Best Noise Cancelling Device To Sleep Peacefully In 2022

A good night’s sleep is vital for good health. It keeps us active, alert and buoyant. Sleep is important for creativity and productivity. Nothing can replace 7 hours of sound refreshing sleep. But the problem is, with all the chaos and distractions around us, we today find it difficult to sleep well at night. Noisy neighborhoods, snoring partners, wailing babies, honking cars, jetlag – all contribute towards our deteriorating sleep quality. Noise cancelling device addressed these issues perfectly and helped the buyers to get comfortable peaceful environment during sleep time or other situations. Before going to further let us see what is the best product in the market.

( Video Review ) – Marpac Dohm Classic – The Best Noise Cancelling Machine :

Noise cancelling devices block ambient sounds to create a peaceful environment for sleep and relaxation. It encourages concentration and prolongs focus, aids meditation and stimulates creative thinking. These noise cancelling machines also masks confidential discussions in offices and helps safeguard classified information.

We recently conducted a study on noise cancelling devices. Based on their technology, sound profiles and features, we compiled a list of the best noise cancelling machines. Let us check the top 3 products below in a quick snapshot. For detailed review check our comprehensive study in later section. We hope you find it useful.

Preview
Best Noise Cancelling Device
The Runner Up
Best Budget Noise Cancelling Machine
Title
Marpac Dohm Classic The Original White Noise Machine Featuring Soothing Natural Sound from a Real Fan, White
LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine with 20 Unique Non-Looping Fan and White Noise Sounds and Sleep Timer
White Noise Sleep Sound Machine for Adults | Sound Machines for Sleeping | Portable White Noise Machine for Office Privacy | Travel Sound Machine Baby | Plug in Or Battery Operated Brown Noise Maker
Color
White, Fog White, Grey, Black
White, Black, Charcoal, Evo White, White/Grey
White
Product Specialties
Natural sounding fan based white noise, Easy volume & tone control, Portable
Multiple fan & white noise option, Personal preference options with white, pink & brown noise
Budget product, Automatic sleep timer, 6 type of natural sounds
Best Noise Cancelling Device
Preview
Title
Marpac Dohm Classic The Original White Noise Machine Featuring Soothing Natural Sound from a Real Fan, White
Color
White, Fog White, Grey, Black
Product Specialties
Natural sounding fan based white noise, Easy volume & tone control, Portable
The Runner Up
Preview
Title
LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine with 20 Unique Non-Looping Fan and White Noise Sounds and Sleep Timer
Color
White, Black, Charcoal, Evo White, White/Grey
Product Specialties
Multiple fan & white noise option, Personal preference options with white, pink & brown noise
Best Budget Noise Cancelling Machine
Preview
Title
White Noise Sleep Sound Machine for Adults | Sound Machines for Sleeping | Portable White Noise Machine for Office Privacy | Travel Sound Machine Baby | Plug in Or Battery Operated Brown Noise Maker
Color
White
Product Specialties
Budget product, Automatic sleep timer, 6 type of natural sounds

Top 15 Noise Cancelling Device To Keep You In Ultimate Peace :

Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Sound Machine :

The Marpac Dohm is the first and ultimate noise-canceling device in the range. The device may look old-school (it actually is, since it has been leading the market for decades now), its performance won’t appear worn out. While designing, the manufacturers have used an asymmetrical fan that, by utilizing white noise, creates a soothing ambient environment.

White noise draws out ambient noises and disturbances (of both indoor and outdoor), letting the user work, sleep or meditate peacefully. It produces a soothing rushing air sound that doesn’t bother the users (as noise) but adds in for its tremendous benefits. The device comes with two-speed options that allow for adjusting both volume and tone. Using the device is simple: plugin, flip the switch (for low or high) and rotate the cap/ collar.

Comparative Study :

The Marpac Dohm sound machine has been leading the market since 1962 and for all good reasons. What keeps it still amongst the best isn’t just its performance but years and decades of durability. Hence, invest once and use it for about 10 to 15 years with ease.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Its soft white noise isn’t harsh but feels very pleasant to the ears.
  • It blocks out any type of outdoor noises (even one of the hurricanes).
  • It restarts on its own after a power cut.
  • It is easy to set up and use.
  • It never runs hot even if you operate the device throughout the day.
  • It doesn’t take much floor space.
  • It ensures durability and longevity, making your purchase one long time investment.
Cons
  • It is a little bit expensive but still worth a purchase.

LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine :

The LectroFan noise cancellation block/ device uses a combination of White, Brown, and Pink noise. While the White and Pink noises are all conducive to sleep, the Brown noise makes up an ambient environment for office space. The white noise also makes up for a non-interfering environment for users who love doing yoga and meditation.

LectroFan provides ten ambient noise variations and ten fan sounds for different user preferences. With a few clicks of buttons, users can set it up for different moods and preferences. No matter how many interfering noises the outdoor environment has, it makes up for them all in the most pleasant way. Unlike several other noise-canceling devices, this LectroFan one doesn’t use a fan or motor to produce white noise. Instead, it uses an advanced digital speaker for the ultimate performance. You can purchase it in four different colors and two different styles.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It has 20 different noise variants and sounds.
  • Its audio range is great.
  • Unlike other sound-canceling devices, it doesn’t bother users with motor noise.
  • It comes with 60 minutes auto-turn-off feature.
  • Users can power this device using a USB.
  • For extremely personal usage, it allows for a 3.5mm headphone plugin.
  • It is compact and lightweight, thus easy to take along during travels.
Cons
  • Its power cable is a little too short.

Big Red Rooster BRRC107 Noise Cancelling Machine : 

Big Red Rooster BRRC107 is another portable noise-canceling device in the range. It comes with six unique relaxing natural sounds like gentle rain pour, gurgling brook, ocean sound, summer night sounds, the low roar of thunder, and course white noise. The manufacturers ensure a relaxing environment for sleep, study, work, meditation, and all requirements with each sound.

For aiding in better sleep, this device features a 15-, 30- and 60-minutes timer setting. Users can either use a timer for operating the device or operate it all night long, as per preference. The device is also portable enough to carry along to hotels, tenting, camping etc. The last though the best part is users can either use the AC adapter for electric operation or 3 AA batteries for battery operations.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It offers six different sounds for a better sleeping and meditating experience.
  • Its timer setting features ensures customized usage.
  • It is ideal for use on both home and office spaces.
  • Users can operate it with either electricity or via using AA batteries.
  • It is reasonably priced.
  • The device is small and portable enough to carry anywhere around.
Cons
  • It doesn’t perform the best on louder audios.

Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine : 

The Sound+Sleep is a high-end device that relies upon Adaptive Sound Technology for ensuring the intensity of disruptive background sounds. Taking all the noises individually into consideration, it automatically modifies the pitch and volume, even when the user is in a deep sleep. The device comes with ten different natural white noise profiles, from meditating to the waterfall, brook, meadow, ocean, and more.

Every original sound is 30 minutes long and is recorded in the most natural environment. This device even comes with a Sound Richness Control function that manages the intensity of the natural sounds. The three volume levels (low, medium and high) infuse a unique experience. For instance, it produces two or more sounds in medium and high levels, whereas it mixes two pleasant sounds in low levels. Lastly, users can set the operating timer to 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes as per requirement.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It has a reasonable repertoire of sound recordings.
  • Its built quality is unique and kind of the latest.
  • It has multiple control buttons for better usage.
  • It has ten different natural white noise profiles.
  • The richness level of all its sound/ volume is amazingly impressive.
  • It has a turn off timer with 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes.
  • It comes with one year of warranty.
Cons
  • This device is a little too big for regular noise-canceling devices.
  • It is a high-end device, thus on the unexceptionally expensive side.
  • Its buttons aren’t soft touch and make an annoying click sound every time.

HoMedics Sound Spa Noise Cancelling Device : 

HoMedics is a UFO-like machine that ultimately works as the noise-canceling device for sleeping. It has six digitally recorded sounds, including summer night, rain, brook, white noise, thunder and ocean. From inducing a sound sleep to relaxing your mind and aiding concentration, it helps with them all. The device uses state-of-the-art noise-canceling technology for canceling out all the disruptive effects of surrounding noises.

Once you power on the device, there is no more background noise from the outdoor environment. For nighttime usage in the baby’s room, the device comes with 15, 30 and 60 minutes auto-off timer settings. Hence, you don’t need to get up in the middle of the night just to off the machine. This HoMedics device operates via both battery and direct electricity. It is so compact and lightweight that one can fit it inside a handbag and take it along anywhere around.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It has six incredibly digitally recorded audios.
  • It comes with an auto-off sleep timer (15, 30 and 60 minutes).
  • It performs excellently by canceling all the surrounding noises.
  • It is compact, lightweight and thus highly portable.
  • It operates with direct electricity and battery both.
  • It is reasonably priced.
Cons
  • The green light might give a problem to several users during night hours.

Marpac Whish Portable White Noise Sound Machine : 

Marpac Whish is one of the best white noise machines in the range. It is designed to produce 16 different sounds from white noise 1 and 2, chimes, rain, ocean, meditate, calm, relax and more. With various options, it lets the users take over the environment of their room for any purpose they wish. Thanks to their precise recording in the most natural environment, every sound mimics exactly as real.

Users can buy it for sound sleep, a good hour of meditation, or office and study space. Besides that, this Marpac device has 6- or 8-hours timer settings and volume control that operates with a button push. Lastly, this noise-canceling device makes indoor and outdoor easy usage using lesser floor space and being lightweight.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It is equipped with 16 electronic real-like sound profiles.
  • All its audios sound as real as they could be.
  • It is ideal for use in the bedroom, study room, and office space.
  • It has two sleep timers: 6 hours and 8 hours.
  • Its clean and precise look complements most of the room interiors.
Cons
  • It does not come with a wall power adaptor.
  • For this price range, the controls could have been better.

Marpac Rohm White Noise Sound Cancelling Machine : 

When it comes to white noise machines, Marpac is undoubtedly the leading manufacturer. This Marpac Rohm is dedicatedly designed as a noise-canceling device for babies and adults. Its three sound options allow users for an uninterrupted sound sleep. While a long list of options may confuse users its bright white noise, deep white noise, and gentle surf sound add ease and convenience.

Regardless of how much nuisance the outdoor is creating, your bedroom will behave as the perfect peaceful space of your house. Not only for a night of sound sleep, but it also aids for better concentration in offices, study rooms, meeting space etc. And, if you are into yoga and meditation, there isn’t a better noise-canceling device than this to invest in. Users can place this Marpac Rohm on the tabletop or hang it on hook/ loops. Its volume intensity goes all the way from whisper-level to aggressive noise reduction with a few button presses.

Comparative Study :

Marpac Rohm White Noise Sound Cancelling Machine is the ultimate chargeable device. This feature makes it convenient to carry along on camping and tenting. Charge it once and use it on days when you are not home.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It comes with 3 White noises: Deep, Bright, and Gentle Surf.
  • It has a unique but thoughtfully appealing design.
  • It is ideal for keeping in the bedroom, office room, meditation rooms etc.
  • It is small, compact and portable enough to carry around.
Cons
  • It needs repeated recharging for long usage.

Big Red Rooster BRRC110 Premium Sound Machine : 

Big Red Rooster BRRC110 is a premium quality affordable sound machine. It is a great noise-canceling device for babies and adults who face difficulty in sleeping. It comes equipped with ten natural sounds, including waterfall, rainforest, heartbeat, white noise, summer night etc. The device is designed for masking background noises adding up into an uninterrupted sound sleep. Hence the next morning, when you and your kids wake up, everyone has a feeling of refreshment.

Big Red with this device has come up with advanced sound technology ensuring all-natural noises that relax you instead of bothering you. You can either use it all day and night or set the timer for 15, 30 or 60 minutes. It is a little bulky but still portable enough to carry from one room to another or from home to the office. Lastly, it is powered by 3 AA batteries and an AC adaptor for ease of use.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It has a good selection of 10 natural sounds.
  • It features ample volume and acceptable sound quality.
  • It is portable enough to carry on short distances.
  • It is ideal for use in the bedroom, study room, and office space.
  • It comes with a set timer feature: 15, 30, and 60 minutes.
  • Users can operate it through electricity or via Batteries.
Cons
  • It is slightly bulky (visually).
  • The device looks and feels a little cheap.

LectroFan Micro Wireless Sleep Sound Machine : 

The LectroFan Micro wireless sleep sound machine comes in a compact swivel design. Users can rotate its top section to any side for more effective performance. The device has four white noises, five fan sounds and an ocean sound story. It allows the users to set up the volume from a whisper to loud for a customized noise-canceling experience.

This LectroFan Micro white noise machine isn’t power-operated but battery-operated. On one single charge, it offers uninterrupted operation for up to 16 hours. This feature also makes it a great device to take along on overnight campings. It is so small and lightweight (0.3lbs) that one can fit it inside a handbag or small pocket of their backpack.

Comparative Study :

The LectroFan Micro Wireless Sleep Sound Machine isn’t just a noise-canceling device but also a Bluetooth speaker. Upon pairing it with your phone or other Bluetooth integrated device, you can stream music, podcast, books etc. Its rechargeable battery supports 6 hours of uninterrupted speaker performance. Not just that, but it even features a built-in microphone that supports hands-free calling.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It is a 2-in-1 Noise-canceling and Speaker device.
  • Its swivel design makes up for r direction performance.
  • It comes with ten natural sounds (four white noises, five fan sounds and one ocean sound).
  • Its rechargeable battery goes 6 hours (for speaker) and 16 hours (for noise cancellation performance).
  • It is lightweight, tiny and easy to carry around.
  • It is reasonably priced.
  • For its size, it has a fairly loud audio output.
Cons
  • Its charging cord is a little too short.
  • Operating buttons are less and thus confusing.

Pumice Sound Machine Therapy : 

The Pumice Sound Machine Therapy is one of the best noise-canceling devices for sleeping. It with nine soothing sounds, enrich concentration and aids in better sleeping. The device is ideal for soothing migraines, aiding better sleep, increasing focus during meditation and masking tinnitus. By blocking out all the external distractions, it creates an ideal atmosphere for various jobs.

Users can set its volume from a whisper to loud enough to mask a range of typical ambient noises. However, even upon reaching its max volume, it goes up to 80 Decibels which isn’t harmful to the ears. Considering its reliable performance, it is one common device you can find in several spa and yoga centers. The device will either support you for long hours, or you can set its operating timer for 15, 30 and 60 minutes as per requirement. Lastly, either use it with direct electricity, charge it via USB or power by 4 AA batteries.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It has nine excellent sound profiles.
  • Its audio output goes loud, though it stays at a bearable level.
  • It is one of the best devices for inducing a sound sleep or meditation.
  • It has three sleep timers: 15, 30 and 60 minutes.
  • It works with electricity, charging and AA batteries.
  • The device has a clean and precise look, and it is easy to take around.
Cons
  • No such major cons reported.

Sound+Sleep MINI High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine :

Sound+Sleep MINI is one of the high-end noise-canceling devices in the range. It isn’t really expensive, but its features make it the most-loved position. The device has 48 rich and immersive non-repeating sounds divided amongst 12 categories. Every single of them is precisely under the most realistic environment.

Using advanced Adaptive Sound Technology, it sense the environment and adjust the volume percentage. Though users can adjust volume as and when required (manually). It has a sleep timer with prefixed 30 and 60-minute setting options. Users can power it with a USB power cable, 4 AA batteries, and an AC wall adaptor.

Comparative Study :

This Sound+Sleep MINI High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine is excellent in many ways. Firstly, the devices gradually lower their sound while asleep, aiding in a non-disturbing environment. Further cutting out more interference, it automatically dims the illumination. And last but not least, with a 3.5mm audio cable, you can use it as a musical speaker. With all of these benefits, buying this device is definitely a win-win situation.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Its audio output fills the room pleasantly with the sound.
  • It has 48 sound variations and 12 sound categories.
  • It has two sleep timer options: 30 minutes and 60 minutes.
  • It operates easily via USB power cable, 4 AA batteries, and an AC wall adaptor.
  • It is portable.
  • It works as an audio speaker as well.
  • Users can use it with headphones for a more personalized experience.
  • It blends both noise and illumination with time for a better user experience.
Cons
  • Bigger footprints.
  • Pressing the button makes an annoying tic-tac sound.
  • It is slight expensive.
  • The volume isn’t very much consistent for every sound field.

Dreamegg White Noise Machine :

Dreamegg is an ultra-portable machine designed as a noise-canceling device for babies. It comes integrated with 29 sounds, including 15 nature sounds, seven fan sounds, and seven white noises. While you play the natural sound, your babies will develop a quality and lengthier sleep routine daily. And with that, you always have some extra peaceful time on hand.

Don’t let its small size fool you as it comes with some really helpful features. Play it over for hours or choose the sleep machine’s duration; that’s your choice. And as babies are comfortable with a comparatively lower volume, you can always set it to their preference. However, while using the device for yourself, you can always raise the volume to your comfort level. Besides that, this machine works on wall outlets and battery backup. It will go for about 12 hours of continuous operation on one full charge.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It has 29 sound profiles.
  • Its sound quality is amazingly crisp, clean, and loud.
  • It looks stylish and tiny (almost unnoticeable in a rack full of gadgets).
  • Its buttons are clearly labeled, unlike unclear and common buttons in several of its counterparts.
  • It comes with timer options: 30, 60, and 90 minutes.
  • It operates with direct power and a rechargeable battery.
Cons
  • Since it is rechargeable, a battery indicator would have added some convenience.

REACHER R2+ White Noise Machine :

The REACHER R2+ is another white noise machine and a great noise-canceling device for babies. With its 31 high-quality sounds, it makes up for amazing sound therapy. The list includes seven fan sounds, seven white, pink and brown noise and 17 natural sounds, including lullaby, summer night, campfire, ocean waves, train, forest etc.

What it does the best is remember the last sound you play, so you don’t have to shuffle from the wide range of options every time. The device comes with three auto-turn-off timers, including 1, 2 and 3 hours (given in buttons). It is compact enough to fit in your bookshelf nightstand and carry along in the handbag.

Comparative Study :

The REACHER R2+ isn’t just another noise-canceling device but the one with unique enhanced bass and great sound quality. And even if you play it in max volume, the sound will still feel distortion-free.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It is a great introductory product if you are a beginner with noise-canceling devices.
  • It has 31 high-quality sound profiles.
  • Its sound quality is amazing for a noise-canceling device.
  • Its works as a great little sound machine and nightstand.
  • It has three auto turn of time settings: 1, 2 and 3 hour.
  • It is small, lightweight and easy to take around.
  • It is reasonably priced and provides good value for money.
Cons
  • No such major cons reported.

SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine :

The SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine is a spherical device similar to the Amazon echo dot speaker. It has a real fan inside, which aids in producing white noise sounds without creating a loop. However, the fan doesn’t blow out cold air.

There are ten settings for adjustable tone & volume, ensuring everyone from kids, adults to even house pets can have customized operations. For adjusting tones, simply rotate the outer shell and select from light fan sound, deep fan drone and more. This device from SNOOZ works well with or without the ‘SNOOZ companion app.’

Comparative Study :

What makes this product an ideal noise-canceling device for babies is the first-ever nursery calibration to protect the baby’s ears. This isn’t a common feature in other similar devices, and if you are buying just for your babies, you can go after this.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It has Fan-driven white noises, which are more natural than the recorded ones.
  • It looks extremely appealing and stylish.
  • It is compact and thus fits/sit almost anywhere.
  • It is ideal for use in baby rooms.
  • The app support is an incredible feature.
Cons
  • It is slightly expensive.
  • Plug-in power only, though battery operations could have added more convenience.

Magicteam Sound Machines White Noise Machine :

Last but not least is the affordable Magicteam Sound Machine. It comes integrated with 20 non-looping sleep sounds, including white, brown and pink noises and several realistically recorded ones. It has 32 Levels of Volume for customizing the operations, so whether you use it for babies or adults, it will deliver efficiently and be customizable for them all.

You can either let it for continuous play or set the auto-cut off timer for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 hours, as per your preference. Its memory function automatically restores the previous volume, time, and sound. And lastly, the device is compact and lightweight enough to take around in a handbag.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • The sound quality and profiles it has been impressive.
  • It comes with a multiple setting auto-cut off timer.
  • It is reasonably priced and provides good value for money.
  • It is small and lightweight enough to fit in your palm.
  • The Blue Led light works as a night lamp.
Cons
  • Its power cable length is short.
  • Some sounds are lower (in volume) than others.

How Noise Cancellation Works ?

Noise reduction devices use Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology to reduce the invasive effects of background sounds. What these devices do is they produce a second strain of sound which blends with the original incoming ambient sound stream and nullifies the latter’s disruptive effect. The resulting sound is much softer and easier on the ear. This is the basic idea behind ANC.

Sound is essentially a pressure wave that travels in rarefactions and compressions in alternating patterns. White noise machines produce a sound that matches the surrounding ambient noise in amplitude but has the opposite phase i.e. the phase is inverted. When the two sound waves merge, they nullify each other’s effects and create a new sound wave called antiphase. This process is known as interference and the cancelling out of the invasive properties of both sound waves is called destructive interference. The antiphase is then amplified and projected out of the device as white noise.

Noise Canceling Device Buying Guide :

If you have trouble sleeping and want to give a white noise machine a go, we have a few tips to help you pick the right device.

Who and what do you need it for ?

The first thing you need to ask yourself is who and what you need the machine for. There are different white noise machines for different purposes and demographics. Standard white noise devices for use as sleeping aids by adults offer, among others, rain, wind, bird, traffic, café, and fan sounds. White noise machines for babies replicate muffled sounds heard inside the womb, the whoosh of a mother’s heartbeat, etc. to encourage sleep in infants. Machines for people with ADHD and Titinus produce specific types of soothing sounds. White noise devices for travel are compact, portable, and have dual-voltage capabilities with plug adapters for use in different countries. Gadgets used in offices mask conversation and promote concentration. In short, there is a noise canceling device for every need, and you just need to figure what you want the machine to do for you, and accordingly take a pick.

Looping :

White noise machines use digitally recorded sounds which they play in loops. If you are able to tell the point where a recording ends and starts again, or if you can make out a pattern in the recorded bit, it means the track is poorly recorded. Such a machine will distract you when you are trying to fall asleep because your mind will constantly be seeking out that joint in the loop and that will keep you awake. So, make sure there are no discernible breaks or patterns in the recorded sound loop or else you will be trying in vain to fall sleep with little success.

Volume :

The device you choose must be able to adjust to the changing levels of sound in your surroundings. The level of noise in your neighborhood or office might not always stay the same. Some days it will be noisy, some days surprisingly quite. There will be festivals, weddings and parties, and through it all your white noise machine should be able to help you sleep/work in peace.

Choice of sounds :

Make sure your white noise machine has a selection of sounds for you to choose from. It should have natural sounds like rainfall, gentle animal/insect/bird sounds; ambient sounds like sounds you hear in a café or a busy street; and machine sounds like the sound of a fan or washing machine. In addition to white noise, the device should also offer pink noise like thunder and brown noise like lapping waves. Sample the sounds and see if you find them soothing. They should be able to drown out the noise coming in from the environment and help you relax.

Digital or Analog :

There are 2 kinds of white noise machines: digital and analog. Digital white noise machines offer digitally recorded sounds. They have more variety and their volume has more levels for adjustment. Analog devices produce sound with the help of fans. You can control the pitch and volume of the sound. Over time, though, the fans may develop patterns in their whirring due to wear and tear, and that might distract you while you are trying to sleep. There is no golden rule as to which kind of sound is better. For some people it’s digital, for others it’s analog. Find out what works for you and accordingly take your pick.

Size and Portability :

Another important aspect you need to consider is the physical size and weight of the machine. You want a device that is portable and travel-friendly so you can carry it on your trips. You want a machine that’s not too oblong-shaped or too heavy. Just something that’s easy to slip in your travel bag, something that’s durably constructed and won’t break easily. Some gadgets also come with lanyards for hanging them from hooks and bars. Features like that are added bonuses. Most white noise machines typically measure less than 10inch x 10inch x 10inch. Check the dimensions before buying, and choose a machine that is easy to hold, handle and carry.

Alarm clock and Timer :

Some white noise machines also come with built-in alarm clocks and timers. These enhance the usability of the device and make them more versatile. An integrated alarm clock will mean you won’t have to handle two separate devices for the alarm clock and white noise. The timer will make sure the device shuts down after the allotted time so you won’t have to get up in the middle of the night to turn it off. It will also save battery and electricity.

Illumination and Display :

The illumination on the device should be adjustable. You must be able to control the brightness so it doesn’t interfere with your sleep. A digital display screen is preferable. It’ll help you keep track of the other settings like timer, volume, alarm and sound type.

Power :

One important thing to consider is power supply. There are devices that use direct electricity from wall receptacles and others that run on batteries. Newer variants also offer USB charging for quick recharges on the go. If you expect to take your device along on your travels, we suggest you go for one that has all three options i.e. direct power, battery and USB. Also, if you are going to travel abroad, try and get a machine that has its own plug adapter for operating on all kinds of voltages and wall sockets. If it doesn’t, you will need a separate plug adapter.

Headphone jack :

For people who travel a lot, simply buying a portable white noise machine might not be enough. You might find yourself travelling a lot during night hours when you normally sleep, and it might be difficult to use your white noise machine on a train or an airplane. In such situations, a headphone jack can really come in handy. All you have to do is plug in with your headphone and unwind in peace in your private cocoon.

Important FAQ
 

White noise vs Active noise cancellation :

White noise is a type of noise that has all the frequencies a human ear can hear, and the frequencies have the same intensity. It can be produced by merging all the different frequencies of sound audible to humans. Since a normal person can identify and process around 20,000 different notes, white noise can be said to be sound that contains all 20,000 notes and all of them are playing at the same time.

When you listen to white noise, other sounds fade away into the background. For instance, when you have a noisy fan whirring above you, you find it difficult to follow what’s being said on TV, or if you are talking to someone on the phone, you have to strain your ears to hear what they are saying. This is the effect of white noise. The fan plays acts like a white noise device. Here’s another example. When two people are talking, you can understand what they are saying, but when the number of people goes up to, say, a hundred, your brain finds it difficult to follow who is saying what. It fails to pick up even a single person’s words. This again is how white noise works. It swallows up smaller fragments of sound and keeps them from drawing your attention, thus helping you sleep or concentrate on the task at hand.

Active noise cancellation, on the other hand, is a method of cancelling a sound by producing a second sound that nullifies the first sound. The second sound is a mirror image of the first sound and is 180ᵒ out of phase. It resembles the first sound in amplitude, but is inverted. This second sound wave, called the anitphase, combines with the first sound wave and forms a new wave by a process known as interference. The original waves cancel each other out, or at least get minimized to a large extent. This property of sound is known as destructive interference and it is the keystone of active noise cancellation technology.

An active noise-cancelling headphone has a microphone that picks up sound coming in from the surrounding, a microprocessor that analyzes the sound, and a speaker that produces an exact copy of the sound (but opposite). When this copy blends with the original sound, they nullify each other resulting in partial silence. You hear no, or very little, ambient sound, and your music-listening experience on the headphone is significantly elevated.

What is the difference between noise cancellation and active noise cancellation ?

Noise cancellation and active noise cancellation are one and the same thing. They are used interchangeably to indicate a method of reducing the intrusiveness of ambient sound by introducing a second sound that cancels the first. Noise cancellation is achieved by producing an opposite sound wave that negates or dwarfs the audibility of the first sound wave. It needs a power source to drive the process. Typically, a noise cancelling headphone has a microphone that picks up the invasive sound, a microprocessor that studies the sound, and a speaker that generates an exact replica of the sound with the same amplitude but inverted phase. When all of these steps are involved, it is called active noise cancellation, or simply, noise cancellation.

What is better – active or passive noise cancellation ?

Before we delve into the matter of which is better, active or passive noise cancellation, let us first understand what they each mean.

Noise can be controlled in two ways. One is active noise cancellation discussed above. The other is passive noise cancellation, or more appropriately, passive noise control. In passive noise control, noise muffling materials like insulating pads and sound-absorbing tiles are used to dampen ambient sound. It does not need a power source like a battery or direct electricity. It requires fortifying a room or a headphone with noise-isolating materials so that sound from the outside cannot get in.

Active noise cancellation is most effective against lower frequencies while passive noise control is best suited for higher frequencies. Active noise cancellation is more expensive than passive control. It is also slightly better at masking sound than passive means. But active noise cancellation can only be achieved close to the location where sound attenuation is needed which is the listener’s ears. The transducer/speaker producing the opposite sound must be positioned close to the ears to meet the first sound as it enters the ears. In other words, active noise cancelation is only effective for a single user. On the other hand, passive noise control can be achieved close to the ears or away from it. Cushioning the earcups of a headphone with sound-absorbing pads is an example of the first, building a soundproof room with sound-isolating materials is an example of the second. In both cases, sound from the environment is not allowed to enter a certain a space (a listener’s ears, a room) by creating a physical barrier between the environment and that space. 

It is now perhaps clear that comparing active noise cancellation to passive noise cancellation is like comparing apples to oranges. They each have their unique applications, benefits and limitations. Active noise cancellation is used in the airline, heavy machinery, medical, auto and music industries. Passive noise control is also used in these industries, but for different purposes. Sometimes you might see them working hand in hand like in active noise-cancelling headphones where you have a powered mechanism cancelling noise from within and a thick layer of foam around the earcups preventing ambient sound from filtering in.

What is better – noise cancelling or noise isolating ?

Noise cancelling and noise isolating are two different things. The first is a noise reducing technology and the second is a material used in making noise control applications.

Noise cancelling means reducing ambient noise by producing another sound that negates the first. It is reliant on power, and needs a microphone, a microprocessor and a transducer. Noise isolating means materials that have noise-muffling properties. They create a physical barrier between our ears and the noise around us. They shield our ears from invasive sounds by physically blocking the entrance to our ears.

When it comes to in-ear noise reduction, active noise cancellation is more effective. Noise-isolating materials only muffle ambient noise. But when it comes to building a soundproof room, active noise cancellation has no use and you will need noise-isolating materials to do the job.

What does Active Noise Cancellation do ?

Refer answer to question no 1.

Can one sound cancel out another ?

Yes, it can. When two sound waves having the same frequency and amplitude but inverted phase (i.e. their phases are 180 degrees opposite) meet, they form a new wave and effectively cancel each other out. This phenomenon is known as total destructive interference.

Is Active Noise Cancelling safe ?

Yes, active noise cancellation is safe for human ears. It protects our hearing by preventing loud noises from reaching our eardrums. It does not emit radiations like mobile phones. Hence, it can be used regularly.

Active noise-cancelling headphones and earphones play a key role in lowering the harmful effects of ambient noise. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to noisy environments can increase stress, fatigue and blood pressure level. If you live in a noisy neighborhood and you find it difficult to sleep at night, using an active noise-cancelling headphone or earphone might help. However, the downside is that such gadgets are not very comfortable to have on while sleeping, especially if you are a side-sleeper.

Does Active Noise Cancelling damage hearing ?

No, active noise cancellation does not damage one’s hearing.

Pro Tips : Quick Check
We also recommend you to check the following category of products for noise cancellation – 

Noise Cancelling Earphone

Sleep Headphones

Sound Proof Curtains For Window

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