NIOSH Sound Level Meter
An app that tracks how much noise you've been exposed to today.
What NIOSH Sound Level Meter does
The NIOSH Sound Level Meter is a free noise meter for iPhone, built with NIOSH, the US agency that researches workplace safety. It shows live sound levels and keeps a running total of how much noise you've been exposed to. There are no ads and nothing to buy.
Most decibel apps tell you how loud it is right now. This one also tracks your noise dose, a running total of your exposure over time, shown as a percentage. That makes it handy if you work around loud machines, play in a band or spend long days at events.
Its accuracy was tested in a NIOSH acoustics lab, and with an external microphone the developer says it meets the standard for a Type 2 sound level meter. You can calibrate it, see the common noise numbers that safety guidelines use, share your data, and save readings to Apple's Health app. It also includes plain guidance about hearing protection.
It's free with no ads or in-app purchases, and it's only on iPhone. It's a solid first app if you want a careful reading without upsells, but a phone is still not a certified meter. For official workplace checks, follow your safety team's process and equipment.
Alternatives to NIOSH Sound Level Meter
Who it's for
Skip it if: Android phones. Official or legal noise measurements.
Pricing
Free planIt's completely free. There are no ads and no in-app purchases.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 19 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Free, no ads, no in-app purchases
- Built with a US safety research agency
- Tracks exposure over time, not just a number
- Supports external microphones
Watch out for
- iPhone only
- More technical than casual decibel apps
Want a noise log built for your job? Build your own.
Describe your app idea and Bilt builds it. Free to start, on your phone in minutes.
Try this idea: “an app that logs how loud my workshop gets each day and shows me a weekly chart of my noise exposure”
Questions people ask
Is the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app free?
Yes. It's free with no ads and no in-app purchases.
Who made the NIOSH app?
It was developed by EA LAB with NIOSH, the US agency that studies workplace safety, and tested in a NIOSH acoustics lab.
Is there a NIOSH Sound Level Meter for Android?
No, it's only on iPhone. On Android, look at the other decibel apps in this category.
What is noise dose?
It's a running total of how much noise you've been exposed to over time, shown as a percentage of a daily limit.