Comparison

UMSmartSound vs ARCQ SPL

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

Head to head
About

UMSmartSound

Features
Read full description

---------------------- APP Function ---------------------- 1. Multiple sound modes, easy to switch, precise and easy to control --HIFI Mode: Raise the audio sample rate to the highest available threshold, let you instantly enter the immersive HIFI level listening experience. --Adaptable ANC Mode: Adjust the noise canceling level according to the loudness of the ambient sound. Let you fully enjoy the music without the increasing the pressure in the ears. --Ambient Mode: Let you hear through the ambient sound. Provide you the flexibility to communicate with others. --Voice Enhance Mode: In social settings, selectively enhanced environmental sounds to facilitate listening, communication and conversation. 2. Equalizer Gaming Mode, Touch Disable, In Ear Sensor, 4 preset EQ and 1 custom EQ. 3.Audio Scene Management (Idle/playing music/talking): Switches to a specific master mode 4.Equipped with personal usage habit setting function, double - click three - stroke settings 5.Restore original factory settings, firmware upgrade ---------------------- Contact ---------------------- If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us: Email: service@uniquemelody.org Web: www.uniquemelody.org Privacy Policy: https://www.uniquemelody.org/policies/privacy-policy

About

ARCQ SPL

Transform your device into a precision sound pressure level meter. Analyze real-time A- and C-weighted measurements, view live spectrum analysis, and utilize flexible input options for accurate audio monitoring.

Highlights
  • Real-time A- and C-weighted measurements
  • Octave-band spectrum analyzer
  • Flexible input options (built-in, USB, Bluetooth)
  • Simultaneous metric display
  • Customizable averaging windows
  • On-device processing for privacy
Features
Read full description

SPL Meter turns your iPhone or iPad into a precision sound pressure level meter for musicians, audio engineers, AV techs, and anyone who needs to know how loud it really is. Built around real-time A- and C-weighted measurement, SPL Meter shows the readings the pros actually use — not a single number, but a full panel of simultaneous metrics. MEASUREMENTS • LAS / LCS — A- and C-weighted level with SLOW or FAST time weighting • LAeq / LCeq — equivalent continuous level over your chosen averaging window • LCpeak — true C-weighted peak, instant and max-hold • TWA — time-weighted average for noise-exposure style monitoring • Instant, average, and max-hold values side by side LIVE SPECTRUM • Real-time octave-band spectrum analyzer • Drag across the display to read the level at any frequency • Double-tap to expand for a full-screen view FLEXIBLE INPUT • Use the built-in microphone or any connected USB, Bluetooth, or headset input • Multi-channel interfaces supported — pick the exact input channel • A/B capture: freeze two readings and see the difference DESIGNED FOR REAL WORK • Choose your averaging window to suit the room and the source • Custom thresholds and profiles • Clean, high-contrast layout that reads at a glance on stage or in the field • Universal — optimized for both iPhone and iPad PRIVATE BY DESIGN SPL Meter does all processing on-device. Audio is never recorded, saved, or transmitted. There are no accounts, no analytics, no tracking, and no ads. A NOTE ON ACCURACY Like any phone-based meter, readings depend on your device's microphone and are not a substitute for a calibrated Class 1/2 sound level meter for compliance work. SPL Meter is a powerful, consistent tool for monitoring, comparison, and setup — not a certified measurement instrument.

Screenshots

UMSmartSound3 screens
ARCQ SPL4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: UMSmartSound at Free against ARCQ SPL's $5.99. UMSmartSound also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). ARCQ SPL's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 months). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

UMSmartSound is free to download; ARCQ SPL costs $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

UMSmartSound ships an update every 3 months, ARCQ SPL every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Ā· 5 level
UMSmartSound versus ARCQ SPL: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUMSmartSoundARCQ SPL
PriceFree — better$5.99
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperZERO PLUS, K.K.JRB LAB

In-app purchases

None

UMSmartSound

No in-app purchases

None

ARCQ SPL

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is UMSmartSound free?
UMSmartSound is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ARCQ SPL free?
ARCQ SPL costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do UMSmartSound or ARCQ SPL have ads?
Neither UMSmartSound nor ARCQ SPL shows ads.
Which is updated more often, UMSmartSound or ARCQ SPL?
UMSmartSound ships an update every 3 months, and ARCQ SPL every 2 days. Most recently, UMSmartSound was updated on October 27, 2026 and ARCQ SPL on October 22, 2026.

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