While a sound machine isn't absolutely necessary for travel, since free smartphone apps or ambient noise podcasts can be used, many travelers find having a device for this purpose crucial. It helps create a consistent sleep environment, masks unpredictable noises from hotels, streets, or neighbors, and aids in relaxation in unfamiliar settings.
Use Your Smartphone or Tablet
Many travelers opt to use their smartphone or tablet as a sound machine instead of packing an extra device. Given the constraints of limited storage or battery life, streaming or playing offline audio from popular apps is the most practical solution. Offline use is recommended so you do not rely on spotty airplane / hotel Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Best Apps for Travel
Apple iOS: If you use iOS, your device has native background sounds built in. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Background Sounds to choose from rain, ocean, or white noise without downloading anything new. You can use these entirely offline.
Android: Many Android devices offer built-in ambient or bedtime noise features via the Clock or Digital Wellbeing apps. You can also download official offline sounds directly from apps like the Google Play Store.
Streaming Apps: Apps like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music offer options for white noise, brown noise, nature sounds, or ambient music tracks.
Depending on your preferences and length of the selected track, you may want to loop the audio so the sound plays continuously. On Spotify, tap the "Loop" icon (two intersecting arrows). On YouTube, you can tap the "Settings" gear on a video and toggle on "Loop video."
Download your favorite sleep playlists or ambient sound videos directly to your device via the Spotify Support page or YouTube Help before you leave home.
Dedicated Apps: Apps like White Noise Lite, Rain Rain, Sleep Cycle, or myNoise allow you to download specific soundscapes directly to your device for completely offline, on-demand playback.
The Voice Memos Trick: Record a soothing ambient sound from your environment (like a desk fan or air conditioner) and save it as an offline audio file on your device to play on a continuous loop.
Quick Travel Hacks
Preserve your battery: Streaming overnight uses a significant amount of power. Always plug your device into a charger while using it as a sound machine.
Turn on Airplane Mode: To avoid unexpected roaming charges, incoming notifications, phone calls, or battery drain overnight, turn on Airplane Mode. You can still play pre-downloaded or local files while Airplane Mode is active.
Bring a Portable Bluetooth Speaker: While your phone or tablet's speakers work in a pinch, they may sound tinny or lack bass. Packing a compact travel speaker - like the JBL Go - delivers a much richer sound to easily mask hallway noise or loud air conditioning units.
The "Do Not Disturb" Trick: Prevent late-night notifications from startling you awake. Activate Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode so your soundscape plays uninterrupted all night.
Travel Sound Machine
Small, rechargeable, and often inexpensive, travel sound machines provide consistent white noise to help adults and children sleep better in unfamiliar environments.
Here are some features to look for when buying a travel sound machine:
Portability & Size: Many travel models are small enough to fit in a handbag or attach to a car seat via a strap.
Rechargeable and Versatile Power: Many models are battery-powered and can be recharged via USB, allowing you to power them from a laptop, power bank, or solar charger. It is best if the model has a long battery life to last through the night without recharging, and/or the unit continues to operate while being charged. Note: For any sound machine with a lithium-ion battery, it is highly recommended to pack it in your carry-on bag. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricts lithium-ion batteries from checked luggage because they can pose a fire risk. If the sound machine has a detachable lithium battery, you must remove it and transport the battery in your carry-on.
Added Features: Many include travel-friendly extras like rechargeable batteries, dimmable nightlights for hotel rooms, and even Bluetooth functionality.
Here is an Amazon link to the highly-rated Magicteam Sound White Noise Machine.
The Dreamegg Portable Noise Machine is also a highly-rated option. (Amazon Link)
Hushing offers an inexpensive mini sound machine. (Amazon Link)
The Yogasleep Hussh portable sound machine is a unit that shows up at the top of many online review lists. (Amazon Link)
