Comparison

SPL Meter vs Sound Level Meter

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SPL Meter

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
Read full description

noiseDB is a professional noise measurement tool that helps you monitor ambient noise levels in real-time. Through precise decibel measurements, you can understand the intensity of noise you're exposed to in daily life, protecting your hearing health. The app features an intuitive gauge display, detailed noise level explanations, and recording functionality that allows you to track noise variations across different locations and times. Whether you're checking your work environment, home noise levels, or evaluating sound levels in public spaces, noiseDB is your ideal choice. Understand noise and protect your hearing with noiseDB. This app is using the standard Apple Terms of Use (EULA) https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Sound Level Meter

Features
Read full description

Measure noise like a pro — straight from your iPhone. Sound Level Meter: Decibel turns your iPhone into a precision SPL meter, engineered to the IEC 61672-1 international standard. Protect your hearing, document a noise complaint, tune a studio, or pre-check a workplace - reliable readings in seconds, clean A4 PDF reports in one tap. KEY FEATURES • Real-time dB readings with A, C and Z weighting — switch on the fly • Fast (125 ms), Slow (1 s) and Impulse time integration — the modes pros use • 1/3-octave frequency analysis • Multiple live visualizations: histogram, gauge, circle meter, applause meter, basic graph • All metrics in one place: LAeq, Min, Max, Avg, Peak • Save full measurement sessions with timeline, location and notes • Calibration screen for fine-tuning against any reference meter • Available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese • Distraction-free dark interface focused entirely on your data DESIGNED FOR ACCURACY Sound Level Meter: Decibel follows the IEC 61672-1 sound level meter specification: • True biquad-cascade A and C weighting filters — not generic high/low-pass approximations • Exponential averaging on squared pressure (the correct method) • Per-device calibration based on the iPhone hardware actually in use • User-adjustable offset to align with any reference meter or calibrator IDEAL FOR • Audio engineers tuning studios, venues and rehearsal spaces • Workplace safety pre-checks before a formal acoustic survey • Musicians, DJs and podcasters watching their hearing exposure • Parents monitoring nursery or kids' bedroom noise levels • Tenants documenting noise from neighbors, traffic or construction • Anyone serious about long-term hearing health FAQ How accurate is it? After one-time calibration against a known reference, expect 2–3 dB of typical accuracy in the 40–95 dB range. Maximum measurable level is bounded by your iPhone hardware (around 104–110 dB). Does it replace a certified sound level meter? For monitoring, awareness and personal documentation: yes. For legally certified acoustic measurements, dedicated class 1/2 hardware remains the reference. Can I export my measurements? Every saved session generates an A4 PDF with full stats and the timeline graph. Print it, email it, AirDrop it — anywhere PDFs work. Why do I see different values than another decibel app? iPhone microphone sensitivity varies between models, and each app handles calibration differently. Use the built-in calibration screen to align with a trusted reference. How is my data handled? Sessions are stored locally on your iPhone. Nothing is uploaded — your acoustic data stays yours. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy: https://sonometredecibelmeter.blogspot.com

Screenshots

SPL Meter3 screens
Sound Level Meter4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: SPL Meter at none against Sound Level Meter's shown. SPL Meter also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 12 months). On price, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. SPL Meter sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and Sound Level Meter sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SPL Meter ships an update every 5 weeks, Sound Level Meter every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and June 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
SPL Meter versus Sound Level Meter: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSPL MeterSound Level Meter
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (9 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings9 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 12 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer金红 李Raphael Goupille

In-app purchases

2 purchases

SPL Meter

Subscriptions2
  • Unlimited access$1.997 Days
  • Unlimited access$9.991 Year
3 purchases

Sound Level Meter

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Subscription$1.997 Days
  • Monthly subscription$5.991 Month
  • Annual subscription$24.991 Year

Questions

Is SPL Meter free?
SPL Meter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Sound Level Meter free?
Sound Level Meter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SPL Meter or Sound Level Meter have ads?
Sound Level Meter shows ads; SPL Meter does not.
Which is updated more often, SPL Meter or Sound Level Meter?
SPL Meter ships an update every 5 weeks, and Sound Level Meter every 12 months. Most recently, SPL Meter was updated on September 13, 2026 and Sound Level Meter on June 5, 2026.

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