The main difference between different ‘colours’ of noise is how the energy is distributed across various frequencies. Think of it like this: each color has a unique audio fingerprint that emphasizes certain tones over others.

White Noise

White noise is the most well known ‘noise’. The name comes from white light (which contains all colors of the visible spectrum). Similarly, white noise has all the sounds (equal energy) across all audible frequency spectrum. This creates a ‘static’ or hissing sound, like a detuned radio. Because it’s so uniform, it’s very effective at masking sudden, distracting sounds like traffic or conversations, which is why people use it for sleep and focus.

Pink Noise

Pink noise is considered a softer or more pleasant version of white noise. Its ‘energy’ is not evenly distributed, there is less energy in the high frequency and more power in the lower frequencies… giving it a deeper, bass-heavy sound. It sounds like steady rainfall, oceans or rustling of leaves. Because it’s less sharp than white noise, many people find it more soothing and less intrusive for long-term use.

Brown Noise

Brown noise (also called red noise) has an even steeper drop in energy at the higher frequencies. This makes it significantly deeper and more rumbling than pink noise… a powerful waterfall or deep thunder maybe. It’s a popular choice for those who want to block out deep, low-frequency sounds and calm an overactive mind.

Orange Noise

Orange noise is not a formally recognized or universally defined as a ‘color of noise in the same way as the others. Instead, it is a custom-created sound that usually blends other noises to produce a specific effect. It is often described as a mix of brown and yellow noise, with a focus on the low-to-mid frequency range to create a deep, soothing soundscape… with a dissonant, out-of-tune character, often used in experimental music.

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