Audio Recording Jammer Comparison: Ultrasonic VS Noise Generator

In today’s increasingly connected world, protecting sensitive information has become more critical than ever. As surveillance technologies become more advanced, the risk of unauthorized recording and eavesdropping is present more often. Whether in business meetings, government offices, or personal conversations, the fear of private discussions being secretly recorded and used against you or your organization is a growing concern. This is where audio recording jammers come into play.

Two popular types of audio recording jammers are ultrasonic and white noise generator audio jammers. They are popular tools designed to prevent unauthorized eavesdropping by disrupting audio surveillance devices. While both aim to prevent audio recording, they achieve this in fundamentally different ways. This article explores the five key differences between these technologies to help you decide which suits your needs.

1. Working Principle

• Ultrasonic Audio Recording Jammer:

Ultrasonic jammers operate by emitting high-frequency sound waves, typically above the range of human hearing (20 kHz+). These ultrasonic waves disrupt the functioning of microphones, making them unable to capture clear audio.

• White Noise Generator Audio Recording Jammer:

White noise generators produce a wide spectrum of audible noise, such as hissing or static-like sounds. This noise masks conversations by creating a sound field that mixes with speech, making it difficult for microphones to isolate and record spoken words.

-Full Spectrum (20 Hz to 20 kHz) – Most white noise generators produce sound across the entire audible frequency spectrum, from 20 Hz (low frequencies) to 20,000 Hz (high frequencies), as this range encompasses all the sounds that humans can hear. This is typical for most consumer-grade devices used for noise masking, privacy, or audio jamming purposes.

-Filtered Range (300 Hz to 3 kHz) – In some cases, white noise generators or jammers may focus on a more specific frequency range, such as 300 Hz to 3 kHz, which is where most speech and communication devices operate. This targeted range is effective for disrupting audio recording devices or preventing eavesdropping by masking speech frequencies.

2. Impact on Human Hearing

• Ultrasonic Audio Jammer:

Ultrasonic sound waves are inaudible to humans, meaning that people in the vicinity of the jammer won’t hear any noise. This makes ultrasonic jammers ideal for environments where silence is important. (Different people, their threshold of sensing frequency is varied.)

• White Noise Generator Audio Jammer:

White noise generators produce audible sound, which can be heard by humans. While effective at masking conversations, the noise may be disruptive or irritating in quiet environments, especially for extended periods.

3. Effectiveness Against Microphones

• Ultrasonic Audio Recording Jammer:

Ultrasonic jammers are highly effective against most modern microphones, including those in smartphones, digital recorders, and wireless devices. However, their effectiveness may diminish with highly directional or specialized microphones designed to filter high-frequency interference. That’s why, it is common that ultrasonic audio jammer’s jamming distance on Android phone is much better than Iphone.

• White Noise Generator Audio Jammer:

White noise generators are effective against basic microphones and recording devices but may be less efficient against advanced technologies that isolate speech frequencies or use noise-canceling algorithms.

4. Coverage and Directionality

• Ultrasonic Audio Jammer:

Ultrasonic waves are typically emitted directionally, meaning they are focused on a specific area. This allows for targeted protection but may require precise placement of the jammer. The range is also generally limited to a few meters. That’s is to say: When using ultrasonic audio jammers Camouflage devices, you have to understand that the jammers are used to jam area where there are humanbody who may bring with recording devices for unauthorized recording. Jamming a whole room is not realistic!

• White Noise Generator Audio Jammer:

White noise generators provide broader coverage since the sound disperses in all directions. They are suitable for protecting open spaces without needing precise placement. However this is only discussion from technique aspect. To realize long distance jamming effect, it requires high power consumption hardware. Taking consideration of cost, Complexity, user feeling, by now, few solution is existed in the market. Till now,  mainly Russian companies offer handheld white noise generator audio jammer for private privacy protection scenarios.

Below picture is a jamming converage reference concerning one model of iSecus Ultrasonic Audio Jammer.

5. Cost Difference

• Ultrasonic Audio Jammer Cost Range: Moderate to High, USD1000 ~USD10000

Ultrasonic jammers require specialized hardware, such as high-frequency transducers and amplifiers, capable of generating frequencies beyond the human hearing range. These components tend to be more expensive due to their precision requirements. Besides, jammers with intelligent algorithms for detecting active recording devices or adjusting frequencies dynamically are at the higher end of the cost spectrum.

• White Noise Generator Audio Jammer Cost Range: Low to Moderate, USD150~USD3000

White noise generators rely on standard audio technologies, such as speakers and amplifiers, to produce broadband noise across audible frequencies. These components are relatively inexpensive and widely available. Less precision is needed compared to ultrasonic devices, keeping costs lower.

Which type of audio recording jammer to choose? Please check below comparison Summary:

Conclusion

Both ultrasonic audio recording jammers and white noise generators are effective tools for safeguarding conversations from being recorded. Understanding their differences helps in selecting the right solution for your environment. Ultrasonic jammers prioritize discretion and focused protection. While white noise generators are cost-effective and accessible, making them suitable for smaller-scale or temporary applications. Consider your environment, budget, and specific needs when making your decision.

(Experience: If you are going to invest on those portable noise generator, please lower your expectation)

Several Well-known Audio Recording Jammers in the world

Here we would like to suggest some high-level camouflage audio recording jammers for your reference.

How to choose a suitable Camouflage ultrasonic audio jammer?

Even the jamming technology is the same, say ultrasonic wave, there are other aspects that affect the jamming performance. For examples: Jamming Algorithm, ultrasonic transducers (Very Very Important), power output, etc. This will lead to a big difference on the jammer cost. Even 2 similar looking ultrasonic audio jammers from different suppliers, there performance & user-experience feel are varied, and their cost difference may be 2/3/4 times.

The longer distance supported, the better performance of the jammer?

Fresh users want to achieve all-round and large-area recording interference with one device. They would think that the longer jamming distance, the better performance; the wider jamming range, the better performance. This is not a correct understanding.

To achieve this goal, existing technology seems not a problem. But whether it is meaning to make it, that is an issue. Not only cost point, we also need to consider the device’s size and the user’s body feel. For example:
Increasing the number of ultrasonic transducers enhances the effect——->Bigger Power Conumption——->Greater ear pressure, uncomfortable feeling

So it is significant to balance the cost and user-experience, rather than just considering jamming distance.

Therefore, our suggestion to you is: According the on-site scenario, design the jammers layout and qty used to reach a good solution. Honestly speaking, using camouflage audio jamming devices, it is difficult to realize perfect solution or 100% jamming effectiveness, because of the environmental factors and technology weakness.

Important Notice:

It’s important to note that camouflage audio jammers reduce the risk of unauthorized recordings. However, almost no system can guarantee 100% protection. Users should implement comprehensive security measures, including physical security, cybersecurity, and human awareness, to ensure complete confidentiality.

Which audio jammer system can promise 100% jamming effect?

Audio Jammer box like AJB-331 and AJB-336 can. This requires attendees positively put their cellphone into box. This is mainly used to prevent eavesdropping app to collect environmental sound through cellphone microphone. Inside the box space, the microphone is 100% jammed.

2 Main reasons making Ultrasonic Audio Recording Jammer Devices becoming the trend to block voice recording:

Concealment of Ultrasonic Interference

• Advantages: Ultrasonic interference operates at frequencies typically beyond human hearing (above 20kHz). It effectively disrupts recording devices while having minimal to no direct impact on human hearing.
• Trend Reason: Modern society places increasing importance on privacy protection and user comfort. Ultrasonic interference offers a discreet and user-friendly solution, aligning with the demand for “unnoticeable protection.”

Precision in Disruption Capability

• Challenges in Modern Recording Device Defense: Many recording devices are equipped with noise-canceling capabilities to filter out ambient noise like white noise. However, ultrasonic interference can directly target the hardware of recording devices, such as microphone membranes, disrupting their functionality through high-frequency vibrations or circuit interference.
• Trend Reason: As recording devices become more resistant to ambient noise, the hardware-specific advantages of ultrasonic interference become increasingly valuable, meeting the demand for more robust protection.

If you are looking for high-level ultrasonic audio jammer to block recording, please click to view:

The Best Audio Recording Jammers from iSecus

Development Concept: Scenario Defines Jammer  Shape