White, pink and brown noise: what's the difference?
If you've used a sound machine, you've probably seen white, pink and brown noise listed next to each other. They are all steady, random background sounds. The difference is which pitches are loudest.
The quick version
- White noise has equal energy across all frequencies. It sounds bright and hissy, like TV static or a fan on high.
- Pink noise turns down the high frequencies. It sounds softer, closer to steady rain or wind.
- Brown noise turns the highs down even further. It sounds deep and rumbly, like a distant waterfall or the inside of a plane.
Which one should you pick?
There's no single right answer. It mostly comes down to what you find pleasant and what noise you're covering:
- Sharp, high sounds like voices, dogs or traffic: white noise covers them best.
- If white noise feels harsh: try pink.
- Low sounds like a neighbor's TV or bass: brown noise is often more comfortable.
Why "non-looping" matters
Cheap sound machines often play a short recording on repeat. Once you notice the loop, it's hard to stop hearing it. The okvella Smart Sound Machine has 30+ non-looping sounds, including fan, rain, ocean and white, pink and brown noise, so there's no repeating hiccup at 2 AM.
Setup tips
- Place it between you and the noise, for example near the door or window, not right next to your head.
- Keep the volume moderate: loud enough to cover the noise, and no louder.
- Use the timer if you only want sound while you fall asleep, or leave it running all night.
- Use the headphone jack if you share a room with someone who prefers silence.