# Sound Meter (SPL meter) vs Vgate VB

The clearest difference is price: Vgate VB at Free against Sound Meter (SPL meter)'s $0.99. Vgate VB also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). Sound Meter (SPL meter)'s advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Vgate VB is free to download; Sound Meter (SPL meter) costs $0.99 up front. Sound Meter (SPL meter) sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Vgate VB asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sound Meter (SPL meter) ships an update every 6 weeks, Vgate VB every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sound Meter (SPL meter) | Vgate VB |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Positive reviews | 28.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | — |
| Size | 25 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [庆鸿 林](https://appshunter.io/developer/1558629938) | [深圳大城软件有限公司](https://appshunter.io/developer/6792685460) |

## What reviewers say

### Sound Meter (SPL meter)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-meter-spl-meter/id1558634102)

This utility app uses your device's microphone to measure ambient noise levels in decibels. It displays readings with graphical representations and provides historical data like minimum, average, and maximum values. Calibration options are available for different devices.

**Highlights:** Measures noise in decibels (dB), Displays decibel readings on a gauge, Shows current, min, avg, and max dB values, Graphs decibel levels over time, Tracks elapsed time of measurements, Allows device-specific decibel calibration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access | $0.99 | one-time |


### Vgate VB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vgate-vb/id6792685458)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sound Meter (SPL meter) free?

Sound Meter (SPL meter) costs $0.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Vgate VB free?

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

### Do Sound Meter (SPL meter) or Vgate VB have ads?

Sound Meter (SPL meter) shows ads; Vgate VB does not.

### Which is updated more often, Sound Meter (SPL meter) or Vgate VB?

Sound Meter (SPL meter) ships an update every 6 weeks, and Vgate VB every 4 weeks. Most recently, Sound Meter (SPL meter) was updated on October 15, 2026 and Vgate VB on October 16, 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.*