# SoundMeter X vs Spectrolite

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Spectrolite at 83% against SoundMeter X's 23%. Spectrolite also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.6) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.6). SoundMeter X's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 8 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SoundMeter X sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Spectrolite sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Spectrolite holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 45 and 51 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 23% of SoundMeter X's written reviews are positive against 83% of Spectrolite's.

SoundMeter X ships an update every 3 weeks, Spectrolite every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SoundMeter X | Spectrolite |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundmeter-x/id1348050232/reviews) | **[4.8 (51 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrolite/id1480240180/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 45 | **51** |
| Positive reviews | 22.6% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Faber Acoustical, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/284781780) | [Waxing Wave](https://appshunter.io/developer/392942046) |

## What reviewers say

### SoundMeter X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundmeter-x/id1348050232)

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:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SoundMeter Pro, 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Pro Tool Set, 1 Month | $24.99 | per month |
| SoundMeter Pro, 1 Year | $49.99 | per year |
| Pro Tool Set, 1 Year | $249.99 | per year |
| 14-day Free Trial, SoundMeter Pro | Free | one-time |
| SoundMeter Pro 2026 Upgrade | $29.99 | one-time |
| SoundMeter Pro 2026 | $99.99 | one-time |


### Spectrolite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrolite/id1480240180)

This app visualizes sound in real-time using various spectrogram types. Explore detailed audio data with intuitive touch controls and adjustable parameters. An optional purchase unlocks advanced measurement tools.

**Highlights:** Real-time spectrogram visualization, Constant-Q, linear, and mel frequency scales, Full human hearing frequency range, Intuitive touch panning and zooming, Adjustable gain, Q, and other parameters, Pro version: grids, scales, spectrum view, tap-to-measure

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SoundMeter X free?

SoundMeter X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Spectrolite free?

Spectrolite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SoundMeter X or Spectrolite?

Spectrolite is rated higher. SoundMeter X averages 3.6 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while Spectrolite averages 4.8 from 51 ratings.

### Do SoundMeter X or Spectrolite have ads?

Neither SoundMeter X nor Spectrolite shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SoundMeter X or Spectrolite?

SoundMeter X ships an update every 3 weeks, and Spectrolite every 8 months. Most recently, SoundMeter X was updated on October 15, 2026 and Spectrolite on September 23, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*