Why noise helps at work
Voices are the hardest thing to tune out, because our brains are built to follow speech. Steady noise underneath makes nearby conversation less intelligible, so it pulls at your attention less. That's the idea behind the sound masking systems in many offices.
Pink noise is the usual pick for offices: it covers the speech range well without sounding harsh. White noise masks voices most strongly. Brown noise is the softest for long days, and Gentle Rain or a fireplace feel less like an office.
A phone isn't a sound masking system
If you need privacy for a therapy room, an HR office or a door that people talk outside, a dedicated white noise machine or a professional masking system placed at the door does that job better than a phone. Sleepy Noise is for you: at your desk, in headphones, or in a home office.
At your desk or working from home
Play it quietly in headphones or from a small speaker, and set a 60-minute timer as a focus block. The site's players work in any browser tab; the app adds widgets and keeps playing with your phone locked on the desk. More on picking a sound in our studying and focus guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best noise for an office?
Pink noise is a common choice because it covers voices without sounding harsh. Brown noise is softer for long days; white noise masks voices most.
Can a phone app replace an office white noise machine?
For your own focus, yes. For privacy outside a door or across a room, a dedicated machine or masking system works better.
What is the best background noise for work?
Pink noise for an all-day sound that covers voices, brown noise if you want it softer, and rain or a fireplace if plain noise feels too clinical.
Is it free to use at work?
Yes. The core sounds are free in your browser and in the app, with no ads.
