White Noise Machines Vs Bluetooth Speakers: Which Block Out Noise Best?

In this video, I compare the sound masking of white noise machines and a phone app. The links (affiliate) below are in the order I tested them:
1️⃣ LectroFan Evo: amzn.to/46wG664
2️⃣ Dreamegg D11: amzn.to/436iGBF
3️⃣ Samsung Galaxy S8: I got it from my usual phone provider
4️⃣ The app I use is called 'white noise generator'
5️⃣ Sony SRS-XB12: amzn.to/3XTCAB0
(Now updated to the Sony SRS-XB13/B model)
6️⃣ LectroFan Micro 2: amzn.to/3NqmcRG
7️⃣ Snooz: amzn.to/455M39U
8️⃣ Dohm Uno: amzn.to/4bZOtsW
(Marpac since rebranded as Yogasleep. The white noise machine itself is the same though.)
9️⃣ Echo Dot: amzn.to/44qRhvy
Transparency note: I bought all of these devices myself and wasn't asked, paid, or sponsored to make this video. If you decide to get something through my links above, I may receive a commission, which will help support the channel.
Subscribe to my channel here: / @nosleeplessnights1
Read the written version on my website: www.nosleeplessnights.com/whi...
ABOUT
If you've ever wondered how well white noise machines block out disruptive noise compared to normal speakers or a phone with a white noise app, this video is for you.
I put several devices to the test to see which ones have the loudest maximum volume, and which ones do the best job of masking loud electronic music I played on my TV in a room adjacent to my bedroom.
Perhaps predictably, the Sony Bluetooth speaker sounded the best, but the LectroFan Evo white noise machine was quite close in the volume and depth of bass produced by the speaker.
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 Introduction
1:46 Ambient noise
2:12 LectroFan Evo
3:04 Dreamegg D11
3:41 Samsung Galaxy S8 phone & white noise generator app
4:51 Sony SRS-XB12 Bluetooth speaker
6:19 Lectrofan Micro 2
7:08 Snooz
7:44 Dohm Uno
8:30 Echo Dot
9:33 Results
If you'd like to find out more about any of the individual white noise machines featured in this video, and listen to all of their soundtracks, check out my in-depth reviews below:
LectroFan Evo: • LectroFan Evo Review: ...
Dreamegg D11: • Dreamegg D11 Review: M...
LectroFan Micro 2: • LectroFan Micro 2 Revi...
Snooz: • LectroFan Micro 2 Revi...
Dohm Uno: • I Compare The Dohm Uno...

[@monikavarro2020]

As an unhappy apartment dweller with shared walls, I'm a daily user of white noise machines. I use a Lectrofan classic next to my bed and use a different one for neighbours on the other side of the wall as well as rain sounds on my phone playing all throughout the night. I couldn't imagine life without a white noise machine, it definitely helps a lot! I live in a very loud apartment block that's been renovated so I had to drown out power tools, leaf blowers outside, people who won't shut up and impact noise during the night. 😫 The Lectrofan is the loudest one I've used. I've tried many different ones throughout the years.

[@nosleeplessnights1]

It sounds like you have a lot of noise to contend with Monika! It's good to hear the LectroFan is working well. Sad they didn't give you better sound proofing though...

[@monikavarro2020]

@@nosleeplessnights1 Unfortunately that's true! That's why having a white noise machine is such a lifesaver. I have shared walls on each side as well as people downstairs. You can hear everything here and soundproofing is non existent because it's an old place. 😫

[@Jorge-lm4bg]

Nothing is worse than impact noises. I think I’m developing PTSD from the loud sound of stomping at different hours of the day and night. Going to try that white noise machine. Just 9 more months until my lease is over. Definitely learned to not be the downstairs neighbor.

[@BruiserFL]

I like how you organized this video so that we can easily find what we might be looking for. Thanks!

[@nosleeplessnights1]

You're welcome, and thanks for saying so - it's good to know!

[@Jk201]

Your vids are getting superb with every review mate. I’m happy your alive and well as usual. Sorry so late , better late then never I guess.

[@nosleeplessnights1]

Thanks! I really appreciate the feedback, as always.

[@martinrose2668]

I found your website really helpful and educational, thanks a lot!

[@nosleeplessnights1]

You're welcome Michel. I'm very happy to hear you visited my website and that it was useful. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment:-)

[@valshog4089]

Very good comparisons ! Thank you. Liked the recommendations about not using white noise every day. That s true.

[@nosleeplessnights1]

Thanks! I'm happy to hear you liked the video and that it was helpful.

[@BexieRocks]

Thanks so much for this, I’ve been trying to get an answer to white noise machine vs white noise app question for ages. Really appreciate your efforts

[@nosleeplessnights1]

You're welcome! I'm working on another white noise machine versus app video at the moment, so keep a look out in the coming weeks.

[@steveclark8538]

TY so much great job living in an apartment these devices are a must

[@nosleeplessnights1]

You're welcome! They can certainly help if noise is an issue for you.

[@max-to-max]

Thank you for your work!

[@nosleeplessnights1]

You're very welcome Sam!

[@PeeGeeThirteen]

A bluetooth speaker offers more flexibility for audio selection since you can use any audio app or even KZbin. I owned 2 Sound+Sleep devices that glitched out after several months of use, and I am now leaning towards Bluetooth speakers

[@nosleeplessnights1]

That's very true. I know some people like using a white noise machine rather than an app, particularly in kid's rooms or public areas. But for many people, a normal speaker and an app is a good option.

[@dwightsbeetfarms3611]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@nosleeplessnights1]

You're welcome!

[@cryanmac9283]

thank you sir for this valuable info. it really helped me. God bless!

[@nosleeplessnights1]

You're very welcome!

[@etaiii]

Thank you for this video!

[@nosleeplessnights1]

You're very welcome!

[@dariusdareme]

I've been looking for a channel like yours for 2 years. I hope to find some earbuds which I can sleep with and listen to music during the day.

[@nosleeplessnights1]

That's a huge compliment - thank you! I hope you find the videos helpful:-)

[@everythingisfake7555]

What would you recommend to mask thudding footsteps from above? I'm looking for a deeper 0 - 400hz tone that constantly plays to mask the sudden jolting sound of thudding footsteps. Thank you for your video

[@nosleeplessnights1]

You're welcome. That's a really difficult one, because impact noise from upstairs rooms just has a way of finding its unpleasant way to our ears and brains! I think the LectroFan has the deepest brown noise, as does the Dreamegg D3. But the Bluetooth speaker, and other good Bluetooth speakers with decent bass will also do as good a job as possible I think.

[@12prettythings10]

Hello! My question is about cooling mattress toppers. You've done such a great job with the weighted blankets I hope you'll go down the path of mattress toppers. Thank you

[@nosleeplessnights1]

Hi, thanks for the comment. I'm glad you liked the other weighted blanket comparison. I haven't done a video comparison of those, and don't have any plans to at this point as I no longer have in my possession a couple of the ones I would have wanted to include. However, I do keep my written comparison up to date, which you can see on my blog here: www.nosleeplessnights.com/cooling-mattress-pad/

[@GabrielTheGuitarist]

as a sound guy, i could tell you right off the bat that the sony would sound the best in terms of tone. Decent bluetooth speakers have full range speakers. sub/bass/mid/tweeter. which if youve ever seen a concert being set up, you'll hear the sound engineer run pink noise to help him tune all the speakers. each section has its role in frequency, so only having a single small speaker of course will sound like garbage. instead of the sony, i would've chose something like a JBL Charge 3/4 or Flip 5/6, or anything in the same price point or a few bucks more.

[@nosleeplessnights1]

Thanks for your comment Gabriel. I also expected the Sony to sound the best, though also had high expectations of the Snooz since it has a real fan - at least in terms of how pleasant it sounds to listen to. I do have plans to check out more speakers in the future, so will add those to my list - thanks!

[@NajyK]

I've used iphone and ipad apps connected via bluetooth and aux to portable JBL speakers, but the sound will occasionally and randomly skip, which wakes me up. I thought this might be the bluetooth connection originally, but it's occurring when I connecting via aux . I thought maybe it was my internet hiccing up during streaming, so I downloaded the tracks and am playing them offline, but the sound still skips. Any idea what might be causing this?

[@nosleeplessnights1]

Are there ads that occasionally appear and break the white noise on the apps?

[@NajyK]

@@nosleeplessnights1 I thought that might be it, but it happens playing a 12 hour track on Spotify premium as well. I just updated the firmware on the speaker, hoping that improves things.

[@edies7607]

What about foam on wall?is it helps?i have several holes on walls..for air circulation and have plan to close it

[@nosleeplessnights1]

Well, sealing holes is definitely a good start to reduce noise. Just putting foam on the walls is harder than I wish it was to block out much sound. It can help, but it depends on the foam, the type of noise, the walls, how well you fit it etc. It's not as simple as just putting some foam on the wall. Noise has a way of finding its way through the tiniest of gaps. Sure, if you have some foam, stick it up and see if it helps at all. But I wouldn't spend lots of money on lots of foam without doing some research into how likely it is to help in your situation.

[@edies7607]

@@nosleeplessnights1 thank.you for explanation .i will try to seal holes first.and the most difficult is window..it make from aluminum an glass..maybe this also weak swealing..here..mosque is so loud also at 3 at night..am

[@monikavarro2020]

I guess I'm doomed with my sanity because I have to use my white noise machine really loud otherwise I would never get any sleep with the neighbours I have. With time, you get used to the noise from the white noise machine. I haven't lost my sanity yet! I use it every single night! The trick is to use a sound that you can turn up pretty loud without it being annoying. Pure white noise is much harsher than brown noise or pink noise.

[@nosleeplessnights1]

It is about finding the balance, I agree. I also completely agree that deeper noise colours like pink or brown are much kinder on the mind that bright white noise.

[@monikavarro2020]

@@nosleeplessnights1 I never use the pure white noise option. I tend to prefer the deeper sounds.

[@nosleeplessnights1]

Me too!

[@sreeramsri2424]

I use that white noise generator app almost 10 hours a day to protect from loud neighbours

[@nosleeplessnights1]

Nice! Good to know it's helpful for that purpose. Do you have a favorite combination of settings that you find blocks them best?

[@PrescribedObsessions]

Hi Ethan, great video! I'm currently looking for something comfortable and non-electronic to help me block out my downstairs neighbours noise, also comfortable so I can lie on my side and not even know it's there - what's the best suggestion?

[@nosleeplessnights1]

Thanks Nikita - glad you liked it. I'm a bit confused by the question as this was a video about electronic equipment. So my interpretation of your question would be good quality earplugs! Did you mean white noise that's real and not digitally created though?

[@marcopedro968]

Wich machine would be the best to block neighbours singing and some floor sounds? Thanks. Best regards

[@nosleeplessnights1]

For singing, most of them should help, though the Dohm might be a bit quiet. For floor sounds, it depends how loud it is and how much is vibration rather than sound. Again, most should help if it's not too loud. But if it's loud stomping on wooden floorboards, it's really hard to block out completely. I'd say those with a headphone jack give more flexibility in dealing with it if you're in a fixed position. Otherwise, it's the louder devices you'd need probably.

[@marcopedro968]

@@nosleeplessnights1 Thank you for your feeback.

[@nosleeplessnights1]

No problem!

[@CheckThisOut77]

You left out a GREAT white noise machine: dohm. We have used it for years.

[@nosleeplessnights1]

It's number 7 in the video...

[@cyberc0l0mbiana]

Does it also help mask/reduce/drown out the chatter noise caused by a large group of people gathered in a room *but* while you’re also in the same room so that you can actually hear each other?

[@nosleeplessnights1]

Do you mean you want to talk to someone in a large room with other people so only you and that one person can have a private conversation, and the sound of the rest of the people is reduced? If that's what you mean, I have never tried to do this, so I couldn't tell you for sure if it works or not. I can imagine it might work to some degree, but you would probably need the volume quite high. And that might attract attention from the other people who start wondering why there is loud white noise coming from a corner of the room! If you do try it, please let me know if it works!

[@cyberc0l0mbiana]

@@nosleeplessnights1 yes that’s correct (sound masking/speech privacy)! Thank you for the extensive and prompt response, much appreciated! Found out more and the “DEEP White Noise Machine Wireless Bluetooth Speaker” by Soft DB has specific sound masking settings (white, pink, and “true sound masking”) which is intended to eliminate noise distractions and improve acoustic privacy in a room to help drown out voices while in the same space. Would be fantastic if you could review DEEP by Soft DB as well and compared it to the Sound+Sleep SE sound machine too (particularly against its white/pink/brown settings for a fair comparison)! Also there’s another one by Acoustical Solutions called “Desktop Sound Masking System” which is specifically made for sound masking/speech privacy although significantly higher priced (4x than Soft DB’s DEEP and Sound+Sleep SE). Lastly, the Sonet Qt speakers by Cambridge but are more so for desk/office spaces. I’m either going to purchase DEEP by Soft DB or Sound+Sleep SE first and if they’re not good enough to help drown out voices during group gatherings at home then will have to go with the Desktop sound masking system (by Acoustical Solutions). Will share results once I do!

[@nosleeplessnights1]

You're very welcome. It sounds like you've done some extensive research into these devices. I think your focus on speech privacy is interesting, and I can see the crossover with the kind of white noise machines I typically review. The thing is, I believe most people who come to my videos are looking for affordable devices they can use in their bedroom, a kid's room, or maybe a study space. So once the price goes over $100 - or close to $400 in the case of Acoustical Solutions - then it goes into a different category I think. Even the SNOOZ and Sound+Sleep devices are significantly more expensive than the average for a white noise machine, but I covered those as they are at least designed with sleep in mind. Having said that, the Soft DB machine looks very interesting and I'll keep it on my radar. I'd love to hear back from you if you do try out a 'normal' white noise machine for the speech privacy effect. As I said before, I just don't know how well they would work, so now you've piqued my curiosity!

[@michalrv3066]

Sadly, not using a white noise machine every night is not an option with loud upstairs neighbours. Earplugs can cause issues like earwax being pushed deeper inside the ear and just block your ear.

[@nosleeplessnights1]

It's true that you need to be mindful of the risk of having problems with your ear canals using earplugs every night. Personally, it's a risk I take because they work so well when I need silence to sleep. White noise machines don't have that risk obviously, so they are a good option for some people.

[@bostonstrongpatriots8881]

App is excelennt when connected to speakers with subwoffer, only iasue aometimes when it repeats makes a 1 sec pause and sometimes stops but it shows like it's playing😃 spotify premium

[@nosleeplessnights1]

Connecting to a speaker with good bass would definitely be the way to go when listening to pink and brown noise to make the best of all those lower frequencies. Not sure about the pause issue though!

[@rickyspanish9625]

So I should probably just use my Sonos then? Turned my a/c off for the first time in over a year last night and I think that triggered some sleep paralysis and it was pretty terrifying 😂

[@nosleeplessnights1]

If you have Sonos speakers, then I imagine they will do the job nicely if you're happy to play white noise via your phone. Sleep paralysis isn't much fun - I hope it was a one off!

[@rufuspipemos]

I don't see the idea of ranking by "loudness" as being an effective review of a white noise machine. The point is not loudness, it is cancelling out the offending noise. If the point is just loudness, one can just play music at 100dba all night.

[@nosleeplessnights1]

This isn't a review, it's a test. I have individual reviews of the devices where I talk in detail about all the other features, as well as a couple of other longer videos comparing them. Have you had a chance to check those out? In this video, I also talk about how well they blocked out music, so it's not just the volume I discuss. And in my experience there seems to be a clear correlation between volume and noise masking, which is why I focus on the volume. If you've ever tried to block out loud and bothersome external noise with the Dohm Uno and then tried with a LectroFan, you'll see what I mean. The same applies for any white noise machine played on a low volume setting or a high volume setting. I agree that you could just play music as 100dba all night, but not everyone wants to listen to music, and that would be uncomfortably loud for most people.

[@IncessantWake]

I use the Alexa Echo 3

[@nosleeplessnights1]

What sounds do you like to listen to on it?