White noise generator

How to use the noise generator

1. Pick a noise colour: white (bright, hissy), pink (softer, like steady rain) or brown (deep, like a distant waterfall or rumble).
2. Set a low volume first, press Play noise, then raise the volume until it covers distracting sounds without being loud.
3. For sleep, choose a sleep timer. The noise fades out gently when the time is up.
4. Use Left or Right to send the noise to one ear or speaker only, for example to check a channel.

The noise is generated live in your browser with the Web Audio API and loops without a gap. Nothing is uploaded and no microphone is used.

White, pink and brown noise: what is the difference?

• White noise has equal energy at every frequency, so it sounds bright and hissy, like a radio between stations or a fan. It is the most effective at masking speech and sudden sounds.
• Pink noise has more energy in the low frequencies, so it sounds fuller and softer, closer to steady rainfall or wind. Many people find it the most natural to sleep to.
• Brown noise (also called red noise) is even deeper, a low rumble like a strong waterfall or distant thunder. People often choose it for focus and to cover low-pitched noise such as traffic.

What people use it for

• Sleep: steady noise hides sudden sounds such as traffic, neighbours or a partner's snoring.
• Focus and studying: a constant background sound helps in open offices and noisy homes.
• Babies: parents use soft noise at low volume. Keep the speaker at a safe distance from the baby and the volume low, and ask your paediatrician if unsure.
• Tinnitus relief and masking: some people use broadband noise to make ringing less noticeable. It is not a treatment, so see a doctor if the ringing is new or bothers you.
• Speaker checks: noise is a good test signal for finding rattles or a dead channel. For a guided check use the speaker test.

Frequently asked questions

Is white noise or brown noise better for sleep?

There is no single answer. White noise masks the most sounds, pink noise is softer, and brown noise is deepest. Try each for a few nights at a low volume and keep the one you find most comfortable.

How loud should it be?

Quiet enough to talk over comfortably. Constant noise at high volume for hours can tire your ears, so keep it low and place the speaker away from your head.

Will it keep playing with the screen off?

Most desktop browsers keep playing in a background tab. Phones differ: some stop audio when the screen locks, so test it before relying on it overnight.

Does it loop without clicks?

Yes. A ten-second noise buffer plays in a seamless loop, and the timer fades the sound out instead of cutting it.

Is it free?

Yes. No sign-up and no download.

Want to test your sound instead? Try the speaker test, the headphone test, the bass test or the tone generator.