9 Best White Noise Apps For Your Phone

App Name	Best For	Key Features	AC Rating	Pricing
Life7	Complete mental wellness and sleep	Green, white, brown, pink noise; binaural beats; sleep stories; breathing exercises	4.8/5	Free trial, then subscription plans
BetterSleep	Creating custom sound mixes	300+ sounds; sleep tracking; bedtime stories	4.6/5	Free version, premium subscription
White Noise Lite	Simple and reliable white noise	50+ sounds; background play; timer function	4.5/5	Free with ads, paid upgrade
Calm	Relaxation and meditation	Sleep stories; masterclasses; nature sounds	4.5/5	Free trial, premium subscription
Headspace	Beginners to meditation	3D soundscapes; sleepcasts; guided sessions	4.4/5	Free trial, premium subscription
Noisli	Minimalist design lovers	High quality sounds; color coded interface; mixing	4.3/5	Free version, one time purchase
White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds	Parents and babies	Baby friendly sounds; lullabies; ASMR	4.3/5	Free with premium option
MyNoise	Audio enthusiasts	Professional calibration; algorithmic sounds	4.2/5	Free version, small pro fee
Sleep Sounds	Budget conscious users	50+ free sounds; infinite playback; sound mixing	4.1/5	Free with ads

#1. Life7 – Best for Complete Mental Wellness and Sleep

Life7 is more than just a white noise app. It is a complete mental wellness platform designed to help you sleep better and feel calmer every day. With over 312 million meditation minutes logged and 1,200+ editorial mentions, this app has become a trusted name in the wellness space.

What makes Life7 stand out is its massive sound library. You get green noise, white noise, brown noise, pink noise, and so much more. The app also includes delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma wave music. Plus, you can access pure binaural beats, isochronic tones, and solfeggio frequencies like 432 Hz and 528 Hz.

The Backdrop Mode is really cool. It lets you mix soundscapes with other audio content like meditations, sleep stories, and more.

Key Features:

• Multiple noise colors including green, white, brown, and pink noise with binaural beats and solfeggio frequencies
• SOS sessions for anxiety and panic attacks, breathing exercises, and CBT tools
• Daily new content including meditations, music therapy sessions, and wisdom

What I like: I love how Life7 goes beyond basic white noise. The app offers everything from sleep stories for both kids and adults to vagus nerve stimulation and hypnotherapy. The gamified approach keeps me motivated to build my meditation streak. I can track my mood, save thoughts, and even unlock premium soundscapes by earning XP. The 8D sleep audio and dream wave hypnosis sessions are unlike anything I have found in other apps. It truly feels like an all in one solution for better sleep and mental health.

What I don’t like: The free content is somewhat limited. You will need a subscription to unlock everything the app offers. However, there is a 7 day free trial to test it out before committing.

Pricing: Free 7 day trial available. Weekly, monthly, and yearly subscription plans. Frequent special offers are available.

Platforms: iOS and Android

#2. BetterSleep – Best for Creating Custom Sound Mixes

BetterSleep (formerly known as Relax Melodies) is a powerhouse for sound mixing. With over 55 million downloads and 700,000 positive reviews, it has earned its spot as a top sleep app. The app was even named Apple’s App of the Day over 65 times.

This app gives you over 300 sounds to play with. You can mix nature sounds, white noise, water sounds, and meditation music to create your perfect sleep soundtrack. Studies show that 91% of users sleep better after just one week of using BetterSleep.

Key Features:

• Over 300 soothing sounds including nature sounds, ASMR, and binaural beats that you can mix together
• Sleep tracker that monitors snoring, sleep talking, and movement patterns
• 100+ bedtime stories voiced by award winning narrators in genres like mystery and fantasy

What I like: The mixing feature is really where this app shines. I can combine rain sounds with a crackling fire and soft piano music. Each sound has its own volume slider, so I can get the exact blend I want. The sleep tracking feature helps me understand my sleep patterns better. I also appreciate the breathing exercises for calming down before bed.

What I don’t like: The interface can feel a bit cluttered with so many features packed in. Sometimes it takes a while to find what I am looking for. The premium subscription is needed to access most of the best content.

Pricing: Free version with limited content. Premium subscription available with different plan options.

Platforms: iOS and Android

#3. White Noise Lite – Best for Simple and Reliable White Noise

White Noise Lite is a no fuss app that does exactly what it promises. It has been featured in Consumer Reports and was called one of the “13 Miracles of 2013” by The Dr. Oz Show. The Washington Post even covered a story about a newborn who slept soundly thanks to this app.

The app comes with 50 pre programmed sounds. You get all the colored noises including white, gray, brown, pink, blue, and violet. There are also nature sounds, fan noises, and rain sounds. Everything plays in the background while you use other apps.

Key Features:

• 50+ perfectly looped sounds with no streaming required and works offline
• Full range of colored noise options from white to violet for different needs
• Timer and alarm features with flexible settings and fade out options

What I like: This app is super lightweight and easy to use. I do not need to create an account or watch tutorials. Just tap a sound and it plays. The dark interface is perfect for nighttime use. The sounds loop seamlessly with no awkward breaks. I appreciate that the free version is genuinely usable without constant upgrade prompts.

What I don’t like: The design looks a bit dated compared to newer apps. There are banner ads in the free version which can be distracting. The sound selection is smaller than premium competitors.

Pricing: Free with ads. Upgrade to the full version for a small one time fee. Pro version available for more sounds.

Platforms: iOS and Android (also Apple TV and Apple Watch)

#4. Calm – Best for Relaxation and Meditation

Calm is one of the most popular meditation apps in the world. It has won multiple awards and is trusted by leading psychologists and therapists. The app focuses on reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and building mindfulness habits.

You will find a huge library of Sleep Stories narrated by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Stephen Fry. The soundscapes include everything from ocean waves to heavy rain. Calm also offers stretching routines, breathwork, and guided meditations.

Key Features:

• Over 100 Sleep Stories narrated by famous voices to help you drift off peacefully
• Breathing exercises called Breathing Bubble for immediate stress and anxiety relief
• Daily Calm sessions that change every day to keep your practice fresh

What I like: The Sleep Stories are genuinely relaxing and well produced. Celebrity voices add something special to the experience. The interface is clean and calming. I like how the app personalizes recommendations based on my goals. The breathing exercises help me calm down quickly when I feel stressed.

What I don’t like: The free version is very limited. Most of the best features require a premium subscription which is on the pricier side. Some users might find the celebrity focus a bit gimmicky.

Pricing: Free version available with limited features. Premium subscription options include monthly, yearly, and lifetime plans.

Platforms: iOS and Android (also Apple Watch and Apple TV)

#5. Headspace – Best for Beginners to Meditation

Headspace has become one of the most trusted names in mindfulness apps. It offers over 1,000 guided meditations created by clinical experts and trained coaches. The app is known for its friendly approach to meditation, especially for people just starting out.

The soundscapes are impressive. They feature 3D optimized audio that flows naturally. You can choose from categories like Ocean Time, Way of the Forest, and Winter Days. The Sleepcasts are audio experiences designed to help you wind down.

Key Features:

• 500+ minutes of white noise in 3D soundscapes across multiple categories
• Beginner friendly meditation courses that teach the basics step by step
• Sleepcasts and Sleep Radio with calming voices and sounds

What I like: The cute animations and friendly design make meditation feel approachable. I appreciate how the app teaches meditation techniques rather than just playing sounds. The 3D soundscapes sound amazing with headphones. The science backed approach gives me confidence that what I am doing actually works.

What I don’t like: You cannot add your own sounds or customize the audio layers. The free trial is short. Premium pricing is comparable to other top apps but might feel expensive for some.

Pricing: Free trial available. Annual and monthly subscription plans. Student and family plans offered.

Platforms: iOS and Android

#6. Noisli – Best for Minimalist Design Lovers

Noisli stands out for its clean and simple interface. The app uses a beautiful color coded system where each sound has its own color. This creates a visual experience that matches the audio. It is perfect for people who want quality without clutter.

The sound library is carefully curated rather than overwhelming. Each sound is professionally recorded and loops seamlessly. You can mix multiple sounds together and save your favorite combinations.

Key Features:

• High quality professionally mastered audio with seamless looping
• Color coded interface where each sound creates visual feedback
• Mixing feature to create and save custom soundscapes

What I like: The minimalist design is refreshing. I do not feel overwhelmed by options. The audio quality is noticeably better than many free alternatives. The app works great for both sleep and focus during work. I love that the free version offers substantial functionality without constant upgrade prompts.

What I don’t like: The sound library is smaller than competitors. Some users might want more variety. The one time purchase price is higher than some alternatives.

Pricing: Free version available. One time purchase to unlock the full version.

Platforms: iOS and Android

#7. White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds – Best for Parents and Babies

This app is designed with both adults and babies in mind. It includes special “whooshy” sounds that simulate the womb environment. Parents love it for helping fussy babies fall asleep. The app also works great for adults who need background noise to sleep.

The sound library includes everything from pink noise to lullabies to ASMR content. There are over 30 free sounds available. Premium unlocks even more including healing frequencies and classical music.

Key Features:

• Baby specific sounds including shushing, heartbeat, and womb like noises
• Free sounds covering pink, white, and brown noise plus nature sounds
• Timer function that lets the audio play for as long as needed

What I like: Having both adult and baby sounds in one app is super convenient. The womb sounds really do help babies calm down. I like the binaural recordings that create enhanced 3D stereo sound. The app keeps getting updated with new tracks regularly.

What I don’t like: The free version has ads. The interface is not as polished as some premium competitors. Some of the best lullabies require the paid upgrade.

Pricing: Free with many sounds included. Premium option available to unlock all features.

Platforms: iOS and Android

#8. MyNoise – Best for Audio Enthusiasts

MyNoise is different from other white noise apps. It uses advanced algorithmic sound generation instead of simple loops. This means the sounds never repeat exactly the same way twice. Audio enthusiasts love the technical control this app offers.

The app includes professional hearing calibration tools. You can adjust the sound output based on your specific hearing profile. The weekly rotation system in the free version gives you access to different generators each week.

Key Features:

• Algorithmic sound generation that creates unique non repeating soundscapes
• Professional hearing calibration that adjusts audio to your specific hearing
• Weekly rotation of free generators giving you exposure to the full library over time

What I like: The level of customization is unmatched. I can tweak every aspect of the sound to my liking. The calibration feature is a nice touch that most apps do not offer. The sounds feel more natural because they do not loop in obvious patterns.

What I don’t like: The interface looks dated and can be confusing at first. It might feel overwhelming for casual users who just want to press play. Some technical knowledge helps to get the most out of it.

Pricing: Free version available with weekly rotating generators. Pro version available for a small one time fee.

Platforms: iOS and Android

#9. Sleep Sounds – Best for Budget Conscious Users

Sleep Sounds (also called White Noise Sleep And Relax) offers an impressive collection of sounds completely free. You get over 50 sounds including all the colored noises, nature sounds, and mechanical sounds like fans and vacuums.

The app has earned great reviews for its no nonsense approach. There are no sounds interrupted by ads. The timer and mixer features work smoothly. It is perfect for anyone who wants good quality without paying.

Key Features:

• 50+ free sounds including white, pink, brown, blue, violet, and gray noise
• Infinite playback option plus timer with soft fade out
• Sound mixer that lets you adjust volume for each sound individually

What I like: The fact that so many sounds are truly free is amazing. I can mix sounds together and adjust each one separately. The app works offline without streaming. It is lightweight and does not drain my battery too much. The ads never interrupt the actual sound playback.

What I don’t like: The visual design could use an update. There are stationary ads on the screen. The feature set is basic compared to premium apps with meditations and stories.

Pricing: Free with ads. No required subscription.

Platforms: iOS and Android

Do White Noise Apps Really Help You Sleep Better?

Yes, white noise apps can genuinely improve your sleep quality. The science behind it is simple. White noise works by masking sudden sounds that might wake you up. Things like car horns, dogs barking, or a snoring partner become less noticeable.

Your brain stays in scanning mode even while you sleep. It listens for changes in your environment. White noise provides a steady background that covers up those changes. This helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Studies have shown that white noise can be especially helpful for light sleepers. People who live in noisy areas or work night shifts often benefit the most. Many parents also swear by white noise for helping babies sleep since it mimics the sounds they heard in the womb.

What is the Difference Between White, Pink, and Brown Noise?

White noise contains all frequencies at equal power. It sounds like static or a rushing fan. It is great for blocking out sudden sounds.

Pink noise has more power at lower frequencies. It sounds deeper and smoother, like rain or wind. Research suggests pink noise may help with deep sleep and memory.

Brown noise goes even deeper. It has a rumbling quality like thunder or a strong waterfall. Many people find brown noise more relaxing than white noise. It is popular for concentration and focus.

Green noise is newer on the scene. It emphasizes mid range frequencies found in nature sounds. Apps like Life7 offer green noise alongside the traditional colors.

Are Free White Noise Apps Good Enough or Should I Pay?

Free white noise apps work perfectly fine for basic needs. Apps like White Noise Lite and Sleep Sounds give you plenty of sounds without paying a cent. If you just want background noise to fall asleep, free apps do the job.

Premium apps offer more though. You get higher audio quality, more sound variety, and extra features like meditations and sleep stories. Apps like Life7 and BetterSleep provide complete wellness solutions, not just noise.

Consider paying if you want sleep tracking, personalized recommendations, or guided content. The investment might be worth it if you struggle with sleep regularly. Many premium apps offer free trials so you can test before committing. Start free, and upgrade if you find yourself wanting more features and content.