The Colors of Noise
Noise comes in colors — each one a different balance of high and low frequencies, from the bright hiss of white to the deep rumble of brown. Press play, then switch between all seven with the selector to hear exactly how they differ.
Brown Noise
Deep, warm, and rumbling — like a steady waterfall.
Every color of noise, compared
A quick reference for how each color sounds and what it is best for. Tap any color to open its full guide and dedicated player.
| Color | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Noise | Deep, warm, and rumbling — like a steady waterfall. | sleep, focus |
| White Noise | Bright and full — equal energy at every frequency. | sleep, babies |
| Pink Noise | Balanced and natural — softer than white. | sleep, studying |
| Green Noise | The sound of nature — centered on the mid frequencies. | sleep, relaxation |
| Blue Noise | Crisp and airy — the opposite of pink. | masking, tinnitus |
| Violet Noise | The brightest color — energy soaring into the highs. | tinnitus, masking |
| Grey Noise | Perceptually flat — engineered to sound even to your ears. | masking, focus |
Explore each color
Frequently asked questions
What are the colors of noise?
The colors of noise describe how sound energy is spread across frequencies. White noise is even across all frequencies; pink, brown, green, and grey shift energy toward the lower or middle frequencies for a softer sound; blue and violet emphasize the highs. Each color has a distinct character and use.
Which color of noise is best for sleep?
Brown and pink noise are the most popular for sleep because they are deep and soft rather than bright. Green noise is a soothing, nature-like alternative. Try each in the player above and keep whichever helps you drift off.
Why are they called colors of noise?
The names borrow from light: just as white light contains all colors of the visible spectrum evenly, white noise contains all sound frequencies evenly. The other colors are named by analogy to how light of that color is weighted toward certain wavelengths.