Decibel meter apps have become increasingly popular among Android and iOS users who are interested in measuring sound levels. These apps are designed to provide accurate and reliable measurements of the sound level in the surroundings. With the wide range of decibel meter apps available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which app is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we will explore some of the best decibel meter apps for Android and iOS devices, comparing their features, accuracy, and usability to help you make an informed decision.
We have compiled a list of 9 Best Decibel Meter Apps For Android & iOS for your consideration, which have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by our team of experts.
Table of Contents
9 Best Decibel Meter Apps For Android & iOS
1. dB Meter – measure sound & noise level in Decibel
The Decibel Meter 3 is a mobile phone application designed to function as a professional decibel testing instrument. With this application, users can detect noise levels anytime and anywhere, making it a convenient tool for measuring sound.
The Decibel Meter 3 boasts a range of features including a brand new military-grade algorithm, user interface (UI) page design, noise rendering animation, and professional-level GB weighted detection engine. Additionally, it comes equipped with noise recording capability, a professional-grade noise classification system, AI real-time ambient noise source visualization engine, and a noise dosimeter that prioritizes user health.
The developers plan to launch more features in subsequent versions, making it important for users to stay tuned for updates. Although the Decibel Meter 3 provides high-precision algorithms, it is important to note that its accuracy may be limited by mobile device hardware specifications. Therefore, the data provided should be used for reference only.
Subscribers to the application will receive pure and ad-free content, more sensitive and accurate decibel testing, and free access to all toolkits. The standard subscription options include continuous subscription after a VIP free trial, VIP continuous weekly subscription, VIP continuous monthly subscription, and VIP continuous annual subscription options. These subscriptions offer uninterrupted ad-free content, sensitive and accurate testing, and free access to all toolkits, as well as priority access to additional functions.
Subscription fees are charged to iTunes accounts at the confirmation of purchase and at the beginning of each renewal cycle. Subscriptions that include a free trial period will automatically renew to a paid subscription. Users can cancel their subscription or free trial in iTunes settings at least 24 hours before the end of the free trial period. Once the cancellation of subscription takes effect, subscription service rights become invalid.
For users concerned about privacy, the Decibel Meter 3 has a privacy policy and user agreement available at ttps://pages.flycricket.io/fen-bei-ce-shi-yi/privacy.
2. NIOSH Sound Level Meter
The NIOSH Sound Level Meter (SLM) app is an award-winning mobile application that combines the best features of professional sound level meters and noise dosimeters. The app was developed by experienced acoustics engineers and hearing loss experts and is completely free, with no ads or limited features.
The app’s accuracy has been tested and validated by NIOSH acoustics lab, with an accuracy of ±2 dBA, which meets the Type 2 requirements of IEC 61672:3 SLM standard when used with an external microphone. It provides relevant metrics such as LAeq, TWA, Max and Peak Levels, Noise Dose, and Projected Dose according to NIOSH and OSHA standards, with all three major weighting networks (A, C, and Z). The app also provides users with the capability to calibrate either internal or external microphone, reporting and sharing data, and informational screens on what noises are considered hazardous.
The app comes with up-to-date instructional material on how to conduct a noise measurement, how to properly select a hearing protector, and guidelines for preventing hearing loss. Users can also access excellent and timely support from NIOSH hearing experts. The app supports Apple’s Health (Hearing) app.
The app has been evaluated for compliance with international sound level meter standards and has been found to meet the requirements. More resources, including instructional videos, a user manual, a science blog, FAQ, and information on how to interpret results, can be found on the NIOSH SLM website.
3. Sound Meter – Noise Detector
The Sound Level Meter app is designed to measure environmental noise and display decibel values in various forms. The app features a tidy graphic design with high frame rates.
The app provides several features such as indicating decibel values by gauge, displaying current noise reference, min/avg/max decibel values, and displaying decibel values by graph. Additionally, the app allows for calibration of decibel values for each device.
It is important to note that the microphones in most devices are aligned to human voice, and the maximum values are limited by the device. Very loud sounds (over ~90 dB) may not be recognized in most devices, so it is recommended to use the app as an auxiliary tool. For more accurate dB values, an actual sound level meter is recommended.
4. Sound Meter & Noise Detector
The Sound Meter app is a useful tool for detecting and avoiding noise pollution that can harm hearing and disrupt rest. The app provides accurate decibel data and displays the level of noise in real-time via a dial and graph. The app also allows users to calibrate their device for more precise measurements and review past measurements.
Users can customize the app by setting decibel warnings, saving audio files, and choosing between black or white themes. Other features include the ability to pause and restart measurements, rename and share recordings, and view the duration and status of measurements.
To obtain accurate decibel readings, users are advised to calibrate their device before use and adjust the decibel setting to their experience or compare with a real sound meter device. Users are also reminded to save their recordings to avoid loss of data and the inability to replay past measurements.
If users have any questions or concerns, they can contact the app’s support team via email.
5. Sound Meter
The Sound Meter app is part of the Smart Tools collection and can be found in the fourth set. The app is designed to measure noise volume in decibels using the microphone on your smartphone. The app provides users with a reference for sound pressure levels (SPL).
It is important to note that most smartphone microphones are calibrated for human voice, meaning they cannot recognize sounds above a certain level. The maximum value of most smartphones is limited by manufacturers, and very loud sounds (100+ dB) cannot be recognized. The app has been calibrated using an actual sound meter (dBA) and can be trusted for routine-noise levels (40-70dB).
The app has several features including upside down mode, level notification, line-chart duration, and material design. The pro version of the app includes additional features such as no ads, a vibrometer, statistic menu, and CSV file exporting.
If you are interested in downloading more tools, you can download the Smart Meter Pro and Smart Tools package. For more information, you can watch YouTube videos or visit the app’s blog.
6. Best Sound Meter
Best Sound Meter is a mobile application designed to measure sound pressure level (SPL) in decibels (dB). This app is also known as a sound level meter, decibel meter (dB meter), noise meter, or sound pressure level meter (spl meter). It can use the built-in microphone of the device to measure environmental noise decibels and provide the user with a reference value. The app has been calibrated to work with various android devices to ensure accurate readings.
Best Sound Meter offers several features, including displaying the current noise reference, indicating decibel by gauge, displaying min/avg/max decibel values, displaying decibel by graph, and calibrating the decibel for each device. The app also provides quick reaction on sound level changes, making it useful for monitoring noise levels in different environments.
The American Academy of audiology has set noise levels in decibels (dB) for various activities such as gunshots, jackhammers, concerts, and whispering, among others. Best Sound Meter provides a useful reference for users, displaying these levels in a simple list.
It is essential to note that Best Sound Meter is not a professional device and has hardware limitations. Built-in microphones are aligned to human voice (300-3400Hz, 40-60dB), which means loud sounds above 100 dB cannot be accurately measured. The app is designed for fun and should be used as an auxiliary tool.
For users with comments, feedback, or requiring assistance with the app, they can send an e-mail to mobile@netigen.pl.
7. DecibelMeter-measure dB level
The dB Meter app is a free mobile application designed to measure sound levels. It is a full-featured dBA sound level meter calibrated with a professional decibel meter for exclusive accuracy in sound frequency measurements. The app is useful for those who want to avoid exposing their ears to harmful noise levels, but do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a professional sound level meter.
dB Meter utilizes the FFT algorithm and is capable of measuring ambient noise levels, saving measurement data and their location, and sharing the data with others. The app is designed for detecting sound frequency, combining utility with stylish design and a polished user experience, all at a tiny fraction of the cost of professional sound meters.
It is important to note that the dB Meter app is not a replacement for professional sound level meter devices and should only be used for personal purposes.
Features of the dB Meter app include a highly accurate decibel meter, the ability to save location data for each measurement, saving measurements with custom names, exporting measurements, and four weighting types. The app allows for the playback of recorded noise measurements, includes an integrated fully functional spectrum analyzer, and supports up to 16384 FFT size.
The dB Meter app features a tracking system for maximum noise volume values, max and min decibels for any selected frequency, and stunning graphics. The app also includes a DB Chart to interpret decibel meter measurements, with values ranging from eardrum rupture to barely audible sound.
Overall, the dB Meter app is a powerful tool in a sleek package, providing professional-quality measurement results at no cost. For questions or suggestions, users can contact support@dbmeterpro.com.
8. Decibel X – dB Sound Level Meter, Noise Detector
Decibel X is a sound meter app that provides reliable, pre-calibrated measurements and supports multiple frequency weightings, including ITU-R 468, A, and C. The app measures sound pressure level (SPL) and can be used on a phone device to provide professional-grade noise measurement. Additionally, the app can be used for a variety of purposes, including determining the sound level in a room or at a concert or sporting event.
What sets Decibel X apart from other sound meter apps is that it offers a variety of features, including frequency weighting filters, a spectrum analyzer, and powerful history data management capabilities. Users can save recording data and export it as PNG or CSV text, and the app provides a fullscreen mode to provide an overview of a record’s history. The app also includes a dosimeter that adheres to NIOSH and OSHA standards and allows users to overlay a dB report on photos and share them on social media.
Other features of Decibel X include standard time weightings, trimming calibration from -50 dB to 50 dB, and a standard measurement range from 20 dBA to 130 dBA. The app also provides a spectrogram, HISTO graph, WAVE graph, real-time scale level chart, and displays current, average/Leq, and max values with digital and analog layouts. Users can also reference real-life examples to compare with their readings and choose to keep their device awake for long recordings.
It’s important to note that a quiet room reading will not be 0 dBA and that the standard usable range is between 30 dBA and 130 dBA. While most devices are calibrated, custom calibration is suggested for higher precision and accuracy. Users can calibrate their device by using a real external device or a calibrated sound meter as a reference and adjusting the trimming value until the reading matches with the reference.
9. SPL Meter
The Sound Pressure Level Meter app utilizes the microphone of a device to detect sound and convert it into an SPL value. It should be noted that the results obtained are for indication only, and may vary based on the device and its hardware. The range between the noise floor and saturation can range between 20 dB on the worst devices to over 100 dB on the best devices.
The app offers several features, including an analogue dial with Max and Min indicators. The weighting options available include A, C, or None. The choice of weighting affects the high and low frequencies filtered according to how the ear perceives sound loudness. The results are displayed in dB, dBA or dBC, depending on the selected weighting. Additional features include averaging of SPL, Clear and Pause buttons, octaves and third octaves for frequency spectrum of sound, a graph showing the time dependence of the sound, and the option to either autoscale or manually adjust the Y-Axis.
The Relative button enables the removal of the current average value from the reading, making it easy to look for differences. The app also offers a Calibrate option, which allows users to calibrate the meter if they have access to a calibrated SPL meter or a known loudness source. However, it is still important to note that the results obtained by the app remain for indication only. More technical details about the app can be found on the website.