White noise machine: have you ever thought that this sound blocking machine could also be useful in the office environment?
You know, with many companies looking to maximize human capital, most offices happen to be open-space. So, conversations on the phone or between one person and another are loud.
The colleague next to you is experiencing a cold. He or she’s oozing deep coughs while some people are walking in the office with clinking heels.
Even if you’re privileged to own a personal office. Still, with the thin walls used on the structure, the noise would get inside and you’re not safe either.
The white noise machine is actually what you need around you to return to your concentration. And keep doing what you do best.
In this article, I will be talking about different white noise machines. And definitely explain what they are, how they work, and why you need the machines.
What is a White Noise Machine?
A white noise machine is a device that produces sounds that imitate nature such as a fountain of water rushing, or winds blowing or rains drizzling in a rainforest or birds chirping among other things. The white noises make the person listening to them to feel relaxed.
This is because the steady sounds produced mask the noise coming from other sources. So, the background noise makes your mind to get focused more on it rather than any other sounds from elsewhere.
The white noise machine is designed with an enclosed fan and a speed switch.
Why Would You Need a White Noise Machine in the Office?
An office white noise machine helps one to concentrate on their tasks. Very few people can work in a noisy surrounding.
With white noise running next to you, you become insensitive to the activities and distractions created by people around you. The white noises basically trick your mind to focus.
You will definitely work best when some sounds are running in the background. Unlike music with loud lyrics, white noise is just plain and cannot detract you whatsoever.
The white noise drowns outside noise and not only that, but it also prevents the temptation of bothering the colleague next to you.
The results of all these are increased productivity. Because, in the process, one is going to save many, many hours of work that they would have otherwise misused on unnecessary chats.
Best White Noise Machine for Office Reviews
Here are the top 5 white noise machines that I thought should come in handy for your office space. I review each briefly to let you know what important features you will need to pay attention to when buying them.
These devices are affordable and therefore not going to rip off your quid.
1. LectroFan White Noise Machine
LectroFan (Click to Check Price on Amazon) is one of the best noise-canceling machines for office. Its design is compact coming at just 2.25 inches tall with a 4-inch heptagonal base.
Which means that it is a portable device. You can easily carry it from one to another; depending on where you are seated.
The speaker of the device is right on its top. The machine has 20 different sound options – the first 10 are fan sounds and the remaining 10 are white noise variations.
It’s an elegant device that fits the décor of any professional office.
LectronFan white noise machine is easy to use and comes with superior fan sounds. Plus, its power consumption is low.
2. Marpac Dohm Classic
The performance and quality of the Marpac Dohm Classic (Click to Check Price on Amazon) white noise machine are undoubted. Although the model looks simple, many people have reported positive reviews about this device.
This model does not produce music from speakers. Instead, this sounds come from the inside of the unit. The colors of this white noise machine are varied.
For example, you can get the Marpac machine in white, black, grey and tan colors. Just see to it that the color will match your office environment.
Although the machine has no USB power option, timer feature, only two levels of volume, and no natural sounds, it remains one of the best.
3. Sound Oasis S-550-05 Sound Therapy System
Sound Oasis S-550-05 machine (Click to Check Price on Amazon) features 6 different nature sounds which can be played as recorded clips in the background. The machine has a card slot where you can change the card for a new set of white noise sounds.
The lightweight and portable device is battery-powered or adapter-powered. Hence it provides the convenience of a sound masking machine for office should have.
This device can be easily operated and its adjustments are simple. It’s elegant for the office setting.
The problem with this device is the short battery life and the sound quality is not the best.
4. Big Red Rooster
Big Red Rooster (Click to Check Price on Amazon) is a very efficient and cheap machine that you wouldn’t say no for your office environment. The features of the Big Red Rooster include 5 nature sounds other than white noise.
The machine can generate soft sounds of rains, brook, ocean, thunder and summer nights. It also comes with simple buttons that are easy to operate.
The self-off timer gives you the different time range options i.e. 15, 30 and 60 minutes. The device is also powered by 3 AA batteries or AC adaptor; so you can easily make it your travel companion.
The sound quality is a bit wanting although it’s the price is just fine for the features it offers.
5. Homedics Deep Sleep II Therapy Machine
The Homedics Deep Sleep II (Click to Check Price on Amazon) may be the common unit for helping light sleepers. But it’s also a great white noise machine for office space and it comes as a big catch.
The sound effects are distributed in that we have 4 unique white noise sounds, 4 water sounds but all different, and 4 nature sounds.
The device has dual speakers which produce high-quality sounds. The 3 categories of sound above can be blended for a better soothing effect.
Of all the white noise machines on this list, Homedics Deep Sleep II is the biggest in size. The sounds that are produced are of high quality.
The downside of this device include the electrical faults in volume which could lower the volume of the machine unexpectedly. Also, the display doesn’t feature a clock.
What to Look for in the Best White Machine for Office Space.
There are a few things you want to pay very close attention to when shopping for the office white noise machine.
- Sound Quality
Ensure that the white noise machine is encoded with good quality of sounds. You don’t want to spoil things further by buying a machine that would irritate you with queer sound clips.
Go for the units which have different options of sound other than white noise. And it would even be better if you considered a machine with volume settings.
An acoustic sound machine is second to none for guaranteed sound quality. Only go for the electric models if you are sure of what you are buying.
- Portability
Office white noise machine should be easy to transport from one place to another. Especially if you want to switch its usage between home and office or any other place you will be going to pitch a tent.
Portable units are usually small and compact and definitely lightweight. They should be able to fit effortlessly in a bag.
- Appearance
The priority is to get a device that would not mess with the appearance of your office. The white noise machine has to blend in a bit with the work environment.
Again, you cannot go unnoticed with the flamboyant make. It will grab the attention of other employees around you and even your boss.
I just don’t think you are ready for the show. So, basically, you should consider buying a moderate model that’s professional and perfect for use during work.
- Price
The price of the white noise machine you want to buy matters. While you want the best quality machine, ensure that your budget is able to facilitate the purchase without feeling a pinch.
The gadgets I have enlisted in this article are affordable and therefore won’t cost you a dime as such.
- Noise Masking Capabilities
The reason you are buying this machine is to combat the ambient noise around you. You want the surrounding environment’s activities to have very little effect on your focus and concentration.
Which is why the device should have excellent capabilities to cancel out noise at the minimum. It should be able to play white noise, pink noise, brown noise or red to help drown the world around you.
Final Words
As I round up things here, my special mention for the best white noise machine for office space is the LectroFan High Fidelity model which boasts the best sound range – 20 sounds (10 fans sounds, and 10 other sounds). The machine is portable and you can adjust the volume easily.
With that said, you shouldn’t rush to purchase a white noise machine without considering a few things. For example, make sure that you remain within your budget.
But at the same time, you should ensure the quality of sounds of the machine is uncompromised. Buy a gadget that wouldn’t draw the attention of everyone around you.
Hopefully, the reviews above help you get what you are looking for. All the best.
