NIOSH Sound Level Meter vs MERLINSHIP Driver
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
MERLINSHIP Driver
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MERLINSHIP Driver helps freight drivers manage assigned shipments from pickup to delivery. Built for drivers in the MERLINSHIP network, the app brings daily tasks, stop details, navigation, proof of delivery, location updates, HOS tools, and dispatcher communication into one mobile workflow.
Screenshots
Verdict
NIOSH Sound Level Meter and MERLINSHIP Driver are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
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.
| Parameter | NIOSH Sound Level Meter | MERLINSHIP Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (17K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 64.5% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 17K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 57 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | EA LAB | LinkPrint Inc |
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)
MERLINSHIP Driver
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
NIOSH Sound Level Meter
No in-app purchases
MERLINSHIP Driver
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is NIOSH Sound Level Meter free?
Is MERLINSHIP Driver free?
Do NIOSH Sound Level Meter or MERLINSHIP Driver have ads?
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