White Noise vs Brown Noise

White noise is bright and covers voices; brown noise is deep and easy to listen to for hours. Use the buttons below to switch between them as you read.

White noiseFree · no sign-up · plays for hours without a gap
All 22 sounds: noise colors, nature, places and machines

Noise colors

Nature

Places

Machines

Side by side

White noiseBrown noise
Sounds likeRadio static, a hissing ventA distant waterfall, a plane cabin
EnergyEqual at every frequency, so mostly highMostly low, falling 6 dB per octave
Best at maskingVoices, high-pitched soundsTraffic, rumble, bass, appliances
Long listeningCan feel harsh after a whileComfortable for hours
On phone speakersPlays fineCan sound faint (little bass)
ResearchMost studied for sleep and attentionNo studies of its own yet

For sleep

If what wakes you is voices, a TV next door or a snoring partner, white noise (or white with some pink) is the stronger mask. If it’s traffic, trucks and rumbling, brown noise covers those better and is gentler to sleep through. Many people end up with a mix: mostly brown, a little white. Details: white noise for sleep and brown noise for sleep.

For focus

White noise has the most research behind it for attention: a 2024 meta-analysis found white and pink noise gave a small benefit to young people with ADHD and a small drop to those without 1. Brown noise is the one more people say they enjoy working to, especially many with ADHD. Try a day with each. Details: white noise for studying and brown noise for studying.

For babies

Use care with either. Infant sound machines can be loud: in a 2014 test of 14 machines2, all were above the 50-decibel nursery limit at full volume 30 cm away. A 2026 sleep-lab study found broadband noise reduced REM sleep in adults, and its author advised caution for newborns and toddlers 3. If you use one, keep it low, across the room and on a timer, and ask your pediatrician.

And pink noise?

Pink sits between them: softer than white, less boomy than brown. If neither feels right, try pink noise, or read white noise vs pink noise.

Sources

  1. Nigg JT, Bruton A, Kozlowski MB, Johnstone JM, Karalunas SL (2024). Systematic review and meta-analysis: Do white noise or pink noise help with task performance in youth with ADHD or with elevated attention problems?. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 63(8):778–788.
  2. Hugh SC, Wolter NE, Propst EJ, Gordon KA, Cushing SL, Papsin BC (2014). Infant sleep machines and hazardous sound pressure levels. Pediatrics 133(4):677–681.
  3. Basner M, et al. (2026). Efficacy of pink noise and earplugs for mitigating the effects of intermittent environmental noise exposure on sleep. Sleep.

Questions

Which is better, white or brown noise?

It depends on what you need to mask and what you find comfortable. White noise covers voices better; brown noise is softer and better for low rumble.

Is brown noise louder than white noise?

At the same level, brown noise usually sounds quieter and softer, because our ears are less sensitive to the low frequencies it’s made of.

Can I mix white and brown noise?

Yes. Mixing gives you the masking of white with the comfort of brown. Tap both tiles in the player and set each level.

Last updated .