The Eight Sleep Pod base unit is not noisy per se, but neither is it completely silent. It emits a quiet hum, especially when first switched on or when it's changing temperature. Our tester likened the sound to 'a very low fan' or 'a gently hot radiator'. She says that she got used to the noise quickly, and the sound of the Eight Sleep Pod cover changing temperature (which will happen during the night, while you're asleep) was never enough to wake her up.