"Free white noise!" If you're looking for white noise for free (also known as white sound), especially free downloads for sleep, relaxation, meditation or blocking out noises, you may see tons of sites online offering short white sound clips for free. However, the adage 'the best things in life are free' in this case may not apply.

To help you be a smarter consumer, consider these elements when you are thinking about obtaining downloads from free white noise sites:

Length of Sound Track -- Too Short Means Annoying Gaps

Many free white noise sites offer sound clips that may be 30 to 60 seconds long. Yes, you may be able to download the free clip and then play it via the repeat function on your player. However, even if you are an audiophile or techno-geek, looping free sounds together can cause annoying sound gaps that can defeat the purpose of listening to white noise. (Have you ever tried relaxing to short sound bursts mixed with dead silence? Ugh!) 

Look to purchase, from a reputable provider, a CD or mp3 download that offers at least 74 minutes or more of uninterrupted white sound, avoiding those deadly gaps of no sound. Such CDs are designed to be used with your player's "repeat" function to play the 74-minute white sound over and over. You can also download and 'repeat-play' the sound on your mp3 player or iPod®, too.

Recording Quality -- Your Ears Can Tell!

The higher the sound quality, the better the sound. Most online free white noises are available in mono at a very low bit rate, which is relatively low quality sound. That's probably why they can offer their sound at no cost. White noise that has been recorded in full spectrum digital stereo is your best bet. Believe me, your ears and brain can tell the difference! And isn't your sleep health worth more than just a free download from a web site you may not be familiar with?

Sound Quality -- The Higher the Quality, The More Effective The Sound

This is probably the most important factor in your decision! Listen first before you download. Since these white sounds are usually generated using a random binary number process, they can be very harsh and abrasive (not something you want to play for very long!) and can lead to ear fatigue and even headaches. Or, some free sources are obtained by putting a cheap computer microphone over a white noise machine or generator (which has very poor quality sound to start with) and recording 30 to 60 seconds of this very poor sound, further compromising the audio quality and effectiveness. The end result is a very rough, scratchy and tinny sounding white noise that simply is not effective for relaxing, sleeping and masking bothersome noises.

Choose the Right Sound for Babies and Children

White noise is known for its ability to calm crying, fussy babies, especially those with colic, because the sh-h-h-h sound mimics the noisy, comfortable environment of the womb. However, your child's hearing is still developing, so be careful with the sounds you choose for your babies or children. So, as a word of caution, it is suggested that you avoid playing free sounds for infants and children with their sensitive developing little ears. Instead, try using white sound audio CDs and mp3 downloads that have been specially created and produced for babies and children.

Who Are Those So-Called Free White Noise Sites, Anyway?

In this day and age, you can't be too careful when downloading free sounds from the Internet. Ask yourself, what is the real reason the free sites want you to download their audio file onto your computer? Are they just harvesting your computer's IP address? Do they just want your email address to sell and distribute to list companies? Do you know what you are actually downloading when you download a free white noise file? Does the site have security in place, such as displaying currently active, legitimate security seals that ensure the site and free download files are safe and secure from adware, spyware, malware and other malicious programs, tracking programs and Trojan viruses? Need we say more?

"One White Noise Fits All"? Not True!

It's important to acquire the right white sound audio to fit your hearing, your mood and your specific situation. Most free white noise is available in only one sound. Instead, look for a site dedicated to offering only the highest quality white sound audio. Note, too, how many different sounds of white noise are available to choose from, in terms of tone, pitch, with music or without music, and sources of sound, such as rain, thunder, wind, ocean waves and sea sounds. The sites should also include free sample sound clips that you can listen to and compare to any free white noise.

Bottom line -- be smart! Your hearing and your sense of well-being are too important to risk to save a few pennies. In the end, free white noise could be more "expensive" in more ways than one.