Comparison

SoundMeter X vs SPL Meter

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 measurement tool. Analyze audio levels, record data, and generate signals with advanced features like octave band analysis and noise dosimetry. Offers a free download with optional in-app purchases for expanded functionality.

Highlights
  • Sound level measurement (SLM)
  • Noise dosimetry
  • Octave band spectrum analysis
  • Data logging (CSV, TXT, MAT)
  • Stereo signal generator
  • Sensitivity calibration
  • Real-time audio analysis
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 up to 6 subtools 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

SPL Meter

Transform your device into a professional sound level meter to measure decibels in real-time. Monitor noise levels, visualize sound frequencies, and track your exposure to ensure safe hearing limits.

Highlights
  • Accurate noise level detection
  • Live audio monitoring
  • Professional calibration
  • Detailed noise history
  • Advanced spectrogram view
  • Noise exposure tracking
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone into a precise SPL meter, noise meter, and dB meter. Get instant readings, monitor in real time, and visualize sound with a pro-grade toolkit designed for everyday noise checks and audio work. Features Accurate Noise Level Detection Instantly measure decibels (dB) in any environment. Live Audio Monitoring Real-time noise level meter with smooth, stable updates. Professional Calibration Calibrate to match certified sound meters or reference tones. Light & Dark Modes Pick the interface that fits your space. Detailed Noise History See min / max / average and trends over time. Advanced Spectrogram View Visualize frequencies and intensity—great as a simple voice meter and audio analyzer. Noise Exposure Tracking Auto-track exposure to help you stay within safe hearing limits. Perfect for musicians, audio techs, educators, and anyone needing a reliable noise level meter to measure decibels quickly. Upgrade to Pro Unlock unlimited noise history, advanced spectrogram view, full noise exposure tracking, and pro calibration tools. Plans Available: Weekly Plan – Full features, billed weekly Monthly Plan – Best value for regular use Annual Plan – Save more with a yearly subscription Cancel anytime in your iOS settings. Note: For best accuracy, calibrate in-app and consider an external microphone. Results are for reference; not for legal or compliance use. Privacy policy : https://sites.google.com/view/dbmeterprvplcy/home Term of use : https://sites.google.com/view/dbmetertermofuse/home

Screenshots

SoundMeter X4 screens
SPL Meter4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SPL Meter at 100% against SoundMeter X's 23%. SPL Meter also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.6) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.6). SoundMeter X's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (45 vs 14). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 SPL Meter sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SPL Meter holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 45 and 14 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 23% of SoundMeter X's written reviews are positive against 100% of SPL Meter's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SoundMeter X ships an update fortnightly, SPL Meter every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
SoundMeter X versus SPL Meter: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSoundMeter XSPL Meter
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.6 (45 ratings)4.9 (14 ratings) — better
Positive reviews22.6% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings45 — better14
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS18.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFaber Acoustical, LLCCODIGITAL SOLUTIONS

Customer experience

SoundMeter X

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

SPL Meter

All ratings14 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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
3 purchases

SPL Meter

Subscriptions3
  • Pro Access$2.997 Days
  • Pro Access$4.991 Month
  • Pro Access$29.991 Year

Questions

Is SoundMeter X free?
SoundMeter X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SPL Meter free?
SPL Meter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SoundMeter X or SPL Meter?
SPL Meter is rated higher. SoundMeter X averages 3.6 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while SPL Meter averages 4.9 from 14 ratings.
Do SoundMeter X or SPL Meter have ads?
Neither SoundMeter X nor SPL Meter shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SoundMeter X or SPL Meter?
SoundMeter X ships an update fortnightly, and SPL Meter every 2 months. Most recently, SoundMeter X was updated on November 11, 2026 and SPL Meter on October 30, 2026.

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