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Decibel meter apps: Our 2025 picksThese smartphone apps make it easy to measure noise in your environmentKey points:
Thanks to modern technology, smartphones and smartwatches can now measure decibels, which can help you know if your environment is exposing you to sounds that put you at risk for permanent or temporary noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). More: What is a decibel? From built-in iPhone and Apple Watch features to top decibel meter apps for iOS and Android, it’s easier than ever to protect your hearing. Let's take a look closer look at some of your options.
How to measure decibels with your iPhone or Apple WatchIf you have an iPhone or an Apple Watch you already have built-in apps to track decibels in certain situations. This can be exremely helpful if you want to know if you (or your kids) are listening to headphones or earbuds at a safe level. Monitor your headphone volume levels on iPhone
You can also monitor your headphone decibel levels over time with the Health app. This will help you gauge your average exposure from week to week and help to ensure you're listening at safe levels. 
can send alerts when noise levels are high. Measure decibels using Apple WatchYour Apple Watch comes equipped with the Noise app. It continuously monitors the ambient noise levels in your environment, and if it detects sound levels that could harm your hearing, it sends an alert. The app records these measurements and syncs the data with the Health app to track and review your exposure to loud noises over time. Top sound meter apps of 2025If you don't have an iPhone or Apple Watch, or would prefer a seperate sound meter app, there are many options to help keep your ears safe. Decibel apps for iPhone only
Decibel: dB Sound Level MeterApp Store rating: 4.6 stars, free, offers in-app purchases Measure noise at home or in the workplace and calibrate home or professional audio equipment with this free app which includes a noise dosimeter, spectrum analyzer with RTA, FFT and Spectogram, as well as a hearing test. Sound Meter (Noise Detector)App Store rating: 4.5 stars, free Use this app to be alerted when dangerous noise levels are present, test your hearing, and listen to music for relaxation and focus. Features can be used to test noise in your environment, including buildings and cars, to determine if they meet industry standards. SPL MeterApp Store rating: 4.0 stars, $.99, offers in-app purchases This professional-grade sound level meter is measured after a traditional sound press level (SPL) meter, including ballistics, ranges, filters and decay rates. It uses your device’s microphone to detect sound and convert it into a SPL value. The app comes pre-calibrated for most iPhones but can be adjusted to match professional calibrated meters. The universal app can be shared on all iOS devices. A simple color-coded display indicates safe (green) and dangerous (red) hearing levels. Too Noisy Pro (for educational settings)iTunes rating: 4 stars, $7.99 This easy-to-use app is built specifically for measuring noise levels in environments where there are groups of children. Teachers can use the Too Noisy app to keep watch on the sound levels in the classrooms and control the noise level. The interface is simple and designed so children will respond to it, graphically displaying noise levels in a fun and engaging way. Teachers and other childcare workers can adjust the sensitivity of the app to cater to louder activities and sudden noises with the sensitivity and dampening sliders. NIOSH Sound Level MeterApp Store rating: 4.7 stars, free Developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), this app is a useful tool for anyone working in noisy environments. It can raise employees' awareness about the noise levels in their workplace, help them make informed decisions about their hearing health and determine when hearing protection is necessary. Researchers can also use the app to collect data about noise exposure. SPLnFFT Noise MeterApp store rating: 4.8 stars, $3.99 Designed by a signal processing expert, the advanced features on this app for iOS devices include a frequency analyzer, frequency meter, test signal generator and dosimeter. A simple interface displays the level of exposure using color—orange or red indicates dangerous levels where hearing protection is required. The app is recommended by the Laborers Health and Safety Fund of North America. Decibel apps for Android onlySound Meter ProGoogle Play rating: 4.5 stars, $2.50 This app uses your smartphone’s microphone to detect sound and display it in decibels as well as display the last 30 seconds of data on an easy-to-read graph. Because the microphones in Android devices are used to record human voices, the maximum levels on this app are limited and sounds above 100dB are not recognized. Sound Meter and Noise DetectorGoogle Play rating: 3.8 stars, free Like most sound meter apps, this one uses your smartphone microphone to measure the sound in your environment. The decibel level is displayed on an easy-to-read dial. The history function indicates how long you’ve been exposed to the noise along with the noise reference, i.e., noisy street or quiet library. Decibal app for iOS or AndroidDecibel XApp Store rating: 4.7 stars, free, offers in-app purchases This app turns your smartphone into a pre-calibrated, accurate and portable sound level meter. It has a standard measurement range from 30 to 130 dB. It boasts many features for measuring the intensity of sound around you built into a nicely-designed, intuitive user interface. Other apps for hearing loss
your enviroment could cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). If you or a loved one has hearing loss or are concerned about noise levels, see our other articles on apps:
These apps can be very helpful in specific situations, but they are not a replacement for good hearing healthcare or properly fit hearing aids. Emily Ostrowski, content manager, Healthy Hearing
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Hearing centers close to me:
| Ohio State Univ Hearing |
| Nationwide Childrens Hospital |
| Ohio State University Audiology Clinic |
| Columbus Speech & Hearing Center |
Find hearing clinics in my country:
Emily is an experienced journalist and medical content writer based in Maine. Passionate about delivering enlightening and accurate content, she is committed to empowering people to make informed choices regarding their hearing health.
