# dB vs Decibel

The clearest difference is rating: Decibel at 4.6 against dB's 1.0. Decibel also leads on ratings volume (37 vs 1). dB's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Decibel sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. dB asks for nothing beyond the download.

Decibel holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Decibel has 37 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

dB ships an update every 3 weeks, Decibel monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | dB | Decibel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/db-tester/id1441925884/reviews) | **[4.6 (37 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-db-sound-level-meter/id6443760208/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **37** |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shenzhen Jumaoyuan Science and Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1327619798) | [Kemal Bakacak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1475963902) |

## 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


### Decibel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-db-sound-level-meter/id6443760208)

Transform your device into a professional sound level meter to detect harmful noises and protect your hearing. It also allows you to test and track your stereo and hearing performance with detailed history management. The app offers accurate measurements and a quick hearing test.

**Highlights:** Professional sound level meter, Hearing performance testing, Stereo and bass sound testing, High frequency sound generation, Accurate measurements, History data management, Dark mode support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly - Noise Dosimeter | $2.49 | per month |
| Yearly - SPL & Decibel Meter | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly Trial - Water Eject | $9.99 | per year |
| Lifetime - Hz Tone Generator | $15.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is dB free?

dB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Decibel free?

Decibel is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, dB or Decibel?

Decibel is rated higher. dB averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Decibel averages 4.6 from 37 ratings.

### Do dB or Decibel have ads?

Decibel shows ads; dB does not.

### Which is updated more often, dB or Decibel?

dB ships an update every 3 weeks, and Decibel monthly. Most recently, dB was updated on October 26, 2026 and Decibel on October 27, 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.*