Ambient sound
White noise, the even hiss
White noise holds equal energy at every frequency at once, and the result is a steady, featureless hiss — like radio static or a fan on a still night. Because it fills the whole audible range evenly, it's the most effective mask there is, covering sudden sounds under one continuous wash.
Tap White to hear it, then layer in anything else. Or start from a mix below.
The name borrows from white light, which mixes every colour of the spectrum; white noise mixes every audible frequency the same way. That even spread is exactly what makes it such a good mask — a slamming door or a passing car has nowhere to stand out, so it disappears into the hiss.
It's the classic choice for sleep, for settling babies, and for focus in a noisy space. Some ears find it a touch bright over a long night, since all that high-frequency energy adds up; if so, pink noise is the softer, warmer alternative with the same masking job.
This one is synthesized live rather than played from a file, so there's no loop to notice and nothing to buffer. It simply holds, evenly, for as long as you leave it running — even with the connection off.
Pairs well with
Questions
Is white noise safe for babies?
Generally yes, used sensibly: keep the volume low, place the source away from the cot rather than beside it, and don't run it louder than a soft shower. If in doubt, ask your paediatrician about levels.
White noise vs pink noise vs brown noise?
White is even across all frequencies and sounds bright and hissy. Pink rolls off the treble for a softer, balanced sound. Brown rolls it off further still for a deep, rumbling low end. Same masking job, warmer as you go down the list.
Does white noise actually help you sleep?
For many people, by masking rather than sedating. It covers the sudden noises that wake you — traffic, doors, a snoring partner — under a steady wash, so sleep is less likely to be broken.