Masks Noise] Helps block out disruptive environmental noises. Can help improve sleep, focus, privacy, and relaxation. Helpful for any age.

White noise machines come in so many different shapes and sizes. This is one that provides you with a highly modern look that is sure to fit into your home quite easily. It also includes plenty of different sound options to help you with finding the ideal choice to help you sleep.

Review

Aside from the great modern look, this device is able to provide 22 sounds that are sure to help you relax or focus. Whatever you need, this device is one that will be able to provide the calming environmental sounds that will help you to do so.

When you use this device, you’ll be able to cut out other sounds that may be going on around you. When you live near a lot of other people, there can be so many troubling sounds that may keep you from sleeping well.

Even babies will be able to benefit from this device, which is something parents are sure to appreciate. If you really want to block out the rest of the world, you can also connect the Evo to just about any headphones or earphones that use 3.5mm jack. If you plan to keep the sound on as you sleep, something like a sleep headband can allow you to hear while providing more comfort.

Pros

  • Blocks out noises
  • Saves your relationships with neighbors and co-workers
  • Plenty of volume
  • Calms anxious dogs
  • Assists with tinnitus, anxiety, etc.

Cons

  • Crackling sounds
  • Difficulty with returns

Best For

When you want the perfect modern fit for your home, this is a great choice.

5. Pure Enrichment Sound Machine

Sale
Pure Enrichment® WAVE™ Premium Sleep Therapy Sound Machine with USB Charger - Seamless Looping with 6 Soothing All-Natural Sounds, & Auto-Off Timer - Easily Portable for Travel (White) Patented Design
  • ALL-NATURAL SLEEP AID: Get a deeper, more restful night’s sleep with this drug-free sleep aid for insomnia, general restlessness, and other sleep related issues. Ideal for use in bedrooms, nurseries, or while staying at hotels and resorts.
  • 6 SOUND OPTIONS: Enjoy a peaceful and relaxing listening experience with new and improved seamless looping of 6 soothing sounds (white noise, fan, ocean, rain, stream, and summer night) with little repetition and no audible break

This sound machine is a great choice when you want something compact and don’t need a great number of sounds. It’s perfect for those who know what sound they want and don’t feel the need to explore many more. Furthermore, it’s one that comes at a price most people are happy with.

Review

The Pure Enrichment machine allows you to choose white noise or other natural sounds such as streams or the ocean. There’s also a lovely summer night choice that offers you the same kinds of sounds you might hear while you’re camping out during the middle of summer.

Like other choices in our review, you can also use this one to charge other USB devices. Keep in mind that the plug-ins are limited, but it’s a great choice for charging your phone on your night stand.

What sets this option apart is the portability it offers. You can use it just about anywhere, allowing you to block unwanted noises wherever you may be.

Pros

  • Smooth flow
  • Great design
  • USB charger for added devices
  • Easy to use
  • Improves sleep hygiene

Cons

  • Obvious looping
  • Poor sound quality

Best For

For a highly compact choice that you can easily take to hotels, or that just doesn’t take up a lot of space on your nightstand, this is one of the best options.

6. HoMedics Sound Machine

Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine, Silver, Small Travel Sound Machine with 6 Relaxing Nature Sounds, Portable Sound Therapy for Home, Office, Nursery, Auto-Off Timer, By Homedics
  • White Noise Sound Machine: The Homedics White Noise Sound Machine includes 6 digitally recorded relaxing sounds designed to mimic the natural environment: White Noise, Thunder, Ocean, Rain, Summer Night, and Brook
  • Compact and Portable: This portable sound machine is lightweight, compact, and easily fits into your purse, bag, or suitcase

This is a machine that is designed to help with improving sleep hygiene and keeping unexpected noises from keeping you awake all night. It comes at a great price and provides you with 12 different sound options. Additionally, the simple design also makes it intuitive to use.

Review

This handy little device is a perfect choice for those who want something lightweight and portable. It may not fit in your pocket, but it will be easy to take on the road to use in hotels or other locations. This is also a choice that is rechargeable, so you won’t need to worry about replacing batteries.

Whether you need to study, sleep or meditate, this device will have a sound for you. It plays a variety of natural sounds that can help to keep you calm and focused. 

You can listen to sounds like those from the ocean, the rainforest or just a simple fan. Once you’ve gotten a full charge, this device will also last for a good 12 hours. As a result, you won’t need to worry about it shutting off too soon.

Pros

  • Avoid sleep disruptions
  • Highly compact
  • Long battery life
  • Several sound choices
  • Seamless looping

Cons

  • Defective units
  • May cease charging

Best For

If you’re looking for something with a lot of battery life, take a closer look at this machine.

7. Pictek Mini

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Some may want something they can easily take with them to work. This low-cost device works using earphones and provides you with plenty of battery life. As a result, it’s also a great idea for those who need something to keep them calm while they’re traveling or trying to sleep in a new place.

Review

This is the prime choice when you want something that will fit in your pocket. The Pictek is a tiny device, designed to be listened to through earphones rather than out loud, This makes it a great choice for those who need a little help focusing at work or during travel.

There are 12 options when it comes to sounds, ensuring you’ll have plenty to choose from. You’ll also be able to choose to set a timer or listen to the device play continually. 

Each full charge will give you almost a full day of battery life, so you won’t need to worry about running out of power just when you need it. With the purchase, you’ll get a little pouch to carry it in so that it can stay in good shape whether it’s in a bag, pocket or piece of luggage.

Pros

  • Drowns out exterior sounds
  • Super portable
  • Aids in personal time and relaxation
  • Lots of sound options
  • Budget pricing

Cons

  • Earbuds misfit
  • Too loud

Best For

If you need something to use while you’re traveling, at work or anywhere else, consider this low-cost choice.


Conclusion

When you’re shopping for a noise-cancelling machine, you’ll want t something that offers quality sound options. The kinds of sounds that aid in sleep might differ from person to person. You might enjoy the sound of rain, while others just need simple white or pink noise to get the job done.

Whatever sound you need to get through the night, make sure you get something without a lot of unexpected sounds that may jar you awake. Instead, look for something smooth that will relax your mind rather than waking it up even more.

About the author

Glen

My name is Glen. I've been in the audio world for over 15 years. I love reviewing audio equipment and solving audio related problems.