Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

HoMedics SoundSpa

$19.99

The HoMedics SoundSpa is an affordable sound machine offering six soothing sounds, including white noise and nature sounds. It's compact and easy to use, making it ideal for home or travel.

Our take

Great value for an entry-level sound machine.

Alright, so let's talk about this HoMedics SoundSpa thing. It's basically a little gadget that plays different sounds to help you relax or sleep better. You've got a few choices, like ocean waves, rain, or even a heartbeat sound, which is kind of weird but might be soothing to some folks. The sound quality is decent, not mind-blowing, but it does the job. The volume control is handy, especially if you want to drown out some background noise but still hear yourself think.

Now, here's the deal with the settings. You can set it to play continuously or use the timer, which shuts off after a set period. The timer is actually a pretty nice feature if you don't want it running all night. However, the controls feel a bit flimsy, like they might not hold up to heavy use. So, if you’re the kind of person who tends to be rough on gadgets, just be a bit careful.

Size-wise, this thing is pretty compact, which makes it easy to move around the house or even take on trips. It’s powered by an adapter or batteries, so you’ve got options depending on where you’re using it. Portability is definitely one of its strong points. But if you’re hoping for something that’ll fill a big room with sound, you might want to set your expectations lower; it’s better suited for smaller spaces or right by your bed.

Now, if you’re looking for something that's a bit more high-tech, this might not cut it. No Bluetooth, no smartphone app, no frills — it's just a straightforward sound machine. For some, that’s a win because it’s simple and easy to use. Others might find it a bit too basic, especially if you’re into having everything connected and smart.

Overall, the HoMedics SoundSpa is pretty solid for its price. It’s not gonna change your life, but if you need a bit of background noise to help you relax or sleep, it gets the job done. Just don’t expect anything fancy. It’s about as straightforward as it gets, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.