Comparison

SoundMeter X vs Sound 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 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 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

Sound meter

Measure environmental noise levels in real-time using your smartphone's microphone. Track decibel readings, identify potentially harmful sound levels, and monitor noise pollution to create a safer environment.

Highlights
  • Real-time sound measurement
  • Live graph display
  • Min, Max, and Average dB values
  • Measurement time tracking
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Noise level examples
Features
Read full description

Sound Meter (also known as SPL Meter, Noise Meter, or dB Meter) helps you easily measure environmental noise around you. Using your smartphone’s microphone, this app provides real-time noise readings in decibels (dB) so you can stay aware of harmful sound levels and protect your hearing. Features: - Real-time sound measurement with live graph display - Shows Minimum (Min), Maximum (Max), and Average (Avg) decibel values - Simple Play, Pause, and Reset controls - Tracks measurement time during testing - Easy-to-use interface for noise tests anywhere Note: The results may vary slightly depending on your device’s microphone calibration. For the most accurate reading, compare with a professional SPL meter. Sample Noise Levels: - 140 dB: Gunshots - 120 dB: Thunder - 100 dB: Subway Train - 80 dB: Alarm Clock - 60 dB: Conversation - 30 dB: Whisper - 10 dB: Breathing Excessive noise can harm both your physical and mental health. Use Sound Meter to monitor noise pollution and create a safer environment for you and your family. In-app purchase Details: Lifetime Access for ads free version Privacy Policy : https://applicationcontent.wordpress.com/privacy-policy/ Terms of use : https://applicationcontent.wordpress.com/terms-of-use/

Screenshots

SoundMeter X4 screens
Sound meter3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Sound meter at 5.0 against SoundMeter X's 3.6. Sound meter also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.6). SoundMeter X's advantage is ratings volume (45 vs 4). 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 Sound meter sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Sound meter holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SoundMeter X has 45 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
SoundMeter X versus Sound meter: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSoundMeter XSound meter
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.6 (45 ratings)5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews22.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings45 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS18.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB45 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFaber Acoustical, LLCAshvin Kevadiya

Customer experience

SoundMeter X

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

Sound meter

All ratings4 ratings
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
1 purchases

Sound meter

One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$8.99

Questions

Is SoundMeter X free?
SoundMeter X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Sound meter free?
Sound meter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SoundMeter X or Sound meter?
Sound meter is rated higher. SoundMeter X averages 3.6 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while Sound meter averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.
Do SoundMeter X or Sound meter have ads?
Neither SoundMeter X nor Sound meter shows ads.

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