As I said before, sound machines aren’t complicated. They’re like fancy alarm clocks with a few extra bells and whistles.
Sound library quality
A good sound library is arguably the most important feature of any sound machine. After all, that’s what you’re buying the device for. The “right” sound library is a matter of personal preference as it helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. Nature sounds, white noise, ambient fan sounds, guided meditations, sleep stories and more – all options are available in many of today’s best sound machines.
size and portability
How you plan to use your sound machine will determine the size you need. All the sound machines we tested and researched were designed to be placed on your nightstand. There are also compact and lightweight ones that you can put in your travel bag and go on the go. If you plan to take it with you on the go, consider battery-powered options. This allows you to leave the power cord at home or charge it on the go using your phone’s standard USB cord.
power supply
This leads to the fact that some sound machines rely on plug-in power, some have rechargeable batteries inside, and some use both. If possible, choose a sound machine with rechargeable batteries (rather than relying on AA batteries).
price
Most sound machines are very affordable. Budget models are often priced under $50, with mid-range options under $100. However, even though the best sound machines (like Hatch’s) can run upwards of $120, they usually offer more “smart” features than traditional sound machines.
Additional features
Beyond simply playing white noise or nature sounds from your library, some sound machines have built-in timers, remote controls, and other “smart” features.
