Noise Generator - White, Pink & Brown Noise Online

How to use this tool

Choose a noise type (white, pink, or brown).
Adjust the volume slider to a comfortable level.
Optionally choose a preset or custom timer; it starts when playback begins.
Click "Play" to start the noise and timer.
Click "Stop" to silence it, or cancel the timer to keep listening.

Uses for noise generators

Focus: Many people find pink or brown noise helps mask distracting sounds and improve concentration.
Sleep: White or brown noise can mask sudden noises that might disturb sleep.
Tinnitus masking: Some people with tinnitus find broadband noise helpful for masking the ringing sound.
Audio testing: White noise is used by audio engineers to test speaker frequency response.

Noise types explained

White noise: equal energy per frequency across the spectrum. Sounds harsh and hissy because the ear is more sensitive to high frequencies. Think of static TV snow.
Pink noise: equal energy per octave rather than per Hz. Sounds more natural and balanced - like steady rain or a waterfall. Widely used for focus and sleep.
Brown / red noise: even more energy concentrated at low frequencies. Deep, rumbling sound like a strong wind or distant thunder. Some people find it more relaxing than pink noise.

Scientific context

The "color" naming convention is an analogy to light - white noise contains all frequencies like white light contains all colors. The mathematical relationship is described by the power spectral density: S(f) ∝ 1/f^α. White noise has α = 0 (flat spectrum); pink noise has α = 1 (1/f); brown noise has α = 2 (1/f²).

Pink noise (1/f) is remarkable because it appears throughout nature: heartbeat variability, neuronal firing patterns, financial market fluctuations, and even music all exhibit approximate 1/f power spectra. This is why pink noise sounds organic while white noise sounds artificial.

Hearing health note

Listening to noise for extended periods at high volume can cause permanent hearing damage. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends keeping continuous listening below 70 dB SPL. At typical headphone listening levels (85 dB), damage can begin with just 2 hours of daily exposure. Keep the volume low enough that you can easily hold a conversation over it.

Set a listening timer

Choose a preset or enter a custom number of minutes before starting playback. The timer begins when you press Play; when it expires, the sound fades out over 15 seconds before playback stops. You can cancel the timer while the noise continues. A browser may pause audio or delay timers when a tab is suspended or a device is locked, so this timer is a convenience rather than a guarantee for overnight playback.

Privacy

After the page loads, the Web Audio API generates noise on your device without sending audio or settings to a server. Playback does not need a live network connection.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between white, pink, and brown noise?

White noise has equal energy at every frequency, like static. Pink noise has equal energy per octave (−3 dB/octave), which sounds softer. Brown (red) noise has even more bass (−6 dB/octave), like a waterfall or distant thunder.

Does noise generation use the internet?

No. Noise is generated entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API with no network access required.

How does the listening timer work?

Choose a preset or custom number of minutes before playback. The timer starts when you press Play and fades the sound out over 15 seconds at the end. A suspended browser tab or locked device may delay playback and timers.