Comparison

SoundMeter X vs dBMeter

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

dBMeter

This application precisely measures sound intensity in real time using your device's microphone. It displays minimum, maximum, and average decibel levels, offers a noise-time graph, and allows for microphone calibration. The tool is ideal for monitoring ambient noise in various environments and exporting data for analysis.

Highlights
  • Real-time decibel measurement
  • Min, max, and average values
  • Noise-time graph
  • Microphone calibration
  • Background operation
  • CSV data export
  • Timer option
Features
Read full description

dBMeter is a powerful and precise noise level meter (decibel meter) that measures sound intensity in real time using your iPhone’s microphone. - Main features • Real-time sound level measurement (dB). • Displays min, max, and average values. • Noise-time graph for detailed analysis. • Microphone calibration for accurate readings. • Works in background or screen-off mode. • CSV export for reports and data analysis. • Timer option. • Light and dark themes. • Optimized for iPhone and iPad. - Ideal for: • Monitoring ambient noise at home, work, or events. • Checking traffic, music, or machinery noise levels. • Musicians, engineers, teachers, and professionals. - Reliable, simple, and accurate — monitor your sound environment anywhere.

Screenshots

SoundMeter X4 screens
dBMeter4 screens

Verdict

The call

SoundMeter X and dBMeter both sit at 3.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 67% of dBMeter's written reviews are positive against 23% of SoundMeter X's. dBMeter also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 7) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.6). SoundMeter X's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, rating and device support 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. dBMeter asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.6 for SoundMeter X against 3.6 for dBMeter. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SoundMeter X has 45 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 23% of SoundMeter X's written reviews are positive against 67% of dBMeter's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SoundMeter X ships an update every 3 weeks, dBMeter every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
SoundMeter X versus dBMeter: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSoundMeter XdBMeter
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.6 (45 ratings)3.6 (8 ratings) — better
Positive reviews22.6% of reviews66.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings45 — better8
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesAd-supported — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS18.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFaber Acoustical, LLCRamon Palacios Saez

Customer experience

SoundMeter X

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

dBMeter

All ratings7 ratings
Positive57.1%
Neutral14.3%
Negative28.6%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative16.7%

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
None

dBMeter

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SoundMeter X free?
SoundMeter X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is dBMeter free?
dBMeter is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SoundMeter X or dBMeter?
dBMeter is rated higher. SoundMeter X averages 3.6 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while dBMeter averages 3.6 from 8 ratings.
Do SoundMeter X or dBMeter have ads?
dBMeter shows ads; SoundMeter X does not.
Which is updated more often, SoundMeter X or dBMeter?
SoundMeter X ships an update every 3 weeks, and dBMeter every 3 months. Most recently, SoundMeter X was updated on October 21, 2026 and dBMeter on October 20, 2026.

Other comparisons