Sound meter : SPL & dB meter

What this noise meter is for

Sound meter : SPL & dB meter turns the microphone in a phone or tablet into a noise level meter. The developer lists it as a tool for sound tests and for measuring environmental noise in decibels.

It is aimed at people who want a quick reading of how loud a space is without buying a dedicated instrument. The developer also frames it as a way to spot noise levels that could damage hearing.

Measuring decibels with the built-in microphone

The app uses the device's microphone to take sound pressure readings in decibels (dB). It is meant for noise tests in a room, at work, or outdoors.

Because it runs on the phone's own microphone, no external hardware is listed as needed for these readings.

Calibrating readings against a reference meter

The developer warns that readings are less precise than a dedicated SPL meter, because phone microphones are generally tuned for human voice. The app lets you adjust the reading value to narrow that gap.

If you own a real sound pressure level meter, the developer suggests calibrating against it before use. Without one, go to a very quiet place and set the reading to 20 to 30 dB.

Other names for a decibel or SPL meter

The same kind of tool is often searched as a noise level meter, sound level meter, dB meter, decibel meter or SPL meter. The app's listing uses all of these names for the same function.