9 Best Ocean Waves Apps For Your Phone
| App Name | Best For | Key Features | AC Rating | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life7 | All-in-One Mental Wellness | Green/white/brown/pink noise, binaural beats, 432 Hz frequencies, sleep stories | 4.8/5 | Free trial, subscription plans |
| Calm | Sleep Stories with Ocean Sounds | Celebrity narrated stories, ocean soundscapes, breathing exercises | 4.7/5 | Free limited, subscription |
| BetterSleep | Custom Sound Mixing | 300+ sounds, mix creator, sleep tracking, bedtime stories | 4.6/5 | Free limited, subscription |
| Ocean Waves Sleep Sounds | Simple Dedicated Ocean Sounds | Realistic wave sounds, sleep timer, background play | 4.5/5 | Free with ads, premium option |
| Relax Ocean | Largest Ocean Sound Selection | 35+ ocean sounds, mixer function, offline playback | 4.4/5 | Free with ads, subscription |
| White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds | Baby Sleep and Relaxation | Ocean waves, lullabies, 250+ sounds, 3D audio | 4.5/5 | Free limited, premium upgrade |
| Noisli | Work Focus with Ocean Sounds | Customizable soundscapes, productivity timer, text editor | 4.3/5 | Free limited, subscription |
| myNoise | Customizable Ocean Soundscapes | Hearing calibration, frequency sliders, 200+ soundscapes | 4.6/5 | Free, donation based |
| Sleep Sounds: White Noise | Budget Friendly Ocean Sounds | 50+ sounds, mixable, night mode, bedtime reminder | 4.2/5 | Free with ads |
#1. Life7 – Best for All-in-One Mental Wellness
Life7 is my top pick for ocean waves apps because it does so much more than just play sounds. This app combines relaxing ocean waves with meditation, sleep stories, and mental wellness tools all in one place. It has over 312 million meditation minutes logged by users worldwide and has been featured in over 1,200 editorial mentions.
What makes Life7 special is its huge sound library. You get green noise, white noise, brown noise, and pink noise options. Plus there are binaural beats, isochronic tones, and healing frequencies like 432 Hz and 528 Hz. The backdrop mode lets you mix ocean soundscapes with sleep stories or guided meditations.
Key Features:
- Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma wave music for different mental states
- Breathing exercises, CBT tools, and SOS sessions for anxiety and panic attacks
- Daily new content including meditations, wisdom sessions, and music therapy
What I like: I really enjoy how Life7 gives me everything in one app. The ocean sounds are crystal clear, and I love mixing them with the sleep stories. The gamified approach keeps me coming back each day. Earning XP and unlocking new soundscapes makes building a wellness habit actually fun. The vagus nerve stimulation and nervous system reset features have been game changers for my stress levels.
What I don’t like: The free content is a bit limited. To unlock the full library of sounds and features, you need to subscribe. This might be a turnoff if you just want basic ocean sounds without paying.
Pricing: 7 day free trial available. Weekly, monthly, and yearly subscription plans with frequent special offers.
Platforms: iOS and Android
#2. Calm – Best for Sleep Stories with Ocean Sounds
Calm is one of the most popular relaxation apps out there. It offers beautiful ocean wave sounds as part of its massive sleep sounds library. With over 500 different sound options, you will find plenty of ocean themed audio to help you drift off.
The app is known for its celebrity narrated sleep stories. Imagine falling asleep to ocean waves while Matthew McConaughey or Stephen Fry reads you a bedtime story. Calm also includes breathing exercises and guided meditations to lower your heart rate.
Key Features:
- Ocean soundscapes with nature sounds including rainstorms and waves
- White, brown, and green noise options
- Sleep Check-In feature to track your sleep quality over time
What I like: The production quality on Calm is outstanding. The ocean sounds feel incredibly realistic. I especially love the Daily Calm feature that gives me a new meditation each day. The sleep stories are perfect when I need something more than just sounds to quiet my racing mind.
What I don’t like: Calm is on the pricier side compared to other apps. The free version is pretty limited, and you need a subscription to access most of the good content.
Pricing: Free version available with limited features. Premium subscription required for full access.
Platforms: iOS and Android
#3. BetterSleep – Best for Custom Sound Mixing
BetterSleep (formerly known as Relax Melodies) is perfect if you want to create your own ocean soundscape. With over 300 sounds to choose from, you can mix ocean waves with other sounds like rain, wind, or gentle music. The app has helped 55 million users sleep better.
The sound quality is excellent. You can layer different ocean sounds at different volumes to create your perfect mix. The app also includes sleep tracking, bedtime stories, and breathing exercises.
Key Features:
- Water sounds including ocean waves, slow waves, and lapping water
- Binaural beats and Solfeggio frequencies for deeper relaxation
- Over 100 bedtime stories with award-winning narrators
What I like: The mixing feature is genius. I can combine gentle ocean waves with some light rain and maybe a bit of wind for the perfect sleep soundtrack. The app remembers my favorite mixes, so I can start them with one tap. The 21 day sleep reset program using CBT techniques has really helped me build better sleep habits.
What I don’t like: The interface can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options. It took me a while to learn where everything is located. Some users report occasional playback issues.
Pricing: Free version with basic sounds. Premium subscription unlocks all features and content.
Platforms: iOS and Android
#4. Ocean Waves Sleep Sounds – Best for Simple Dedicated Ocean Sounds
Sometimes you just want ocean sounds without all the extra features. Ocean Waves Sleep Sounds does one thing and does it really well. With over 300,000 downloads, this app focuses purely on delivering high quality wave sounds.
The app is super easy to use. Just tap to play and tap to stop. The sleep timer lets you set the sounds to fade out after you fall asleep. It even works with Apple Watch for easy control.
Key Features:
- Immersive stereo wave sounds for a realistic experience
- Sleep timer with customizable duration
- Background play while using other apps
What I like: I appreciate how simple and straightforward this app is. No complicated menus or overwhelming options. The wave sounds are recorded beautifully and loop seamlessly. Users say they finally sleep through the night after trying this app.
What I don’t like: The simplicity means you do not get extra features like mixing sounds or adding rain. If you want variety, you might need a different app.
Pricing: Free basic version available. Premium upgrade removes ads and adds features.
Platforms: iOS and Android
#5. Relax Ocean – Best for Largest Ocean Sound Selection
If variety is what you want, Relax Ocean delivers with over 35 different ocean sounds. You can choose from calm seas, tropical beaches, waves among rocks, stormy oceans, and even sounds from inside a submarine.
The app works offline, which is great for travel. The timer system slowly fades the audio so you do not wake up suddenly when the sounds stop.
Key Features:
- 35+ perfectly looped ocean sounds including unique options like kayak in atoll
- Timer system with gradual fade out
- Works without internet connection
What I like: The variety is amazing. I never get bored because there are so many different ocean environments to explore. The sounds of dolphins and coral reefs transport me to a tropical paradise. The fade out feature is gentle and never jolts me awake.
What I don’t like: Some users report the app stops playing randomly during the night. This can be frustrating if you rely on continuous sound for sleep.
Pricing: Free version includes ads. Subscription removes ads and unlocks additional features.
Platforms: iOS and Android
#6. White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds – Best for Baby Sleep and Relaxation
White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds is fantastic for both adults and babies. Parents love this app because the sounds mimic what babies hear in the womb. The ocean wave sounds are especially soothing for little ones.
The app includes over 250 sounds ranging from ocean waves to lullabies. The binaural recordings create an enhanced 3D audio experience when you use headphones.
Key Features:
- Ocean waves, beach sounds, and heavy ocean waves options
- Lullabies including classics like Rock-a-bye Baby
- Sleep timer that fades out gently instead of stopping suddenly
What I like: This app has saved bedtime at our house. My baby falls asleep so much faster with the ocean sounds playing. I also use it myself after the kids are in bed. The mix of ocean and classical music options is perfect for different moods.
What I don’t like: Some premium sounds require an upgrade to access. The free version has enough to get started but serious users will want the paid version.
Pricing: 30+ free sounds available. Premium upgrade unlocks full library.
Platforms: iOS and Android
#7. Noisli – Best for Work Focus with Ocean Sounds
Noisli is not just for sleep. This app helps you focus during work or study sessions with high quality ambient sounds including ocean waves. Over a million people use Noisli to stay productive.
The app includes an online timer and even a text editor for distraction free writing. You can create custom sound mixes and save them for different activities.
Key Features:
- Curated playlists for focus, study, sleep, and relaxation
- Online timer for working in focused sessions
- Distraction free text editor built into the app
What I like: I use Noisli every day while working from home. The ocean sounds help block out distracting noises like traffic and neighbors. The timer feature keeps me on track with the Pomodoro technique. Saving different mixes for different tasks is super helpful.
What I don’t like: This app is more focused on productivity than sleep. If you only want ocean sounds for bedtime, there are better dedicated options.
Pricing: Free account with basic features. Premium subscription for full access.
Platforms: Web, iOS, and Android
#8. myNoise – Best for Customizable Ocean Soundscapes
myNoise takes customization to another level. This app lets you adjust individual frequency sliders to shape your ocean sounds exactly how you want them. It even calibrates sounds to your personal hearing levels.
With over 200 background noises and interactive soundscapes available, myNoise is a favorite among audio enthusiasts. The website and app are completely ad free.
Key Features:
- Unique calibration process that adapts sound to your hearing
- Adjustable frequency sliders for bass and treble control
- Shape sounds to different noise colors including white, pink, and gray
What I like: The level of control is incredible. I can make the ocean sound exactly how I remember it from my beach vacation. The calibration feature ensures I hear every detail clearly. Plus the developer is passionate and keeps adding new sounds constantly.
What I don’t like: The interface takes some getting used to. All those sliders can be confusing for people who just want to press play and relax.
Pricing: Free to use. Donations support the developer and unlock extra features.
Platforms: Web, iOS, and Android
#9. Sleep Sounds: White Noise – Best for Budget Friendly Ocean Sounds
Sleep Sounds offers a solid collection of over 50 sounds without breaking the bank. You get various ocean and water sounds that you can mix and customize. The app runs smoothly in the background while you use other apps.
The night mode is great for checking the app in bed without blinding yourself. Users appreciate the bedtime reminder feature that helps build consistent sleep habits.
Key Features:
- 50+ sounds including rain, sea breeze, lake, and ocean options
- Customizable volume for individual sounds in your mix
- Bedtime reminder to encourage healthy sleep routines
What I like: This is perfect if you want quality ocean sounds without spending money. The mixing feature lets me create exactly what I need. The app has been reliable for years according to long time users who have stuck with it through multiple updates.
What I don’t like: Ads can interrupt the experience in the free version. Also, the app occasionally stops playing in the background on some devices.
Pricing: Free with advertisements. Premium removes ads.
Platforms: iOS and Android
Do Ocean Wave Apps Actually Help You Sleep?
Yes, ocean wave apps can really help you sleep better. The rhythmic sound of waves creates a consistent audio environment that masks sudden noises like traffic or barking dogs. These unexpected sounds are what usually wake us up at night.
Your brain processes the steady ocean sounds as safe and predictable. This helps your nervous system relax and switch out of the alert fight or flight mode. Many people find they fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer with ocean sounds playing.
Studies show that nature sounds like ocean waves can reduce stress hormones in your body. This is why beaches feel so relaxing. Ocean wave apps bring that same calming effect to your bedroom every night.
What Makes Ocean Sounds So Relaxing?
Ocean sounds are relaxing because they contain a mix of frequencies that soothe the human brain. The deep rumble of waves acts like brown noise, blocking low frequency disturbances. The lighter splashing sounds mask higher pitched noises.
Our ancestors lived near water for thousands of years. Some researchers believe we developed a natural positive response to water sounds because they meant survival. This deep connection may explain why oceans feel so calming to most people.
The repetitive pattern of waves is also important. Your brain does not need to stay alert to analyze the sound. This allows you to enter a relaxed state more easily than when listening to unpredictable sounds like television or music with lyrics.
Can I Use Ocean Wave Apps for Meditation?
Absolutely. Ocean wave apps are excellent for meditation. The steady sounds give your mind something to focus on without being distracting. Many meditators find it easier to stay present when listening to nature sounds.
Apps like Life7 combine ocean sounds with guided meditations for the best results. You can use the backdrop mode to layer waves behind breathing exercises or visualization practices. This creates a more immersive meditation experience.
Even if you just use ocean sounds without guided content, they can deepen your practice. The sounds help anchor your attention in the present moment. When your mind wanders, the waves gently bring you back to your breath and body.