What white noise is
White noise contains every audible frequency at the same strength, much as white light contains every colour. Because our ears are more sensitive to high frequencies, it sounds bright: like static on an old television, a strong fan or air rushing from a vent.
It is the brightest of the common noise colours. Pink noise rolls off the highs and sounds like steady rain, and brown noise rolls them off further still into a deep rumble.
Why it works as a mask
Speech is easiest to understand in the higher frequencies where consonants live, and that is exactly where white noise is strongest. A low layer of white noise makes nearby conversation blur into the background, which is why it is a long-standing choice for open offices, therapy waiting rooms and light sleepers.
The trade-off is that some people find it harsh over long sessions. If it starts to feel tiring, switch to pink or brown noise, or mix a little white noise under softer sounds such as rain so it adds masking without dominating.
Tips for using white noise
- Start quiet and turn it up only until voices stop pulling your attention.
- Place speakers between you and the noise source, such as a door or a shared wall, rather than right next to your head.
- For babies, keep machines well away from the cot and at a low volume; tests of infant sleep machines have found some can be surprisingly loud at full volume.
- Pair it with a 25 minute timer so your focus sessions have a clear start and end.
Focuship generates white noise on your device with a seamless loop, so there is no repeating pattern to notice and it keeps playing offline.
Questions
- Is white noise good for studying?
- It can help if your problem is distracting speech or background chatter, because it masks voices well. If you find it fatiguing, try pink noise or brown noise, which are softer.
- What is the difference between white, pink and brown noise?
- They differ in how much energy sits in the high frequencies. White noise is equal at every frequency and sounds bright, pink noise has less treble and sounds like rain, and brown noise has the least and sounds like a deep rumble.
- Can I fall asleep to white noise?
- Many people do. Keep the volume low and steady, and use a timer if you prefer it to stop after you fall asleep.
- Does it work offline?
- Yes. The noise is generated in your browser, so it needs no download and keeps working without a connection.