Comparison

OpeNoise vs Decibel Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

About

Decibel Reader

Measure ambient noise levels with real-time readings, tracking minimum, average, and maximum decibels. Offers calibration for accuracy and a dark mode for comfortable viewing. This tool helps you understand your sound environment.

Highlights
  • Real-time decibel measurement
  • Calibration for accuracy
  • Track min, average, and max noise levels
  • Dark mode for low-light use
  • Simple and intuitive interface
Features
Read full description

Introducing Decibel Reader, a handy tool for measuring noise levels quickly and easily. Easy to Use Our simple design makes using our app a breeze. Just open it up and get real-time noise levels right away. Calibration feature Calibrate the meter for more accurate readings. Track Noise Levels See how quiet or loud it is around you. Our app shows you the lowest, average, and highest noise levels. Easy on the Eyes Enjoy our app even at night with our dark mode. It's smooth, modern, and easy on the eyes. Here to Help Got questions? Email us. We're ready to help you. Decibel Reader isn't just a noise meter. It's a trusty tool for knowing how much noise there is around you, whether at work, outdoors, or at home. Try Decibel Reader. Monitoring noise has never been this easy. Download it today. Decibel Reader is free. You can use it forever, at no cost. However, Decibel Reader does offer premium features for its subscribers. If you decide to purchase an upgrade, you can unlock additional features, i.e. remove ads and enable change description feature. Terms of Use: https://kociapp.github.io/Decibel-Reader/term-of-use Privacy Policy: https://kociapp.github.io/Decibel-Reader/privacy-policy

Screenshots

OpeNoise4 screens
Decibel Reader3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Decibel Reader at 4.5 against OpeNoise's 4.0. Decibel Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (24 vs 4). OpeNoise's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment 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. Decibel Reader sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. OpeNoise asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Decibel Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Decibel Reader has 24 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 86% of OpeNoise's written reviews are positive against 80% of Decibel Reader's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OpeNoise ships an update every 7 months, Decibel Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
OpeNoise versus Decibel Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpeNoiseDecibel Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (4 ratings)4.5 (24 ratings) — better
Positive reviews85.7% of reviews — better80.0% of reviews
Number of ratings424 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperArpa PiemonteAndy Sutanto

Customer experience

OpeNoise

All ratings4 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%

Decibel Reader

All ratings24 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral8.3%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%

In-app purchases

None

OpeNoise

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

Decibel Reader

Subscriptions5
  • Decibel Meter Pro - 1 Week$3.997 Days
  • Decibel Meter Pro - 1 Month$7.991 Month
  • Sound Level Meter - 6 Months$19.996 Months
Show 2 more
  • Noise Level Meter - 1 Year$29.991 Year
  • Decibel Meter Pro - 1Y 23 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • dB Meter Pro$49.99

Questions

Is OpeNoise free?
OpeNoise is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Decibel Reader free?
Decibel Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, OpeNoise or Decibel Reader?
Decibel Reader is rated higher. OpeNoise averages 4.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Decibel Reader averages 4.5 from 24 ratings.
Do OpeNoise or Decibel Reader have ads?
Decibel Reader shows ads; OpeNoise does not.
Which is updated more often, OpeNoise or Decibel Reader?
OpeNoise ships an update every 7 months, and Decibel Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, OpeNoise was updated on September 26, 2026 and Decibel Reader on September 18, 2026.

Other comparisons