5 Of The Best White Noise Machines For Dog Barking – Get Relief Now!

White noise machines are a huge help in blocking out dog barking but finding the best white noise machine is time-consuming and a hassle.

That’s where I’d love to help! Below you’ll find five of the best white noise machines along with details, reviews, and pros & cons to know before buying – along with a ton of great info about how they work.

What is “white noise”?

Shown: A graph showing the sonic frequency range of white noise versus what your ears can hear. “White noise” is a scientific term that refers to what happens when we hear sound across the audio spectrum at one consistent volume. It has other scientific uses, but for most of us, it’s the ability to drown out – or “mask” – any unwanted sounds that make it very helpful.

White noise is an interesting, though sometimes misunderstood, topic.

Simply put, when a noise signal contains all the audio frequencies we can hear the name white noise is often used. Because it can cover so many sound frequencies found in the real world (like barking dogs) it’s useful for blocking sounds that cause us problems.

Noise vs everyday sounds

Unlike everyday sounds you’re used to hearing like traffic, music, or conversations, a white noise machine covers the full range of sounds our ears hear. Most sounds we hear only occur in a limited portion of the range of human hearing.

White noise is different in when it’s around us we don’t notice the specific and distracting frequencies coming from other sound sources.

I’ve seen how effective sound machines are when bothersome sounds are coming from outside. Once the unwanted sounds are masked and blocked it makes a big difference! Everything is more relaxed, stress levels go down, and we can go back to our happy day or get back to tasks.

Different noise types & their names

The term “white noise” is sometimes used interchangeably with other noise patterns such as brown noise or pink noise. Names like “pink” or “brown” describe sound with a certain frequency response characteristic.

For example, brown noise has a lower sound volume in the upper-frequency ranges (which we often call “treble”, or “highs”). As a side benefit, some sound machines are capable of producing these types of noises like brown or pink noise as a feature.

White noise machine benefits & use

No need to let those noisy dogs ruin your day! White noise machines give you a simple tool for producing a calm environment at home. They’re also effortless to use and most are affordable for nearly everyone.

I know how hard it is to concentrate when you’re sitting at home just enjoying your free time and for the next few hours you can’t get a break from the neighbor’s dog barking. It’s enough to drive you crazy!

If you need relief from distracting & annoying sounds, a white noise machine can make all the difference. In fact, I use some myself (along with other products) and recommend them to friends, family, and coworkers.

White noise machines are very useful in many situations:

• In businesses (offices, cubicle work areas, or near meeting rooms)
• Small study rooms
• Physical or behavioral therapist offices
• Helping babies sleep
• Relieving stress
• Blocking outdoor noise at work
• Improving your mood
• Increasing focus & concentration
• Improving productivity & work quality
• To create a calm environment for pets

They’re also excellent for traveling for work or personal trips. They’re compact and easy to travel with as they fit into baggage easily. Some can work from battery power as well.

Incoming sound, especially when unexpected, draws our attention and can take our focus away from what’s important. Our nervous system becomes more active, our stress levels go up, and because we lose our focus we can’t concentrate or work, studying, or relaxing.

While you could use noise canceling earphones they’re expensive and not always practical. Besides, who wants to have to wear those at home?

Sound machines are much more affordable, easy to use, and practical.

How white noise machines work

The smooth, soothing sound produced by a white noise machine “masks”, or covers up, outside like those from pets, people, and music from your neighbors. The result is that since your brain can no longer detect the bothersome sounds present, they’re effectively blocked and eliminated.

White noise machines by generating sounds across the spectrum of human hearing to block out any unwanted noise. Because the white noise covers the full range of what our ears can hear, the other sound frequencies that you’d otherwise notice are effectively masked.

In other words, the white noise machine covers up the unwanted noises around you.

That’s a way to deal with the annoying sound of dogs barking, birds chirping, and a variety of irritating sources.

As long as the volume of the outside sound isn’t louder than the white noise machine volume you won’t notice them.

It’s all about your brain (and ears, too)

The science behind works because our brains can’t process too much audio information at once. For example, when a TV is on, and someone’s trying to talk to you, and there’s a radio blaring in the background you can’t really focus and pick out any one sound source.

Your brain blends them together and it’s almost impossible to hear a single sound individually very well. That’s because the sound frequencies combine as your hearing receives them.

The result is that since white noise covers the entire range of human hearing outside sounds mix with it and won’t be noticed. In other words, it’s impossible for your brain to hear noises that the white noise machine can cover. They’re effectively blocked & eliminated.

How sound machines generate noise

Left: Electromechanical sound machines use an older design that physically moves air to create noise. Right: Electronic sound machines, also called “solid-state” since they don’t use moving parts, create sound from digitally stored patterns, and use a loudspeaker.

White noise machines normally fall into one of 2 categories for how they produce sound.

1. Electromechanical devices

Based on the original sound machine design these are still sold and are still popular today. They use an electric motor and compact fan assembly. As the fan blades spin, the airflow creates white noise.

Some models come with the ability to adjust volume and tone. Electromechanical models are less common today thanks to modern technology, although they’re still a favorite of many people for a number of reasons I’ll list below.

2. Electronic models

An electronic model generates sound patterns stored in digital memory thanks to microchips. The circuit board drives a speaker to produce sound. Many offer a digital volume control along with different sound options.

This type typically provides sound options like those from nature. Some can reproduce everyday sounds that people find calming such as electric fans, a running river, and rain.

Electronic vs electromechanical sound machines

Electromechanical and electronic (“solid-state”) white noise machines both have advantages and disadvantages when compared to each other. Saying one is “best” isn’t always the case.

Electromechanical models are both easy to use and very reliable. They also create the “whoosh” sound of real fan blades spinning which is a very distinctive sound. They’re incredibly easy to use as most have very basic controls.

One disadvantage is that they use more electrical power than solid-state models and need an outlet for power (no battery options for portability).

Electronic sound machine advantages

Solid-state units offer a lot more features but aren’t as easy to use due to having more button settings. The artificial noise patterns are often very good but the sound quality greatly depends on the design quality & parts used.

The disadvantage is that they’re not for everyone. They’re not a good choice for the elderly or anyone who doesn’t wish to deal with pushbuttons & more advanced features.

How to best use a sound machine for dog & outside noises

Manufacturers recommend placing a noise machine several feet away instead of right next to you. For best results, put it in a place closer to where noise enters the room. As it’s further away from you, you’re able to have the volume set higher than you would immediately next to you. In some cases more machines are needed if the outside noise is hard to block.

The good news is that there are only a few steps to setting up a noise machine for optimal use. They’re generally very easy to use.

For best results, place it (or them) in a convenient place away from your bed at least several feet and higher off of the floor if possible.

This is helpful for 2 reasons:

1. You’ll need to adjust the volume to block the snoring sounds you’re hearing. If the machine is too close to your bed you’re much more likely to turn the volume down a lot which will affect its performance.
2. If placed on the floor, sounds may potentially enter more easily than if placed on a desk or table above the floor. Consider where you actually hear sounds entering the room.

Setting up a noise machine only requires a few steps: adjust the volume as needed to a comfortable level that can block dog sounds and choose your preferred sound type or tone (if applicable) that works best for you.

Desks, tables, or nightstands (in other parts of the room) are great places for them. While you can use yours very close to your bed if you feel it’s necessary, it’s almost never a good idea.

Locating a noise machine a least 3 feet away is best and gives it the opportunity to cover more of the room.

How many noise machines do I need?

Marpac, manufacturer of the popular Dohm Class white noise machine, recommends one machine for every 300 square feet. That’s about a 10 foot x 30 foot room for reference.

In some cases you might need to buy a 2nd one if you’re having especially bothersome noise you’re dealing with.

For a typical home or apartment use (such as, in your bedroom or living room) one is usually enough. For larger areas or if outside noise is especially annoying, 2 sound machines work better.

2 units can be placed in different locations to give better sound coverage or more volume than one unit alone Be sure to pay attention to the volume of the outside noise as some sound machines offer a higher volume than others.

★ 5 great white noise machines for dogs barking ★

Our top picks at a glance

Detailed reviews and pros/cons

1. Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan – An excellent electronic sound generator with both great features and value.

I’ll start things off right with a fantastic buy that’s also an amazingly popular best-seller: the LectroFan from Adaptive Sound Technologies. It’s a smart design that’s made to be easy to operate but is loaded with great features, too.

It also has some of the best buyer reviews of any sound machine sold today!

Top-notch, solid-state electronics create a high-quality soothing white noise to give you the dog sound relief you need right out of the box.

You’ll get a total of 20 calming, noise-masking sounds from two categories:

• 10 fan great fan sounds
• 10 ambient noise patterns

Great sound options

I love the fan sounds that the LectroFan generates. Some example sounds you’ll get include a box fan, an oscillating fan, and a low-tone, mellow-sounding fan too.

All are right at your fingertips any time you need them!

You’re going to love the ambient sound you’ll get. Choices like “pure white,” “tan,” or “coral,” alongside others are perfect for creating a relaxing environment at home.

Another great feature of the LectroFan: no batteries required! The unit will run off a standard 120V adapter (a UK/European Union voltage adapter is available) or can be powered by a USB port or phone charger as well!

Don’t care for the white model? No problem! The LectroFan is available in a handsome black version as well. This one is my personal favorite.

In case the white model isn’t your first choice, you can pick up a sharp-looking version in black as well.

The features you need

A 60 minute auto-off timer, push button adjustable volume control, and excellent sound quality is all yours.

With no internal moving parts to break down, you’ll get to enjoy years of trouble-free quality living. It’s cost-effective, too, at around $50 or less, making it one of the best buys I’ve found today.

All in all, it’s one of the best values you’ll find today and a great choice for your money. So much so that I’ve awarded it my Editor’s Choice recommendation.

Check it out for your yourself! Find out today why it's one of the best selling white noise machines at Amazon.

2. Marpac Dohm Classic – Simple, great-sounding classic technology you can rely on.

As a previous owner of the Marpac Dohm Classic, I can tell you before from personal experience why this timeless classic is so popular: It delivers classic white noise sound in a package that’s hassle-free to use.

The classic electromechanical engineering design means it’s a snap to use and always delivers great-sounding white noise. Unlike some of its weaker competition, it doesn’t mimic that traditional, gentle white noise sound: It’s the real thing!

Inside are real miniature fan blades powered by a reliable motor matched to the body to create a gentle, soothing sound you’ll fall in love with right away.

Super easy to use

The Marpac Dohm Classic is without a doubt one of the easiest to use you’ll find anywhere.

There’s a simple on/off switch with 2 fan speed positions that deliver two volume settings. No hassle at all – just super easy sound blocking ready at your fingertips.

The Marpac Dohm Classic is a basic but elegant choice and is available in two colors besides white: Tan and black, where available. Both the black and tan options are equally sharp-looking. They’re especially a good match for professional environments.

Adjustable tone control

Adjusting the tone is easy: simply rotate the outer shell and the tone and pitch of the white noise will change with it as the airflow pattern changes.

It’s a great little unit and one I recommend personally to people who prefer a simple and reliable way to block outside noises like dogs and birds.

I wish another power source also was provided (such as a USB power port for example) but that’s a minor complaint for a well-rounded design that has stood the test of time.

As one of the easiest to use white noise machines it’s an excellent choice. I recommend you head over to have a look at the great buyer reviews at Amazon.

3. Snooz White Noise Sound Machine – A stylish combo of both worlds: classic sound quality with modern convenience.

Ready for the perfect mix of old and new technology? The Snooz white noise sound machine gives you real white sound thanks to classic technology but adds convenience & features you’re going to love.

A brushless motor drives the computer-designed internal fan system to deliver years of reliable performance. As a result, you’ll get that real, distinctive white noise sound the competition can’t match.

You’ll get 10 available volume settings, perfect for drowning out the unwanted barking from neighborhood dogs that drive you crazy.

Like the adjustable housing on other models like the Marpac Dohm, customizing sound with the Snooz is as easy as rotating the outer body. Just twist it to get the right pitch and tone just like you want.

Using the top-mounted controls is a breeze on the Snooz – they’re clearly marked and put you in easy control of the 10-step volume range. It offers some of the best volume today as you’ll get from a 46dB to a beefy 87dB of loudness to choose from.

It’s a good sounding unit. In my opinion, being able to easily customize the noise type and pitch makes it even more pleasant to use.

The Snooz puts advanced controls and features in the palm of your hand! Loading the free app gives your smartphone the ability to control the on and off times and volume levels on any of you Snooz white noise machines.

The Bluetooth interface is awesome to use. You can control all major functions of the Snooz via your iPhone or Android device. You can even name and control multiple white noise machines if you like.

Super convenient!

One more impressive feature: I love the hands-free operation possible thanks to the auto on/off scheduler, a true “set it and forget it” option that gives you “set and forget” operation.

You’ll never have to worry about leaving it running while you’re gone!

Two classy color choices are available to choose from, making the Snooz a welcome addition to your home.

While it’s more expensive than some others on the market, it’s one of the best money can buy and has convenience controls that really stand out.

It’s one of the best money can buy – a great mix of natural-sounding noise generation with the added benefit of smartphone control.

You deserve better than average, don’t you? Head over now and find out why so many people have rated it one of the best noise machines sold at Amazon.

4. Avantek White Noise Basic – Performance and features you need with a price tag you’ll like too. One of the loudest, too!

The Avantek White Noise Basic is a great choice when you’re looking for a nice balance of performance, features, and affordability. It sells for around $45 and under price point.

What stood out to me were the sound features you get including one of the most detailed volume controls today. Volume is adjustable with 30 incremental settings up to a whopping 115db output.

That’s an excellent way to be sure you’ll have what you need to block those incredibly annoying dog barking sounds.

Convenient memory feature

Another very useful feature is the built-in memory – there’s no need to adjust anything when turning it back on after shutoff. Thanks to the built-in memory feature, it starts back up with the same settings automatically. Nice!

Along with the black model, the Avantek Basic also comes in more traditional white.

if you’re not a fan of the sharp-looking black satin finish with blue trim that’s ok – just choose the more conventional white model if you like.

Straightforward, top-mounted controls are super easy to navigate on the Avantek Basic. Adjusting the volume up/down and changing the track forward/back is especially easy to use. It reminds me a lot of the easy to use controls on an MP3 player.

Great sound & white noise choices

You’ll get a total of 20 sound choices to block bothersome dog sounds or set the perfect mood:

• 6 fan choices
• 6 white noise choices
• 8 nature sound selections

Time for bed or for a nap? You can easily set the auto-off timer to turn it off after 1 to 7 hours of use. Need hands-free operation that never stops? The non-looping sound is perfect for a continuous soothing sound that never stops or “breaks” when it plays.

It’s a good buy and a good price for what you get. If blocking very loud sounds is a concern for you, the loud volume is a great advantage you’ll want to use.

On a budget, but don’t want bottom-end quality? The Avantek Basic line is a great compromise between cost, features, and ease of use.

It’s well worth checking out. Find out today why it's one of the best-rated budget white noise machines today at Amazon.

5. Big Red Rooster BRRC107 Sound Machine – A good, affordable option

Want to drown out the sound of dogs without killing your bank account? The Big Red Rooster BRRC107 comes to mind right away!

With the BRRC107 you’ll get 6 background sounds to enjoy:

• Rain
• Gentle brook
• Thunder
• White noise
• Ocean sounds
• Summer night

Although it’s a low-cost choice, the BRRC107 doesn’t cheat you on features. There’s a great auto-off timer to have the machine shut itself off after 15, 30, or 60 minutes of use.

Features galore

Alongside the auto-off timer is another feature I love: You can use a standard 120V AC power adapter or power it with 3 AA batteries. It’s excellent for travel across the country or even across the world – and for barking dogs anywhere!

Additionally, there are more than just basic white noise sounds to choose from. Check out some of the great sounds you can pick from: Falling rain, ocean waves, and a calming gentle brook are all right at your fingertips.

The Big Red Rooster Sound Machine has some of the easiest controls I’ve seen yet. The simple volume up and down buttons allow for quick adjustment to just the right level for blocking annoying & stress-causing outside sounds.

The sound quality here isn’t quite as sharp as what you’ll get with more expensive units, but overall it’s still pretty good in my experience.

My overall opinion of the Big Red Rooster Sound Machine? It’s a good buy for limited cash and well worth your money.

Not only that, but with what it sells for (below $30-#25 if you shop smart) you can afford to get several for even more white noise coverage to block music, dogs barking, or many more irritating noises.

You don’t have to break your budget when shopping for a noise machine. Give the Big Red Rooster Sound Machine a try – it’s hard to beat at this price.

Check out the thousands of happy buyer reviews and current low price at Amazon now.

Editor’s choice: the best white noise machine for dogs barking

With a great compromise between performance, features, and price, the LectroFan from Advanced Sound Technologies is my top pick for the best white noise machine for dog barking problems.

What more can I say that I haven’t already? The Advanced Sound Technologies LectroFan is a solid choice. The thousands of great reviews out there don’t lie: People love it!

When compared to others in the same price range (around $50 or so), the LectroFan clearly stands out. If you’re dealing with annoying sounds from barking sounds (and of course many other noises!) it’s hands-down one of the best choices out there.

Priced right, it offers more features for the same cost (around $50 dollar) or less than a lot of the competition.

Don’t hesitate to see the outstanding reviews and learn why it's a best seller at Amazon.