Sound Meter
An app that shows how loud a room is with everyday comparisons.
What Sound Meter does
Sound Meter is a free decibel meter for Android from Smart Tools co., with more than 10 million installs. It uses your phone's microphone to show how loud it is and compares the reading to familiar sounds. A Pro version removes ads and adds export and statistics.
This is the simple, no-fuss option on Android. Open it and you see the current noise level in decibels along with an example of what that level sounds like, so a number like 60 dB actually means something to you.
You can set alerts for when it gets too loud, change how long the chart runs, and switch to an upside-down mode. The Pro version removes ads and adds a vibration meter, statistics and CSV export, though the Play listing doesn't show what it costs.
The developer is honest about the limits: phone microphones are tuned for everyday voice levels, roughly 40 to 70 dB, so very loud sounds may read low. Most phone meters share that limit, and none of them are certified instruments. For a rough check on a neighbor's music or a noisy office, it's a solid, free start.
Alternatives to Sound Meter
Who it's for
Skip it if: Very loud environments or certified measurements.
Pricing
Free planFree with ads. A Pro version removes ads and adds a vibration meter, statistics and CSV export. The Google Play listing doesn't show its price.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 19 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Simple and easy to read
- Millions of installs and a good rating
- Clear about phone microphone limits
Watch out for
- Shows ads
- Export and stats need Pro
- Pro price isn't shown on the listing
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Questions people ask
Is Sound Meter by Smart Tools free?
Yes, with ads. A Pro version removes ads and adds more tools.
How accurate is a phone decibel meter?
The developer says phone microphones are tuned for about 40 to 70 dB, so very loud sounds may read low. Treat it as a guide.
Is it on iPhone?
We only found it on Google Play. On iPhone, try Decibel X or the NIOSH app.