Sleep Better with These Best White Noise Fans

Lots of us find it helpful to have some sound in the background while trying to sleep. Sound machines are good choice for producing relaxing sounds like white noise, pink noise, and brown noise. Fans can also produce white noise.

Fans that make a soft white noise not only keep your room cool but also create a soothing sound. People love this because they are helping us sleep peacefully and feel refreshed.

In this article, we will explore some of the top best white noise fans you can buy.

Understanding White Noise

White noise is like a steady sound that includes all the different pitches we can hear. It’s like the static noise you hear on a TV when the channel is not tuned correctly. However, this kind of sound is really important for helping us relax and go to sleep.

White noise works by covering bothersome sounds, providing a constant background sound that hides sudden noises and interruptions. This masking effect creates a calm environment and enhances sleep quality.

The Concept of White Noise Fans

White noise fans are like regular fans but also make calming sounds. They make a soft, continuous humming sound that hides surrounding noises. Moreover, the fan cools the room, so it’s like having two devices in one.

As per the Sleep Foundation, white noise has all kinds of sounds mixed together. But let’s make it easy white noise is a calm and steady sound that helps people sleep. You can get this sound from things like an air conditioner, a sound app, or a fan.

How Fans Generate White Noise?

Fans are best for white noise, commonly focusing on sound rather than cooling. This makes them perfect for people who are sensitive to noise or want to cancel out other sounds. Box fans are especially popular for white noise because they are loud and create good background noise. Different fan types can make white noise too, based on how their blades move the air. The strength and quality of the white noise depend on the fan’s power, speed, and size.

Fans with strong airflow, such as the Vornado 630 Mid-Size Whole Room Air Circulator Fan, are great at producing white noise. Noisy fans, like box fans, work really well in masking other sounds and are especially good for creating white noise.

How We Choose the Best Fans for White Noise?

Sleep is important, so we wanted to make a list of the best fans for white noise. First, we thought about what a great fan should have. Then, we did lots of research to find fans that could be really good.

We wanted to make sure all the fans we recommend are worth it. For fans that didn’t say how noisy they are, we looked at how much air they move, called CFM, and used that as a measure for noise. We only kept the ones that were worth it and based on how good they were.

Do Fans Produce White Noise?

White noise, in its purest form, includes sound frequencies that cover the entire range of what our ears can hear, which is from 20Hz to 20kHz. White noise is helpful for sleep because it masks other sounds, and its consistent distribution helps the brain focus on any specific sound, resulting in a feeling of relaxation.

The sound made by fans is not a perfect match for true white noise as it doesn’t evenly cover all frequencies. However, it still serves a similar and effective purpose. It can make it quieter around you and create calm, soothing atmosphere that helps you sleep better. If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to cover up disruptions and enhance your sleep, a fan is a practical option.

Benefits of White Noise Fans

Sleep Quality Improvement:

White noise fans can improve how well you sleep. They block out random sounds like traffic, footsteps, or faraway conversations, creating a peaceful environment that’s great for relaxing. When you have a constant, soothing hum around, your brain is less sensitive to sudden noises. This results to a deeper and undisturbed sleep, so you wake up feeling revitalized and refreshed.

Helping Focus and Productivity:

Apart from helping with sleep, white noise can boost focus and productivity. It’s especially helpful in places like offices or during study sessions, where outside noises can be a distraction.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety:

White noise has a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and anxiety levels. It helps relaxation and enhances concentration. The soft, steady sound from a white noise fan can make a peaceful bubble, protecting you from the busy sounds of everyday life. It soothes a busy mind, helping you relax and let go of stress.

Babies and White Noise:

White noise fans are commonly used in nurseries. The steady hum can replicate the soothing sounds of the womb for babies, creating a calming atmosphere. This can help in calming babies and encouraging better sleep.

Our Best Choices

Here are our top best white noise fans picks. We’ve featured a variety of fans in different sizes, styles, and functionalities. Once you have looked at these options, be sure to read about the key factors to consider when choosing the right fan. It’s important to ensure that the fan you choose can create a consistent sound and provide sufficient airflow to help you sleep soundly.

• Vornado 630 Mid Size Air Circulator Fan

Vornado 630 is best choice for white noise. It is small and works well at blowing air around. It’s about 9 inches wide, so it’s just right for most bedrooms, and it is also good as a personal fan.

It can move up to 331 cubic feet of air every minute, which is good for rooms up to 330 square feet. It has three different speeds, and the fastest one creates a nice white noise sound, as people who have tried it have said. Even though it does not mention the exact loudness in decibels, users have found it really helpful for blocking out other sounds, no matter which speed they use.

Pros

• Great for creating white noise as a fan.
• Spreads air all around the room.
• Small and fits well in bedrooms.
• Easy to clean with a removable cover.

Cons

• Doesn’t have a built-in timer.

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• Lasko 1843 Cyclone Pedestal Fan

Pedestal fans, also known as standing fans, are a common type of fan. The Lasko 1843 pedestal fan is the best fans for sleeping white noise choice for generating soothing background white noise and offers many impressive features.

First of all, putting together the Lasko 1843 is very easy. You don’t need any tools, and the instructions are simple to follow. The fan is well-built and feels strong. Even though most of it is made of plastic, important parts are made of metal.

Lasko 1843 makes a soft and calming white noise that’s great for covering up other sounds. If you want a quiet fan for sleeping, you can just lower the fan speed, and it will help you have a peaceful sleep.

The fan has a lot of easy-to-use features. You can change the fan’s height, making it as tall as 55 inches. The fan can also move from side to side, which is great for spreading air around the room. Plus, the fan head can tilt, which is helpful if you want to use it mostly for white noise. And it also comes with a remote control that lets you control the timer, power, and how fast it blows air.

Pros:

• Effective source of white noise.
• Offers a broad oscillation range.
• Tall stand accommodates placement near large furniture.
• Includes a convenient built-in timer.

Cons:

• Build quality is not exceptional.

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• Honeywell HT-900 Air Circulator Fan

This small Honeywell fan is the best choice for bedrooms. You can easily put it on a desk, nightstand, or other furniture, so you don’t need to have it on the floor. Even though it’s only 10 inches wide, it’s surprisingly powerful.

The fan can turn up to 90 degrees, but it doesn’t wiggle back and forth like some other fans. But, similar to the Vornado, it’s designed to blow air all around the room, so it doesn’t have to wiggle.

Honeywell claims this fan can reach up to 25 feet, but it’s important to know that its main function is to move air around, not to make a strong breeze. This difference might seem small, but it means the fan cools the air without blowing really hard.

Pros:

• Generates white noise without being loud.
• Provides effective air circulation.
• Compact design ideal for bedrooms.

Cons:

• Airflow is weaker compared to a table fan.

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• Holmes HBF2010AWM Box Fan

Box fans are a common choice for people who want loud white noise for sleeping. The Holmes HBF2010AWM is one of these box fans, and it’s really good at making the white noise you want.

When it comes to how it looks and what it’s made of, this fan is mostly made of plastic and metal, which can make it seem a bit cheap. Its design is simple, as you’d expect for a box fan, but it’s important to know that it’s quite light and can easily fall over with just a little push.

This loud fans for white noise comes with some extra features, like a detachable cord and a removable grill to make it easy to clean the fan blades. However, the speed control knob is in the middle on the back, which can be a bit tricky to reach and adjust sometimes. It would have been more user-friendly if the controls were on the top or if it came with a remote control.

Pros:

• Effective white noise
• Affordable
• Good air circulation
• Easy-to-clean removable grill
• Adjustable speed settings

Cons:

• Cheap-feeling build
• Limited design appeal
• Inconvenient control placement
• Lacks oscillation
• No remote control

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Best White Noise Fans for Bedroom

Here are two of the best white noise fans for the bedroom:

• Lasko High-Velocity Tower Fan

If you want a strong fan that makes a calming sound for better sleep, think about getting Lasko high velocity tower fan. This tower fan can move air at 509 cubic feet per minute when it’s on its fastest setting out of the three available. Even though Lasko doesn’t give the exact noise levels in decibels, the air it blows is likely to create enough white noise to cover up street and neighbor noises, which can help you, sleep better.

This tower fan is 35 inches tall, but it’s still compact, measuring just 11.9 inches wide and 8.8 inches deep. Its small size means it won’t take up much space in your bedroom. It also comes with handy features like built in timers, the ability to move the fan back and forth, and a remote control so you can easily make changes while you are in bed.

Pros:

• Generates ample noise and airflow for a peaceful night sleep
• Compact footprint, suitable for smaller spaces
• It has a timer, can move back and forth, and comes with a remote control for extra convenience.

Cons:

• Lasko does not provide specific decibel measurements for any of the settings

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• Lasko Platinum Desktop Wind Tower

The Lasko Platinum desktop wind tower oscillating fan is small and fits well on surfaces like desks, dressers, or nightstands. It’s only 14 inches tall, 6 inches wide, and 6 inches deep, so it works great in tight spaces like small bedrooms or on coffee tables for those cozy evenings on the couch.

It has three different speeds, and on the highest setting, it can move air at 114 cubic feet per minute (CFM). This makes enough white noise to help people fall asleep when it’s placed close by. It’s really light, weighing just 3.14 pounds, so you can easily carry it around your home. However, because it’s small, it might not make a lot of white noise.

Pros:

• Compact size ideal for placement on nightstands, enhancing the white-noise experience
• Three speed settings offer customization of airflow and white noise output
• Easy to move around the home due to its compact design

Cons:

• Due to its smaller size, it may not produce as much white noise as some users desire

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Best White Noise Travel Fan

Here are some of the best white noise travel fans available:

• Honeywell HTF-090B Travel Fan

This travel fan is powerful and small, featuring a foldable design that creates a better way to store the fan when not in use or hang it from a convenient location when your hands are busy. It’s perfect for people who need comprehensive cooling on the go at the gym or store.

Pros

• Foldable stand for hanging or storage
• Operates on battery or USB power
• You can feel the cooling power even when you’re three feet away from it

Cons

• Limited to just one speed setting
• Requires a proprietary power cable

Unlike the Honeywell Double Blade Fan, the Honeywell HTF-090B Turbo travel fan is a simple yet powerful choice that can provide refreshing coolness when you require it most. With dimensions of only 5 x 2.2 x 6 inches, the Honeywell fan is easily portable. Additionally, it comes with a unique folding stand, allowing you to either place it upright or hang it conveniently from a handle, hook, or nail in a convenient location.

The HTF-090B travel fan is quite powerful, and you can feel its breeze even from three feet away. But, it only has one speed setting. You can power it using the included cable or four AA batteries. The cable has a USB on one end but a special connector on the other, which might be inconvenient if it breaks. However, the fan is durable overall, so this might not be a major concern. If you have a home gym in your garage, you could also think about getting the best garage fan for better air circulation during your workouts.

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• Vornado Flippi V6 Travel Fan

This fan is top-notch in terms of how it’s made and designed, especially for helping air flow better. It’s also quiet on both speeds and makes really nice white noise.

Pros

• Strong vortex motor for powerful airflow
• Attractive and long-lasting design
• Highly adjustable tilt head

Cons

• Lowest speed setting is relatively weak
• Controls located on the back of the fan can be challenging to reach

Vornado fans are designed to provide excellent air circulation without the need for an excessively powerful and noisy motor, and the Flippi V6 travel fan follows this philosophy. The product overall quality and durability are commendable.

The Flippi V6 offers two speed settings: low and high. However, the low setting is not very strong, but it does produce a calming white noise, which is great for people who want some white noise while traveling. You can adjust the speed settings manually using a twist dial at the fan base, although it may feel a bit awkward, especially when trying to do it with one hand. While buttons would have been nice, the simple dial on the Vornado travel fan is easy to get used to, especially considering the fan limited settings.

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Types of Fans

There are different kinds of fans that make a soft humming sound in the background. The type of fan you choose depends on your money, what you need, how much space you have, or what you like.

Floor Fans: Floor fans are simple and strong. They make a lot of humming sounds. But sometimes, they can be too loud and annoying instead of helpful. Before choosing a floor fan for the humming sound, think about if it’s safe for your pets or kids, if you have enough space, and if there’s anything in the way of the fan.

Tower Fans: Tower fans are slim and tall. They are great for small places or to blow air over things in the way. Tower fans come with many choices like ionizing abilities, a remote, air cleaning, and more. They are very quiet compared to most fans and are good for bedrooms.

Box Fans: Box fans can sit on the floor or fit into a window or wall. They are strong and make a lot of humming sounds, which can be used as background humming.

Portable Desk: Portable desk fans are small and good for cooling tiny areas. You can put them on desks, counters, or other spots. They are great if you need something you can move around. For a soft humming sound, portable desk fans make just enough when they are on a bedroom table or close by.

Pedestal Fans: Pedestal fans, also called standing fans, can be made taller or shorter. They can move from side to side to spread the air in a room. They are also very quiet and good for bedrooms and living rooms.

What to Look for in a Fan for White Noise?

When choosing the best white noise fans for sleeping, it’s not just about how it looks or how loud it is.

Sure, here are some important points to consider in simple terms:

Airflow:

Airflow is how much air the fan can move. It’s measured in Cubic Feet per Minute. If a fan has a high CFM, it can cool a bigger room. A simple way to figure out the right fan is to match the CFM to the square footage of your room.

Quality:

It’s important to get a fan that’s made well and will last. Look for fans with strong motors and blades made of metal or sturdy plastic.

Speed Settings:

This means the fan moving from side to side. It helps spread the cool air around the room, but not all fans can do this.

Portability:

Some fans are easy to move around, like desk fans or table fans. Others, like box fans or tower fans, are heavier and harder to move. If you will only use it in one place, this might not matter as much.

Considering these features will help you find a good fan that suits your needs for a good night’s sleep.

Which White Noise is Best for Sleeping?

When it comes to finding the best white noise for sleeping, it’s all about what helps you relax and fall asleep easily. White noise is like a shushing sound that covers other noises that might keep you awake.

Different types of white noise might work better for different people. You can easily select which white noise is best for sleeping.

Nature Sounds:

Some people like white noise that sounds like nature, such as rain falling, ocean waves, or rustling leaves. These sounds can be calming and mimic the outdoors, making it easier to sleep.

Fan like Noise:

Many people find the sound of a fan comforting. It’s a steady and consistent noise that can help drown out other sounds and create a soothing environment for sleep.

Combination Sounds:

Some white noise machines offer a variety of sounds or allow you to mix different types of white noise. This way, you can customize the sound to your preference, combining elements that relax you the most.

Plain White Noise:

Simple, plain white noise, which is a consistent and unchanging sound, can also be effective. It’s like a soft hissing sound that can cover up other noises that might disturb your sleep.

Do White Noise Machines Work Better Than a Fan?

Do white noise machines work better than a fan? Whether a white noise machine works better than a fan depends on what helps you sleep and your personal preferences.

White Noise Machines: These devices are designed to produce a variety of soothing sounds that can help block out other noises and create a peaceful environment. They often offer options like nature sounds, fan-like noise, or plain white noise. The advantage of a white noise machine is that you can customize the sound to your liking and find what works best for you.

Fans: Fans provide a consistent and steady noise, similar to white noise. They can help mask other sounds and create a gentle, humming atmosphere that promotes relaxation. Fans are a popular choice because they not only produce noise but also circulate air, creating a cooling effect in the room.

Conclusion

In a world full of noise and distractions, a white noise fan is a simple and effective way to have a peaceful and restful sleep. It makes a soothing sound that’s great for bedrooms, nurseries, offices, and other places. The soft humming of a white noise fan can make your sleep better, so you choose the best fans for white noise and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

Related Article: Do White Noise Machines Work?

FAQs

Is a fan good for white noise?

Most people ask if a fan is good for white noise. Yes, a fan is good for white noise because it can create a consistent and soothing background sound that helps mask other noises, making it easier to sleep or concentrate.

What kind of fan is best for sleeping?

A fan that produces a soft and consistent white noise is best for sleeping. Look for fans with multiple speed settings, adjustable airflow, and quiet operation.

Is a fan better than a white noise machine?

Fans and white noise machines serve different purposes. Fans provide both air circulation and white noise, making them versatile for cooling and sound. White noise machines are designed to generate a variety of soothing sounds. Your choice between a fan and a white noise machine depends on your specific needs and personal preferences.