What is brown noise? TikTok suggests it's better than white noise.

White noise has been a trustworthy aid for a variety of reasons, such as meditation, studying, sleeping with insomnia, and helping young children (and their parents) fall asleep faster. After stumbling across #brownnoise TikTok, however, I may never go back to white noise again. 

Credit: TikTok / hannahemaute

Whereas white noise encompasses sounds from all over the spectrum, including low, mid-range, and high frequency notes, brown noise uses only low frequency and bass-heavy notes. This makes brown noise much deeper in sound than white noise and more ideal for those who find the high frequency notes in white noise uncomfortable. Both can occur naturally in nature: Gentle rain showers and crashing waves are examples of white noise, while thunder and strong winds are examples of brown noise.

TikTokkers, especially those with ADHD, have been raving about the benefits of brown noise as opposed to white noise. While previous studies have shown the benefits of white noise on cognitive performanceand verbal working memoryin ADHD, the effects of brown noise are relatively understudied. Some people find that brown noise is more effective in quieting thoughts, allowing for better focus and productivity. Others prefer it to white noise for sleeping, or simply for the calming effect. 

Credit: TikTok / htizz

I suffer from bouts of tinnitus and the high frequency notes in white noise can often make it worse. So far, brown noise has helped distract me from uncomfortable tinnitus sounds. And I’m not the only one who finds comfort in brown noise: I’ve found that my cats seem to prefer it for the low frequency rumbles as well.

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If you’re not a fan of brown noise or white noise, don’t despair! There’s also pink noise, blue noise, violet noise, and gray noise, all of which operate on different frequencies. Ready to hear what all the hype is about? Here are a few apps you can use to play noise:

1. Noise Generator

Credit: Rizwana Zafer

Noise Generator allows you to choose sounds from the whole spectrum. Users can customize sounds based on color, low and high cuts, and balance. For those who are sensitive to frequencies, this app allows you to pick and choose which frequencies sound the most comfortable to you.

2. Noise Machine - Brown, Pink

Credit: Rizwana Zafer

Noise Machine allows you to filter by white noise, pink noise, and brown noise. Although the initial app is free, the sounds have a time limit of 5 minutes. Users can pay $10 to unlock the app for life and play all three sounds without a time limit.

3. White Noise

Credit: Rizwana Zafer

Although titled “White Noise,” this app allows you to choose from a variety of sounds. Users have the option to mix sounds and control the fade, oscillator, and timer for each sound. In the free version, sounds are limited to eight hours.