Sleep Sounds: Nature & Ambient

This app is really good. I would have given it 5 stars but there’s one thing about it that is irritating and the cause for a lesser rating. When you go to set the timer, advertisements pop up with very loud & startling music that you have to endure until the 5 or 10 second count down is over. I use this app because I need help falling asleep so, when I feel myself getting a bit sleepy I turn on this app to help me drift from sleepy to actually sleeping. Obviously a loud startling advertisement gives the opposite effect. I sent an email to the developers to see if there was an option to purchase a version without ads...no reply. Perhaps they ignored my email altogether. Perhaps they tested this out during a busy day with a lot going on which makes the ads not seem so loud, but in the stillness and quiet of night/bedtime, it’s like getting into your car and turning it on after your teenager used it with the radio blasting. I’ve only had/used this app 3 times, hoping to get used to it but, now I’m on the hunt for a better app.

This app is perfect for tuning out distractions. I use this when I need to focus for hours on work, reading, studying, and writing. It provides a soothing amount of background noise. I paid for the full version (only a couple of dollars) and it has been worth it. I especially love the train cabin and airplane drone. I set a lower volume for these sounds and layer them with rain, storm, and ocean. My volume preferences are saved so I don't have to reset them every time. The ocean sound is perfect, with waves rumbling on a beach and water rolling back while gently tumbling over rocks. Yes, the graphics are simple, but that is an important quality for something that is supposed to be soothing and relaxing. This app is easy to use and the simple appearance helps to minimize distraction and sets the tone for calming your mind.

One of the only apps I've had on my phone the entire time I've had it. Rain and Storm sounds mix well together and is relatively realistic sounding. I've considered purchasing the premium version multiple times, but can wait the handful of seconds for the ad to pass in order to set the sleep timer. Overall, it does what it's supposed to do and is a great aid when you're trying to fall asleep.