4 Of The Best Box Fans For White Noise + White Noise And Fan Basics

Shopping for the best box fans for white noise can take hours. To help, I’ve put together a list of 4 of the best box fans for white noise along with reviews and pros and cons.

You’ll also find helpful info about white noise and how to get the most out of your box fan.

What is white noise?

Graph showing white noise and how it works in terms of sound. The term “white noise” describes a sound source that produces audio noise throughout the entire range of human hearing. This is very important as I’ll explain later.

White noise is an interesting topic! Of course, we’re most concerned about how it can give us relief for lots of problems caused by distracting outside sounds.

Technically speaking, white noise is a range of noise audio that covers the full range of sound frequencies your ears can hear. It is used to mask – or cover up and block – bothersome sounds.

Many of the sounds you hear every day and that would distract you occur in a few portions of the range of human hearing. White noise is very different from music because it’s intended to cover the entire audio range of human hearing (about 20 Hertz to 20 Kilohertz).

By contrast, music for example only has portions of sound from a singer, synthesizers, and so on that occur in a few areas of the range your ears can hear.

People respond well naturally to soothing sounds like it and other sources of pleasing audio, so it can also help you relax and enter a lower-stress and more focused state, too.

Where is white noise used?

It’s often used in places like baby nurseries, hotel rooms, therapy offices, and of course bedrooms. People who have difficulty sleeping while traveling (like me) often carry a small white noise machine to help.

Just about anywhere you need relief from distractions white noise is extremely helpful.

How white noise blocks sounds

Box sounds produce white noise that works to block out bothersome sounds by what’s called masking. This simply means they cover up audio that is equal to or below the volume of the noise generated by a box fan. When sounds are covered up sufficiently, your brain doesn’t process them or spend any time being distracted by them. They’re effectively eliminated that way.

The noise produced by a box fan doesn’t actually remove sounds that bother you – they help by a process called masking.

That simply means the noise a fan produces covers up – or “masks” – those distracting outside sounds. However, to our brain, it’s as if they don’t even exist at all. Box fans effectively eliminate troublesome sources of sound by keeping our brains from being able to detect and react to them.

The human brain can’t pick out separate noises when there are many mixed together. There’s simply too much information to process, and when sounds become combined together they can’t be separated.

For example, try listening to 2 or 3 music sources at once. After a certain point, it’s impossible to pick apart the individual instruments and so on. That principle is how masking works.

Since your brain will never hear them (as long as they’re not louder than the white noise) it’s like they don’t exist!

How box fans make white noise

Box fans create noise from a combination of sources that result in a soothing and calming noise. The movement of air from the input (suction) side of the fan, the fan motor itself, the air disturbances at the blades, and the air blowing from the front side combine to mask outside distractions.

Box fans are accidentally good producers of white noise. I say that because they’re not designed to do so…it’s a by-product of how they work.

Box fans have several factors and sources of noise that combine to result in a soothing white noise:

• The rush of air on the input (suction) side
• The electric motor’s vibration and hum it produces
• The fan blade noise due to rapidly turning and moving air
• Air forced out of the front side which blows forcefully in the room

To our ears this appears as a mixed “white noise” effect that’s rhythmic, calming, and helpful for blocking many of the sources of sound that make studying, relaxing, sleeping, and life in general much harder.

Because of their design, they tend to vibrate a bit which also lends itself to affecting their sound output as well. The alternating current (AC) motor of a fan often produces a gentle hum reflective of its 60 Hertz power source (or 50 Hertz for some countries outside the USA).

Which way do you put a fan in the window?

There isn’t really a “best” way to place a box fan in a window. This is due to the physics of gas (air) movement. A fan in a window creates air pressure (fresh air moving in) which is offset by an equal and opposite air pressure (old air moving out). To get a room filled with fresh air more quickly, however, it’s best to have at least 1 more window open. That allows air to circulate more rapidly and more efficiently.

For the most part, it doesn’t matter a lot which way you place a box fan in a window. However, there are a few ways to use it depending on what you need.

That’s because of the laws of physics involved: airflow in = airflow out. In other words, the air movement a fan brings in will be equal to the air leaving.

Here are my general guidelines you may find helpful:

1. If you have only 1 window in a room, I recommend you place the fan facing in.

This allows the fan to force air into the room and push back against the window. In some situations it will help keep the fan upright.

You’ll still have air circulate. However, it will take much longer than having another window open as the window opening size will be more limited (air circulation will be restricted and the old air won’t be able to escape as easily).

2. If you have 2 or more windows, leave at least 1 open for maximum cooling and air circulation.

With at least one additional window open you can have great airflow and cooling within a room. That’s because a room with only one window open (and with the fan placed in the same window) is forcing air against more pressure as the air can’t flow easily back outside.

When a second or third window is open the resistance to the fan’s air pressure is removed and air can escape easily at the same rate it came in.

Ultimately, in either case, I recommend you place a fan in the window facing inward (air blowing INTO the room). That’s because:

• It may help hold the fan in the window due to the back pressure
• Box fans sometimes produce more noise on the output side due to the fan blades facing forward.

It’s a relatively minor difference but in my experience one that works best.

★ 4 of the best box fans for white noise ★

Our top picks at a glance

Product reviews and details

1. Hurricane Classic Series 20″ – A great performer and all-around excellent value. You’ll love it!

Want a fan that’s got more? The Hurricane Classic Series 20″ box fan is a great choice. It’s a new take on the traditional box fan design.

The Classic 20″ fan is a great economical floor or window fan with a space-saving design. It’s ideal not just for home when you need pleasing white noise, but also for many other locations:

• Greenhouses
• Garages
• Workshops
• Front or back porch

Hurricane produces a range of powerful but competitively priced fans of all kinds. They’re known for well-designed and reliable air quality products.

(Left) The box fan includes a convenient cord storage area on the rear. (Right) the fan’s bottom supports keep it steady and are easy to install. It’s a great, modern design you’ll really enjoy using.

A front mounted 3-position dial makes it easy to set the fan to one of 3 speeds regardless of whether it’s used in a window or floor.

The front grill helps better direct airflow outward for optimal cooling as needed in addition to producing a steady, soft white noise pattern. There’s also a safety fuse included in the power plug to protect against unsafe electrical conditions.

It’s a unique design and a refreshing, affordable what to get white noise anywhere you need it. One drawback to be aware of is that there’s no carrying handle included like the other models I’ve mentioned.

One cool advantage is that the base supports can be removed for easy window use. The top of the fan is free from obstructions that make it hard to close a window.

The Hurricane is a unique design in a world full of copycats. The front-mounted fan control and power cord storage set it apart and add convenience you can’t get with others.

Additionally, due to its nice design, the white noise it produces is really relaxing as well.

Don’t miss out on this great choice! Head over and see why it reached #1 seller status and check out the great reviews at Amazon.

2. Lasko 3720 Weather Shield Performance – Worry-free white noise and window cooling. Leave it in and forget it!

I absolutely love using box fans in my window. The cooling effect and fresh air I enjoy simply can’t be beaten. However, when the rain comes it’s a huge inconvenience to stop what I’m doing and take it out of the window every time.

The Lasko Model 3270 Weather Shield Performance fan solves that problem as well as being a great performer that you don’t want to pass up.

It also produces some of the best and smoothest white noise I’ve heard from a box fan.

The Lasko Weather Shield #3720 looks great and works really well in windows…including yours. Classic style and operation mean hassle-free use. The design protects the electric motor in case of rain while in the window – no more having to pull a fan out and losing your wonderful fresh air and background fan noise!

What’s unique about the Weather Shield is the design Lasko built in. In case of light rain, the motor is protected from exposure to water by a weather shield for worry-free operation.

3 quiet fan speeds provide excellent airflow and cooling. Despite being quiet enough to avoid distracting you, the 3720 still provides enough volume to block out troublesome and annoying sounds.

t’s a wonderful and very calming fan I’ve enjoyed testing myself.

(Left) The unique Wind Ring design on the grill helps focus air movement and increase performance by enhancing air speed. (Right) A great-looking and simple rotary control make operation easy. The top-mounted carry handle lets you move the fan easily as well.

Additionally, the front grill has a unique Wind Ring design which helps maximize fan performance by directing air movement for optimal airspeed. It’s a cool design touch I haven’t seen in most competitors’ products.

The top-mounted rotary control works well and in my opinion, is a nice touch. It’s reliable and the “feel” is very good as well.

No complaints about the handle – it’s easy to use and makes positioning the fan a breeze, too. It’s energy-efficient thanks to the Save-Smart design. You can use it as much as you like for less than 2 cents per hour!

Like other Lasko models, a fused safety plug is included in the power cord to prevent potential hazards due to electrical shorts or overloads.

Rounding out all the wonderful features is a 2 year limited warranty.

Overall, it’s one of the best box fans I’ve run across and a great buy. Likewise, it’s one of the best-rated by many happy buyers as well.

Head over and No products found. You’ll love it!

3. Holmes HABF120W 10″ Personal Size box fan – Compact and affordable white noise where you need it.

Short on space or money? You’re in luck!

The Holmes HABF120W Personal Size box fan” brings compact value to anyone who doesn’t need a larger fan.

It’s lightweight for very easy portability. The 10″ (25.4 cm) fan size provides comfortable cooling and white noise that’s great for your bedroom, RV, office, or nearly anywhere.

2 quiet speed settings give good airflow along with a moderate amount of white noise to help you focus on what’s important, be it work, sleeping, or just relaxing in peace.

Its slim design means it can fit in more places (especially desk or nightstand tops) where larger, bulkier fans can’t. A great way to get background noise & cooling without the noisy disruption of larger fans.

Great for offices or college dorms! It’s also a great choice for kitchens for window sill use to bring in the refreshing night air.

When it comes to small box fans, it’s one of the best you’ll find. It’s fantastic for small rooms or taking with you where you need a calming, comforting sound.

Enjoy another great Holmes fan that really delivers. Have a look and see why it's a top seller with many very happy owners over at Amazon.

4. Holmes 20″ HBF2100 fan – An affordable, super-popular fan that gives great white noise.

Holmes has proven itself time and time again to be a company that produces unique, quality, and affordable air products.

The Holmes HBF2001DP-BM black 20″ box fan continues that tradition. It’s a very popular fan and one of the best-selling models you’ll find today.

This 20″ fan produces, smooth white noise you’ll enjoy and that can help you get the relief you need. Not only that but it’s lightweight and easy to move around.

The HBF2100DPBM is also available in a white version (model #HBF2010A-WM) in case the black color isn’t right for you. Need to clean after a lot of use? Guess what – the front grill can be removed for easy cleaning of the blades and components.

There’s a quick-disconnect power cable and attachable feet included with every fan. Planning on putting it in your window for pleasant fresh air and white noise? Having the feet as an option, not required, makes it easier.

An integrated carry handle at the top rear provides a great way to move it from place to place. The rear-mounted 3-speed dial stays out of the way unlike most top-mounted controls.

A removable power cord is provided which makes it possible to remove the cable during storage.

There’s also a convenient cord wrap on the rear for when you need to store it or move it. That’s an especially nice feature that I found very helpful. (I hate dragging a cord around because I might trip on it)

The HBF2100 is a good compromise between price, airflow, and efficiency. It’s a good choice for those who just want a basic fan that gets the job done for white noise.

It’s a fan with some disadvantages but some big advantages, too. While it can be used for windows, it’s ideally best suited as a floor fan.

Want an economical but power box fan that creates lovely (and soothing) white noise? Look no further.

Have a look at the huge number of happy buyer reviews over at Amazon.