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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Best Value

Bgoverss White Noise Machine

Best Value

Bgoverss White Noise Machine

Pros

• Under $30

Tisch recommends this white noise machine, which features 14 different sound options to lull you to sleep. "White noise, calming ocean waves, the soothing fall of rain, and more," she notes of this popular device. Along with relaxing sleep sounds, the machine also features a customizable night light that can be scheduled to automatically turn on and off.

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this! I’ve been using it for a few months now and it’s helped me sleep so much better! It has volume control and the sound quality is amazing. I usually use the brown noise option, but there’s so many different ones to choose from." —Brinna

Best with Sunrise Alarm

Hatch Restore 2

Best with Sunrise Alarm

Hatch Restore 2

Pros

• Minimal design

Cons

• Must pay for membership after free trial to access all sounds

If you prefer a gentle wake up or have trouble falling asleep, Hatch's Restore 2 makes it simple to create a sleep schedule that gets your body into regular a rhythm. In addition to a customizable alarm that glows brighter as you reach your time of choice, the device's sound library also contains dreamscapes, music, guided breathing exercises, and more.

One satisfied customer writes: "I absolutely love my Hatch. Such a pleasant way to wind down at night with the soft reading light and a lovely way to rise with the 'sun' and meditative flute. This company also has outstanding customer service!" —Natalie H.

Best for Babies and Children

Nanit Sound and Light

Best for Babies and Children

Nanit Sound and Light

Now 25% Off

Pros

• Features cry detection
• Multiple control options

"One of our favorites is the Nanit Sound and Light device," Zucker notes. "It offers a variety of settings to promote healthier sleep patterns for babies—and help parents get a better night’s sleep too! We love this brand's products because they're backed by research to support different stages of a baby's sleep cycle, from drowsiness to deep sleep."

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Most Versatile

Amazon Echo Dot

Most Versatile

Amazon Echo Dot

Now 44% Off

Pros

• Able to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts in addition to sleep sounds

I use an Amazon Echo device on a regular basis, not just as a personal assistant, but also as a sound machine. Just its infinite answers to my most random questions, this Echo Dot can play almost as many white or pink noise sounds through its speakers. And since it doesn't have a screen, you won't have to worry about being distracted if by a glowing clock if you wake up in the middle of the night.

One satisfied customer writes: "The Amazon Echo Dot is an amazing device that has exceeded my expectations in every way. The sound quality is crystal clear, and the voice recognition works flawlessly. I love being able to ask Alexa to play my favorite songs or control my smart home devices with just my voice. The setup was a breeze, and I was up and running in minutes. The device is also very compact, making it easy to move around the house or take with me on-the-go." —Jackson M.

Best for Travel

Yogasleep Rohm+ Travel Sound Machine

Best for Travel

Yogasleep Rohm+ Travel Sound Machine

Pros

• Features up to 20 hours of battery life
• Doubles as a wireless speaker

Cons

• Limited sound options

In addition to an adjustable strap, this sound machine from the experts at Yogasleep contains 20 noise options, and a sleep timer for either a 45-, 90 minute, or eight-hour snooze. It also happens to be both dust and waterproof, making it an excellent travel companion.

Best All-Around

LectroFan Evo

Best All-Around

LectroFan Evo

Now 25% Off

Pros

• Features pink, brown, and white noise options
• Easy to use

Cons

• Sounds don't loop

Close to 8,000 Amazon customers are loving this device to fall and stay asleep. Choose between 10 white, pink, and brown noise variations, along with two ocean- and 10 additional fan options, to seamlessly block out unwanted noise. It also contains a built-in sleep timer and even a headphone jack for a more personal sound experience.

One satisfied customer writes: "My husband and I have been on the hunt for a noise machine to help drown out our adjacent neighbors for months. We finally settled on trying this one when it went on sale for Prime Day. Totally worth it! Has been a game changer and allowed us to sleep so much more soundly over the last few nights of sleep." —A.B.

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Meet the Experts

• Lacey Tisch is the co-founder and co-CEO of Sage + Sound in New York City.
• Lauren Zucker is also the co-founder and co-CEO of Sage + Sound in New York City.
• George MacPherson is the programming director at Sage + Sound in New York City.

What’s the safest machine decibel/volume level for a sound machine?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization recommend keeping environmental noises below 75 dBA (adjusted decibels) over eight hours—roughly a full night's sleep—to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. To properly measure your machine's volume level, you can download the NIOSH sound level meter app here.

Can using one of the best sound machines help with insomnia?

According to the Mayo Clinic, changing your sleep habits and addressing issues, like stress, that may contribute to insomnia is the best way to course correct it. "It’s not prescriptive, but many users find that sound machines can help mask external and internal noises, like louder family members or pets, which can disrupt sleep patterns," Sage + Sound programming director George MacPherson explains. Since the best sound machines feature soothing noises to help put your mind at ease, they're an asset in minimizing the effects of insomnia.

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Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.

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