It's a sound that spreads equal energy across every frequency, which is why it sounds flat and has no melody. Think static on an untuned radio or a fan at full blast.

Does white noise help you sleep?

It can help you fall asleep if what's keeping you up are one-off environmental sounds — traffic, neighbors, pipes — because it masks those spikes with a steady background. If you want something gentler to run all night, pink noise tends to feel more comfortable.

What volume should I play white noise at?

The lowest volume at which whatever was bothering you stops grabbing your attention. Rule of thumb: if you have to raise your voice to talk over it, it's too loud.

Does white noise mask tinnitus or ringing in the ears?

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

Can I play white noise all night?

Yes, as long as the volume stays low. Watch the trend: if you find yourself turning it up a little more every night for the same effect, turn it back down and give your ears a break.

Colored noise

White Noise for Sleep, Focus and Masking Sound

Play white noise free, right in your browser. What it is, when it helps for sleep, focus or masking street noise, and what volume to use.

White noise spreads energy evenly across every frequency, from the lowest bass to the highest treble. To the ear it sounds bright and flat, like static on a mistuned radio or a fan running at full speed: no rhythm, no melody, so your brain quickly files it as background and stops paying attention to it.

That same evenness makes it effective at masking sharp, one-off sounds — a car horn, a door, a conversation in the next room — which is why it's the go-to color when what's bothering you is street noise or neighbors.

Turn off after

Volume

Ready to play. Start low, then raise it if you need to.

Generated right in your browser — nothing downloaded, no audio sent anywhere.

Build my sound profile in Tonaleve

How it sounds

It has a strong, constant hiss with heavy treble presence and no variation. It's the "brightest" of the three colors — great for masking, but also the one most people find tiring if it runs in the background for many hours straight.

When to use it

Masking traffic, voices, or a TV in the next room
Focusing on short, mechanical tasks (sorting email, filing)
Sleeping somewhere with variable street noise
Short car or bus rides, to even out engine noise

What volume to use

Start low — just above the noise you're trying to mask — and only raise it if you need to. If you have to raise your voice to talk over the white noise, it's too loud.

Keep reading

Frequently asked questions

What is white noise?: It's a sound that spreads equal energy across every frequency, which is why it sounds flat and has no melody. Think static on an untuned radio or a fan at full blast.
Does white noise help you sleep?: It can help you fall asleep if what's keeping you up are one-off environmental sounds — traffic, neighbors, pipes — because it masks those spikes with a steady background. If you want something gentler to run all night, pink noise tends to feel more comfortable.
What volume should I play white noise at?: The lowest volume at which whatever was bothering you stops grabbing your attention. Rule of thumb: if you have to raise your voice to talk over it, it's too loud.
Does white noise mask tinnitus or ringing in the ears?: A steady background sound like white noise can make ringing in the ears less noticeable while it plays, by giving your brain another sound to lean on. It doesn't eliminate or treat it — it's a masking tool, not a cure.
Can I play white noise all night?: Yes, as long as the volume stays low. Watch the trend: if you find yourself turning it up a little more every night for the same effect, turn it back down and give your ears a break.