Ah, sound machines! They are such a life-saver for parents, especially if your baby doesn’t like to sleep. Should you get LectroFan Classic vs LectroFan Evo vs SNOOZ? This guide is to examine these three best sound machines for babies and pick the right one for you.
In this guide, we will talk about the pros and cons of LextroFan Classic White Noise Sound Machine, LectroFan Evo, and Snooz white noise sound machine, and how they compare to each other. You can jump directly to the comparison or check out our detailed review of each model. Let’s go!
Our Final Verdict
BEST OVERALL: SNOOZ is the best sound machine for most parents. It’s convenient, portable, and baby-friendly.
BEST BUDGET: LectroFan Classic is the most economical option that is simple, effective, and reliable.
MOST VERSATILE: LectroFan Evo is the most versatile sound machine that can connect to an external speaker.
Why Sound Machines Are Important for Parents?
Many people rely on white noises to go to sleep, and this is not only a habit for grown-ups. Besides developmental toys, a sound machine is a must-have item for newborns, as well as kids who have trouble falling asleep.
As one of the top three ways a child can torture their parents (the other two being feeding and potty training), sleeping is another thing that many moms and dads dread the most. The best sound machine for babies can help parents put down their children to sleep easier so that they themselves can have some much-needed rest, too.
For newborns, sound machines create familiar noises that remind them of mommy’s tummy. For toddlers, nice music and melody create a soothing and calming ambiance to prepare them for a good night’s sleep.
What is White Noise?
How to Shop for the Best Sound Machine for Babies?
Though sound machines are usually not expensive, they do come with lots of different features. Finding the perfect one for your own needs will make a huge difference. Though there are general guidelines for how to find the best sound machines, we want to show you the specific features to look for when you shop for one for babies.
Comparison of LectroFan Classic vs LectroFan Evo vs Snooz Sound Machine
So which noise machine should you choose? LectroFan Classic, LectroFan Evo, or Snooz? To determine which one is better than the other, let’s take a look at their similarities and differences
1. Types of Sounds
Similarities: All three models feature different types of fan sounds.
Differences: LectroFan Classic and LectroFan Evo feature fan sounds and white noises while Snooze only has fan sounds.
LectroFan Classic features 10 different fan sounds, and 10 different types of white noise, pink noise, and brown noise.
LectroFan Evo can play 22 different sounds. They include 10 fan sounds, 10 white, pink, and brown noise variations, and two additional ocean and surf sounds.
Snooze features fan sounds that are generated by a real built-in fan. The tone and rhythm are random so that the sound will not stay the same all the time. It feels more natural because it mimics the noise from a real room fan.
2. External Audio Connection
Similarities: All three models can play sounds through its built-in speaker.
Differences: LectroFan Classic only plays the sound through the built-in speaker. You cannot connect the noise machine with a headphone, an external speaker, or an audio player.
LectroFan Evo sports a 1 3.5 mm connector so that you can hook it up to your headphones or a portable speaker. This is useful if you use it outdoors during camping or if you use it in a big room. Disappointedly though, with headphones going wireless nowadays, no one enjoys having a cable between their head and a machine.
When it comes to sound machines for babies, a headphone jack might not be too necessary or even useful. But the ability to blast sound through a portable speaker will be useful during the day.
Like LectroFan Classic, Snooz sound machine is also limited to it built-in speaker.
3. Phone Apps
Similarities: Neither LectroFan Classic or LectroFan can be controlled by a phone.
Differences: The only model among these three white noise machines that can connect through a phone app is Snooz. Once you download the free application and pair it with the sound machine, you can conveniently control the sound, volume, and timer of the machine.
This is very useful especially when you sleep in a separate room. With an app, you can turn your smartphone into a remote control of the sound machine.
4. Add-on Features
Similarities: All three models come with a built-in timer.
Differences: LectroFan Classic is the simplest sound machine with no add-on features. Besides adjusting the sound type and volume, the only thing you can do is to set up a 60-minute timer.
LectroFan Evo also comes with a timer. The timer starts with one hour and increment by one hour on each click. The maximum length is 8 hours.
Snooz is the most versatile sound machine among all three models. You can program the timer on your phone, you can turn on and off the night light, and you can also calibrate the sound machine to be nursery-friendly so that it protects your child’s ears.
5. Source of Power
Similarities: LectroFan Classic and LectroFan Evo can be powered by regular plugs as well as USB cables.
Differences: Both LectroFan Classic and Evo sound machines can be connected by regular AC power cords or USB cables. This gives more flexibility in terms of where to place the sound machine.
However, Snooz only features a regular plug. Therefore, if your child is a crawling baby or a toddler, be sure to place the plug out of her way to avoid dangers from electric shock.
6. Size and Weight
Similarities: All three sound machines are portable and don’t take much space.
Differences: LectroFan Classic measures 4.4″ x 4.4″ x 2.2″ and weighs 1.2 pounds. LectroFan Evo measures 4.7″ x 4.7″ x 3.3″ and weighs 12.8 ounces. Though Evo is slightly bigger, it is more lightweight than Classic.
Snooz measures 5.65″ x 5.65″ x 3.15″ and weighs only 5.5 ounces. Snooz is the lightest sound machine among all three. Another benefit is that Snooz features a rounded body so that it’s easier to pack and store with other luggage.
Which Is the Best Machine for Babies?
The best sound machine has to be catered to your specific situation and needs. However, we think that with all things considered, SNOOZ is the best choice if you are a flexible budget. If you are a bit price-conscious, LectroFan Evo is also a wonderful option. But if you want nothing more than just a simple noise machine, then LectroFan Classic is all you will need.
Detailed Product Reviews
1. LectroFan Classic White Noise Machine
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
As a well-known noise machine brand, LectroFan is a popular product line under Adaptive Sound Technologies.
First available in 2013, LectroFan Classic is almost a decade old but is still the top choice among many parents. The top reason is that their digital sounds are effective in blocking disturbing noises and helping create a relaxation environment.
LectroFan Classic is the simplest and most easy-to-use model among all the six LectroFan models available today. It is also the most economical option that offers all the essential features in a white noise machine.
Who Is It for?
LectroFan Classic is best for parents who are budget conscious and those who love simplicity.
2. LectroFan Evo Sound Machine
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
LectroFan Evo is one model up Lectro Classic. The main difference is the addition of two more sounds, a more robust timer, and external audio connectivity.
With all the extra features, LectroFan Evo is only two to three bucks more than LectroFan Classic. So for many parents, it’s a no brainer to choose Evo over Classic.
Another advantage of LectroFan Evo comparing to Classic is its design. Rather than having the control panel on the side, Evo’s buttons are right on the top of the machine. This makes the buttons more natural and effortless to press.
Evo is comparatively more portable than Classic because it weighs less. But we don’t think the difference is impactful for most parents.
Who Is This For?
LectroFan Evo is for parents who need the ability to blast the sound through external speakers.
3. SNOOZ Sound Machine
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Among all three models, SNOOZ sound machine is the most expensive one but is also the most baby-friendly one.
The top unique feature is its ability to connect with a smartphone. This saves parents a lot of legwork because they can adjust the settings anywhere they want. You will definitely appreciate this function when you need to turn off the built-in lamp in the middle of the night.
When it comes to sound qualities, SNOOZ doesn’t use digital sounds as the other two LectroFan models do. Instead, it features a real built-in mechanical fan to generate peaceful white noises. You don’t need to worry about safety because the fan is completely enclosed and there is no way your infant or toddler can access it.
Who Is It For?
SNOOZ sound machine is the best overall sound machine for babies. We recommend it for all parents as long as they feel comfortable with the price range.
SNOOZ Sound Machine Review Video
FAQs about Sound Machines for Babies
Are sound machines good for babies?
The obvious benefit of a sound machine is that it can help mark the household noise and aid babies to sleep better.
For newborns, a sound machine can make them feel more secure and comfortable as they are used to the loud noise in their mothers’ wombs.
The precaution about using sound machines is that they may exceed the recommended volume limit for infants and kids. Therefore, the best sound machine for babies should be child-friendly. For example, SNOOZ offers a nursery-calibration feature to avoid such situations.
Which white noise sound is the best for babies
All white noise sounds are effective in masking noises but the type, rhythm, and style is a personal choice. One type of white noise sound may work wonders for some babies while hardly effective for other kids.
No matter what types of white noise you use, make sure that it’s well below 80 decibels because consistent exposure to 80 decibels can cause damage to hair cells in the inner ear.
When should you stop using sound machine for babies
The best time to stop using a sound machine for babies is between 12 to 18 months. By then, most babies should have established a good sleep routine and have formed the ability to fall asleep naturally. However, there is no science to show a definitive timeline for stopping using sound machines.
Final Words
Many sleep-deprived parents rely on sound machines to help put their infants to sleep. If you live on a busy street or a noisy neighborhood, you may even need sound machines to mask the annoying noises during the day.
Our analysis shows that the SNOOZ sound machine is the overall best sound machine for babies. If you are on a budget, LectroFan Evo is a decent option with many add-on features. But if you prefer something easy and simple, then you will not go wrong with LectroFan Classic.
Allen Yeung is a technology enthusiast and has over 10 years of experience in advanced engineering, IoT, and supply chain management. He is an expert in the field of robotics and automation. He is an expert in the field of STEM education for children.
