Pink noise
Pink noise falls away by about three decibels per octave, which makes it sound balanced rather than hissy like white noise or heavy like brown. It is the noise colour with the most actual sleep research behind it, and it is generated here in your browser rather than streamed.
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- What it sounds like
- Like steady rain or wind through leaves. Even, without white noise’s sharpness.
- Best for
- Reading and revision, and the colour to try first if you want research behind your choice.
Why pink sounds balanced
Human hearing is not linear: we perceive each doubling of frequency as a similar step, so noise that drops three decibels per octave carries roughly equal energy per octave to the ear. That is why pink noise sounds even across its whole range while white noise, which is flat in physics terms, sounds top-heavy and harsh.
The one noise colour with real evidence
Small controlled studies have found that pink noise played during deep sleep can improve slow-wave activity and next-day recall, and it is the colour most often used in sleep research. Two things to keep in mind: the samples are small, and the effect studied is about sleep and memory consolidation, not about concentration while awake. For focus, the honest claim is the same as for every other colour — it masks interruptions.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between pink noise and white noise?
White noise has equal energy at every frequency, which the ear hears as bright and hissy. Pink noise drops about three decibels per octave, so it carries roughly equal energy per octave as we perceive it, and sounds balanced and more natural.
Does pink noise actually help sleep?
It has the best evidence of any noise colour, which is still a modest amount. Small studies have found improved slow-wave sleep and next-day memory when pink noise is played during deep sleep. The samples are small and the effect is about sleep quality rather than daytime concentration.
Is pink noise good for studying?
Many people find it the most comfortable to leave on for hours, because it has neither white noise’s harshness nor brown noise’s weight. The benefit while awake is masking sudden sounds rather than anything more specific.
Is this free?
Yes — no account, no adverts, no app, and nothing to download. The noise is generated on your device from maths rather than streamed from a file.
Other noise colours
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