Brown vs pink vs white noise
White noise has equal energy at every frequency, so it sounds bright, like a hiss. Pink noise rolls off the treble and sounds softer, like steady rain. Brown noise is deeper still – a low rumble, like a distant waterfall. Many people prefer pink or brown for sleep; white masks sharp sounds best.
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The noise colours at a glance
- White noise – bright and hissy, like a detuned radio. Good at covering sharp sounds such as voices.
- Soft white – white noise with the harshest top end gently taken off.
- Pink noise – balanced and soft, a bit like steady rain or wind in trees.
- Brown noise (sometimes called red noise) – deep and rumbly, like the inside of an aeroplane.
- Deep brown – even lower and smoother, almost a hum you feel more than hear.
- Grey noise – shaped so it sounds roughly equally loud across the range.
- Green noise – centred on the middle of the range, often described as “the sound of nature”.
Which should I choose?
It is personal – try each for a minute at a low volume. As a rough guide: white for masking voices and for newborns, pink for an easy all-rounder, brown for low sounds such as traffic or snoring, and brown or green for focus. You can also layer a noise with rain or a fan.
In Hit The Hay every noise colour is generated live on your phone, so it never repeats, has no loop point and uses no data. It is like having a free white noise machine in your pocket – with no adverts.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown noise better than white noise for sleep?
Many people find brown noise more relaxing because it is deeper and less hissy, but white noise masks sharp sounds better. Try both at a low volume and see which you prefer.
What is pink noise good for?
Pink noise is a soft, balanced sound, a little like steady rain. Lots of people use it for sleep, relaxing or as background while working.
Is red noise the same as brown noise?
Yes, red noise is another name for brown noise.
What is green noise?
Green noise concentrates on the middle of the range. It sounds calm and natural, and some people like it for focus.
Related guides
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