Traffic, neighbors, and early-morning pickups don't respect a sleep schedule. A steady sound near the bed can help mask those spikes and create a more predictable auditory environment, which is why white noise machines and sleep sound devices have become a standard part of many bedtimes.
How we choose
This article covers eight products that approach the problem differently: real-fan machines, digital sound machines, sunrise alarms, a portable travel unit, and in-ear sleep earbuds. Whether you share a bedroom, travel often, or just want a lighter way to start the day, one of these formats is likely to fit your setup.
Our 8 Picks
Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan Classic, Global Power, White | Global Power Edition Soothing Sound Machine for Sleep with a Built-in Sleep Timer, Compact Design, Relaxation Support
What it is
The LectroFan Classic is a compact digital sound machine that generates non-looping fan and white noise sounds for sleep and relaxation.
Why it's worth it
Well suited to light sleepers who need to mask street noise and neighbours, this unit uses 20 non-looping sounds with precision volume control. The Global Power version also comes with US, UK and EU plug adaptors, making it a good fit for regular travellers. Its compact, USB-powered design means it can be moved easily between rooms.
Caveat
It is a plug-in, USB-powered device rather than a battery-operated portable, so it needs a power source.
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
What it is
The Dohm Classic is a plug-in sound machine that uses a real internal fan to produce natural white noise.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for anyone who prefers mechanical fan sound over digital recordings, it creates broad, non-looping white noise from a real fan. The two-speed motor and twistable tone adjustment let you shape the pitch to your room. It is also marketed for office privacy and meditation, not just sleep.
Caveat
There is no digital sound library, so you cannot switch to rain or ocean sounds.
Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock & Sound Machine (Putty) | White noise machine & sunrise alarm light, 80+ sleep sounds, screen-free bedtime routine with meditations via Hatch Sleep App
What it is
The Hatch Restore 2 is a sunrise alarm clock and sound machine with app-controlled sleep sounds, meditations and light routines.
Why it's worth it
Well suited to someone who wants one bedside device to wind down and wake up, it combines a white noise machine with a sunrise alarm light. The 80+ sleep sounds and app-based meditations can be set into a screen-free evening routine once configured. It also has a dimmable clock display to keep the bedroom dark.
Caveat
It relies on the Hatch Sleep App for much of its content and needs mains power rather than batteries.
SNOOZ Original Smart White Noise Sound Machine, Real Fan Inside for Sleep | Natural Sound from a Real Fan, Non-Looping White Noise, App Scheduler, 10 Levels, Masks Snoring, Office Privacy & Neighbors
What it is
The SNOOZ Original is a smart white noise machine with a real internal fan, app scheduling and ten volume levels.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for anyone who wants natural fan noise with the convenience of a schedule, it combines a real fan with a free app for auto on/off at bedtime and wake-up. The ten volume levels are designed to mask noisy neighbours, street noise and snoring, and the simple three-button design still works without the app. Rotating the outer shell adjusts tone from a gentle whoosh to a low hum.
Caveat
It has one fan-based sound rather than a library of nature tracks, so variety is limited by design.
Homedics Deep Sleep I Therapy Machine White Noise Device, Timer, Dual Speakers, Adjustable Tone & Volume 4 Soothing Sounds, Masks Distractions, Sleep Therapy, Adapter or Battery Operated
What it is
The Homedics Deep Sleep I is a bedside sleep therapy machine with dual speakers and four adjustable masking tones.
Why it's worth it
Well suited to a master bedroom that needs more audio coverage, it uses dual speakers and manual tone control to shape the masking sound. The four tones include a mask setting aimed at external distractions like traffic and noise, plus settings described as soothe, relax and calm. It can be powered by the adaptor or AA batteries, so it remains useful away from an outlet.
Caveat
It is a premium-priced unit with only four built-in sounds, so it is less versatile than a multi-sound digital machine.
Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine for Baby, 3 Soothing Natural Sounds with Volume Control, Compact Size, Noise Canceling for Sleep Aid, Office Privacy, & Meditation, Registry Gift
What it is
The Yogasleep Hushh is a compact, USB-rechargeable portable sound machine with three built-in calming sounds.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for travel and nursery bags, it is a small, lightweight unit with a gentle amber night light for low-light comfort. Its three sounds are bright white noise, deep white noise and gentle surf, with volume control for low-level masking. The brand states it can operate for up to 24 hours on a single charge, making it easy to pack for hotels or trips.
Caveat
It is a portable unit rather than a full-size bedside speaker, so it is designed for use near the pillow or on the go.
Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 - Sleep Earbuds, Snoring & Noise Masking Headphones | All-Night Side-Sleeper Comfort, Ultra Small Fit, 14-hr Battery, 50+ Sleep Sounds, In-Ear Alarm, Reliable Bluetooth Connection
What it is
The Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 are in-ear sleep earbuds that mask snoring, traffic and other bedroom noise with sleep sounds.
Why it's worth it
Well suited to side sleepers who find bedside machines intrusive, these ultra-small earbuds sit flush in the ear and stay in place when you roll over. The brand states the buds run for up to 14 hours per charge, enough for overnight wear, and the app includes more than 50 sleep sounds and an in-ear alarm. Because the sound goes directly into your ear, it can mask a snoring partner without disturbing them.
Caveat
This is an in-ear product, so it will not suit anyone who dislikes sleeping with earbuds.
Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light, Simulated Sunrise and Sunset, Multiple Lights and Sounds, RelaxBreathe to Sleep, HF3650/60
What it is
The Philips SmartSleep HF3650 is a wake-up light and bedside sound device with simulated sunrise and sunset, multiple lights and sounds.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for light sleepers who want a gentler morning transition, it gradually simulates sunrise before the alarm and can produce a sunset-like wind-down at night. The RelaxBreathe mode uses light-guided breathing to help you settle before sleep, and the unit also works as a bedside lamp with a phone charging dock. Its combination of light and sound makes it a hybrid option for people who wake before their alarm.
Caveat
It is primarily a mains-powered alarm clock rather than a dedicated high-volume noise machine, so place it close to the bed for masking.
How to choose
How to choose the right white noise machines and sleep sound devices for noisy streets
Takeaway
No single device will remove street noise, but matching the format to your room, routine, and tolerance for in-ear wear makes a noticeable difference. Whether you choose a real-fan machine, a sunrise alarm hybrid, or a portable USB-rechargeable unit, the aim is consistent, predictable sound that helps you settle into sleep.
