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

Close up of kid holding her ears

The applications of white, pink, and brown noise are diverse and far-reaching, encompassing various fields such as sound therapy, relaxation, and sleep enhancement. 

White noise is commonly used in environments where privacy and concentration are essential, such as offices, study spaces, and healthcare facilities.  Pink noise is often utilized in relaxation techniques, meditation practices, and even in the treatment of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Brown noise is favored for creating a sense of warmth and tranquility, making it ideal for sleep enhancement, stress reduction, and mindfulness exercises.

The use of these noises extends beyond individual well-being and therapeutic applications. They are also integrated into various forms of media, entertainment, and technology to enhance audio experiences, create immersive environments, and even aid in cognitive functions.

Brown noise vs white noise vs pink noise

White, pink, and brown noise are defined by their unique frequency distributions and sound characteristics, each of which has distinct effects on the human auditory system:

What is white noise?

White noise, often referred to as "true noise," contains all frequencies in equal amounts, creating a consistent and steady sound. It is commonly used to mask other sounds, aid in concentration, and promote better sleep.

What is pink noise?

Pink noise has a power spectral density that decreases by 3 dB per octave, making it sound more balanced to the human ear and is often used in sound therapy and relaxation techniques due to its soothing and calming effect. 

What is brown noise?

Brown noise, also known as Brownian noise, has more energy at lower frequencies (exhibits a power decrease of 6 dB per octave), creating a deeper and more rumbling sound, often used for relaxation, meditation, and creating a sense of warmth and comfort.

Profile of a blond woman perfoming a hearing test
Book a hearing test near you

Take care of your hearing health now! It's free.

Discover the nearest store

What do brown, white, and pink noise do?

Each type of noise, white, pink, and brown, offers distinct advantages that contribute to improved well-being and cognitive function. 

  • White noise, characterized by equal energy across all frequencies, has been associated with improved sleep quality, enhanced focus, and relaxation. 
  • Pink noise, with its balanced power spectrum, has shown the potential to promote deeper and more restful sleep, enhancing memory and concentration, and reducing stress. 
  • Brown noise, known for its deeper and more powerful low-frequency components, has been linked to relaxation, improved attention, and a calming effect on the mind and body.

Pink, white, and brown noise benefits

The potential benefits of color noises extend beyond mere auditory experiences, impacting various aspects of human functioning:

  • Sleep Quality: White noise helps mask disruptive sounds for a better sleep environment.
  • Memory and Focus: Pink noise improves memory retention and concentration, useful in learning and work settings.
  • Stress Reduction: Brown noise promotes relaxation and decreases stress levels.
  • Brain Activity and Emotional Well-being: These sounds positively impact brain functions and emotional states.
  • Overall Quality of Life: White, pink, and brown noise contribute to enhancing human performance and life quality.

Which color noise is best for sleep?

White, pink, and brown noise have been widely recognized for their potential to improve sleep quality and promote relaxation. These types of noises create a consistent ambient sound that can mask disruptive environmental noises, such as traffic or household disturbances, thereby facilitating a more conducive sleep environment. Studies have shown that exposure to these types of noise, which can be produced by white noise machines, can lead to improved sleep efficiency and reduced awakenings during the night, contributing to overall better sleep quality.

Furthermore, individuals suffering from sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, have reported benefits from incorporating white, pink, or brown noise into their sleep routines. The soothing and consistent sound can help individuals with sleep disturbances to achieve a more relaxed state, potentially aiding in the management of their sleep disorders.

Additionally, for those experiencing anxiety-related sleep difficulties, the use of these noises has shown promise in promoting a sense of calm and reducing the impact of anxious thoughts on sleep patterns.

What color noise is best for anxiety and stress?

The psychological and physiological effects of exposure to white, pink, and brown noise are of particular interest due to their potential to influence cognitive functions and mental well-being.

White noise has been found to create a masking effect, reducing the impact of sudden noises and distractions, thereby promoting a sense of calm and focus.

Pink noise, with its gentle, soothing qualities, has been associated with relaxation and stress reduction, offering a respite from the demands of modern life.

Brown noise, characterized by its deep, rumbling nature, has been shown to elicit a calming effect, potentially aiding in anxiety reduction and promoting a sense of tranquility.

What color noise is best for focus?

The impact of white, pink, and brown noise on cognitive functions and mental well-being is a critical area of exploration, with implications for optimizing human performance and fostering holistic well-being. 

  • White noise, by creating a consistent ambient sound, has been shown to enhance cognitive performance, particularly in tasks requiring sustained attention and concentration. 
  • Pink noise, with its gentle, rhythmic properties, has demonstrated potential to improve cognitive function, memory retention, and creative problem-solving
  • Brown noise, with its deep, resonant characteristics, has been linked to a reduction in mental fatigue and an overall sense of relaxation, contributing to improved mental well-being.

Color noise potential therapeutic applications

The therapeutic potential of white, pink, and brown noise extends beyond sleep enhancement and relaxation, with applications in clinical settings and mental health facilities. Mental health professionals have increasingly explored the use of these noises as part of comprehensive treatment approaches for individuals with anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.

In clinical settings, these noises are utilized to create a soothing and calming environment, aiding in the management of stress and anxiety for patients.

Moreover, the use of these noises as part of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions has shown promise in helping individuals regulate their emotional states and manage symptoms of anxiety and stress-related disorders.

A woman sitting in a park reading EarPros blog
Read more about hearing health

Keep yourself updated with the latest articles about hearing health and hearing conditions on our blog. 

Visit our blog

Productivity boost: white, brown, and pink noise

Discover some practical tips and strategies for leveraging white, pink, and brown noise to enhance productivity, create conducive work environments, and manage environmental noise effectively:

White, brown and pink sound generators and apps

  1. Sound Generators and Apps: White and pink sound generators and mobile applications offer convenient ways to introduce these noises into daily routines. These devices and apps provide a selection of noise variations, allowing users to customize their auditory environment based on personal preferences and specific needs. These noise machines and apps can improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and enhance focus, making them valuable tools for incorporating white, pink, and brown noise into daily life.
  2. Online Resources and Streaming Platforms: The proliferation of online resources and streaming platforms has made it easier than ever to access a wide range of white, pink, and brown noise options. From ambient sounds to specific frequency patterns, individuals can explore and experiment with different noise profiles to find the most suitable ones for their routines. Moreover, the availability of these resources on various devices ensures seamless integration into daily activities, whether at home, in the office, or during travel.

White, pink, and brown noise at home and at work

  1. Offices: The use of white, pink, and brown noise in office environments has shown promise in improving concentration and reducing distractions. By creating a consistent background sound, these noises can help mask sudden loud noises and conversations, fostering a more conducive work atmosphere. Additionally, the implementation of sound masking systems in open-plan offices has been linked to increased privacy and reduced speech intelligibility, contributing to enhanced productivity and comfort for employees.
  2. Homes: Incorporating white, pink, and brown noise into home environments can have various benefits, particularly for individuals seeking relaxation, improved sleep, or relief from tinnitus. Whether through dedicated sound machines in bedrooms, ambient noise playlists during leisure activities, or customized noise profiles for meditation and mindfulness practices, these noises offer versatile solutions for enhancing well-being and creating a soothing home environment.
  3. Healthcare Facilities: The potential applications of white, pink, and brown noise in healthcare settings extend to areas such as patient rooms, waiting areas, and therapy spaces. Research suggests that these noises can contribute to a calmer and more restful environment for patients, potentially aiding in stress reduction and promoting better recovery outcomes. Moreover, the use of sound masking techniques in healthcare facilities may help mitigate the impact of disruptive noises and improve the overall patient experience.

White, pink, and brown noise in sport activities

White, pink, and brown noise are increasingly used in mindfulness and well-being practices like meditation, yoga, and tai chi to improve relaxation and focus. These sounds provide a consistent auditory backdrop that enhances sensory experiences, encourages deep relaxation, and helps maintain awareness of the present, fostering inner peace.
Man expressing ear pain
What color noise is best for tinnitus?

White noise can effectively mask background noises by providing a constant and predictable sound. Pink noise reduces the impact of sudden and jarring noises and brown noise helps to mask higher-pitched noises.

Read more about tinnitus

Color noise: white, pink, and brown noise FAQs

How to play white noise on iPhone?

If you're seeking a way to drown out distractions or lull yourself into a state of relaxation, white noise might be just what you need. Fortunately, your iPhone makes it incredibly easy to immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of white noise. Whether you're preparing for a focused study session or setting the stage for a restful night's sleep, here's how you can access white noise on your trusty device:

  1. Search for White Noise Tracks: Open the Apple Music app and use the search function to find white noise tracks.
  2. Download White Noise Apps: Visit the App Store and look for apps that offer white noise and ambient sounds. Download the one that best fits your needs.
  3. Customize Your Sound Experience: Use the app's features to adjust the volume, mix different sounds, and set timers for automatic playback.
  4. Use Siri for Convenience: Simply activate Siri and command, “Hey Siri, play white noise,” to start playing white noise instantly.
  5. Create a White Noise Playlist: For easy access, curate a playlist of your favorite white noise tracks within Apple Music.
  6. Utilize Accessibility Features: For a continuous play, you can explore the accessibility settings and use the background audio feature to keep the white noise playing.

What does brown noise sound like?

Brown noise resembles a deep, continuous rumble, similar to a distant thunderstorm or a strong waterfall. Its rich, resonant tones, heavier than white or pink noise, are often used for relaxation and noise masking.

With you on your journey to better hearing.

It's time to finally treat your hearing loss. Sign up for a free consultation with a licensed hearing care professional today to determine if you have hearing loss. It’s the start of your journey towards better hearing.

EarPros benefits:

  • it's 100% risk free.
  • best partner with more than 1.000 stores

Please use a valid US zipcode.

Please use a valid zipcode.

Thank you for submitting your request

We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Related Articles

Asian couple smiling

Hearing health

Pillows for tinnitus

Read more
Two girls at a concert

Hearing health

Musician earplugs

Read more
Old couple in the forest, smiling and laughing at each other

Hearing health

Allergies and clogged ears

Read more
Elderly man smiling, sitting on a sofa

Hearing health

Chiropractic and tinnitus

Read more
Schedule a free hearing aid consultation