Comparison

dB 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

dB

This utility app allows Bluetooth control of a meter for recording, reading, and deleting data. Visualize parameter trends with graphical curves and receive timely alerts for accurate measurements.

Highlights
  • Bluetooth meter control
  • Record, read, and delete data
  • Visualize parameter trends with curves
  • Accurate alarm function
  • Data analysis
Features
Read full description

Using dB-Tester, you can control the recording, reading, deleting and other functions of the meter via bluetooth connection. The parameters such as the noise value returned by the meter can be drawn into a curve, so that the user can directly see the variation trend of the parameters. The alarm function can alert the user, accurate and practical.

About

Sound Meter

Measure environmental noise levels in decibels (dB) with this tool. It helps identify noise pollution, monitor sound levels, and protect your hearing by setting decibel warnings. Record noise, take photos, and create videos of decibel readings.

Highlights
  • Measure environmental noise in decibels (dB)
  • Evaluate average and maximum decibel values
  • Display decibel levels in gauge and graph
  • Record sound levels with photos and videos
  • Set decibel warnings for hearing protection
  • Calibrate for accuracy
  • Multiple themes
Features
Read full description

Sound Level Meter app can measure environment noise in decibel values (dB). Sound Level Meter is a perfect free auxiliary tool to evaluate the noise around you and the best noise detector & real-time audio analyzer, a necessary noise detector app for both individuals and families, it helps you stay away from noise pollution and concentrate. Compare the noise you record to reference, is it normal conversation, or as loud as subway train? Features of Decibel Meter & Sound Level Meter - Evaluate current noise reference - Evaluate avg/max decibel values (dB) - Display decibel in gauge & graph - Measure sound level with record - Save noise recording, take decibel photo and record decibel video - Display avg/min/max decibel values of records - 4 themes for your choice - Calibrate if you feel not accurate enough - Regulate voices visually - Set decibel warning for timely hearing protection Uses of Decibel Meter & Sound Level Meter - When you feel too noisy but without proof - Monitor sound level around us - Detect the decibel of your neighbors - Record your snores Levels of Noise in decibels (dB) according to the American Academy of audiology, from 20 dB to 120 dB between the division. Note: The max values are limited by your ios device, very loud noises may not be recognized accurately. This sound meter app is a necessary noise detector app for both individuals and families, it helps you stay away from noise pollution and concentrate. Just need one step to turn your phone into a sound meter tool to measure environmental noise, download this free Sound Meter app! About the In-App Subscription: --Subscription period: "Sound Meter Premium - Monthly" (continuous monthly subscription product), "Sound Meter Premium - Yearly" (continuous annual subscription product), "Sound Meter Premium - Permanently" --Payment: After user confirms the purchase and pays, it will be billed through your Apple ID account --Cancel renewal: If you need to cancel the renewal, please manually turn off the automatic renewal function in the iTunes/Apple ID setting management 24 hours before the current subscription period expires --Renewal: Apple’s iTunes account will be deducted within 24 hours before expiration. After the deduction is successful, the subscription period will be extended by one subscription period. --Privacy Policy: http://privacypolicy.oss-us-west-1.aliyuncs.com/protocol/privacy.txt --EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

dB4 screens
Sound Meter4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Sound Meter at 4.3 against dB's 1.0. Sound Meter also leads on ratings volume (31 vs 1). dB's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On price 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. Sound Meter sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. dB asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Sound Meter holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sound Meter has 31 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

dB ships an update every 3 weeks, Sound Meter every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
dB versus Sound Meter: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterdBSound Meter
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings)4.3 (31 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—56.4% of reviews
Number of ratings131 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB38 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperShenzhen Jumaoyuan Science and Technology Co., Ltd.Coocent Ltd.

In-app purchases

None

dB

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Sound Meter

Subscriptions2
  • Sound meter premium - monthly$1.991 Month
  • Sound meter premium - yearly$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Sound meter premium- permanent$12.99

Questions

Is dB free?
dB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Sound Meter free?
Sound Meter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, dB or Sound Meter?
Sound Meter is rated higher. dB averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Sound Meter averages 4.3 from 31 ratings.
Do dB or Sound Meter have ads?
Sound Meter shows ads; dB does not.
Which is updated more often, dB or Sound Meter?
dB ships an update every 3 weeks, and Sound Meter every 6 weeks. Most recently, dB was updated on November 2, 2026 and Sound Meter on November 3, 2026.

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