Comparison

TooLoud vs Sound Meter

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

Head to head
About

TooLoud

Monitor ambient noise levels to protect your hearing. This utility displays volume readings in a clear format and alerts you when noise levels may be harmful, suggesting the use of ear protection. Customize smoothing filters for more accurate average readings.

Highlights
  • Real-time volume level display
  • Hearing damage warnings
  • Ear plug recommendations
  • Adjustable smoothing filters
  • Accurate average readings
Features
Read full description

How loud is it, really? TooLoud turns your iPhone into a simple sound level meter, so you can see at a glance whether the place you're in is loud enough to damage your hearing. Your ears start to take damage above 85 dB — a busy street, a blender, a noisy restaurant — often without you noticing. TooLoud shows the volume around you in real time and warns you when it's worth reaching for ear protection. FEATURES • Live decibel readings — current, average and peak levels at a glance • A clear, colour-coded meter: green when you're safe, red when you're not • “How loud is that?” — a reference guide that maps everyday sounds, from a whisper to a concert, onto the decibel scale, with your own reading pinned in place • Adjustable smoothing to filter out sudden spikes for a steadier average • A clean, distraction-free design TooLoud gives guideline readings using your device's built-in microphone, and it's a great way to build awareness of the noise in your daily life. Protect your hearing — it doesn't grow back.

About

Sound Meter

This utility app measures ambient noise levels in decibels. It provides a reference table to help users understand safe listening levels and protects their hearing. The app also stores historical measurements for later review.

Highlights
  • Measures sound level in decibels
  • Decibel level reference table
  • Hearing protection guidance
  • Stores measurement history
  • Easy to use interface
Features
Read full description

Sound Meter measures the noise and sound level in decibel. Easy to use. - Decibel level table for reference, helps protect your ears from pain - Store history for any consideration later.

Screenshots

TooLoud4 screens
Sound Meter3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TooLoud at none against Sound Meter's 1. TooLoud also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, device support and iOS requirement 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 1 one-off in-app purchase. TooLoud asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TooLoud ships an update fortnightly, Sound Meter every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
TooLoud versus Sound Meter: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTooLoudSound Meter
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.4 (16 ratings) — better
Positive reviews46.2% of reviews — better40.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—16 — better
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB11 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperRGB-StudioHiep Pham

Customer experience

TooLoud

Written reviews13 reviews
Positive46.2%
Neutral7.7%
Negative46.2%

Sound Meter

All ratings16 ratings
Positive81.3%
Neutral6.3%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive40.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative60.0%

In-app purchases

None

TooLoud

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Sound Meter

One-time1
  • Remove ADs$4.99

Questions

Is TooLoud free?
TooLoud is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Sound Meter free?
Sound Meter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TooLoud or Sound Meter have ads?
Sound Meter shows ads; TooLoud does not.
Which is updated more often, TooLoud or Sound Meter?
TooLoud ships an update fortnightly, and Sound Meter every 2 months. Most recently, TooLoud was updated on October 23, 2026 and Sound Meter on October 24, 2026.

Other comparisons