White Noise vs Brown Noise: What is the Difference?

A man sitting at the foot of his bed contemplating what sound to use to sleep: white noise vs brown noise.

Sound therapy has become a popular and viable option for improving sleep quality and focus in recent years.


Each noise color has varying sound frequency profiles, offering different advantages, including improved sleep and focus. White and brown noise are known for these benefits in particular.


This blog post aims to delve into the characteristics of brown and white noise, how they differ, and how to use them for optimal sleep and mental clarity, so let's get started.

Key Takeaways

  • White noise has a uniform frequency distribution that masks disruptive noises, improves sleep quality, and provides tinnitus relief by creating a consistent auditory environment.

  • Brown noise is characterized by its energy concentration in lower frequencies, providing a deep, rumbling sound associated with relaxation, better sleep quality, and less conclusively, sharper focus.

  • The choice between white and brown noise hinges on noise sensitivity, environmental conditions, desired outcomes, and personal preference, with each offering unique benefits for different situations and goals.

Table of Contents

What Is White Noise?

A woman sitting at her workstation, using a white noise machine to mask the chatter of her noisy co-workers.

Like white light, which comprises all colors in the spectrum visible to the human eye, white noise encompasses all audible frequencies that the human ear can hear at equal power. Its flat sound is like the hissing of radio static or a fan's monotonous drone.

Essential Applications of White Noise

  • Sound Masking: It's a type of ambient noise that can mask unwanted sounds like traffic or office chatter. This masking effect fosters a sense of privacy and reduces distractions, enhancing relaxation and focus.

  • Improved Sleep: Many find that white noise helps them fall asleep faster and reduces how often they wake up in the night. It may help you get better sleep by promoting relaxation.

  • Tinnitus Relief: Tinnitus is a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears. White noise for tinnitus relief helps drown out this intrusive noise and reduces its perceived volume.

  • Enhanced Cognition: White noise can be helpful when studying as it provides a consistent sound in the background that reduces distractions, improving concentration and learning.

What Is Brown Noise?

Brown noise is characterized by a greater concentration of energy in its lower frequencies, with the power diminishing as the frequency rises. It has a bass-like tone that is often compared to the deep, rumbling sounds of thunder, waterfalls, or ocean waves crashing.

Key Uses of Brown Noise

  • Relaxation and Sleep Aid: It offers a calming and tranquil experience, effectively alleviating stress and anxiety and thereby helping you fall asleep faster.

  • Concentration and Focus: Brown noise can create a sense of seclusion and minimize interruptions, which is beneficial for activities that demand prolonged attention and concentration.

  • Tinnitus Relief: Similar to white noise, brown can help relieve tinnitus by masking the perceived ringing and lowering its volume. Some individuals find it more soothing and effective than the harsher sound of white noise, with its low-frequency sounds.

How Can White Noise Help You Sleep?

Both white and brown noise are popular sleep and relaxation aids. However, white noise offers distinct benefits, making it the preferred choice for many.


White noise is consistent and unobtrusive, providing a steady, unchanging sound that is less intrusive for sleep than more dynamic or fluctuating sounds. It can drown out disruptive background sounds, which is particularly beneficial in bustling urban areas or shared spaces.


For many, white noise is comforting and familiar, reminiscent of household appliances like the soothing sound of a fan, TV static or the subtle whirring of an AC.


White noise is also versatile, serving other purposes beyond improving sleep. It can enhance focus and concentration, improve productivity, and add a layer of privacy in shared spaces.

How Can Brown Noise Improve Your Sleep?

A woman relaxing in bed using a sound machine to listen to brown noise for relaxation before bedtime.

Now, let's move on to brown noise, which provides distinct advantages for those looking to improve their sleep and more.


Brown noise features deeper, more soothing tones compared to white, evoking feelings of warmth and comfort. It’s particularly effective at promoting relaxation and easing anxiety or stress, helping you fall asleep.


Brown noise excels at reducing distracting sounds. It's suitable for masking specific environmental sounds, especially those of a lower pitch, like traffic or industrial equipment.


While more research is needed scientifically, anecdotal evidence suggests that the deeper tones of brown noise may facilitate deeper sleep. Like white noise, brown can effectively drown out background noises. NBC's Dr. John Torres told Today, "Similar to white noise, brown noise can drown out background noises. Some find that it helps them fall into a deeper, more restorative sleep.(1)"

How to Choose Between White Noise and Brown Noise?

Choosing between white noise and brown noise is a personal decision, as there's no universal answer for everyone. Your choice depends largely on your tastes and reasons for listening to white or brown noise.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Background Noise

  • Noise Sensitivity: Do higher-pitched sounds make you cringe? Brown noise may be the better choice due to its soothing tones.

  • External Environment: Brown noise may be the better option for masking disruptive sounds in areas with lots of sound pollution, such as traffic or construction.

  • Desired Result: Are you aiming to enhance focus and concentration? Then, consider white noise. White noise may also benefit those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that white noise significantly improved attention and reduced hyperactivity in preschoolers with ADHD.(2) On the other hand, brown noise may be more suitable for relaxation and sleep.

  • Personal Preference: Ultimately, it depends on your preference. You're likely to find a particular type of sound more enjoyable or beneficial than the other.


You can also experiment with different volume levels or combine different kinds of colored noise to suit your needs. (There's blue noise, grey noise, violet noise and red noise, to name a few.)


White or brown noise is easily accessible online through podcasts, videos and playlists. However, using a white noise machine at home or work provides a more consistent listening experience.


Remember to ensure the sound machine offers more options than just white noise. Ideally, it should play other colored noise and sleep-inducing ambient sounds. And that's just the tip of the iceberg of what to consider when choosing a sound machine.

Listening to White or Brown Noise With Manta White Noise Machine

Meet Manta White Noise Machine. Apart from offering 15 different sounds (white and brown noise included), it acts as a barrier to disruptive noises even before they reach you. Just put the speaker near the source of noise, and voila!

The speaker and control pad of a white noise machine that also plays brown noise.
BUY IT NOW

Let’s take a closer look at its features:

A sound machine’s control pad and speaker that plays brown noise surrounded by sound waves.

  • 15 gapless, non-looping soundscapes for uninterrupted listening

  • Tactile bedside control pad that you can operate in the dark

  • Upgradeable to a dual-speaker system for more coverage

  • LED-free control pad and speakers for zero light pollution

  • No-pairing, 1-click design

  • Durable and requires zero maintenance

  • Lightweight and compact for ease of transport

Seriously, you’ll want (and need) this device to enhance sleep quality, boost focus and concentration, or create a calming atmosphere. It isn’t the best white noise machine for sleeping for nothing!

What Other Sounds Can Help You Sleep?

White and brown noise are popular for improving sleep and relaxation but aren't your only options. Apart from other colored noise, there are also types of music that can help you get a better night's sleep.


Here are some other alternatives as well:


  • Nature sounds like gentle rain, chirping birds, or wind rustling the leaves, can create a peaceful atmosphere and help you get a better night's rest. Read our article comparing white noise and nature sounds for more information.


    Nature sounds are closely associated with green noise. The latter focuses on mid-range frequencies. It has a balanced sound that's neither too high nor too low, offering a soothing listening experience. Learn more about this type of colored noise by reading our white noise vs green noise blog post.


  • Binaural Beats are carefully crafted audio tracks that merge 2 slightly different frequencies, creating a rhythmic beating effect. This effect may induce brainwave states linked to relaxation or sleep.

  • Soft instrumental tunes with a slow tempo and calming melodies comprise Ambient Music. It can aid in unwinding as you prepare for sleep.

  • Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) videos and audio recordings often incorporate soothing, tranquil sounds and whispers that can evoke a tingling sensation that's relaxing for many.


Keep in mind that the effect of each of these sounds may vary from person to person. Don't hesitate to experiment to find what works best for you.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Sound for Sleep

White noise vs brown noise — which is best for sleep?


Let's do a quick recap. White noise is a mix of all the frequencies audible to the human ear. It delivers a constant, unchanging sound that efficiently masks loud environmental noise. Meanwhile, brown noise emphasizes lower frequency sounds, producing richer and deeper tones.


Ultimately, deciding between white and brown noise depends on your preferences and goals. Do you want to relax and fall asleep faster? Or are you looking to sharpen your focus?


Experimenting with both noise colors will help you make an informed choice. Incorporate these into your sleep routine with a noise generator like Manta White Noise Machine.


Did this blog post help you discover which noise is best for you? Is it white or brown? Or other sounds? Let us know by commenting below.

Sources:  

(1) "White, brown and pink noise machines are going viral for improving sleep. Do they work?” Today, www.today.com/health/sleep/white-noise-pink-noise-brown-noise-differences-rcna125317. Accessed 27 September 2024.

(2) “The Effects of White Noise on Attentional Performance and On-Task Behaviors in Preschoolers with ADHD” National Library of Medicine, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9692615/. Accessed 24 March 2025.


Disclaimer:  The information contained in this website or provided through our blog, e-mails, or programs is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment that can be provided by your healthcare professionals.