dB vs SoundTrace
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
dB
This application measures sound pressure levels in decibels using a retro-style design. It displays both average and peak levels in real-time, with digital readouts alongside analog meters.
- Measures sound pressure in decibels (dB)
- Retro-style analog display
- Real-time average and peak level readings
- Digital value readout
- High-frequency sampling (44.1 kHz)
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How loud is it right now? dB-Meter turns your iPhone into a clear and easy-to-read sound level meter. This completely rebuilt version combines the familiar retro style of the original app with a modern digital measurement view. TWO VIEWS, ONE MEASUREMENT • Classic analog gauges in the original retro design • Modern digital view with animated dB display • Live VU meter with peak indication • Smooth 30-second history graph EVERY IMPORTANT VALUE AT A GLANCE • Current sound level in dB • Slowly moving average • Session minimum and maximum • Peak value with optional peak hold • Fast or smooth needle response • Reset the current measurement session Use it to compare sound levels at home, in the office, on the go, or while listening to music. A CLASSIC, REBUILT dB-Meter first launched more than 13 years ago and has been downloaded over 200,000 times. Version 2.0 was rebuilt for current iPhones without losing the character of the original. AVAILABLE IN 18 LANGUAGES The app language can be changed directly in the app, independently of the system language. Note: Measurements are based on the microphone of your device and are intended as an approximate reference. The app is not a calibrated or certified sound level meter and must not be used for official occupational safety measurements.
SoundTrace
Measure, visualize, and record ambient sound levels with clear decibel readings. This tool offers real-time monitoring, session logging with timestamped graphs, and the ability to export detailed reports. It's designed for various environments, from home to professional settings.
- Live decibel meter
- Internal/external mic selection
- Waveform and line graph visualization
- Session logging with stats
- Microphone calibration
- PDF export of session reports
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SoundTrace is your smart companion for measuring, visualizing, and recording ambient sound. Whether you're checking noise levels at home, in the studio, or on the job site, SoundTrace gives you clear, calibrated decibel readings with a beautiful interface and powerful session logging. Core Features: - Live Decibel Meter: Monitor real-time sound levels using your device’s microphone. - Input Selection: Use internal or external mics (USB/Bluetooth) and label them automatically. - Waveform & Line Graphs: Choose how you visualize sound — dynamic waveform bars or a smooth dB line graph. - Session Logging: Save recorded sessions with timestamped graphs and stats like min, max, and average dB. - Mic Calibration: Adjust for hardware differences with a custom calibration offset. - Unlimited Session Storage: Keep as many recordings as you want.* - Audio Playback: Re-listen to recorded sessions directly in-app.* - PDF Export: Generate and share detailed session reports.* - Custom Titles: Name your sessions for better organization and recall.* * Pro version only.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: SoundTrace at 100% against dB's 39%. SoundTrace also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months). dB's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. SoundTrace sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. dB asks for nothing beyond the download.
dB ships an update every 5 months, SoundTrace every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | dB | SoundTrace |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 39.4% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | Kurenz Music GbR | Tapronix |
Customer experience
dB
SoundTrace
In-app purchases
dB
No in-app purchases
SoundTrace
- Pro Version Upgrade$2.99









