# Spectrum Analyzer vs Sound Decibel Meter

The clearest difference is monetization model: Spectrum Analyzer at freemium against Sound Decibel Meter's subscription. Spectrum Analyzer also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Sound Decibel Meter's advantage is review sentiment (40% vs 5%) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Spectrum Analyzer sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Sound Decibel Meter sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Sound Decibel Meter holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 199 and 336 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 5% of Spectrum Analyzer's written reviews are positive against 40% of Sound Decibel Meter's.

Spectrum Analyzer ships an update fortnightly, Sound Decibel Meter every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spectrum Analyzer | Sound Decibel Meter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (199 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-analyzer-spectrogram/id981810895/reviews) | **[4.5 (336 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-decibel-meter-nioshosha/id1571075296/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 199 | **336** |
| Positive reviews | 5.0% of reviews | **40.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Subscription |
| Size | 100 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Music Breath](https://appshunter.io/developer/1140008995) | [Arpenik Katikyan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1613951852) |

## What reviewers say

### Spectrum Analyzer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-analyzer-spectrogram/id981810895)

Visualize audio frequencies with real-time analysis. Features include a sound level meter, multichannel harmonic analysis, and adjustable graphical representations. Gain insights into your sound environment with advanced tools.

**Highlights:** Sound level meter, Multichannel harmonic analysis, Adjustable graphics, AI-powered sound source analyzer, Real-time analysis, FFT analysis

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pitch Finder: Audio Visualizer | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Pitch Finder: Audio Visualizer | $9.99 | per month |
| One Month Sale | $9.99 | per month |
| 1 Week Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Year Sub. with discount | $19.99 | per year |
| 1 Month Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| 3 Month Subscription | $25.99 | per 3 months |
| 1 Year Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| 2 months subscription | $39.99 | per 2 months |
| No Ads | $9.99 | one-time |
| Additional Settings Controls | $15.99 | one-time |
| Full Pack + No Ads | $19.99 | one-time |
| Get More | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Accurate frequency identification
- ✅ Clear and easy-to-read display
- ✅ Useful noise floor setup feature
- ✅ Works well when ads are removed

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Extremely aggressive monetization strategy
- 📢 Excessive and intrusive ads
- 🔊 Loud ads that ignore device mute settings
- 🚫 Requires subscription/payment to access core features
- 😤 Deceptive purchase practices and accidental charges

**Reported bugs**

- App becomes unusable after iOS 16 update
- Crashes immediately on iPhone 5 with iOS 7
- Cannot exit app on iPhone X without reboot
- App freezes when changing settings or views
- Inaccurate frequency readings

**Requested features**

- Audio file import functionality
- Customizable background colors for chroma key compatibility
- Ability to record audio instead of only analyzing
- Better documentation and help files
- Improved sensitivity for detecting soft sounds


### Sound Decibel Meter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-decibel-meter-nioshosha/id1571075296)

Measure ambient noise levels with this clear, simple, and accurate app. It helps you monitor hearing health by detecting noise types, analyzing sound pressure, and syncing data with your Health app. Features include recording, sharing, and adherence to OSHA/NIOSH standards.

**Highlights:** Smart AI noise meter, Accurate sound pressure measurements, Sync with Health app, Sound recording and data saving, OSHA and NIOSH standards, Measurement range 20db to 160db, Microphone calibration

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spectrogram-noise level tools | $4.99 | per month |
| Spectrogram-noise level tools | $5.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spectrum Analyzer free?

Spectrum Analyzer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Sound Decibel Meter free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Spectrum Analyzer or Sound Decibel Meter?

Sound Decibel Meter is rated higher. Spectrum Analyzer averages 4.2 out of 5 from 199 ratings, while Sound Decibel Meter averages 4.5 from 336 ratings.

### Do Spectrum Analyzer or Sound Decibel Meter have ads?

Spectrum Analyzer shows ads; Sound Decibel Meter does not.

### Which is updated more often, Spectrum Analyzer or Sound Decibel Meter?

Spectrum Analyzer ships an update fortnightly, and Sound Decibel Meter every 2 months. Most recently, Spectrum Analyzer was updated on October 29, 2026 and Sound Decibel Meter on October 30, 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.*