Comparison

Sound Meter vs Decibel

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
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/

About

Decibel

Measure, analyze, and protect your hearing with this comprehensive sound level meter. It offers real-time decibel readings, noise exposure monitoring, and tools for audio exploration like frequency generation and speaker cleaning.

Highlights
  • Real-time sound level measurement (dB)
  • Noise exposure monitoring (Dosimeter)
  • Interactive recording and visualization
  • Frequency generator
  • Speaker cleaner
  • Frequency hearing test
Features
Read full description

Decibel Meter Pro: Measure, Protect, and Explore Sound From noisy streets to powerful machinery, sound is everywhere. But prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage your hearing. Decibel Meter Pro is your all-in-one tool for sound measurement, hearing protection, and audio exploration. Engineered for precision and loaded with advanced features, it's perfect for anyone who values their hearing or works with sound. Why Choose Decibel Meter Pro? Professionally calibrated for accuracy, Decibel Meter Pro delivers top-tier performance without the high cost of traditional sound level meters. Whether you're safeguarding your ears, testing audio equipment, or simply curious about the sounds around you, this app is your go-to solution. Key Features √Sound Level Meter ● Accurately measure real-time sound levels in decibels (dB). ● Track and log noise levels with thousands of readings per second. √Interactive Recording & Visualization ● Record and visualize noise trends with stunning graphs. ● Analyze, save, and share your sound data effortlessly. √Photo Integration ● Take photos with real-time sound level overlays for unique and shareable content. √Dosimeter for Hearing Health ● Monitor your daily noise exposure and take steps to protect your ears. √Speaker Cleaner ● Remove dust and debris from your device's speakers using targeted sound frequencies. Restore audio clarity with ease! √Frequency Generator ● Generate custom frequencies for testing audio equipment, conducting experiments, or personal use. √Frequency Hearing Test ● Test your hearing with our interactive frequency range test. Understand your auditory limits and track your hearing health over time. Hearing Protection & Awareness Decibel Meter Pro is more than a tool—it’s your partner in hearing health. Identify harmful noise levels, monitor your exposure, and take proactive steps to safeguard your ears. Who’s It For? Whether you're an audio engineer, musician, sound hobbyist, or someone looking to protect their hearing, Decibel Meter Pro combines professional-grade tools with a sleek, easy-to-use design. Download Decibel Meter Pro Today! Measure, protect, and explore the world of sound. Take charge of your hearing health and audio experiences now! Privacy: https://t.ly/fddTr EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Sound Meter4 screens
Decibel4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Decibel at none against Sound Meter's shown. Decibel also leads on review sentiment (81% vs 47%) and ratings volume (250 vs 29). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases 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 and Decibel sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for Sound Meter against 4.4 for Decibel. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Decibel has 250 ratings behind it against 29, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 47% of Sound Meter's written reviews are positive against 81% of Decibel's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sound Meter ships an update every 6 weeks, Decibel monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Sound Meter versus Decibel: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSound MeterDecibel
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (29 ratings)4.4 (250 ratings) — better
Positive reviews46.9% of reviews81.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings29250 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksMonthly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.013.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB80 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperCoocent Ltd.EYWIN BILGI TEKNOLOJILERI ANONIM SIRKETI

Customer experience

Sound Meter

All ratings29 ratings
Positive82.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative17.2%
Written reviews32 reviews
Positive46.9%
Neutral9.4%
Negative43.8%

Decibel

All ratings249 ratings
Positive85.5%
Neutral4.8%
Negative9.6%
Written reviews21 reviews
Positive81.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative19.0%

Bugs and requests

Sound Meter

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Decibel

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Background activity drains battery
  • Subscription cancellation not obvious

Requested features

1 request
  • Clear cancellation instructions

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
15 purchases

Decibel

Subscriptions15
  • Grooz DB Meter Weekly$1.997 Days
  • Weekly Decibel Meter$2.997 Days
  • weekly premium$3.997 Days
Show 12 more
  • Weekly Premium3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • Weekly PRO Decibel$4.997 Days
  • Monthly Decibel Meter$5.991 Month
  • Monthly Premium$6.991 Month
  • Unlimited Weekly PRO$7.997 Days
  • Monthly Decibel Sonic PRO$12.991 Month
  • Special Yearly Premium$12.991 Year
  • Annual Decibel Meter3 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Yearly Premium (B)1 Year trial$39.991 Year
  • Yearly Premium3 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Yearly Decibel Sonic PRO3 Days trial$44.991 Year
  • Yearly premium pro3 Days trial$59.991 Year

Questions

Is Sound Meter free?
Sound Meter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Decibel free?
Decibel is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Sound Meter or Decibel?
Decibel is rated higher. Sound Meter averages 4.3 out of 5 from 29 ratings, while Decibel averages 4.4 from 250 ratings.
Do Sound Meter or Decibel have ads?
Sound Meter shows ads; Decibel does not.
Which is updated more often, Sound Meter or Decibel?
Sound Meter ships an update every 6 weeks, and Decibel monthly. Most recently, Sound Meter was updated on September 18, 2026 and Decibel on September 9, 2026.

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