Comparison

ClockMaster vs Decibel X

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

Head to head
About

ClockMaster

This app analyzes the ticking sound of mechanical pendulum clocks to determine their running rate and error. It's designed for accurate long-term measurements, allowing users to regulate clocks efficiently. Advanced features include printable reports and data export for in-depth analysis.

Highlights
  • Analyzes escapement ticking sound
  • Measures running rate in Beats Per Hour (B/H)
  • Reports error in Seconds Per Day (±S/D)
  • Supports long-term measurements
  • Generates printable PDF reports (Pro)
  • Exports raw data as .csv file (Pro)
Features
Read full description

>>> Check out the demo videos at ClockMasterApp.com ClockMaster is a clock timing software, in many ways similar to watch timegraphers, but specifically designed to work with mechanical pendulum clocks. The app analyzes the ticking sound of the escapement to determine the clock's running rate measured in Beats Per Hour (B/H). This rate is then compared to a specified Target Rate, and the Error is reported as Seconds Per Day fast or slow (±S/D). The speed of a mechanical pendulum clock is not constant, fluctuating with age and wear, spring tension and even temperature. The ClockMaster app was created with a focus on accurate long-term measurements where traditional timers often do not function very well. For the professional horologist or interested amateur, you can now test in the field — put the clock in exact beat and regulate the clock with just a few hours of testing. For increased rate accuracy and in depth investigation of clock movement's behavior, you can conduct long-term measurements for up to two weeks (ClockMaster Pro). Branded, printable PDF reports can be generated for each measurement, and the raw data exported as .csv file for graphing in a spreadsheet (ClockMaster Pro). ClockMaster Pro (in-app upgrade) provides these additional features: • Save and share branded, printable PDF reports for each measurement • Export raw measurement data as a .csv file for spreadsheet analysis • Conduct long-term measurements of up to two weeks

About

Decibel X

This app transforms your device into a professional sound level meter, precisely measuring ambient noise pressure. It offers advanced features like frequency analysis, historical data management, and dosimeter functions, making it useful for various applications and entertainment.

Highlights
  • Precise sound pressure level measurement
  • Frequency spectrum analysis (FFT, BAR graphs)
  • Historical data recording and export
  • Dosimeter with NIOSH, OSHA standards
  • Apple Watch and Health App integration
  • Customizable calibration and filters
Features
Read full description

"Decibel X" is one of very few noise meter apps on the market that has highly reliable, pre-calibrated measurements and supports dBA, dBC. It turns your iOS device into a professional sound level meter, precisely measures the sound pressure level (SPL) all around you. This extremely useful and beautiful tool will not only be a great tool for many uses but also bring you a lot of fun. Have you wondered how quiet is your room or how loud is a rock concert or sport event? "Decibel X" will help you answer all of those. WHAT MAKE IT GREAT AND STAND OUT FROM OTHER APPS: - Trusted accuracy: the app is tested and pre calibrated for all Apple devices. The precision is matching with real SPL devices - Apple Watch support: see noise level right from your wrist - Health App integration: export noise levels directly into Health app - Frequency weighting filters: ITU-R 468, A, B, C, Z - Powerful, smart history data management: + Recording data can be saved into a list of history records for future access and analysis + Each record can be exported as hi-res PNG graph or CSV text via sharing services + iCloud support which synchronize all history records across your Apple devices + Fullscreen mode to give overview the whole history of an record - Dosimeter with NIOSH, OSHA standards - Powerful calibration: Linear, Octave 1/1, 1/3, Load/save profile - FFT and BAR graphs to display real time FFT. Those are very useful for frequency analysis and musical tests. Real time predominant frequency is also displayed. - InstaDecibel to capture your dB report overlaid on photos and easily shared via popular social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Messages, etc.). - Support Live Activity, Dynamic Island - Support both Portrait and Landscape layouts - Beautiful, intuitive and carefully crafted UI design. Themes: LIGHT, DARK and CLASSIC OTHER GREAT FEATURES: - Standard time weightings (Response Time): SLOW (500 milliseconds), FAST (200 milliseconds) AND IMPULSE (50 milliseconds) - MIC Gain Offset from -50 dB to 50 dB - Standard measurement range from 30 dBA up to 130 dBA - HISTO graph for plotted history of the recorded values - WAVE graph with 2 display modes: Rolling & Buffer - SPECTROGRAPH - Real time scale level chart - Display Current, Average/Leq, and Max values with both nice and clear digital and analog layouts - Quick reference text to help you compare with real-life examples NOTES: - Please do not expect a quiet room reading will be 0 dBA. The range 30-130 dBA is the standard usable range and an average quiet room will be about 30 dBA. - Although all devices are pre-calibrated, custom calibration is suggested for serious purposes requiring higher precision and accuracy. You will need a real external device or calibrated sound meter as a reference, then adjust the trimming calibration until the reading matches with the reference. * Privacy Policy: http://www.skypaw.com/decibelx/privacy_policy.html * EULA: http://www.skypaw.com/decibelx/terms.html

Screenshots

ClockMaster4 screens
Decibel X4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Decibel X at Free against ClockMaster's $49.99. Decibel X also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.8) and ratings volume (163K vs 52). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads 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

Decibel X is free to download; ClockMaster costs $49.99 up front. ClockMaster sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Decibel X sells 5 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

Decibel X holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Decibel X has 163K ratings behind it against 52, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of ClockMaster's written reviews are positive against 62% of Decibel X's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ClockMaster ships an update every 5 months, Decibel X every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
ClockMaster versus Decibel X: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterClockMasterDecibel X
Price$49.99Free — better
Rating3.8 (52 ratings)4.6 (163K ratings) — better
Positive reviews58.6% of reviews61.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings52163K — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS18.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB90 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperONYX AppsSkyPaw Co., Limited

Customer experience

ClockMaster

All ratings52 ratings
Positive71.2%
Neutral5.8%
Negative23.1%
Written reviews70 reviews
Positive58.6%
Neutral5.7%
Negative35.7%

Decibel X

All ratings162,877 ratings
Positive92.3%
Neutral3.5%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews824 reviews
Positive61.7%
Neutral4.4%
Negative34.0%

User reviews

ClockMaster

From 52 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Works very well
  • 👍 Accurately sets beat and calibrates time
  • 👍 Good alternative to expensive dedicated instruments
  • 👍 Elegant display for setting beat and symmetry
  • 👍 Works well for professional clock repairers

Room to improve

  • 😞 Frustrating data handling
  • 😞 Spreadsheet export issues
  • 😞 iPhone notifications stop measurements
  • 😞 Does not work for 400-day clocks
  • 😞 External mic option missing

Decibel X

From 163K App Store ratings

What we love

  • ⭐ Excellent app
  • 👍 Easy to use and understand
  • 🔍 Useful for various applications
  • 🎓 Helpful for hearing protection
  • 🔧 Accurate and reliable

Room to improve

  • 💰 Expensive subscription model
  • 🔒 Misleading free trial
  • 📢 Intrusive ads
  • 🤖 Inaccurate readings compared to professional meters
  • 🤔 Confusing interface

Bugs and requests

ClockMaster

Reported bugs

6 issues
  • Data lost if app stops unexpectedly
  • iPhone notifications interrupt measurements
  • External mic option not available
  • App freezes after iOS upgrade
  • Screen touch points unresponsive
Show 1 more
  • Help section incomplete

Requested features

13 requests
  • Printable protocol like a timegrapher
  • Beat delta info on regulation screen
  • Option to manually restart measurement and append
  • Undocumented units in spreadsheet export
  • Include actual time in spreadsheet export
Show 8 more
  • Ability to set BPH to 480 for 400-day clocks
  • Plots for drift rate and periodic error within the app
  • Mic that works with the app
  • External mic option
  • More detailed graphs
  • Option to upgrade for $5 instead of $20
  • Better GUI and interface
  • Indication of which half of the cycle is longer/shorter

Decibel X

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes when deleting recordings
  • Microphone issues on certain devices
  • Saved files not accessible after updates

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add GPS coordinates to recordings
  • Improve reporting and data export
  • Provide more weighting options
  • Extend frequency range
  • Allow music playback while using the app

In-app purchases

1 purchases

ClockMaster

One-time1
  • ClockMaster Pro$29.99
5 purchases

Decibel X

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Membership$1.997 Days
  • Monthly Membership$5.991 Month
  • Annual Membership3 Days trial$49.991 Year
One-time2
  • ITU-R 468, A, B, C Weightings$1.99
  • Data Export$2.99

Questions

Is ClockMaster free?
ClockMaster costs $49.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Decibel X free?
Decibel X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, ClockMaster or Decibel X?
Decibel X is rated higher. ClockMaster averages 3.8 out of 5 from 52 ratings, while Decibel X averages 4.6 from 163K ratings.
Do ClockMaster or Decibel X have ads?
Neither ClockMaster nor Decibel X shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ClockMaster or Decibel X?
ClockMaster ships an update every 5 months, and Decibel X every 3 months. Most recently, ClockMaster was updated on October 26, 2026 and Decibel X on October 26, 2026.

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