White noise generator
Generate white, pink, brown, and other ambient sounds to improve focus and aid sleep. Runs in your browser using the Web Audio API — no downloads needed.
What is white noise?
White noise contains all audible frequencies at equal intensity — like the static between radio stations or the hiss of an untuned TV. Pink noise emphasises lower frequencies, sounding warmer and more natural — like steady rain or wind through trees. Brown noise is even deeper, a low rumble like distant thunder or a waterfall. All three mask distracting sounds by filling the audible spectrum, making it harder for your brain to pick out individual sounds like conversations, traffic, or notifications.
This generator creates noise procedurally using the Web Audio API built into your browser. No audio files are downloaded or streamed — the sound is generated mathematically in real time, uses minimal CPU, and works offline once the page loads. For timed focus sessions, pair it with the Pomodoro timer.
Which noise type should I use?
White noise is best for blocking sharp, high-frequency distractions like typing or chatter — popular for studying and offices. Pink noise is best for sleep; research suggests it may improve deep sleep quality and feels less harsh than white. Brown noise is best for deep focus and relaxation: the low rumble is calming and non-intrusive, and it's increasingly popular for ADHD focus.
Sleep timer
Set the sleep timer to automatically stop playback after 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours. The volume fades out gently over 5 seconds before stopping. Leave the tab open — the sound plays even when the tab is in the background.
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White vs Pink vs Brown Noise: What's the Difference?
All three noise colors block distracting sounds — they differ in their frequency spectrum and the mental state they support best.
| Feature | White Noise Built into this tool | Pink Noise Built into this tool | Brown Noise Built into this tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency balance | Equal energy per Hz | Equal energy per octave | Energy concentrated in bass |
| Sound character | TV static hiss | Steady fan, rainfall | Deep rumble, thunder |
| Best for | Focus, blocking speech | Sleep, balance, meditation | Deep focus, sleep |
| Masking ability | Strongest | Strong | Moderate |
| Scientific research | Most studied | Growing evidence | Limited studies |
| Common in | Offices, nurseries | Sleep labs, wellness | Music production, focus |
Pink noise has shown the most promise in sleep studies for improving slow-wave sleep (Northwestern University, 2017).
Common Uses
- Sleep in noisy environments: Mask city traffic, neighbours, or a snoring partner with consistent white or brown noise to stay asleep through the night.
- Open-plan office focus: Block out conversational distractions in a shared workspace to maintain concentration on deep-focus tasks.
- Baby and infant sleep: White noise replicates the womb environment, helping infants fall asleep faster and sleep longer (validated by AAP research).
- Tinnitus relief: People with tinnitus use white or pink noise to mask the ringing sensation and make the condition less intrusive.
- Study and exam preparation: Students studying in quiet environments use low-level white noise to prevent every small sound from triggering distraction.
- Virtual call privacy: Generate background noise during calls in a café or shared space to mask private conversation from nearby listeners.
- Relaxation and meditation: Use brown or pink noise as a low-key ambient background for meditation, yoga, or relaxation without the structure of music.
FAQ
What's the difference between white, pink, and brown noise?
White noise has equal energy across all frequencies. Pink noise has more bass (equal energy per octave). Brown noise is even deeper, with energy concentrated in low frequencies. Think: white = TV static, pink = rainfall, brown = waterfall.
Does it work in the background?
Yes. The noise continues playing even if you switch to another tab or app. Just keep the browser open. The sleep timer will stop it automatically if set.
Does it use bandwidth or download audio?
No. The sound is generated mathematically in your browser using the Web Audio API. No audio files are downloaded. It works offline once the page loads and uses minimal CPU.
Does the white noise generator store any data?
No. Audio is generated in real time using the Web Audio API built into your browser. No data is sent to a server or stored after you close the tab.
What is the difference between white, pink, and brown noise?
White noise has equal energy across all frequencies — it sounds like TV static. Pink noise has more low-frequency energy — softer and more natural. Brown noise has even more bass — it sounds like distant thunder or ocean waves.
By the Numbers
- A 2021 systematic review found white noise reduces sleep onset time by an average of 38% in adults in noisy environments (NIH PubMed)
- White noise masks speech intelligibility at approximately 45–55 dB SPL, making it effective for open-plan office privacy
- 74% of Americans report difficulty falling or staying asleep at least a few nights per week (National Sleep Foundation, 2023)
- The global white noise machine market was valued at $1.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at 6.8% annually (Grand View Research)