# Decibel X vs Live Spectrogram

The clearest difference is price: Decibel X at Free against Live Spectrogram's $1.99. Decibel X also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 31 months) and ratings volume (162K vs 6). Live Spectrogram's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). On review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Decibel X is free to download; Live Spectrogram costs $1.99 up front. Decibel X sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Live Spectrogram asks for nothing beyond the download.

Live Spectrogram holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Decibel X has 162K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 61% of Decibel X's written reviews are positive against 63% of Live Spectrogram's.

Decibel X ships an update every 3 months, Live Spectrogram every 31 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Decibel X | Live Spectrogram |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [4.6 (162K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-xdb-sound-level-meter/id448155923/reviews) | **[4.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/live-spectrogram/id630831185/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **162K** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 61.3% of reviews | **62.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 31 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#184** |
| Size | 90 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SkyPaw Co., Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1842040687) | [Krueger Systems, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/299293363) |

## What reviewers say

### Decibel X

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

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


### Live Spectrogram

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/live-spectrogram/id630831185)

**Currently charting:** #184 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

Visualize sound frequencies in real-time with this tool. It displays audio intensity across time and frequency using color, helping you perfect singing, analyze animal calls, or locate household noises.

**Highlights:** Real-time audio visualization, Frequency analysis, Time-based spectrum display, Intensity shown by color, Singing voice perfection, Animal call analysis, Sound source identification

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Decibel X free?

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

### Is Live Spectrogram free?

Live Spectrogram costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Decibel X or Live Spectrogram?

Live Spectrogram is rated higher. Decibel X averages 4.6 out of 5 from 162K ratings, while Live Spectrogram averages 4.8 from 6 ratings.

### Do Decibel X or Live Spectrogram have ads?

Neither Decibel X nor Live Spectrogram shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Decibel X or Live Spectrogram?

Decibel X ships an update every 3 months, and Live Spectrogram every 31 months. Most recently, Decibel X was updated on October 1, 2026 and Live Spectrogram on September 18, 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.*