Comparison

NIOSH Sound Level Meter vs Sound Meter

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Sound level measurement
  • Noise dosimetry
  • Hearing hazard information
  • Hearing protector guidelines
  • Data reporting and sharing
  • Microphone calibration
Features
Read full description

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

About

Sound Meter

Measure environmental noise levels in decibels (dB) with this tool. It helps identify noise pollution, monitor sound levels, and protect your hearing by setting decibel warnings. Record noise, take photos, and create videos of decibel readings.

Highlights
  • Measure environmental noise in decibels (dB)
  • Evaluate average and maximum decibel values
  • Display decibel levels in gauge and graph
  • Record sound levels with photos and videos
  • Set decibel warnings for hearing protection
  • Calibrate for accuracy
  • Multiple themes
Features
Read full description

Sound Level Meter app can measure environment noise in decibel values (dB). Sound Level Meter is a perfect free auxiliary tool to evaluate the noise around you and the best noise detector & real-time audio analyzer, a necessary noise detector app for both individuals and families, it helps you stay away from noise pollution and concentrate. Compare the noise you record to reference, is it normal conversation, or as loud as subway train? Features of Decibel Meter & Sound Level Meter - Evaluate current noise reference - Evaluate avg/max decibel values (dB) - Display decibel in gauge & graph - Measure sound level with record - Save noise recording, take decibel photo and record decibel video - Display avg/min/max decibel values of records - 4 themes for your choice - Calibrate if you feel not accurate enough - Regulate voices visually - Set decibel warning for timely hearing protection Uses of Decibel Meter & Sound Level Meter - When you feel too noisy but without proof - Monitor sound level around us - Detect the decibel of your neighbors - Record your snores Levels of Noise in decibels (dB) according to the American Academy of audiology, from 20 dB to 120 dB between the division. Note: The max values are limited by your ios device, very loud noises may not be recognized accurately. This sound meter app is a necessary noise detector app for both individuals and families, it helps you stay away from noise pollution and concentrate. Just need one step to turn your phone into a sound meter tool to measure environmental noise, download this free Sound Meter app! About the In-App Subscription: --Subscription period: "Sound Meter Premium - Monthly" (continuous monthly subscription product), "Sound Meter Premium - Yearly" (continuous annual subscription product), "Sound Meter Premium - Permanently" --Payment: After user confirms the purchase and pays, it will be billed through your Apple ID account --Cancel renewal: If you need to cancel the renewal, please manually turn off the automatic renewal function in the iTunes/Apple ID setting management 24 hours before the current subscription period expires --Renewal: Apple’s iTunes account will be deducted within 24 hours before expiration. After the deduction is successful, the subscription period will be extended by one subscription period. --Privacy Policy: http://privacypolicy.oss-us-west-1.aliyuncs.com/protocol/privacy.txt --EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

NIOSH Sound Level Meter4 screens
Sound Meter4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NIOSH Sound Level Meter at none against Sound Meter's 3. NIOSH Sound Level Meter also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.7 vs 4.3). Sound Meter's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Sound Meter sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. NIOSH Sound Level Meter asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

NIOSH Sound Level Meter holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NIOSH Sound Level Meter has 17K ratings behind it against 29, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of NIOSH Sound Level Meter's written reviews are positive against 47% of Sound Meter's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NIOSH Sound Level Meter ships an update every 4 months, Sound Meter every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
NIOSH Sound Level Meter versus Sound Meter: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNIOSH Sound Level MeterSound Meter
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (17K ratings) — better4.3 (29 ratings)
Positive reviews64.5% of reviews — better46.9% of reviews
Number of ratings17K — better29
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB39 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEA LABCoocent Ltd.

Customer experience

NIOSH Sound Level Meter

All ratings16,768 ratings
Positive92.5%
Neutral4.1%
Negative3.4%
Written reviews197 reviews
Positive64.5%
Neutral10.7%
Negative24.9%

Sound Meter

All ratings29 ratings
Positive82.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative17.2%
Written reviews32 reviews
Positive46.9%
Neutral9.4%
Negative43.8%

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)

Sound Meter

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

NIOSH Sound Level Meter

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Sound Meter

Subscriptions2
  • Sound meter premium - monthly$1.991 Month
  • Sound meter premium - yearly$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Sound meter premium- permanent$12.99

Questions

Is NIOSH Sound Level Meter free?
NIOSH Sound Level Meter is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Sound Meter free?
Sound Meter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, NIOSH Sound Level Meter or Sound Meter?
NIOSH Sound Level Meter is rated higher. NIOSH Sound Level Meter averages 4.7 out of 5 from 17K ratings, while Sound Meter averages 4.3 from 29 ratings.
Do NIOSH Sound Level Meter or Sound Meter have ads?
Sound Meter shows ads; NIOSH Sound Level Meter does not.
Which is updated more often, NIOSH Sound Level Meter or Sound Meter?
NIOSH Sound Level Meter ships an update every 4 months, and Sound Meter every 6 weeks. Most recently, NIOSH Sound Level Meter was updated on September 24, 2026 and Sound Meter on September 18, 2026.

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