White Noise, Brown Noise, Pink Noise: Can Sound Masking Help You Sleep?

Experience the Colors of Noise

Don't just read about it—hear the difference for yourself right now. Use our free browser-based generator to test which color masks your background noise best.

White Noise: The Classic Sound Mask

White noise is the most well-known type of sound mask. It contains an equal intensity of all frequencies across the spectrum of human hearing. Think of it as the audio equivalent of pure white light, which contains all colors.

• What it sounds like: An untuned radio or television static, a hissing sound.
• Best for: Masking high-frequency sounds, like chatter, ringing phones, or the "shh" sounds of traffic. It's often used in offices to improve focus and privacy.

Pink Noise: A More Natural Alternative

Pink noise is similar to white noise, but its intensity decreases as the frequency gets higher. This results in a sound that is more balanced and natural to the human ear, with more power in the lower frequencies.

• What it sounds like: A steady rainfall, rustling leaves, or wind.
• Best for: Sleep. Many people find pink noise more soothing and less harsh than white noise. It's excellent for drowning out a wide range of background sounds without being distracting itself.

Brown Noise (or Red Noise): Deep and Rumbling

Brown noise (named after Robert Brown, not the color) has even more power in the lower frequencies than pink noise. The higher frequencies are significantly rolled off, creating a deep, rumbling sound.

• What it sounds like: A strong waterfall, a heavy ocean roar, or the low rumble of an airplane cabin.
• Best for: Masking low-frequency noises like traffic rumble, a neighbor's bass-heavy music, or the thud of footsteps from upstairs. Many find it extremely calming and effective for deep sleep.

How to Use Sound Masking

You don't need expensive equipment to try sound masking. You can find hours-long recordings of white, pink, and brown noise on YouTube, Spotify, and dedicated apps. There are also many affordable white noise machines available online that offer various sound options.

The key is to set the volume just high enough to mask the intruding sound without the masking noise itself becoming a distraction. Experiment with different colors of noise to find the one that works best for your specific situation and personal preference.