Comparison

Decibel Meter vs Arbornotes

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

Head to head
About

Decibel Meter

This tool transforms your iPhone into a real-time sound level meter. It measures and displays environmental noise in decibels, helping you monitor sound at home, work, or outdoors. Protect your hearing by detecting loud noises and staying aware of your sound environment.

Highlights
  • Real-time decibel measurement
  • Dynamic graph display
  • Min/Max/Average sound levels
  • Measuring timer
  • Pause and Reset buttons
  • Noise pollution checks
Features
Read full description

Decibel Meter is a powerful and easy-to-use sound level meter (also known as dB meter, SPL meter, or noise detector) that turns your iPhone into a real-time sound measuring tool. Using your device’s built-in microphone, Decibel Meter detects and displays environmental noise levels in decibels (dB). Whether you're monitoring noise at home, measuring sound at work, or checking noise pollution outdoors – this app provides accurate, real-time readings. Key Features: - Real-time decibel measurement with dynamic graph - Sound level display: Min / Max / Average - Measuring timer included - Easy-to-use Pause and Reset buttons - Useful for sound tests, noise pollution checks, and SPL monitoring Use Cases: - Monitor home or work noise - Measure traffic, music, or construction sound - Perform noise tests for health and safety - Detect sound levels in quiet or noisy environments Sound measurements depend on your device’s microphone and may vary from professional SPL meters. Protect your ears and your health. Use Decibel Meter to detect loud noise and stay in control of your sound environment. Download now and start measuring sound today! Privacy Policy: https://www.getpaoapps.com/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.getpaoapps.com/terms

About

Arbornotes

Features
Read full description

Arbor, the latin word for tree, was the primary inspiration for this app. A way to organize any amount of files in an order customized to the user.  Every feature in this app I have implemented with hours of thought and polishing. I made this app because I felt that nothing already made offered what I and other people needed. This app isn't just designed for students, it is designed for everyone.  Its designed with a sleek, professional and minimal look. If it's a project with multiple versions and ideas, a class with all of its lectures, or a hobbyist wanting to organize things better. Give it a try, all support and future ideas are welcome.  Welcome to a new way to take notes. The app is optimized for iPad, but I've adapted some features for iPhone.

Screenshots

Decibel Meter4 screens
Arbornotes1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Arbornotes at none against Decibel Meter's 3. Decibel Meter's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.2). On price, ads and device support 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. Decibel Meter sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Arbornotes asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Decibel Meter ships an update monthly, Arbornotes every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Decibel Meter versus Arbornotes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDecibel MeterArbornotes
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (54 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews70.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings54 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better18.2
Further details — not scored
Size176 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPaoAppsLaurent Poirier

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Decibel Meter

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Access with Trial3 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • Weekly Access$2.997 Days
  • Yearly Access$17.991 Year
None

Arbornotes

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Decibel Meter free?
Decibel Meter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Arbornotes free?
Arbornotes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Decibel Meter or Arbornotes have ads?
Neither Decibel Meter nor Arbornotes shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Decibel Meter or Arbornotes?
Decibel Meter ships an update monthly, and Arbornotes every 3 months. Most recently, Decibel Meter was updated on October 21, 2026 and Arbornotes on October 10, 2026.

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