White Noise Generator

About White Noise Generator

Why people pay $50-200 for a hardware Marpac Dohm or LectroFan: consistent broadband noise masks intermittent disruptions (snoring partner, construction, neighbor's TV) so your brain stops orienting to them. This generator does the same thing — and more — entirely in your browser. Three noise colors (white = bright like TV static, pink = balanced like steady rain, brownian = deep like distant surf, scientifically the most relaxing per UCSF sleep research), 10-band EQ to tune the exact spectrum that masks your specific disturbance, lowpass filter with LFO modulation to simulate breathing/wave patterns, binaural beats (Delta 1-4Hz for deep sleep, Theta 4-8Hz for meditation, Alpha 8-14Hz for relaxation, Beta 14-30Hz for focused work), sleep timer (15min-8hr auto-shutoff), and export to MP3/WAV/OGG for offline use on phone/airplane. All synthesized via Web Audio API — no copyrighted loops, no upload, no ads.

What's the difference between white, pink, and brownian noise?

White noise has equal energy across all frequencies, sounding like TV static. Pink noise has more bass and less treble, resembling rainfall. Brownian (brown/red) noise is even deeper, like a rumbling waterfall or distant thunder. Each type has different benefits for sleep and focus.

What are binaural beats?

Binaural beats are an auditory illusion created when two slightly different frequencies are played in each ear. Your brain perceives a third tone at the difference frequency. Different beat frequencies correspond to brain wave states: Delta (1-4 Hz) for deep sleep, Theta (4-8 Hz) for meditation, Alpha (8-14 Hz) for relaxation, and Beta (14-30 Hz) for focus.

What does the lowpass filter do?

The lowpass filter removes high frequencies above the cutoff point, making the noise warmer and less harsh. The LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) modulates the cutoff frequency, creating a gentle sweeping effect like waves or breathing. Rate A and B control two independent LFOs for complex movement.

How do I use this for better sleep?

Try the 'Sleep' or 'Ocean' preset with the sleep timer set to 30-60 minutes. The noise will help mask disruptive sounds while binaural beats in the Delta range (1-4 Hz) can help induce deep sleep. The auto-shutoff ensures it doesn't play all night.

Can I export the audio to use offline?

Yes! Set your desired duration (up to 1 hour) and format, then click Download. MP3 and OGG are compressed formats ideal for phone storage, while WAV is lossless for highest quality. The exported file includes all your EQ and filter settings.

Is white noise actually safe for babies?

Yes, with caveats. The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses white noise for infant sleep but recommends keeping volume below 50 dB (about the level of a soft shower) and placing the source at least 7 feet from the crib. Continuous all-night use is debated — some research suggests it may delay auditory development if always-on at high volume. Best practice: use during nap initiation, fade out after 30-60 minutes via the sleep timer. Pink or brown noise is generally preferred over white because the gentler high-frequency content is safer for developing ears.

Do binaural beats really work?

The evidence is mixed. Small studies show binaural beats can shift EEG patterns toward the target frequency (entrainment) and modestly improve anxiety, focus, or sleep onset for some people. Larger meta-analyses are inconclusive — placebo effect is substantial. Critically, binaural beats only work with headphones (each ear needs its independent frequency); on speakers they cancel out into a regular monaural tone. If you're curious, try the Alpha (8-14Hz) preset with focus tasks for two weeks and judge for yourself. Worst case: pleasant background ambience.

Will continuous white noise damage my hearing?

Only at unsafe volumes. OSHA's safe exposure limit is 85 dB for 8 hours; sustained noise above that risks hearing loss. Most phone/laptop speakers max out around 70-80 dB at full volume from arm's length — generally fine. Keep this generator at a comfortable listening level (not maxed) and you're well within safety. The danger zone is in-ear earbuds at high volume for 8+ hours; if using overnight, prefer over-ear headphones at low volume or a separate speaker across the room.

Why does pink noise help focus better than white?

Human hearing perceives loudness logarithmically — equal energy per Hz (white noise) sounds bass-light and treble-heavy, which can be fatiguing. Pink noise has equal energy per octave, matching how we hear — sounding balanced, like a steady rainfall. Multiple studies (including from Northwestern University) show pink noise specifically can improve deep-sleep quality and memory consolidation by syncing with brain rhythms. For focus work, the lack of harsh highs prevents the ear-fatigue you'd get from sustained white noise.