NIOSH Sound Level Meter vs BathCheck
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
NIOSH Sound Level Meter
This free app measures sound levels and noise exposure using your smartphone. Developed by acoustics experts, it provides professional-grade metrics and guidance on hearing protection and noise prevention.
- Sound level measurement
- Noise dosimetry
- Hearing hazard information
- Hearing protector guidelines
- Data reporting and sharing
- Microphone calibration
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This award-winning app combines the best features of professional sound level meters and noise dosimeters into a simple, easy-to-use package. - Developed by experienced acoustics engineers and hearing loss experts. - Completely FREE – No ads, no limited features, and no in-app purchases. - Tested and validated (accuracy ± 2 dBA) according to standards in a reverberant chamber at NIOSH acoustics lab – the only proper method to validate accuracy. - Trusted source and world-class expertise in noise and hearing research. - Meets Type 2 requirements of IEC 61672:3 SLM standard when used w/ external microphone.* - Provides the most relevant metrics found in professional sound instruments today. Averages such as LAeq and TWA, Max and Peak Levels, Noise Dose and Projected Dose according to NIOSH and OSHA standards, and all three major weighting networks (A, C, and Z). - Capability to calibrate either internal or external microphone. Reporting and Sharing data. - Up-to-date informational screens on what noises are considered hazardous, how to conduct a noise measurement, how to properly select a hearing protector, and guidelines for preventing hearing loss, all at the palm of your hand. - Excellent and timely support from NIOSH hearing experts. - Support for Apple's Health (Hearing) app. * Celestina M, Hrovat J, Kardous CA [2018]. Smartphone-based sound level measurement apps: Evaluation of compliance with international sound level meter standards. Applied Acoustics, 139:119-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apacoust.2018.04.011 More resources (including instructional videos and a user manual), a science blog, FAQ, and information about how to interpret results can be found on the NIOSH SLM website https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html
BathCheck
This app helps assess bathroom dimensions to determine the correct equipment for individuals with mobility impairments. It guides users through inputting measurements to find suitable solutions for shower access without extensive renovations.
- Bathroom dimension input
- Mobility impairment solutions
- Shower access assessment
- Equipment configuration guidance
- Alternative to bathroom remodels
- Portability information
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BathCheck helps occupational therapists, mobility specialists, families, and individuals measure a bathroom and assess whether ShowerBuddy transfer equipment may fit — before committing to a purchase or arranging an in-person consultation. Designed for ShowerBuddy bathroom-mobility equipment, BathCheck provides a guided measurement and fit-assessment workflow on your phone or tablet. HOW IT WORKS Work through the guided step-by-step wizard. BathCheck prompts you to measure key bathroom dimensions — width, length, bath height, door clearances, and more — using annotated diagrams that show what to measure. Enter your measurements and BathCheck provides fit guidance for ShowerBuddy equipment (SB1, SB2, or SB2T), including relevant accessories and configuration options for the recorded bathroom layout. Results are based on the information entered and should be reviewed with the assessor or supplier. WHAT YOU GET • Measurement-based fit guidance for supported ShowerBuddy models • Equipment configuration guidance and relevant accessory recommendations • A cushion and sizing matrix — available in metric and imperial — to help select the right seating • The option to email your completed assessment to yourself, a therapist, or a supplier • The ability to save and review assessment history • Detailed product information and PDF reference materials, all accessible offline FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND MOBILITY SPECIALISTS BathCheck helps prepare for a consultation by collecting the relevant measurements and assessment details in one guided flow. The app supports therapist, supplier, and end-user workflows, and accepts a client reference for record-keeping. LANGUAGES BathCheck v8 is available in English, German, French, and Spanish. The app guides you through language selection on first launch and the setting can be changed at any time. ABOUT SHOWERBUDDY Use BathCheck to collect bathroom measurements and review ShowerBuddy product and accessory information before discussing the assessment with an authorised supplier. BathCheck provides fit guidance; it does not replace professional assessment, product instructions or installation checks.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: NIOSH Sound Level Meter at 4.7 against BathCheck's 1.0. NIOSH Sound Level Meter also leads on ratings volume (17K vs 1) and review sentiment (65% vs 50%). BathCheck's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
NIOSH Sound Level Meter holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NIOSH Sound Level Meter has 17K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of NIOSH Sound Level Meter's written reviews are positive against 50% of BathCheck's.
NIOSH Sound Level Meter ships an update every 5 months, BathCheck monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | NIOSH Sound Level Meter | BathCheck |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (17K ratings) — better | 1.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 64.6% of reviews — better | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 17K — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #209 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 140 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | EA LAB | Showerbuddy New Zealand Ltd |
Customer experience
NIOSH Sound Level Meter
BathCheck
Bugs and requests
NIOSH Sound Level Meter
Reported bugs
3 issues- Inconsistent or inaccurate readings in some cases
- Inability to properly connect and use external microphones
- Freezing or crashing when minimizing the app
Requested features
4 requests- Ability to save and export measurement sessions
- Option to run the app in the background while the screen is locked
- Integration with Apple Health for long-term noise exposure tracking
- Frequency-specific noise measurements (e.g., A-weighted, C-weighted)
BathCheck
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
NIOSH Sound Level Meter
No in-app purchases
BathCheck
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is NIOSH Sound Level Meter free?
Is BathCheck free?
Which has better reviews, NIOSH Sound Level Meter or BathCheck?
Do NIOSH Sound Level Meter or BathCheck have ads?
Which is updated more often, NIOSH Sound Level Meter or BathCheck?
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