My Fluval makes noise. It's not an obnoxious noise like I experienced with the Marineland emerors... but there is definately a deep sounding motor noise. Not a grind... more of a flow.. It's coming from the canister itself, and it's audible throughout the room. My Eheim 2213 makes a more more grating motor noise, but it's also audible only in silent conditions with the door to the stand open. With the door shut, it seems silent. The Fluval is audible throughout the area, even with noise in the room, TV. No one complains, but you definatley know it's on.
I probably wouldn't buy another fluval... for two reasons...
Reason 1: Bypass.. lots of it!
Reason 2: I don't like the spray head or the tubing.
But it IS easy to service... and I like that.