What is brown noise?
Brown noise is a deep, steady sound with most of its energy in the low frequencies. It sounds like a strong waterfall, heavy rain on a roof, distant thunder or the low hum inside an aircraft. Many people find it softer and more relaxing than white noise, which is why it has become popular for sleep, focus and blocking out background noise.
The name does not come from the colour. It comes from Brownian motion – the random movement of particles described by botanist Robert Brown – because the signal is created the same way: each value is a small random step from the previous one. It is also called red noise or Brownian noise.
How to use this brown noise generator
- Set the volume low. Brown noise is deep and can sound quieter than it really is.
- Press Brown noise. Press it again or press Stop to end it.
- Choose a sleep timer (15 minutes to 2 hours) if you are using it to fall asleep.
- Use Output to play in one ear only, for example if you sleep on one side.
The noise is generated live on your device, so it does not use mobile data after the page has loaded and has no ads or breaks in the sound.
Brown noise vs white noise vs pink noise
| Brown noise | Pink noise | White noise | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Waterfall, thunder, deep rumble | Steady rain, wind in trees | TV static, a fan, hissing |
| Energy | Falls 6 dB per octave – mostly bass | Falls 3 dB per octave – balanced | Equal per hertz – mostly treble |
| Feels | Soft, warm, enclosing | Natural, even | Bright, sharp |
| Best at masking | Low sounds: traffic, rumble, snoring | A mix of everyday sounds | High sounds: voices, clatter |
Want to compare? Use the buttons above to switch between all three, or try our full white noise generator.
Is brown noise good for sleep?
Steady background sound can help some people fall asleep because it covers sudden noises – a car door, a neighbour, a snoring partner – that would otherwise wake them. Brown noise is popular for this because its deep, smooth sound is less tiring than the hiss of white noise. Research on noise and sleep is mixed and most studies are small, so treat it as a personal comfort tool rather than a treatment. If it helps you, use the lowest volume that works and set a timer.
Brown noise for focus and ADHD
Many people say brown noise helps them concentrate, and it is widely shared online by people with ADHD. A few small studies suggest that background noise can help some people with attention difficulties focus, but the evidence is limited and the effect varies from person to person. It is safe to try: play it quietly while you work and see whether it helps you.
Brown noise for tinnitus
Some people with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) use steady noise to make the ringing less noticeable, especially at night. Brown or pink noise is often preferred because it is gentler than white noise. This is a way to mask the sound, not a cure – if you have tinnitus, talk to a doctor or audiologist.
Safe listening
- Keep the volume low – about the level of a quiet conversation or softer.
- Use a timer instead of playing noise at high volume all night.
- For babies, keep any sound source well away from the cot and at a low level.
- If you use headphones for long periods, take breaks.
Supported devices and browsers
- PhonesChrome on Android; Safari or Chrome on iPhone. Keep the browser open in the foreground.
- ComputersChrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.
- OutputSpeakers, headphones, earbuds or a Bluetooth speaker. Larger speakers reproduce the deep bass of brown noise best.
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Start testFrequently asked questions
What does brown noise sound like?
A deep, constant rumble – similar to a waterfall, heavy rain, strong wind or the cabin of a plane. It has much less hiss than white noise.
Why is it called brown noise?
It is named after Brownian motion, the random movement described by Robert Brown, because the sound is made by adding small random steps together. It has nothing to do with the colour brown.
Is it OK to listen to brown noise all night?
At a low volume it is generally considered fine. Use the lowest level that helps, keep the source away from your ears, and use the sleep timer if you prefer it to stop after you fall asleep.
Brown noise or pink noise for sleep?
Both are popular. Brown noise is deeper and softer; pink noise is slightly brighter and more like rain. Try each for a few nights and keep the one you find most relaxing.
Why does brown noise sound different on my phone?
Phone speakers cannot play deep bass, so much of brown noise's low rumble is lost and it sounds thinner. Headphones or a larger speaker give the full sound.