Every Sound Machine and Headphone Our Editors Use to Get a Peaceful, Quiet Sleep

If you’re bothered by noise and can’t sleep, try a pair of headphones. “I didn’t think my headphones were bad until I tried these on for the first time,” McKenzie says. “It’s the smartest noise-cancelling I’ve ever come across. It senses if I’m walking, riding in a vehicle, or stationary, and adjusts the noise-cancelling accordingly. So when I’m transitioning from a long commute to relaxing at home, I don’t have to lift a finger to enter nap mode.”

For those who need white noise to relax while away from home, this small machine gives some major relaxation. “This portable white noise machine is tiny but mighty,” Digital Editor Meghan Shouse says. “My spouse initially bought it to bring with him while traveling, but it quickly became part of our nightly routine. It's rechargeable, and one full charge gets us through about four nights. There are 16 different sounds to choose from and a few timer options, but we keep it simple with plain white noise that runs all night long."

Loop Quiet earplugs are great for sleep and relaxing in a quiet environment. Assistant Editor Alyssa Khan has been using them for three years. “I have an earlier iteration of the Loop Quiets, and I love them so much, I can’t believe they’ve found a way to make them even better!” Khan says. “Offered in the dreamiest pastel hues, these are great for everything from drowning out city noise for sleep or quieting your mind enough to lock in and read those extra two chapters. These are also so comfy that I’ve actually forgotten to pop them out in the morning!”

Our editors love wearing headphones to sleep, especially if they have a noisy neighbor upstairs or are on a flight next to someone who's loud. Khan says the noise-cancelling on these viral headphones is so good, she “might as well be in another dimension.” With a long battery life, they’re ideal for anyone who needs to drown out noise while sleeping on an airplane. “Equal parts cute and comfortable, they make everything from gym playlists to audiobooks that much more enjoyable, and the sound canceling? These are SO good, they literally lock out the rest of the world,” Khan says.

McKenzie’s Loftie Smart Clock keeps her phone out of the bedroom with a soothing two-phase alarm, but the built-in nature sounds are her favorite feature. “A lot of noise machines can sound really artificial and canned, but I love the realistic sounds that come with Loftie,” McKenzie says. “It comes with a bed signal that I can customize. A three-minute chime lullaby, three minutes of classical piano, and then an hour of frozen winter ambience encourages me to wind down before bed.”

Not one, not two, but three House Beautiful editors rely on the Hatch alarm clock for peaceful nights and mornings. It’s packed with soothing sleep stories and sounds that encourage you to rest before bed, and it wakes you up with a warm glow. The fabric facade blends in well with any bedroom decor. Visual Assistant Natalie Boyce relies on the viral Hatch to block out New York City’s constant noise. “The Hatch is a lifesaver if you’re a light sleeper, have noisy housemates, or live on a busy street,” Boyce says. “I love its sleek design and how easy it is to control via the app.”

It can be hard to find a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones, as the feeling can start to be too much pressure on your eardrums. Contributing Social Media Editor Maggie Haddad trusts this Bowers & Wilkins pair to avoid that unpleasant feeling. “These are phenomenal,” Haddad says. “The noise-cancelling is amazing, doesn't make me dizzy, and they're so comfy for long-term wear.”

If variety is the spice of life, then this sound machine is the dream pick for any indecisive sleeper. “This is the BMW of sound machines,” Haddad says. “It offers 16 sound categories, each with four environments—totaling 64 unique options. You can drift off to nature sounds like rainfall or wind in a meadow, or opt for practical picks like fan and air-conditioning hums. White noise devotees will also appreciate the addition of pink and brown noise.”