Brown noise, white noise, and pink noise—what feels best?

Sound can have a color

Noise colors describe how energy is distributed across frequencies. White noise is even and bright. Pink noise softens the higher frequencies. Brown noise places more weight in the low end, creating a deep, steady hush.

For sleep

Many people find pink or brown noise gentler at bedtime because the lower tone can mask sudden sounds without feeling sharp. Rain, wind, and waterfalls often carry a naturally pink quality.

Keep the volume low—closer to a quiet shower in another room than a sound filling the whole bedroom.

For focus

Brown noise can create a sense of enclosure when conversations or office sounds pull at your attention. White noise may work better when you need to cover a wider range of background noise.

There is no correct color. The best sound is the one you stop noticing.