Are white noise machines better than apps?

Introducing White Noise

White noise refers to a random signal with a flat power spectral density. It contains a blend of all audible frequencies distributed evenly across the range. The name ‘white noise’ comes from the analogy with white light which contains all visible wavelengths.

The use of white noise dates back to the early 20th century. The first white noise machines were developed in the 1960s to help people sleep or study by masking distracting sounds (Source). Since then, white noise has become increasingly popular for its ability to cover up unwanted sounds and promote better sleep and concentration.

There are several key benefits of white noise:

• It can help block out environmental noises that may disrupt sleep or concentration
• The consistent ambient sound can be soothing and promote relaxation
• It may aid sleep by reducing abrupt sounds that can cause awakenings
• White noise provides acoustic masking, which is the ability to cover up unwanted sounds
• Some studies show white noise may improve memory and cognitive functioning in certain tasks

White Noise Machines

White noise machines are physical devices that play soothing background sounds to help block out unwanted noises that may disrupt sleep. There are various types of white noise machines including:(1)

• All-purpose sound machines that play white noise or other ambient sounds like rainfall
• Dedicated fans or air filters that generate a consistent “shushing” sound
• Devices designed specifically for babies that have womb sounds, heartbeats, etc.

Many white noise machines allow you to adjust settings like the volume, sound type, or timer. High-end models may have more features like smart connectivity, a library of sounds, or adaptive volume. Key benefits of physical white noise machines include:(2)

• Consistent, uninterrupted sound great for tuning out disturbances
• Portability to use in any room including while traveling
• Ability to fill a room with the desired sound
• Tactile controls that don’t require starting up a device/app

White Noise Apps

Some of the top white noise apps include White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds, Sleepa, and myNoise, which are all available on iOS and Android (White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds 4+ – App Store). These apps provide a wide selection of ambient sounds and noise to help users relax, focus, or fall asleep.

A major advantage of white noise apps is the ability to customize and control the sounds. Users can mix multiple noises together, adjust volume and tone, and set timers. Advanced apps like myNoise allow you to generate customized soundscapes by applying audio effects and filters (Best White Noise Apps).

In general, the pros of using a digital white noise app include: portability, ability to use headphones for a more immersive experience, variety of high-quality sounds, background noise blocking, and often free or low cost. The sounds can also be downloaded for offline listening.

Sound Quality Comparison

When it comes to fidelity of sound, physical white noise machines tend to produce higher quality white noise than apps. This is because dedicated machines contain specialized internal components and speakers that are engineered specifically for generating soothing background sounds. According to research from https://www.nosleeplessnights.com/white-noise-machines-versus-app-speaker/, the speakers in white noise machines are usually larger and produce better sound quality than phone or laptop speakers that play white noise apps.

In addition, the sounds from white noise machines are generated in real-time, as opposed to being looped digital recordings from apps. This creates an organic, natural quality to the sound that some find more relaxing than artificial loops. Users on Reddit have reported the real-time white noise from machines being more effective than app recordings.

When it comes to adjustability, standalone white noise machines often offer more control over sound settings. Many have dials to adjust volume and tone, multiple sound options, and timers. While apps provide options too, the physical interface of machines makes it easier to customize sounds and volume as needed throughout the day or night.

Convenience and Portability

When it comes to ease of use and accessibility, white noise apps have a clear advantage over standalone machines. Apps can be instantly downloaded onto your phone or tablet from the app store, while a machine needs to be purchased and shipped or picked up from a brick-and-mortar store. Many popular white noise apps like White Noise Lite and Rain Rain are completely free to download, providing access to a wide audience.

Apps are significantly more portable as well. You can access white noise sounds from a smartphone or tablet anywhere at anytime – in a hotel room, at the office, on an airplane, etc. With a standalone machine, you are limited to using it in one location where it’s plugged in. Some white noise machines are battery-powered for portability, but this limits the runtime before needing to recharge.

While apps provide more accessibility and convenience for on-the-go use, some users may find a physical machine simpler to operate – especially those less tech-savvy. Machines have physical buttons to select sounds and volume, whereas apps require navigating menus and touchscreens (Source: https://www.tmsoft.com/blog/white-noise-app-vs-machine-which-is-best-for-you/).

Cost Comparison

When it comes to upfront costs, white noise machines typically range from $20 to $100 depending on features, while white noise apps are free or just a few dollars to download. However, there can be additional ongoing costs associated with apps in the form of subscription fees or in-app purchases for extra sounds and features.

Basic white noise machines like the Marpac Dohm or Yogasleep Dohm Uno can be purchased for around $20-50. More advanced machines with a variety of sounds, sound adjustment features, and extras like night lights and alarm clocks tend to cost $50-100, such as the Hatch Baby Rest or LectroFan Evo. Apps like White Noise by TMSOFT are free to download, while others like pzizz charge a one-time fee of $2-10 for the app. However, most white noise apps offer subscription options or in-app purchases to access their full suite of sounds and features.

For example, White Noise charges $2 for the app, then $2 per month or $10 per year for a subscription. The pzizz app is free but charges $10 per month or $84 per year for premium features. So while apps have little to no upfront cost, their ongoing subscription fees can add up over time, potentially rivaling the one-time cost of buying a dedicated white noise machine.

Ultimately, white noise machines have higher upfront costs but no recurring fees, while apps have lower or no upfront costs but recurring subscription expenses for full access. The most cost-effective option depends on an individual’s needs and budget.

Health Benefits

Research has shown that both white noise machines and apps can provide various health benefits, especially related to sleep, focus, and anxiety reduction. White noise helps cover up disruptive background sounds that can interfere with sleep. One study found that playing white noise helped improve sleep quality in intensive care unit patients. [1]

The consistent ambient sound from white noise machines or apps can also make it easier to focus and concentrate. A study found that playing white noise improved performance on cognitive tasks that required sustained attention in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). [2]

White noise has additionally been found to help decrease anxiety levels. One study showed that dental patients who listened to white noise during procedures had lower anxiety compared to patients who did not listen to white noise. [3]

Overall, the health benefits of white noise are similar whether using a machine or an app. The key is finding a sound source that provides consistent, calming white noise tailored to your personal needs and environment.

Downsides and Considerations

While white noise can be beneficial, there are some potential downsides and considerations to keep in mind:

One concern is the risk of hearing damage. According to an article on SleepBetterny.com, “Long-term overexposure to white noise machines on high volume can potentially cause hearing loss” (source). It’s important to keep white noise at a reasonable volume, especially for babies and young children whose ears are still developing.

Another issue is potentially disturbing others nearby, like family members, roommates, or hotel neighbors. The sound from a white noise machine can carry through walls and disrupt others who prefer quiet. Using headphones or keeping the volume low can help avoid bothering others.

Some other cons to consider: White noise can feel addictive over time for some people, making it hard to sleep without it. It also does not work well for every individual. And white noise machines tend to be more costly than using a free app, especially over time as batteries need replacing (source).

Overall, being mindful of volume, respectful of others’ space, and occasionally taking breaks can help balance white noise benefits with potential downsides.

Recommendations

When choosing between white noise machines and apps, consider the best use cases for each:

White noise machines are better for use while sleeping, especially for babies or young children. The constant ambient sound can help drown out other noises and provide a consistent soothing sound all through the night. Machines placed close to the crib or bed allow easier access to turn up or down as needed. Many white noise machines also have night light features useful for middle of the night feedings or diaper changes. Consider white noise machines if you need robust full-night sound.

White noise apps have the advantages of being highly portable and often free or low cost. Apps can be easily used while travelling, allowing you to create familiar sleeping sounds in unfamiliar environments like hotels or airplanes. Apps may also offer more variety and customization in sounds than a typical machine. If you only need white noise occasionally or while away from home, try out an app first before investing in a machine.

When selecting either a white noise machine or app, consider sound quality and volume, timer and auto-shutoff features, variety of sounds available, and any extra features like night lights. Read reviews to choose the best product for your personal needs and budget.

Conclusion

In summary, both white noise machines and apps have their benefits. White noise machines generally offer superior sound quality and more customization options. They also don’t require charging and work even if your phone is turned off. However, apps provide more convenience, portability, and often lower cost. With an app, you can access white noise anywhere instantly from your phone.

Ultimately, for the best sound masking and customization options, dedicated white noise machines seem preferable. But for convenience while traveling or portability moving from room to room, white noise apps can’t be beaten. It comes down to your priorities and needs. For many, having both a white noise machine for the bedroom and an app for when away from home offers the maximum flexibility.