Searching for the perfect app to help you unwind with soothing nature sounds? With so many options out there, it can be tough to know which one will actually help you relax, sleep better, and feel your best.
That’s why we’ve compared four of the top-rated apps—Breethe, Calm, Rain Rain, and MyNoise—to help you find the right fit for your needs.
Nature soundscapes do more than “set the mood.” Research consistently links natural audio—rainfall, waves, birdsong—to measurable reductions in stress and improvements in mood and recovery.
Studies show that exposure to pleasant nature sounds can lower heart rate and skin conductance (a marker of stress), support healthier heart-rate variability patterns, and speed post-stress recovery.
They’re also practical. Consistent broadband or natural noise can mask the disruptive bumps, beeps, and door slams that wake light sleepers. Systematic reviews note mixed but promising evidence: in some people, steady noise improves sleep continuity by covering unpredictable sounds.
That’s why many “sleep sound” apps include fade-out timers and offline options—so the masking lasts through the night, even in airplane mode.
Finally, listening to natural soundscapes can lift mood and attention. Large syntheses and recent field work associate nature audio with improved affect, lower anxiety, and better cognitive performance after fatigue—useful in hectic offices, on commutes, or during study sessions.
Side-by-side comparison
Sources: Breethe App Store listing for features/pricing; Breethe site for expert curation & trial; Calm App Store & support for features/offline; Rain Rain App Store & site for free/premium and timers; MyNoise App Store & site for library size, sliders, one-time pricing.
Breethe is an all-in-one app that pairs high-quality nature sounds and music with guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing, tapping, and even hypnotherapy. For someone who wants both soundscapes and structured guidance in one place, this is the most seamless route—especially with downloadable content for offline nights. Pricing is competitive among full-suite wellness apps.
Calm shines with polished Sleep Stories and a broad mix of meditations, music, and “soundscapes” (ocean waves, heavy rain, campfire). It includes timed, unguided sessions and offline downloads, though its sound customization is less granular than Rain Rain or MyNoise.
Rain Rain is purpose-built for nature and environmental sounds. It’s remarkably generous on the free tier (50+ sounds) and adds more than 60 premium sounds with a low-cost subscription. Notable tools include the Mixer, Oscillator, Soften, Bedtime Reminder, and Fade-out Timer—a simple recipe for layering rain + train + fireplace and drifting off.
MyNoise is the tinkerers’ paradise: 300+ sound generators, each with ten adjustable sliders and calibration guidance to tailor the spectrum to your room, headphones, and hearing. There are no subscriptions; a single in-app purchase unlocks the lot, and it works offline. It’s ideal if you crave precision control for masking, focus, or tinnitus relief.
Expert-curated content that evolves with you. Breethe’s library is developed by qualified professionals and world-renowned teachers across meditation, psychology, and sleep health—pairing nature sounds with evidence-informed practices you can trust. That blend of expertise and approachability is the heart of Breethe’s brand voice.
Nature sounds + guided support in one app. Many apps excel at either soundscapes or guided content; Breethe integrates both. You can move from rain-and-waves soundscapes into a 5-minute wind-down meditation, a soothing sleep story, or specialized hypnotherapy—without bouncing between apps. It’s a smoother nighttime routine, especially when you’re exhausted.
Designed for real life, with offline listening. The app organizes content around your day (Start Your Day, Take a Break, Go to Sleep), includes reminders and alarms, and supports offline access so your soundscapes and meditations play reliably through the night—even in airplane mode.
Loved by a growing community. Breethe reports over 10 million users and 30,000+ 5-star reviews—a social-proof signal that the all-in-one approach resonates. And Apple lists Breethe at 4.7/5 from 64.6K ratings (US App Store), indicating strong user satisfaction at scale.
Aggregate ratings (Apple App Store, accessed Sept 11, 2025):
Representative user highlights (short excerpts):
These quotes align with each app’s core strengths: Breethe for breadth and guidance; Calm for polished stories and ambiance; Rain Rain for simple, powerful mixing; MyNoise for deep control.
Match the app to your preferences:
Ready to relax? Try Breethe free today and discover your new favorite way to unwind—download now and explore expert-curated nature soundscapes, meditations, and sleep tools in one place.
