# DecibelMeter vs SPL Meter

The clearest difference is rating: SPL Meter at 4.5 against DecibelMeter's 2.0. SPL Meter also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 15 months) and ratings volume (11 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DecibelMeter sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month and SPL Meter sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SPL Meter holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SPL Meter has 11 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

DecibelMeter ships an update every 15 months, SPL Meter every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DecibelMeter | SPL Meter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibelmeter-noise-meter-app/id1597236544/reviews) | **[4.5 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spl-meter-dbtracker/id6742470686/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **11** |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [杏娣 吴](https://appshunter.io/developer/1275821426) | [金红 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1781133144) |

## What reviewers say

### DecibelMeter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibelmeter-noise-meter-app/id1597236544)

This utility app transforms your iPhone into a sound level meter to measure ambient noise. It provides real-time decibel readings, displaying maximum, current, and average values on a gauge. The app offers a simple interface with dark mode support for easy use.

**Highlights:** Sound level meter functionality, Real-time dB measurement, Max, current, and average values, Gauge meter display, Dark mode support, Simple and easy to use

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Decibel Meter Pro | $1.49 | per month |
| Decibel Meter Pro | $7.99 | per year |


### SPL Meter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spl-meter-dbtracker/id6742470686)

This tool measures ambient noise levels in real-time, providing decibel readings to help you understand noise intensity and protect your hearing. It features an intuitive gauge, explanations of noise levels, and recording capabilities to track variations across locations and times.

**Highlights:** Real-time decibel measurement, Intuitive gauge display, Noise level explanations, Recording functionality, Track noise variations, Hearing protection guidance

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DecibelMeter free?

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

### Is SPL Meter free?

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

### Which has better reviews, DecibelMeter or SPL Meter?

SPL Meter is rated higher. DecibelMeter averages 2.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while SPL Meter averages 4.5 from 11 ratings.

### Do DecibelMeter or SPL Meter have ads?

Neither DecibelMeter nor SPL Meter shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DecibelMeter or SPL Meter?

DecibelMeter ships an update every 15 months, and SPL Meter every 5 weeks. Most recently, DecibelMeter was updated on September 23, 2026 and SPL Meter on October 17, 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.*