White, pink or brown noise: which should you use?
Key takeaways
- White noise sounds bright, like hiss or static. Pink noise is softer. Brown noise is a deep rumble.
- To cover high sounds such as voices or a TV, a brighter noise may work better. For low sounds such as traffic or a neighbour's music, try brown noise.
- No colour is proven to improve sleep or focus. Choose the one you find comfortable, at a low volume.
- Small phone speakers lose bass, so brown noise sounds thinner on a phone than on a larger speaker.
What is the difference between white, pink and brown noise?
They are all random, steady noise. The difference is how the energy is spread from low to high pitches, which changes how they sound. Each sound page explains the details: white noise, pink noise and brown noise.
| White noise | Pink noise | Brown noise | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Hiss, radio static, a hair dryer | Steady rain, wind | Distant thunder, a waterfall, a deep rumble |
| Character | Bright and sharp | Balanced and soft | Deep and warm |
| Often chosen for | Covering voices and high sounds | All-round background | Low, heavy background; people who find white noise harsh |
| On a phone speaker | Sounds as intended | Sounds close to intended | Loses much of its bass |
Which noise covers which sound?
A steady noise makes a disturbing sound less noticeable when it fills the same range of pitches. That is why the best choice depends on what bothers you.
| What disturbs you | Try first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Voices, TV, a ticking clock | White or pink noise | They have more energy in the higher pitches where speech details sit |
| Traffic, trains, a neighbour's bass | Brown noise | It has most of its energy in the low pitches |
| A snoring partner | Pink or brown noise | Snoring has a lot of low and middle sound |
| General quiet that feels too quiet | Pink noise, fan or rain | A soft, even background |
These are starting points, not rules. Test them at a low volume where you will use them.
Which is best for sleep?
None is proven best. A 2021 review of 38 studies found very low-quality evidence that continuous noise improves sleep at all, and no good study compares the colours. Many people find white noise harsh after a while and prefer pink or brown. Keep the volume low and see is it bad to sleep with white noise? for safe levels.
Which is best for focus or studying?
That is personal, too. Some people like the steady hiss of white noise to cover voices in an open office; others find brown noise less tiring for long sessions. Try one sound at a time for a day before deciding. More layers are optional.
How do I mix noise colours?
Start with one main sound and add a second about half as loud. The Sleep preset on White Noise Sounds combines brown noise with gentle rain; the Focus preset combines pink noise with a quiet fan. You can mix up to three sounds, set each volume and save up to three mixes in your browser.
What about green noise?
"Green noise" has no standard technical definition. Apps and videos use the name for noise with most of its energy in the middle pitches, but versions differ. If you like it, a soft pink noise or a pink-and-fan mix sounds similar.
Frequently asked questions
Is pink noise better than white noise? Not in general. Pink noise sounds softer, which many people prefer for long listening.
Why does brown noise sound different on my phone? Small speakers cannot play deep bass well. Try a larger speaker or headphones at a low volume.
Can I use white noise for a baby? White Noise Sounds is made for adults. Ask your health visitor or doctor about sound for a baby's sleep.
Sources
- Riedy SM, et al. Noise as a sleep aid: A systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2021. PubMed 33007706
- Sound definitions: our pink noise and brown noise pages.
Last reviewed 12 November 2026.