Comparison

NIOSH Sound Level Meter vs Cuspart

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

Cuspart

Features
Read full description

Professional Decibel Meter: Analysis, Recording & Alerts Overview Developed for environmental acoustic measurements and noise auditing, this application transforms your mobile device into a professional sound analysis station. With advanced signal processing algorithms, real-time data visualization, automated threshold alerts, and location-based video documentation, it offers precise solutions for occupational safety, environmental inspection, and acoustic analysis needs. KEY TECHNICAL FEATURES Smart Threshold Alarm & Notification System: No need for constant screen monitoring. When noise levels exceed user-defined limits or standard safety thresholds (e.g., 90 dB), the application automatically sends instant notifications. This proactive warning mechanism allows you to immediately detect high noise exposure and helps protect hearing health. Video Documentation & Geo-Tagging: Verifiability of measurement data is essential. During video recording, the application overlays instant decibel (dB) values, GPS coordinates, date, and time directly onto the footage. This feature creates irrefutable visual evidence for noise violations, site inspections, and legal dispute resolutions. Dynamic Graphical Analysis: Sound fluctuations are monitored with millisecond precision via time-axis charts. Instant noise changes, peak points, and background noise levels are detailed within the graphical interface. Statistical Data Processing: Data obtained during the measurement session is analyzed to calculate: • Min: The lowest sound level detected. • Max: The highest noise peak level. • Avg: Time-weighted average value calculated automatically. Customizable Interface (UI): To ensure optimal readability under various lighting conditions, the application offers multiple color themes and options for both analog and digital gauge displays. CORPORATE & INDIVIDUAL USE CASES • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): Automatic detection of noise limit violations in factories, workshops, and industrial sites. • Environmental Auditing: Monitoring noise pollution caused by traffic, construction, or commercial businesses for compliance. • Baby & Sleep Safety: Remote awareness when sound levels rise in a nursery or sleeping environment. • Acoustic Testing: Performance evaluation of sound insulation and audio equipment. Why Choose This Solution? • Proactive Safety: Warning system triggers upon limit breach. • Evidence Quality: Location and timestamped video records. • Data Reliability: Consistent results with calibrated algorithms. Digitize your noise measurement processes. Download now for professional analysis. *Legal Disclaimer: While this application provides high-precision measurements within the technical capabilities of mobile device microphones, it is recommended to use certified Class 1 or Class 2 devices for official expert reports and legal limit compliance.

Screenshots

NIOSH Sound Level Meter4 screens
Cuspart4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NIOSH Sound Level Meter at none against Cuspart's 7. NIOSH Sound Level Meter also leads on ads (none vs shown). Cuspart's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 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. Cuspart sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. NIOSH Sound Level Meter asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NIOSH Sound Level Meter ships an update every 5 months, Cuspart every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 4, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
NIOSH Sound Level Meter versus Cuspart: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNIOSH Sound Level MeterCuspart
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (17K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews64.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings17K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB79 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperEA LABMustafa Tolga DALBUDAK

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)

Cuspart

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

NIOSH Sound Level Meter

No in-app purchases

7 purchases

Cuspart

One-time7
  • Upgrade to Pro$0.99
  • Espresso$1.49
  • Flat White$1.99
Show 4 more
  • Caffè Americano$2.49
  • Caffè Mocha$2.99
  • Classic Hot Chocolate$3.49
  • Special Hot Chocolate$3.99

Questions

Is NIOSH Sound Level Meter free?
NIOSH Sound Level Meter is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Cuspart free?
Cuspart is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do NIOSH Sound Level Meter or Cuspart have ads?
Cuspart shows ads; NIOSH Sound Level Meter does not.
Which is updated more often, NIOSH Sound Level Meter or Cuspart?
NIOSH Sound Level Meter ships an update every 5 months, and Cuspart every 2 months. Most recently, NIOSH Sound Level Meter was updated on November 4, 2026 and Cuspart on November 4, 2026.

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