As we all get more entranced in our phones and our minds are constantly stimulated, drifting off to sleep is getting harder and harder to do each night. Does it take you a while to fall asleep? Are you restless while sleeping? Or do you wake up in the middle of the night?
If you’re at your wit’s end and tired of looking for another alternative to help you achieve a better night’s sleep, try using a sound machine. If they can help a baby drift off to sleep, and stay asleep, then you know they can help you and me with our sleep. Before we dive into what sound machines I recommend, I wanted to give you some advice to consider when looking to purchase one.
Sound quality: I put this at the top of the list. It is crucial to look for a sound machine with high-quality speakers and a wide range of sound options. Make sure you turn on the device right when you receive it and that the sounds work for you, are clear, and are pleasant. Super important. If, for any reason, you don’t like the sound you hear, return it for a refund. You’ll know right away.
Easy to use: I put this second because if the sound machine isn’t easy to use, you won’t use it. So try it out as soon as it arrives by adjusting the volume and changing the sound. Also, ensure it has clear instructions so you know how to use it properly and understand all it has to offer.
Price: Let’s face it, this is always a factor, even if you have unlimited resources. Although, if you are willing to spend a little more on a sound machine, it might mean better sound quality and additional features. So keep the price in mind when shopping for a sound machine.
Portability: This may not seem important now, although once you start using your machine, you may become reliant on it, and portability becomes very important when you have to travel. When considering which device to purchase, look for a sound machine that is lightweight and compact just in case you want to stuff it in your luggage or backpack for when you are away from home and still want the benefits of the machine.
Extra features: One last bit of advice to consider. Some sound machines come with additional features, as you will see below, like a built-in alarm clock or night light. Consider what features would be helpful to you, and don’t get sucked in with features you won’t ever use.
Keep these factors into account when shopping for a sound machine, and I am confident you will find the right one to help you relax and sleep better. Here are 5 sound machines that are worth checking out:
Best simple sound machine
Homedics SoundSleep
Credit: Homedics
The Homedics SoundSleep is the best sound machine for those of you that are not tech-savvy yet are looking for a good night’s sleep. The Homedics SoundSleep is simple and easy to use, with six different sounds and three timer options for continuous play. You can purchase the Homedics Sound Sleep in three color choices – silver, blue, and black. Sit the Homedic SoundSleep on your nightstand, put on your favorite sound, and fall asleep faster. At the time of publishing, this product had over 57,000 global reviews with 77% giving it 5 stars.
Sounds: 6 digitally recorded white noise and nature sounds – White Noise, Thunder, Ocean, Rain, Summer Night, and Brook
Volume: Adjustable volume knob
Timers: 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes, and play continuously
Charge: Requires a wall outlet adapter or batteries
Top Feature: Small but gives off a powerful sound
Best compact sound machine
Magicteam Sound Machine
Credit: Magicteam
Bring the Magicteam Sound Machine with you anywhere. This compact sound machine is the perfect size to take when traveling or to simply move with you throughout the house. If you’re tired of hearing the same noises with your sound machine, then the Magicteam Sound Machine offers 20 different non-looping sounds covering white, brown, pink, and blue noises. This sound machine has a memory function to make your bedtime routine easier, allowing you to remember the previous sound, volume, and time you had the sounds playing. The Magicteam Sound Machine also comes with hour-long timers ranging from one to five hours long. These longer timers are worth the purchase if you’re someone who, even with a sound machine, takes you a while to fall asleep. At the time of publishing, this product had over 46,000 global reviews with 74% giving it 5 stars.
Sounds: 20 different sounds, including non-looping white, brown, pink, and blue noises
Volume: 32 levels of volume
Timers: 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, and continuous play
Charge: with a USB cord
Top Feature: Memory function automatically restores your previous volume, sound, and time
Best sound machine for travel
Dreamegg
Credit: Dreamegg
Paging all parents – the Dreamegg is a baby’s best friend because it’s a sound machine and nightlight all in one. Lull your baby to sleep while illuminating the room with the Dreamegg. This sound machine is a favorite for babies with numerous calming sounds like fetal tones, a music box, and a vacuum. The Dreamegg comes with a child lock, so parents don’t have to worry about their child pressing any buttons. The sound machine comes with a clip, allowing it to attach to anything from a door knob to a baby’s crib. There are 32 volume levels to drown out any noise pollution or distractions. With its long-lasting rechargeable battery and small size, this is the best sound machine to take with you while traveling. Never worry about your child falling and staying asleep with the Dreamegg sound machine. At the time of publishing, this product had over 6,400 global reviews with 83% giving it 5 stars.
Sounds: 9 nature sounds, 1 fan sound, 1 white noise sound
Volume: 32 volume levels
Timers: 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes
Charge: Rechargeable battery with a USB cord
Top Feature: Has an adjustable night light, small and lightweight
Best sound machine with a clock
Hatch Restore
Credit: Hatch
Those looking to understand and implement better sleeping habits should purchase the Hatch Restore sound machine. Although this sound machine may be a little pricey, it is well worth it. The Hatch Restore app has a large library of sounds to choose from for a good night’s rest. With this sound machine, you can create a personalized sleep and wake routine to help you fall asleep and then wake up refreshed with the gentle Sunrise Alarm Clock. The Hatch Restore offers tons of in-app features to prepare your mind and body for sleep, but with their monthly subscription, you get access to content like meditations, sleep stories, and soundscapes. The sound machine can be controlled with the app or by the buttons on the device. The Hatch Restore can also be used as a reading light or a light to add some color to your room. At the time of publishing, this product had over 7,200 global reviews with 68% giving it 5 stars.
Sounds: Soothing and nature sounds, sound library in the app
Volume: Can be adjusted on the machine or in the app
Timers: No timer. It has a sleep-wake routine to help you fall asleep, stay asleep & wake up refreshed
Charge: Wall Outlet Adapter
Top Feature: You can create a sound and light mood together
Best sound machine for numerous sound options
LectroFan Evo
Credit: LectroFan
The LectroFan Evo is best for those that turn the fan on in the winter because the sound of the fan helps you sleep. The LectroFan Evo comes with ten different fan sounds, with ten other white, pink, and brown noises. This sound machine helps block out distracting environmental noises that often keep you up at night. The LectroFan Evo comes with an hourly timer and adjustable volume. If you share a room and your roommate does not want to hear your sound machine, the LectroFan Evo comes with a 3.5mm connector to connect your headphones, so you’re the only one to hear. At the time of publishing, this product had over 6,800 global reviews with 78% giving it 5 stars.
Sounds: 10 Fan Sounds, 10 White, Pink, and Brown Noise Variations, and 2 Ocean Sounds – calm and surf
Volume: Very low to very loud adjustable volume
Timers: by the hour, max 8 hours
Charge: Wall outlet adapter and USB
Top Feature: You can connect headphones if you want to be the only one to hear the noise
Pro Tip:
Sound machines can be used for many purposes beyond just helping you sleep. We use ours to help calm our pets when we are going to be away. We place our noise machine in the area where they will be when we are gone to help them relax. It also comes in handy during thunderstorms, fireworks, or when loud noises are going on outside. It really works.
More of my top sleep accessories here:
Have you tried one of these sound machines before? Let us know how they worked for you.
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