Decibels: dB Sound Level Meter Reviews

by Dmcc339

At a NASCAR race at Dover it registered 90 when the green flag dropped. We were at the end of the straightaway just before turn 1. The cars came roaring; we were less than 25 meters from the track and the decibel level supposedly only increased to 95. If you’ve ever been that close to a start or restart you know the decibel level is well over a hundred. With head phones off and screaming in your neighbor’s face you cannot hear a word they are screaming!

by Er777777777777

While the free app works, do not waste your money. The strip chart recorder does not work

by RaDragon

I know it's not accurate but it's fun to find out the approximate decibel level of the room you are in (apparently my fan is a constant 50dB.

I might have downloaded a beta version though as there weren't any obtrusive adverts, nor other information, even about the author (not a complaint, just an observation). :)

by Gring40

I’ve used Decibels for years, and have found it quite useful, without distracting bells and whistles. I’ve also corresponded with the developer, and found that the weighting (which is not evident) is broadband.

Some of the features of a lab meter would be nice to have, like switchable A- or C-weighting, or averaging vs instantaneous readings. But Decibels is quick and easy as it is, and ads do not intrude.

by AppDev11

I have no way to test it's accuracy, but it's a really useful tool to have, especially if you are a musician or audio engineer. Thanks very much!

by Jakomesco

This is great for documenting sound levels but would soar with the addition of a Date and Time and GPS stamp. For noise complaints that would be a crucial addition and put this one above the crowd.

by TheStoke

You will never see a decibel reading of zero. It does not exist. Go spend $100 on a real decimeter. You will find it works about the same as Decibels. Before you post, do some research.

by CJGlynn

For those who said that Decibels is not accurate, pls re-read your definition of dB. A "quiet" room is 30-40dB. A whisper is 50dB. "Noisy" is 85+dB. This FREE app is accurate and awesome. Kudos to the developer. Yes, it could flip when you flip the phone around; it doesn't. So what?! A+

by McMattt

It would be nice if it allowed me to go into a landscape view when I tilt my phone over. Just a a personal preference. And nothing a quick up date can't fix! Thanks!

by LouMaag

I am not sure of the actual accuracy; however, it is relatively accurate. What I mean is that a normal room with an air conditioner running is about 40 db, add a conversation across the room and it goes up 10 db or so. Some of the other reviewers have no idea what the decibel meter is supposed to do or how this app are reported. One guy claims a quiet room should be 0db and rates Decibels poorly since it was registering 40db in a "quiet room". Also, those complaining about the meter not inverting, you don't need to "point" the microphone at the source of the noise. If you can hear the noise, so can the microphone.

Look, if you are looking for an exact db meter for some engineering or legal reason, go get a real db meter for $60 or more. If you are somewhere and you find yourself having difficulty communicating with someone across the table, reach down and try Decibels to get a general idea of how loud it is where you are.

by Pianomanharry

First off, ignore those people who say Decibels is crap and not accurate. I have dealt with db meters for at least the last 15 years and Decibels was spot on. Normal conversation in the 3 to 5 foot range is between 60 and 70 db. Lying in your bed or in a quiet library is still in the 30 to 40 db range. Decibels is a no frills db meter that works!

by JENNIFER MCNALLY

Those of you silly folks who gave Decibels one or two stars need to google how this app work and what sounds are measured at. For instance a whisper is 30 db. Normal conversation is around 60 to 80 db. Sounds shouldn't be more than 85db to protect your hearing. Decibels runs pretty close to accurate. It's gets five stars from me because it's free and looks nice! Worth the space on your device.

by Bobbiroger

Please, app description-ers; list what devices Decibels will work with at the beginning of the description. I have iPod touch but many descriptions don't include it even tho it would work fine and does by the way.

by Jb7777777666666777777

Decibels seems to be pretty accurate. I compared it with my Radio Shack meter and it reads within a few db. Only change I would like to see is a digital readout in addition to the analog one. I think a lot of the negative reviews are from people that don't understand how sol meters work... Even in a room you think is "silent" a meter will still read 30-40db...that's just the way it is...

by Rotokon

As stated by the other users, it works just fine. I compared it my spl meter and it's almost dead on. Spl is sound pressure level by the way. Like the others said, do your homework!

by Me On The Deck

Works perfect. Those other who say the db level is too high don't understand what's a normal level. Come on people, do your research first

by Keenanknight

Simple. The strips are cool.

by D3f4g5h6

It does what it says it will, simply and smoothly. It seems accurate for me. Highly recommended. I tried the others and they weren't even close.

by Ghenley

I’ve been using this app for years having found the chart recorder extremely useful, however it always read dB a little higher than it really was. The last update corrected that and it now has correct readings. They also added different weighting settings A,C andZ. The basic meter is great and I recommend getting the options as it makes the best meter using chart recorders.

by Totts

If the reference this app are correct, then Decibels is correct. I Think the iPhone mic can only register only up to 100 this app, but that's loud enough for my throat to handle :)

by Diesel N14

Decibels used to work but now it just crashes. I've tried opening and closing, hard restarts, and uninstalling and reinstalling and it just crashes.