# Decibel Reader vs Decibel Meter, Sound Detector

The clearest difference is update cadence: Decibel Reader at every 2 weeks against Decibel Meter, Sound Detector's every 14 months. Decibel Reader also leads on ratings volume (24 vs 3). Decibel Meter, Sound Detector's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 80%). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Decibel Reader sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Decibel Meter, Sound Detector sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Decibel Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Decibel Reader has 24 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of Decibel Reader's written reviews are positive against 100% of Decibel Meter, Sound Detector's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Decibel Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, Decibel Meter, Sound Detector every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Decibel Reader | Decibel Meter, Sound Detector |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-reader/id6451411046/reviews)** | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-meter-sound-detector/id6504185770/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **24** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 14 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 12 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andy Sutanto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1659282966) | [Andrei Nemtsou](https://appshunter.io/developer/1612416096) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Decibel Meter, Sound Detector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-meter-sound-detector/id6504185770)

Measure ambient sound levels accurately in real-time. Understand noise exposure in various environments like concerts or workplaces. This tool helps you monitor and gain insights into the decibel levels around you.

**Highlights:** Real-time decibel readings, Accurate sound level measurement, Environmental noise monitoring, User-friendly interface, Informative sound level insights

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Welcome One-Time Offer | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $7.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Decibel Reader free?

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

### Is Decibel Meter, Sound Detector free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Decibel Reader or Decibel Meter, Sound Detector?

Decibel Reader is rated higher. Decibel Reader averages 4.5 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Decibel Meter, Sound Detector averages 4.3 from 3 ratings.

### Do Decibel Reader or Decibel Meter, Sound Detector have ads?

Both Decibel Reader and Decibel Meter, Sound Detector show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Decibel Reader or Decibel Meter, Sound Detector?

Decibel Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, and Decibel Meter, Sound Detector every 14 months. Most recently, Decibel Reader was updated on October 22, 2026 and Decibel Meter, Sound Detector on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*