Hush Machine or a subscription sound app?
A plain comparison with the typical subscription sleep and noise app. No app is named, and the rows where other apps do more are shown as plainly as the rest.
Three years of noise
A yearly subscription of $49.99 costs $149.97 over 3 years. Hush Machine Plus is $7.99, once. The dial, every noise colour and the sleep timer are free.
$49.99 a year is a common price for subscription sleep sound apps on the US App Store (October 2026).
Side by side
| Topic | Hush Machine | Typical subscription app |
|---|---|---|
| PriceHush Machine | One-time purchases. Plus $7.99 ($3.99 at launch), packs $2.99, Lifetime $19.99. No subscription, ever. | A weekly, monthly or yearly subscription, often after a free trial that renews by itself. |
| How the sound is madeHush Machine | Generated live on the iPhone. Nothing is a recording, so nothing loops. | Mostly recordings played on a loop; some loops can be heard after a while. |
| Choosing a soundHush Machine | One dial from violet through white and pink to deep brown; every point between is a real sound. | A list of fixed sounds to pick from. |
| Free trialHush Machine | 3 nights of Plus. Nothing is charged after. | Often a trial that turns into a paid subscription unless you cancel. |
| AccountHush Machine | None. | Often an account or sign-in. |
| Your dataHush Machine | No tracking and no analytics in the app; nothing leaves your phone. | Analytics and advertising code are common. |
| AdsHush Machine | None. | Free tiers often show ads. |
| Size of the libraryOthers do more | Seven noise colours and the layers (rain, ocean, fans, cabins and more), plus packs. | Large libraries of recorded sounds and music. |
| Stories and meditationOthers do more | Not included. Hush Machine is a noise machine. | Many include sleep stories, guided meditation and courses. |
| AndroidOthers do more | iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch only. | Many are on Android too. |
Hush Machine fits if you want
- A steady noise you can tune exactly, from bright to deep.
- To pay once and keep it.
- No account, no ads and nothing sent off your phone.
Another app may fit better if you want
- Sleep stories, guided meditation or courses.
- A large library of recorded music and nature sounds.
- An Android app.