White Noise / Sound Machines > HoMedics SS-4500 Sound Spa Classic

HoMedics SS-4500 Sound Spa Classic Clock Radio & Sound Machine with Time Projection → Ratings Based on Over 425 Actual Owner Experiences

Last updated April 2, 2011

What You Need To Know

77% of HoMedics SS-4500 owners included in our research are satisfied with the product.

Pros

Generally effective at producing relaxing sound and drowning out unwanted noise; time display on ceiling.

Cons

Mediocre clock radio; mediocre overall reliability; not especially travel friendly; no pure white noise setting.

The Competition

The main competition of the HoMedics SS-4500 is the HoMedics Sound Spa, DEX Sound Sleeper and Conair SU7.

See how the HoMedics compares to all of the competition in the detailed comparison grid that's based on actual owner data.

About Our Research

Our HoMedics findings are based on at least 420 actual owner experiences collected from diverse, credible sources including online message boards, product review websites and product review sections on retailers' websites.

Ratings of HoMedics SS-4500 Sound Spa Classic

Sample size: 425+ owners

Owner satisfaction Fair The Homedics SS-4500 has 77% owner satisfaction which puts it in the middle of the pack for sound / white noise machines overall. However, it rates better when compared to other sound /white noise machines that feature a clock / alarm.
Price Good Most retailers charge around $25 including Amazon.
Value Fair Despite its problems, the low price of the machine helps it to be considered a value by owners.
Reliability Fair Build quality and durability are the main complaint from Hometics SS-4500 owners. With regular use, don't expect more than a couple years longevity.
Sound quality Fair Owners generally say that the noise quality from the speaker is average and may sound like static. Nevertheless, the sound is effective overall in masking unwanted noises and creating a more relaxing atmosphere.
Loops not noticeable Fair The sounds that the Hometics plays are digital recordings lasting several seconds which play over and over. If you listen closely, you can notice the loop starting again which can be distracting to people with a sensitive ear.
Volume potential Good The Hometics volume capability is generally adequate to be clearly heard across a room and mask unwanted noise of low to moderate volume.
Plays nature sounds Good The product can play six nature sounds: Ocean; Summer Night; Rain; Rainforest; Thunder; Waterfall.
Plays white noise Fair The machine has no white noise setting, but rain and waterfall provide sound resembling consistent white noise.
Compact Fair The size of the SS-4500 is a little bulky (7.5 x 7.2 x 2.8)
Travel friendly Fair The size of the SS-4500 is a little bulky (7.5 x 7.2 x 2.8) but it is fairly lightweight. And given the fragility of the machine as reported by several owners, using it for travel may shorten its lifespan.
No excessive
brightness		 Fair You can project the time on the ceiling with a blue light briefly or keep it projecting at all times. It gives off a warm blue glow in a darkened room. Several owners report that this light is too bright and can interfere with sleep quality.
Clock / alarm Fair The clock radio is mediocre at best, according to at least 15% of owners. First, the radio reception lacks clarity and the sound is tinny. Second, there are many small buttons and it can be difficult to tell which is which in a dark room. Third, because the volume and radio tuner are adjusted by moving a dial, it is easy to accidentally move the device and turn down the volume as a result. This can be a problem if you've set the clock-radio alarm and the radio volume is too low.
Appearance Good The machine has an upscale and contemporary look, say owners.