White vs pink vs brown noise

"Colored" noise is random sound with its energy spread across frequencies in a particular way. The color names borrow from light: white light contains every color equally, and white noise contains every frequency equally. The others tilt the balance toward the low end.

White noise

White noise has equal energy at every frequency. Because human hearing is very sensitive to high frequencies, it sounds bright and hissy, like a detuned radio or a fan on high.

Good for: masking speech and sudden sounds in noisy places. It's very effective but can be tiring for long listening.

Pink noise

Pink noise has less energy as frequency rises. Each octave carries the same total energy, which our ears hear as more balanced. It sounds like steady rain or wind through leaves: softer than white noise, but still full.

Good for: relaxing, reading and sleep. Some small studies have explored pink noise during sleep, but the research is still early.

Brown noise

Brown noise (also called Brownian or red noise) drops off even more steeply toward high frequencies. It's a deep rumble, like a waterfall heard from a distance or the inside of an airplane cabin.

Good for: people who find white noise too sharp. Many people say it helps them relax or concentrate, although there's little formal research on it.

Which one should you choose?

• To block out conversation: start with white noise, or a soundscape built on it.
• To relax or read: try pink noise.
• If brighter noise annoys you: try brown noise.
• If plain noise feels boring: try a soundscape that layers noise under soft music, so it masks like noise but feels more pleasant.

Claritune soundscapes with noise layers

Claritune doesn't offer plain colored noise. Its soundscapes use noise as one layer in a larger texture:

• The Cocoon: steady pulses inside a constant layer of white noise, for focus.
• Static Peace: gentle white noise with a slow, breathing rhythm.
• Obsidian: deep textures over pink noise, for sleep.

Mist adds slow pads over a pink-noise floor, and Internal Compass turns slowly over soft white noise.

Frequently asked questions

Is brown noise better than white noise?

Neither is better in general. White noise masks speech more effectively; brown noise is gentler. Choose based on what you need and what you find comfortable.

Is it safe to sleep with noise playing?

At a low volume, most people find it fine. Keep it quiet and consider a timer. See is it bad to sleep with music on?

Does Claritune have a brown noise track?

Not a pure one. The deepest, darkest Claritune soundscapes are in the Sleep mood.