# Decibel vs Decibel Reader

Decibel and Decibel Reader both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 80% of Decibel Reader's written reviews are positive against 0% of Decibel's. Decibel Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Decibel sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month and Decibel Reader sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. 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 against 4.5 for Decibel Reader. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 37 and 24 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 0% of Decibel's written reviews are positive against 80% of Decibel Reader's.

Decibel ships an update monthly, Decibel Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Decibel | Decibel Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (37 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-db-sound-level-meter/id6443760208/reviews)** | [4.5 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-reader/id6451411046/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **37** | 24 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **80.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 19 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kemal Bakacak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1475963902) | [Andy Sutanto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1659282966) |

## What reviewers say

### Decibel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-db-sound-level-meter/id6443760208)

Transform your device into a professional sound level meter to detect harmful noises and protect your hearing. It also allows you to test and track your stereo and hearing performance with detailed history management. The app offers accurate measurements and a quick hearing test.

**Highlights:** Professional sound level meter, Hearing performance testing, Stereo and bass sound testing, High frequency sound generation, Accurate measurements, History data management, Dark mode support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly - Noise Dosimeter | $2.49 | per month |
| Yearly - SPL & Decibel Meter | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly Trial - Water Eject | $9.99 | per year |
| Lifetime - Hz Tone Generator | $15.99 | one-time |


### Decibel Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-reader/id6451411046)

Measure ambient noise levels with real-time readings, tracking minimum, average, and maximum decibels. Offers calibration for accuracy and a dark mode for comfortable viewing. This tool helps you understand your sound environment.

**Highlights:** Real-time decibel measurement, Calibration for accuracy, Track min, average, and max noise levels, Dark mode for low-light use, Simple and intuitive interface

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Decibel Meter Pro - 1 Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Decibel Meter Pro - 1 Month | $7.99 | per month |
| Sound Level Meter - 6 Months | $19.99 | per 6 months |
| Noise Level Meter - 1 Year | $29.99 | per year |
| Decibel Meter Pro - 1Y 2 | $29.99 | per year |
| dB Meter Pro | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Decibel free?

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

### Is Decibel Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Decibel or Decibel Reader?

Decibel is rated higher. Decibel averages 4.6 out of 5 from 37 ratings, while Decibel Reader averages 4.5 from 24 ratings.

### Do Decibel or Decibel Reader have ads?

Both Decibel and Decibel Reader show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Decibel or Decibel Reader?

Decibel ships an update monthly, and Decibel Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Decibel was updated on October 24, 2026 and Decibel Reader on October 22, 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.*