The reviews describe playback cutting out after updates and imported sound going missing. Testing the backdrop, saving the preset and carrying settings over all help.
Which apps people use
These apps are mentioned in the breakdown of this job. Open each one to compare strengths and limits. The order of the list is not a ranking of fitness.
Rank 3. Review score: 72 out of 100. App Store rating: 4.8★ · 6,430 ratings
72of 100
Relax Melodies remains one of the best soundscape builders: flexible sound mixing, binaural beats, and a long-term audience that uses the app for more than just sleep. Occasional iOS compatibility failures spoil the experience for longtime stable users.
Praised: A flexible mix editor lets you create a personal sound backdrop and use the app for sleep, work, and meditation.
Complaints: After iOS updates the sound often cuts out mid-night, and previously downloaded tracks need to be re-downloaded.
Best for: People who want a custom sound mix for sleep and focus
Rank 11. Review score: 67 out of 100. App Store rating: 4.8★ · 204,314 ratings
67of 100
White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds offers a wide library of quality sounds including binaural beats, and the free set is sufficient for regular use. A critical hardware-specific issue: the app causes overheating and limits charging to 80% on certain devices when running all night.
Praised: Binaural sounds are regularly cited as the fastest way to fall asleep in 8 to 10 minutes.
Complaints: No sequential playback, only simultaneous mixing, which is inconvenient for anyone who wants to change their background sound during the night.
Best for: People who need a rich selection of nature and technical sounds without tracking
Rank 10. Review score: 68 out of 100. App Store rating: 4.8★ · 3,028 ratings
68of 100
One of the richest sound libraries, with the ability to blend tracks and adjust the volume of each individually. Loops are stitched without audible seams, which sets this app apart from competitors. The interface is unintuitive and confusing at first.
Praised: Sound loops are seamlessly joined, and the ability to mix multiple layers with individual volume control gives precise personal tuning.
Complaints: Library navigation is confusing and it is hard to save and find custom mixes.
Best for: Audiophiles and people with tinnitus who need precise control over background sound
Rank 13. Review score: 67 out of 100. App Store rating: 4.6★ · 4,641 ratings
67of 100
One of the best atmospheric sound mixers: flexible mixer, support for custom recordings, and background mode all work well. The loss of user recordings after updates and the disappearance of the import feature noticeably damaged the experience for loyal users.
Praised: The mixer lets you build exactly your own atmosphere from multiple layers and listen over music or podcasts.
Complaints: Imported sounds periodically disappear from saved scenes after updates.
Best for: People who want to create personal sound atmospheres for sleep or focus.
Rank 43. Review score: 52 out of 100. App Store rating: 4.7★ · 390,485 ratings
52of 100
BetterSleep is a strong sound mixer with a flexible timer and a broad library, but the abrupt move of previously free presets behind a paywall destroyed loyalty among longtime users. The product itself sounds good when you have access.
Praised: The ability to blend multiple sounds into one preset and save it is a unique mechanic among competitors.
Complaints: There is no guarantee that a sound you have gotten used to will still be in the free tier tomorrow.
Best for: People willing to pay for a custom personal sound backdrop builder
