# dB vs Sound Meter

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | dB | Sound Meter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/db-tester/id1441925884/reviews) | **[4.3 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-meter-decibel-pro/id1603557612/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **31** |
| Positive reviews | — | 56.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shenzhen Jumaoyuan Science and Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1327619798) | [Coocent Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/942889525) |

## What reviewers say

### dB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/db-tester/id1441925884)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Sound Meter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-meter-decibel-pro/id1603557612)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sound meter premium - monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Sound meter premium - yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Sound meter premium- permanent | $12.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*