# Decibel X vs SmarterNoise

The clearest difference is ads: Decibel X at none against SmarterNoise's shown. Decibel X also leads on ratings volume (162K vs 115) and chart position (#179 vs unranked). SmarterNoise's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 61%) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Decibel X sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and SmarterNoise sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Decibel X against 4.6 for SmarterNoise. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Decibel X has 162K ratings behind it against 115, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 61% of Decibel X's written reviews are positive against 75% of SmarterNoise's.

Decibel X ships an update every 3 months, SmarterNoise every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and August 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Decibel X | SmarterNoise |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (162K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-xdb-sound-level-meter/id448155923/reviews) | **[4.6 (115 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smarternoise/id1384299042/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **162K** | 115 |
| Positive reviews | 61.3% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#179** | — |
| Size | 90 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [SkyPaw Co., Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1842040687) | [Johan Rogard](https://appshunter.io/developer/1384299041) |

## What reviewers say

### Decibel X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-xdb-sound-level-meter/id448155923)

**Currently charting:** #179 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Membership | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Membership | $5.99 | per month |
| Annual Membership | $49.99 | per year |
| ITU-R 468, A, B, C Weightings | $1.99 | one-time |
| Data Export | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


### SmarterNoise

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smarternoise/id1384299042)

This app measures sound levels, records audio and video, and provides information on noise exposure risks. It features smart icons to help users understand the impact of noise on health and cognitive performance. Save, share, and archive your recordings with this comprehensive tool.

**Highlights:** Sound level measurement, Video and audio recording, Noise exposure risk information, Smart icons for health impact, Archive and sharing of recordings, Calibration, Location and time display

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Long-term measurement | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Decibel X free?

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

### Is SmarterNoise free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Decibel X or SmarterNoise?

SmarterNoise is rated higher. Decibel X averages 4.6 out of 5 from 162K ratings, while SmarterNoise averages 4.6 from 115 ratings.

### Do Decibel X or SmarterNoise have ads?

SmarterNoise shows ads; Decibel X does not.

### Which is updated more often, Decibel X or SmarterNoise?

Decibel X ships an update every 3 months, and SmarterNoise every 6 weeks. Most recently, Decibel X was updated on September 27, 2026 and SmarterNoise on August 11, 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.*