white noise machine for bathroom

Best White Noise Machine for Bathroom Use And Privacy

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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After a long day at work, a good bath is one thing to help you relax, soothe your muscles, and help get a good night's sleep before you do it all over again the following day. Unfortunately, if you live in a noisy area, it may tempt you to take a quick shower rather than soak in the tub longer as you wash away the dirt and stress. But, what if you could mask the eternal noise for better privacy? Here is why you need the best white noise machine for bathroom privacy.

What Is A White Noise Machine?

Image source: Wikipedia.org

Before getting to the definition of a white noise machine, it might be better for you to first get a glimpse of what white noise actually is. It means the actual sound resulting from adding up the various frequencies of sound in unison, which give out a hissing sound. The frequencies, therefore, released are in equal proportion, and this makes white noise the best balanced sound. When following white noise, one cannot even listen to other individual frequencies, which would make up unwanted noise or unpleasant sounds: this makes one relax and even take a bath.

Thus, a white noise machine is a small device that plays all the frequencies all at once so that the ambient sounds are blocked for relaxation and privacy. Since all audible sounds at this, and all other frequencies and consistencies can be played at one frequency and consistency by the machine, the machine tempts the ears.

Image source: afresherhome.com

You can use this device when you wish to take a longer bath especially for contemplation and muscle relaxation or outside the washroom if you need to drown out bathroom noises. The latter is good for small houses or offices if the bathrooms are situated close to the working area.

When purchasing white noise machines for bathroom privacy, you will decide between two types of machines – a machine with headphones containing saved sound patterns or a white noise generator that uses airflow to generate the white noise. The latter comes with a motor that has a fan within the unit, the sound produced is white noise when the air hits the blade. Besides the design, sound quality, size, power source and much more features can also be taken in consideration. Ready to buy one?

Here is our list of the best white noise machines for your bathroom privacy.

1. LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine

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LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine with 20...
  • BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: Lectrofan is designed in the USA and backed...
  • BEST FAN SOUND AND WHITE NOISE: GENERATOR: Provides ten fan...
  • SLEEP BETTER: Helps block disruptive environmental noises so you...
  • SAFE: Solid-state design is powered by AC or USB and dynamically...
  • PERFECT VOLUME CONTROL: Precise volume control allows you to set...

We chose this as the best white noise machine for bathroom use and privacy for several reasons. Firstly, it is one of the best electromechanical or solid-state design white noise machines; these use a real inbuilt fan to produce consistent fan sounds. Their alternatives are electric machines with pre-recorded looping sounds that do not sound as natural as you'd like.

The machine comes with a high-quality speaker that distributes the white noise to a larger area, thus making your bathroom time more comfortable. But, unfortunately, you can only use it if you have a power outlet in the bathroom to connect it to.

Image source: Adaptive Sound Technologies

With the electromechanical design, this LectroFan white noise machine produces 10 fan sounds at different volumes of your choosing. In addition, we loved that you can choose between different color sounds with 10 variations of white, pink, and brown noise.

Pros:

  • Its powerful speaker distributes the fan sounds far for better privacy
  • Relatively affordable
  • It comes with easy-to-use buttons
  • Available in three colors
  • It produces organic non-looping sounds

Cons:

  • Not battery powered

2. Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Machine

Marpac Dohm Classic The Original White Noise Machine...
  • THE ORIGINAL SOUND MACHINE: Beloved by millions since 1962, the...
  • CUSTOMIZED SOUND EXPERIENCE: With two speed options for...
  • UNBEATABLE QUALITY & GUARANTEE: For over 50 years, Yogasleep has...
  • SIMPLE TO USE: Powered by an 7-foot 120V AC cord, simply plug in,...
  • CLASSIC DESIGN: Featuring a simple design that blends...

We could not make a good list without including the legendary Marpac Dohm classic white noise machine from YogaSleep. This machine has been changing lives since 1962 and new models are being made every time. Like most of the other electromechanical sound machines, it makes natural non-looping sounds through the use of an inbuilt fan.

It was also quite easy to use and this is what you would want when looking at the features in a machine for use in the bathroom. This means that they are operated by AC and therefore require outlet in or near the place they are used, in this case the bathroom. Thankfully, it has a 7ft power cord so you can move it closer to you or the door to mute unpleasant sounds.

Image source: YogaSleep

It is a bathroom white noise machine which has only one button on it, through which you switch it on or increase or decrease the volume. But then, we adored the rotatable cap and collar giving you the option to twist and choose the best white noise and tone. Even the body of this classic design is quite suitable for your bathroom and even controlling it with wet hands.

Besides mobile app compatibility, this machine will play organic white noise sounds through a powerful speaker surrounding the body. In terms of tones, you can choose up to 10 fan settings through the phone or by manually twisting the cap. It is a compact and portable machine you can bring on your travels or to the office bathroom for better privacy.

This machine also has a small size, so if you are planning for a trip, you can affix this along with you. You can also choose it in your favorite colors: white, grey, black, pink, tan, camouflage.

Pros:

  • Available in different colors
  • Affordable
  • Portable
  • From a reputable brand
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Not battery powered

3. SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine

SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine - Real Fan Inside for...
  • Peaceful, non-looping white noise from a real fan (without the...
  • Travel friendly, portable design
  • Fully adjustable tone & volume (10 settings) for babies, kids,...
  • Applications include loud neighbors, city street noise, office...
  • Optional SNOOZ companion app includes remote control,...

The Snooz white noise machine is another excellent gadget we found compatible with a bathroom setting. Like the top two machines on our list, the Snooz also uses a real fan inside to generate white noise, luckily without the cold of a bathroom fan. We especially loved that it has a compatible mobile app, the Snooz Companion App, that lets you control the machine remotely.

Besides mobile app compatibility, this machine will play organic white noise sounds through a powerful speaker surrounding the body. In terms of tones, you can choose up to 10 fan settings through the phone or by manually twisting the cap. It is a compact and portable machine you can bring on your travels or to the office bathroom for better privacy.

image source: SNOOZ

So, unlike the other two white noise machines above, you only need to find the best placement in your bathroom, turn it on, and control the other settings as you complete your bathroom business. This remote control feature made more sense to us, considering the machine is not battery-powered, so you could place it further from you where you can find a power outlet, then blast the volume settings from your smartphone app.

Pros:

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Easy to use manually
  • It uses a real fan to make white noises
  • Compact and portable
  • You can control it remotely through an Android/iOS app

Cons:

  • Not battery-powered
  • Quite expensive

4. Big Red Rooster 6 Sound White Noise Machine

Sale
Big Red Rooster 6 Sound White Noise Machine | Sound...
  • 6 SOOTHING SLEEP SOUNDS – The six white noise machine sounds...
  • MASK BACKGROUND NOISES - The white noise sound machine masks...
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  • PLUG IN OR BATTERY OPERATED - Powered by an AC adapter (included)...
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Here is one of the biggest reasons we love this white sound machine; you can use it with batteries. That is why when using this sound machine you do not have to search for a power outlet so as to plug in the machine. And since most people’s bathrooms do not have a close source of power when taking a bath, this could be the best investment that you make for yourself.

Image source: Big Red Rooster

Additionally, the machine has 6 white noise options, with the option to set the timer between 30 minutes and 2 hours, and use it for a relaxing bath. That is for playback control, and also for memory, so it will always remember the last settings you played. Therefore, you can install it for the bathroom, all you are required to do is switch it on and it starts playing your best relaxing music.

This machine has a small, portable design. That is why you need it to be your most effective bathroom utensils at home, a friend’s house or a crowded hotel. It is also possible to take the machine to the office in order to mute bathroom sounds that are not pleasant to all workers during their bathroom visits.

Pros:

  • AC and battery-powered
  • Reliable volume and timer settings
  • It has a memory function
  • Very affordable
  • Different white sounds to choose from
  • Easy to choose settings

Cons:

  • Only available in one color
  • Batteries not included in purchase

5. Housbay White Noise Machine

Housbay White Noise Machine with 31 Soothing Sounds, 5W...
  • 【MORE SOUNDS CHOICE THAN OTHERS】 - Features total 31 soothing...
  • 【SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY】- Delivers high-fidelity,...
  • 【OPTIONAL AUTO OFF TIMER & ADJUSTABLE VOLUME】- It is easy to...
  • 【COMPACT SIZE-TRAVEL FRIENDLY】- Your worries about not...
  • 【AESTHETICALLY PLEASING DESIGN】- The wood grain finish looks...

We found this option almost better than most white noise machines on our list in terms of appearance and durability. Right out of the box, you will love the wood grain finish that will truly compliment any bathroom style. In addition, the build makes it durable, especially when used for a long time in a humid bathroom.

The device is also portable, thus your best companion in a noisy hotel or office. You just have to ensure you have a power outlet in or near the bathroom since it does not take batteries.

Image source: Housbay

Besides aesthetics, we also found it to have better sound quality than other machines. And according to the manufacturer, it leverages a 5W stereo speaker that delivers high-fidelity sounds across your bathroom to mask noise from outside.

Pros:

  • Many white noises and fan noises to mute unwanted background noise
  • It comes at an affordable price
  • Portable
  • Easy to operate
  • Aesthetically appealing and durable construction

Cons:

  • Not battery-powered

6. Serene Evolution 36 Sound Portable White Noise Machine

Serene Evolution 36 Sound Portable White Noise Machine...
  • USB RECHARGEABLE - Powered by rechargeable batteries (included)...
  • PORTABLE & COMPACT - The portable, compact design makes this...
  • OPTIONAL TIMER - Leave this soothing noise maker on all night or...
  • FALL ASLEEP FASTER - This miracle noise cancelling sound machine...
  • 36 RELAXING SOUNDS - 6 fan sounds, 2 brown noise, 2 pink noise, 2...

Our next bathroom white noise machine is a battery-powered and portable option from Serene Evolution. The machine comes with a USB cord you can use to recharge it for your bathroom use. We especially love that it is designed for use in areas without a power source, and a bathroom is always a good candidate.

Image source: Serene Evolution

We love the compact design. It is a small gadget with an upward-facing speaker that you can slide into your daily use bag to use in any bathroom you step into. In addition, it has a reliable timer so you can choose how long you stay in that serene and noise-free moment, with the highest setting being 120 minutes.

This machine is packed with 36 natural sounds to get you relaxed in the bathroom, whether you want to mediate or block noises to and fro. These include fan, white, brown, pink noise, and other nature sounds.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Affordable
  • It has 36 soothing sounds
  • Rechargeable with an included USB
  • Small and easily portable

Cons:

  • It might be too small for big bathrooms with seeping loud sounds

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best White Noise Machine for Bathroom Use

a) Does a white noise machine work in the bathroom?

A white noise machine works anywhere to mask most noises our ears can hear. So, the machine will work in your bathroom as long as you place it strategically for the goal you want to achieve. For example, you can use it to mask unwanted exterior noises so you can relax in your tub, or you can also use it to prevent your bathroom noises from distracting people in the same building.

b) What are the Benefits of using a white noise machine in the bathroom?

We have all been in many situations where privacy is not an alternative in a bathroom. And, considering how frequently we need to head in there, finding a gadget like a sound machine or a white noise machine is imperative. Here are the main benefits of using a white noise machine in a bathroom:

  1. It masks embarrassing bathroom noises when you're not alone.
  2. It masks unwanted noises when you want to unwind in the tub after a long day.
  3. It produces relaxing sounds, which is always good for your mental health.

c) How do I buy the best white noise machine for my bathroom?

White noise machines are available for various settings, but when purchasing for a bathroom, the following factors should be considered.

  1. Size. The size of the machine determines just how strong and efficient its speaker is. However, the size makes it easier to know how many of the machines to acquire based on the size of the bathroom. For a large bathroom, large machines with even more capacity for having an option of masking noise from a hallway and a window in the bathroom.
  2. Sound type. When purchasing a machine for bathroom use, know the best sounds to mute the extent of noise coming to and from your bathroom. White, brown, and pink noises are standard, and you can also search for additional noises such as ocean, fireplace, and rain noises.
  3. Sound quality. As we explained above, a white noise machine is available in two designs which informs on the kind of sound that the machine produces. If you want a wide variety of white noises, you could look for an electric machine with pre set digital sound patterns, but these will not sound as natural as those from a fan fitted machine that generates sound by airflow.
  4. Power source. Considering how your white noise machine is powered is vital as you go for shopping. At the moment you have three kinds of power options these include; plug in machines, rechargeable battery operated machines and those that use AA or AAA batteries only. For a bathroom utilize battery operated equipment and if not possible search for a safe outlet where one can plug your piece of equipment.
  5. Settings. When buying your machine, ensure it has buttons where you can conveniently control the volume, type of sound and time. We also recommend one that can connect to your smartphone so that you can change settings with your smartphone.
  6. Water-resistance. As a device you want to use in the bathroom, especially for bath times, we recommend looking for a machine that has some degree of water resistance to enable it survive the tough conditions in the bathroom. Nevertheless, most of the machines are manufactured using the ABS plastic material which does not allow water into the machines.
  7. Portability. The final factor we found imperative to consider is portability. During the purchasing process, you should consider where and when you will need your machine. Note that many of these white noise machines can be used in other setting, and therefore we suggest the use of a portable one.

Featured image source: nytimes.com

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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