White noise machines now range from simple fan-based devices to connected sleep systems with sunrise alarms, night-lights, sleep tracking, and Bluetooth audio. The products covered here include the $170 Hatch Restore 3, the $250 Hatch Sleep Clock, the $100 Snooz Smart White Noise Sound Machine, kid-focused Hatch and Momcozy models, and long-running budget options from Restnature and HoMedics. Their strengths vary widely, from straightforward controls and natural fan noise to extensive sound libraries and sleep data, while some features require subscriptions or careful placement.
Hatch Restore 3: white noise machine with a sunrise clock
Price: $170 from Amazon or Hatch.
The Hatch Restore 3 builds on the previous Hatch model and adds two buttons, bringing the total to four. Those extra controls make it easier to adjust the device when you are sleepy without reaching for the app. It offers sunrise and sunset settings, 58 sounds, additional sleep content, and the ability to create multistep sleep routines.
During testing, WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell found that the light was not as bright as earlier versions and did not fully take advantage of the sound machine’s “sunlight” feature. A subscription is required to access all of the available content and options, although the expanded library includes a wide selection of sounds.
What works
- Sunrise and sunset options
- Includes 58 sounds and additional sleep content
- Supports multistep sleep routines
What does not
- The light may not be bright enough for deep sleepers
- A subscription is required for all content and options
Hatch Sleep Clock: white noise machine with sleep tracking
Price: $250 from Hatch.
The Hatch Sleep Clock combines a sunrise alarm, bedside light, sound machine, and contactless sleep tracking in one device. WIRED’s wearable tester Butaina Chokran tested it for a sleep-tracker guide. The clock uses motion-based tracking from the nightstand to estimate sleep duration and sleep stages, then presents the information through interactive visuals.
There are no cameras or microphones recording the night, and sleep data is available without a Hatch+ subscription. The device also includes adjustable volume, a fade-out timer, customizable full-color light scenes, a sunrise wake-up light, and a sunset wind-down light. Its audio options include white noise, nature sounds, sleep stories, and guided meditations. A Hatch+ membership provides access to more than 2,500 sounds, stories, and meditations.
The device has strict placement requirements that affect tracking accuracy. It does not collect physiological data like a wearable tracker, detect snoring, or provide audio-based insights. Controlling a bedtime routine through the app also requires screen time. The source describes it as the most expensive option in the guide, but also as a combination of sunrise clock, dimmable bedside light, and sound machine.
What works
- Combines a sunrise alarm, bedside light, sound machine, and contactless sleep tracking
- Sleep data is available without a Hatch+ subscription
- Provides clean, easy-to-read reports
- Uses no camera or microphone to monitor sleep
What does not
- Placement requirements can affect accuracy
- No physiological data, unlike wearable trackers
- No snoring detection or audio-based insights
- The audio library requires Hatch+
- Managing bedtime routines through the app requires screen time
Snooz Smart White Noise Sound Machine: analog white noise
Price: $100 from Amazon.
The Snooz focuses on one function: producing white noise with a real fan. Its simple design is intended to be easy to operate when you are tired. Plug it in, press the power button, and twist the mesh sleeve to adjust the volume. The fan produces smooth sound without an overly choppy quality.
The device should be placed in a central position in the bedroom rather than on the nightstand. That placement helps project the sound more evenly. Its main limitation is that it offers only one sound, making the $100 price relatively high for a device with a single core function.
What works
- Simple controls that are easy to use
- A real fan produces smooth noise
What does not
- Only one sound is available
- It is relatively expensive for a single-purpose device
Hatch Baby Sound Machine: white noise machine for kids
Price: $80 from Babylist, Amazon, or Hatch.
As Hatch phases out the older Hatch Rest, this children’s sound machine introduces a new look and an updated app interface for building sleep routines. WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell uses it with her son and particularly likes the night-light button, which children can press themselves.
The machine glows in different colors and plays music, but unlike other Hatch sunrise-clock models, it does not provide gradual sunrise lighting. The product card lists six months of Hatch+ with purchase, while the source text also refers to a three-month subscription offer. Additional Hatch+ content is available through the service.
What works
- Easy for children to use
- Includes Hatch+ content with purchase
What does not
- No gradual sunrise lighting option
Momcozy Portable White Noise Machine: for toddlers and travel
Price: $28 from Amazon or $40 from Walmart.
This compact device is designed for parents who need a sound machine on the go. It combines white noise, a night-light, and a Bluetooth speaker. One side contains the speaker and the other contains the light. The light is not especially bright, but it can help parents move around a sleeping baby without using a phone flashlight.
Former WIRED reviewer Julia Forbes found that the included clip was not particularly flexible, although it could attach to stroller straps, diaper bags, purses, backpacks, and other items. The machine provides several sounds besides white noise, with surprisingly powerful and crisp audio for its size. Bluetooth connectivity allows users to stream a child’s favorite sounds.
What works
- Combines a white noise machine, night-light, and Bluetooth speaker
- Strong audio quality and sound variation
What does not
- The included portability clip is not very flexible
Restnature Mini Sound Machine: super-portable white noise
Price: $30, with a reduced price of $17 listed by Amazon.
The Restnature sound machine is small enough to fit in a pocket and includes 16 sound options, including birds, fire, nature sounds, lullabies, and different colored noises. It offers 30-, 60-, and 90-minute timer settings and can reach a high volume, although sound quality degrades when the volume is pushed to its maximum.
Other portable machines offer more features, but the Restnature is aimed at users who want the smallest possible device for travel. It charges through USB-C.
What works
- Small and easy to carry
- Affordable with solid performance
What does not
- Sound quality declines at higher volume levels
HoMedics SoundSleep: a proven white noise machine
Price: $25 from Amazon, or $29 from Walmart.
The HoMedics SoundSleep has been used for more than 10 years and continues to perform well. It can run from a DC power adapter or operate cordless with four AA batteries. A volume knob and timer button keep the controls simple, while the timer can shut the machine off after 15, 30, or 60 minutes.
Its six sound choices include thunder, ocean waves, streams, summer nights, rain, and classic white noise. After more than a decade of use, the volume knob is worn and must be turned high to produce louder sound. Battery operation has also become less reliable, and the batteries can be difficult to handle or run out suddenly. Even so, the source notes that the device’s $25 price and long service life make those drawbacks easier to accept.
What works
- Has worked well for more than 10 years
- Six sound options and three timer options
- Can operate from a power adapter or four AA batteries
What does not
- Battery operation can become unreliable over time
- The sound may become quieter after prolonged use
Source: www.wired.com