Decibel Meter dB vs The Reference App
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Decibel Meter dB
This app provides real-time decibel monitoring with a dynamic visual display and color-coded alerts for different noise thresholds. It helps users track sound levels, understand potential risks, and maintain healthier audio environments. Ideal for various settings, it offers a simple and effective way to stay aware of ambient noise.
- Real-time decibel monitoring
- Animated visual ear display
- Color-coded noise alerts
- 1-minute average tracking
- Spectrogram view
- Optimized for iPhone and iPad
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Sound Ear is an intuitive decibel meter that helps you monitor and maintain healthy sound levels in any environment. Using a simple, visual interface with a dynamic ear display, it makes sound level monitoring accessible and engaging for everyone. KEY FEATURES: • Real-time decibel monitoring with instant visual feedback • Animated ear display that changes color based on sound intensity • 1-minute average tracking for sustained noise level awareness • Spectrogram • Color-coded alerts for different noise thresholds: - Gray (under 70 dB): Safe levels - Yellow (70-80 dB): Warning level - Red (over 80 dB): Potentially harmful levels PERFECT FOR: • Teachers monitoring classroom noise levels • Parents keeping track of children's environment • Office managers maintaining productive workspaces • Musicians and performers monitoring practice sessions • Libraries and quiet spaces • Anyone concerned about noise levels SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE: • Clean, distraction-free interface • Easy-to-understand visual indicators • Toggle between current and average readings • Works on iPhone and iPad with optimized layouts Monitor sound levels effortlessly and maintain a healthier sound environment with Sound Ear - your visual guide to noise awareness. Measurements are intended for reference only and may vary based on device capabilities. Disclaimer: This app provides approximate sound measurements for informational purposes only. Readings may vary from professional sound level meters due to: - Device microphone quality and condition - Phone position and distance from sound source - Environmental factors and surface vibrations - Hardware limitations of different iPhone models Not intended for professional or industrial use. For accurate sound measurements, please use calibrated professional equipment. For hearing protection guidelines, always follow local workplace safety regulations and consult hearing health professionals.
The Reference App
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Curate your legacy with Reference, the premier watch collection manager for enthusiasts and collectors. Reference elevates the experience of collecting by providing a sophisticated, secure, and intelligent platform to catalog your timepieces. Whether you have a single heirloom or a vault of haute horlogerie, Reference allows you to capture every detail. Key Features: * Unlimited Collection: Catalog an unlimited number of timepieces. * AI-Powered Details: Automatically generate detailed technical specifications and historical context for your watches using advanced AI. * High-Fidelity Imagery: Store and view high-resolution photos of your collection. * Custom Collections: Organize your watches into custom albums (e.g., "Dive Watches," "Vintage," "Wishlist"). * Secure Cloud Sync: Your collection is securely backed up and synced across all your devices. * Export & Share: Generate professional PDF reports of your collection for insurance or sharing. * Daily Inspiration: Receive "Watch of the Day" notifications to rediscover your own collection. Join the community of collectors who trust Reference to preserve the history and value of their timepieces. Download today and start building your legacy.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: The Reference App at Free against Decibel Meter dB's $3.99. The Reference App also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months). Decibel Meter dB's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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
The Reference App is free to download; Decibel Meter dB costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Decibel Meter dB ships an update every 4 months, The Reference App fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 2, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Decibel Meter dB | The Reference App |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 48 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Morten Punnerud | Dailey Kluck |
In-app purchases
Decibel Meter dB
No in-app purchases
The Reference App
No in-app purchases





