OpeNoise vs Noise Calc
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
OpeNoise
This application measures real-time sound pressure levels, displaying minimum and maximum values. It offers advanced analysis like third octave and FFT, with options to save data, calibrate, and share measurements with a community. Note: it is not intended for professional use.
- Real-time A-weighted sound pressure level measurement
- Minimum and maximum level tracking
- Third octave and FFT analysis
- Data saving in text file
- Calibration functionality
- Measurements displayed on a map
- Community sharing of calibration and measurements
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OpeNoise is a real-time noise level meter. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: - Real-time A-weighted sound pressure level measurement - Minimum and maximum level - Third octave and FFT analysis - Data saving in text file - Calibration - Displaying measurements on a map - Metadata compilation - Sharing calibration and measurements with the OpeNoise community TERM OF USE This app is not intended for professional use, it does not necessarily guarantee an accurate noise measurement. Since each device has a different response to noise, a comparison with a professional noise level meter in the measurement dynamic range is required. The utilization of the app requires adequate technical knowledge and skill; an extemporary measurement might not be correct. The calibrations and measurements sent to the OpeNoise community will be used for statistical purposes only and cannot be used in any way to verify compliance with legal limits. CREDITS Developers: Arpa Piemonte (Regional Agency for the Protection of the Environment of Piedmont - Italy - www.arpa.piemonte.it). The code is open source under GNU v.2 license or later, the code is on GitHub: https://github.com/Arpapiemonte/ KEYWORDS noise level meter, level, sound, noise, measure, measurement, dB, db, dBA, dB(A), decibel
Noise Calc
This calculator estimates outdoor and semi-reverberant noise levels. It's designed for acoustic technicians and professionals dealing with machine noise, offering tools for logarithmic summation and difference, sound pressure attenuation, and noise reduction from barriers.
- Logarithmic summation of decibels
- Logarithmic difference in decibels
- Sound pressure attenuation with distance
- Free-field sound propagation
- Sound-insulating barrier noise reduction
- Outdoor machinery noise compliance estimation
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Noise Calc is a calculator designed to quickly estimate noise levels in outdoor environments and semi-reverberant fields. It is a useful tool for acoustic technicians in the field, as well as for other professionals dealing with machine noise. We have specifically designed a section for those who design and install heat pumps, air handling units (AHUs), chillers, and other noisy outdoor machinery. The first section performs logarithmic summation in decibels: this is useful, for example, when multiple machines are nearby, and their known sound energy levels need to be summed (dB values must be added with dB, or dBA with dBA; sound power levels (Lw) can be summed together; sound pressure levels (Lp) can also be summed, but only if measured at the same distance from the source). The second section performs a logarithmic difference in decibels: this is useful when the ambient pressure level and residual pressure level are known, helping to determine the energy level of the sound source at a given point. The third section evaluates sound pressure attenuation with distance: if the pressure level (Lp) in decibels is known at distance d1, the result at d2 can be estimated (however, measurements taken with a phone should be avoided, and care must be taken to ensure that d1 is not too close to the source and that d2 is not affected by sound reflections). The fourth section evaluates sound propagation in free-field conditions, considering the sound power level (Lw) of the source and whether it is near one, two, or three surfaces (excluding reflections from other objects). The fifth section estimates the noise reduction effect of a sound-insulating barrier. It performs a simplified frequency-by-frequency calculation and returns the number of decibels by which the noise will be reduced (if the frequency is unknown, 500 Hz is typically used). The sixth section is particularly useful for technicians and installers of outdoor machinery. Given the data from the technical sheet (either power or pressure at the manufacturer-declared distance), the machine's position near one or more surfaces, and the distance to the nearest neighbor's window, the app will indicate whether there are significant issues in complying with municipal noise zoning regulations). The seventh section allows for a differential limit calculation. The eighth section evaluates sound propagation in a semi-reverberant field.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: OpeNoise at 4.0 against Noise Calc's 1.0. OpeNoise also leads on ratings volume (4 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
OpeNoise holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.
OpeNoise ships an update every 7 months, Noise Calc every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | OpeNoise | Noise Calc |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (4 ratings) — better | 1.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 85.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months — better | Every 11 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 18 MB | 39 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Arpa Piemonte | Lorenzo Rizzi |
Customer experience
OpeNoise
Noise Calc
In-app purchases
OpeNoise
No in-app purchases
Noise Calc
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is OpeNoise free?
Is Noise Calc free?
Which has better reviews, OpeNoise or Noise Calc?
Do OpeNoise or Noise Calc have ads?
Which is updated more often, OpeNoise or Noise Calc?
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