# SPL Meter vs dB Meter

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: dB Meter at none against SPL Meter's 2. dB Meter also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). SPL Meter's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SPL Meter sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. dB Meter asks for nothing beyond the download.

SPL Meter ships an update every 5 weeks, dB Meter fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SPL Meter | dB Meter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spl-meter-dbtracker/id6742470686/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **9** | — |
| Positive reviews | — | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 9 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [金红 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1781133144) | [Ashvin Ajadiya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1442111420) |

## What reviewers say

### SPL Meter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spl-meter-dbtracker/id6742470686)

This tool measures ambient noise levels in real-time, providing decibel readings to help you understand noise intensity and protect your hearing. It features an intuitive gauge, explanations of noise levels, and recording capabilities to track variations across locations and times.

**Highlights:** Real-time decibel measurement, Intuitive gauge display, Noise level explanations, Recording functionality, Track noise variations, Hearing protection guidance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $9.99 | per year |


### dB Meter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/db-meter-real-time-alerts/id6743526896)

This audio monitoring tool measures environmental sound levels in real-time. It tracks decibel changes and provides instant alerts when noise exceeds safe limits, with graphical analysis and exportable reports.

**Highlights:** Live sound monitoring, High noise alerts, Peak and average tracking, Graphical noise analysis, Custom sensitivity settings, Export tracking reports

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SPL Meter free?

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

### Is dB Meter free?

dB Meter is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do SPL Meter or dB Meter have ads?

dB Meter shows ads; SPL Meter does not.

### Which is updated more often, SPL Meter or dB Meter?

SPL Meter ships an update every 5 weeks, and dB Meter fortnightly. Most recently, SPL Meter was updated on September 13, 2026 and dB Meter on September 9, 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.*