What is pink noise and how is it different from white noise?

Pink noise rolls off treble energy as frequency rises (3 dB per octave), so it sounds more even and natural than white noise, which spreads energy equally across the whole spectrum.

Why is pink noise the most popular choice for sleep?

Because it has less treble than white noise and is easier on the ear over long stretches. Most people describe it as softer and closer to a natural sound, like rain.

Does pink noise help with ringing in the ears?

A steady background like pink noise can make ringing in the ears less noticeable while it plays, by giving your brain another continuous sound to lean on. It's a masking tool, not a treatment or a cure.

What volume should I play pink noise at?

The lowest level at which whatever is bothering you stops grabbing your attention. If it's hard to hold a normal conversation over it, turn it down.

Can I play pink noise all night, or will I get used to it?

You can play it all night at low volume. If you notice you need to raise it week after week for the same effect, that's a sign to turn it down and give your ears a break instead of keeping the climb going.

Colored noise

Pink Noise for Sleep and Relaxation

Play pink noise free, right in your browser. Why it's the most commonly chosen color for sleep, how it sounds, and what volume to use.

Pink noise rolls off the treble as frequency rises, so it sounds fuller in the low end and less sharp up top than white noise. It resembles steady rain on a roof, wind moving through trees, or a river running evenly — a rounder sound, without the edge that makes long sessions tiring.

It's no accident it's the color most people pick to sleep with: it keeps that continuous, enveloping feel without the sharpness of white noise or the heaviness of brown noise.

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How it sounds

It sounds natural and even, closer to rain than to radio static. It has less treble than white noise but still feels "full" — not as deep as brown noise, not as bright as white noise: a comfortable middle ground for hours-long listening.

When to use it

Sleeping through the night with a steady background
Winding down before bed or during a nap
A distraction-free reading or rest environment
Trying a middle ground if white noise feels too sharp

What volume to use

Same rule as any background sound: the lowest volume that does the job is the right one. Aim for a level that sits below a normal conversation, not one that drowns it out entirely.

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Frequently asked questions

What is pink noise and how is it different from white noise?: Pink noise rolls off treble energy as frequency rises (3 dB per octave), so it sounds more even and natural than white noise, which spreads energy equally across the whole spectrum.
Why is pink noise the most popular choice for sleep?: Because it has less treble than white noise and is easier on the ear over long stretches. Most people describe it as softer and closer to a natural sound, like rain.
Does pink noise help with ringing in the ears?: A steady background like pink noise can make ringing in the ears less noticeable while it plays, by giving your brain another continuous sound to lean on. It's a masking tool, not a treatment or a cure.
What volume should I play pink noise at?: The lowest level at which whatever is bothering you stops grabbing your attention. If it's hard to hold a normal conversation over it, turn it down.
Can I play pink noise all night, or will I get used to it?: You can play it all night at low volume. If you notice you need to raise it week after week for the same effect, that's a sign to turn it down and give your ears a break instead of keeping the climb going.