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The best white noise machines for light sleepers, according to Consumer Reports

A fussy setup process can undo a machine's calming purpose fast. Consumer Reports tested white noise machines with a real panel

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A white noise machine that's frustrating to set up or fiddly to operate at bedtime can undo its whole calming purpose before a single sound even plays. Simple fan-based machines, app-connected clocks and multi-sound speakers all approach the same goal very differently, and more features don't always add up to a better night's sleep.

Consumer Reports had a panel of evaluators test white noise machines for sound quality, ease of use and setup.

Magicteam Sound Machine

The Magicteam Sound Machine costs $20.99 and earned Consumer Reports' Editor's Choice distinction as a compact, plug-and-play pick with strong sound variety. CR found this small machine, roughly the size of a square hockey puck, delivered good sound quality across a library of 20 options spanning........

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