Comparison

SoundMeter X vs SmarterNoise

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

Head to head
About

SoundMeter X

Transform your device into a professional sound level meter, noise dosimeter, and spectrum analyzer. Log data, calibrate sensitivity, and analyze audio with advanced features. Offers a free trial for premium functionalities.

Highlights
  • Handheld data-logging sound level meter
  • Data-logging noise dosimeter
  • Real-time octave spectrum analyzer
  • Multi-channel data recorder
  • Stereo signal generator
  • Sensitivity calibration
  • Data logging in CSV, TXT, MAT, and PDF
Features
Read full description

SoundMeter X turns your iPhone or iPad into a handheld data-logging sound level meter (SLM), data-logging noise dosimeter, stereo signal generator, multi-channel data recorder, and real-time whole or 1/3 octave band spectrum analyzer (subscription or perpetual license required for most features--14-day free trial available). Input signals can be acquired from any available audio input path. Sensitivity calibration can also be performed for any audio input device and/or input channel. Direct hardware support (automatic sensitivity calibration, based on factory-defined values) for The Modal Shop’s 2-channel 485B39 USB-ICP interface and miniDSP’s UMIK-1, UMIK-2, and EARS microphones. In addition to real-time sound level measurements, SoundMeter can stream raw sound data to audio files, and store acquired sound level data, including date, time, and location, in CSV or TXT (tab-delimited) files, MAT-files, or high-resolution PDF images for later retrieval from your device. SoundMeter may be downloaded for free from the App Store. Additional tools and features are offered via in-app purchase. The SoundMeter Pro subscription includes: - User-defined custom metadata in saved audio and data files - Level MeterLp, Leq, Lx sound levels -- Standard Flat, A, C frequency weighting -- Standard Fast, Slow, Impulse time weighting -- Data logging. Data can be logged as often as every 0.1 seconds for up to 8 hours, every second for up to 72 hours, or every 10 seconds for up to two weeks. -- Event notifications - Max Levels Meter -- Traffic-light-style meters make it easy to monitor 2 separate sound level thresholds in 2 independent user-defined frequency bands. -- Define lower (warning) and higher (limit) sound level thresholds for overall (full audio band) levels as well as for individual octave frequency bands. -- Store user-defined thresholds in files for later recall. - Noise Dosimeter -- 8-hour Noise Dose, Projected Dose, TWA calculations -- Criterion Levels: 80, 85, 90 dB -- Exchange Rates: 3, 4, 5 dB -- Data logging. Data can be logged as often as every 0.1 seconds for up to 8 hours, every second for up to 72 hours, or every 10 seconds for up to two weeks. - Real-time Octave Spectrum Analyzer (RTA) -- Lp, Leq, Lx sound levels -- Supports whole or 1/3-octave frequency bands -- Standard Flat, A, C frequency weighting -- Standard Fast, Slow, Impulse time weighting -- NC, RNC, and NR references curves, NC, SIL, and NR values -- Data logging. Data can be logged as often as every 0.1 seconds for up to 8 hours, every second for up to 72 hours, or every 10 seconds for up to two weeks. - Multi-channel Data Recorder -- Supports up to 8 channels -- Live monitoring of recorded data -- Metadata (including calibrated sensitivity) embedded in audio file (AIF, CAF, WAV), optionally saved in separate data file - Stereo Signal Generator -- Left and right outputs assigned to arbitrary hardware output channels -- Random and pseudorandom (periodic) noise sequences with white or pink spectrum -- Linear and logarithmic frequency sweeps -- Dual periodic waveforms with arbitrary frequency and phase difference - MultiTool -- Powerful data monitoring and project management (Add 2-6 subtools, depending on screen size, and save configurations for easy recall at a later time.) The SignalScope X Pro Tool Set subscription can be shared between SoundMeter X and SignalScope X. It unlocks all tools and features of the SoundMeter Pro subscription in SoundMeter X and all tools and features of the Pro Tool Set subscription in SignalScope X (iCloud login required). Learn more about SoundMeter X at FaberAcoustical.com. Subscription Terms: - https://www.faberacoustical.com/apps/subscriptions/terms.html Privacy Policy: - https://www.faberacoustical.com/about/privacy.html Terms and Conditions for FaberAcoustical.com: https://www.faberacoustical.com/about/terms.html

About

SmarterNoise

This app measures sound levels, records audio and video, and provides information on noise exposure risks. It features smart icons to help users understand the impact of noise on health and cognitive performance. Save, share, and archive your recordings with this comprehensive tool.

Highlights
  • Sound level measurement
  • Video and audio recording
  • Noise exposure risk information
  • Smart icons for health impact
  • Archive and sharing of recordings
  • Calibration
  • Location and time display
Features
Read full description

SmarterNoise measures sound level, records video and audio and informs about noise SmarterNoise is a premium sound level meter app featuring several unique functions. SmarterNoise measures sound levels in video and audio modes, records video and sound, and informs you about the risks of noise exposure. In addition, SmarterNoise includes a camera, measurement location, and easy sharing, all for free. From the archive you can view the video and audio files you've saved on your phone. With SmarterNoise you take sound level and noise measuring to a new level never available before. SmarterNoise features smart icons that react to the measured sound levels based on current research results focusing on the health and the adverse effects of noise pollution. With the SmarterNoise icons you easily understand how hearing, cognitive performance, and health may be affected by different levels of noise exposure. The awareness of harmful noise is increasing globally, and is considered a versatile risk factor for well-being and health, especially in noise polluted urban environments. Features of SmarterNoise: Sound level measurement and recording in video and audio modes Sound level activated audio recording Full HD, HD or VGA video resolution Three video quality settings Zoom and camera light Restarting of measurement Archive for saved files Sharing of saved files Calibration Smart icons Location, address Time and date display 10 second sound level average (LAeq, decibel) 60 second sound level average (LAeq, decibel) Max and min decibel level About decibels and sound measurement The unit for measuring noise and sound is called a decibel. Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, a sound with an intensity that is twice that of a reference sound corresponds to an increase of about 3 decibels. The reference point of 0 decibel is set at the intensity of the least perceptible sound, the threshold of hearing. On such a scale a 10-decibel sound is 10 times the intensity of the reference sound. Highlighting this is important as already a difference of a few decibels makes a noticeable difference in how noise is perceived. Leq is an average value describing the total sound energy over a period of time. It is however common practice to measure sound levels using A-weighting, which attenuates low and high frequencies that the average person cannot hear. In this case Leq is written LAeq. LAeq is a formulated average which emphasizes higher sound peaks, and is one of the most common measurements used by professionals to measure noise. All averages in SmarterNoise are measured in LAeq. Health effects of noise are often measured in Lden. Lden measures the average sound level over a 24 hour period, with a penalty of 5 dB added for the evening hours between 19:00 and 22:00, and a penalty of 10 dB added for the nighttime hours between 22:00 and 07:00. Increased health risks have been observed during long term exposure, which highlights the need to consider the full average sound energy over a longer period, not only temporary averages or noise peaks. About noise According to the findings of the World Health Organization (WHO), noise is the second largest environmental cause of health problems, after the impact of air quality. While environmental awareness in general has increased, the burden of noise has not yet been realized by the general public. People especially in urban environments are subjected to noise daily and nightly, at home and at work. Noise pollution has increased over the years due to increased traffic and air travel, urbanization, and industrial noise exposure. Because of the complex and frequent issue of everyday noise, we developed SmarterNoise in order for people to understand noise better.

Screenshots

SoundMeter X4 screens
SmarterNoise4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SmarterNoise at 75% against SoundMeter X's 23%. SmarterNoise also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.6) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.6). SoundMeter X's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases 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. SoundMeter X sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and SmarterNoise sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SmarterNoise holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 45 and 115 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 23% of SoundMeter X's written reviews are positive against 75% of SmarterNoise's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SoundMeter X ships an update every 3 weeks, SmarterNoise every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
SoundMeter X versus SmarterNoise: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSoundMeter XSmarterNoise
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.6 (45 ratings)4.6 (115 ratings) — better
Positive reviews22.6% of reviews75.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings45115 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS18.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB27 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperFaber Acoustical, LLCJohan Rogard

Customer experience

SoundMeter X

All ratings45 ratings
Positive62.2%
Neutral8.9%
Negative28.9%
Written reviews31 reviews
Positive22.6%
Neutral6.5%
Negative71.0%

SmarterNoise

All ratings102 ratings
Positive89.2%
Neutral4.9%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews24 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%

In-app purchases

7 purchases

SoundMeter X

Subscriptions4
  • SoundMeter Pro, 1 Month14 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Pro Tool Set, 1 Month14 Days trial$24.991 Month
  • SoundMeter Pro, 1 Year14 Days trial$49.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Pro Tool Set, 1 Year14 Days trial$249.991 Year
One-time3
  • 14-day Free Trial, SoundMeter ProFree
  • SoundMeter Pro 2026 Upgrade$29.99
  • SoundMeter Pro 2026$99.99
2 purchases

SmarterNoise

One-time2
  • Long-term measurement$1.99
  • Remove ads$2.99

Questions

Is SoundMeter X free?
SoundMeter X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SmarterNoise free?
SmarterNoise is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SoundMeter X or SmarterNoise?
SmarterNoise is rated higher. SoundMeter X averages 3.6 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while SmarterNoise averages 4.6 from 115 ratings.
Do SoundMeter X or SmarterNoise have ads?
SmarterNoise shows ads; SoundMeter X does not.
Which is updated more often, SoundMeter X or SmarterNoise?
SoundMeter X ships an update every 3 weeks, and SmarterNoise every 6 weeks. Most recently, SoundMeter X was updated on October 13, 2026 and SmarterNoise on October 6, 2026.

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