In our daily lives, it's normal to hear all kinds of noises, from voices and vehicle sounds to parties and countless other things. Noise can cause discomfort over time , which is why we must avoid it as much as possible if we want to maintain good health. Noise pollution has become one of the major problems in modern cities, and although it often goes unnoticed, its effects on the body are cumulative and can become truly serious. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that prolonged exposure to excessive noise causes around 12.000 premature deaths per year, that 22 million people live permanently with harmful environmental noise, and that some 6,5 million people worldwide suffer sleep disturbances due to this phenomenon. Added to this are other equally worrying symptoms such as headaches, increased blood pressure, stress, irritability, loss of concentration, and even heart attacks in the most extreme cases.
Discover the 6 best apps for measuring decibels with your mobile phone , tools available for Android devices. Sound Meter is one of the best known, although it's not the only one available if you want to measure levels in different areas. All of them utilize the phone's built-in microphone to transform your device into a pocket-sized sound level meter, giving you a fairly accurate idea of ​​the noise level around you, whether for health, safety, work, or simply out of curiosity.
What are decibel measuring apps and what are they used for?
Decibel measurement apps are software programs designed for mobile devices that use the built-in microphone to calculate the sound pressure level (SPL) in decibels (dB) within a given environment. Anyone can use them to find out the noise level around them, whether for health, safety, work, or simply out of curiosity. They are perfect for detecting if a neighbor is making too much noise, if nearby construction exceeds legal limits, if a party is getting out of hand, or if the volume at which we listen to music with headphones could damage our hearing.
While these apps are very helpful, it's important to remember that they are not a substitute for a professional sound level meter . A smartphone is primarily designed to capture the human voice, so its measurements are always approximate. To obtain officially valid data or to report a case of noise pollution to your city council, it's best to supplement these apps with a professional measurement carried out by a specialized company using certified equipment.
Accuracy of apps for measuring decibels
Mobile noise measurement apps are a popular tool for assessing the sound level of our surroundings, but it's important to be aware of their limitations. Generally, they aren't as accurate as professional devices for several reasons. First, they rely on the device's built-in microphone, which may not be as sensitive or precise as the microphones in professional measurement equipment. This can lead to inaccurate readings and misjudgments of noise levels.
Another factor to consider is that apps can be affected by background noise from the device itself , which distorts the results. The microphone can pick up sound from the device, as well as any other ambient noise, affecting the accuracy of the final measurement. Professional equipment, on the other hand, uses high-quality microphones and is designed to measure noise levels with great accuracy, even in specific frequency bands and in real time, making it ideal for industrial or construction environments where noise levels can change rapidly.
Another important advantage of professional measuring devices is their ability to record measurements over time , allowing for trend analysis and action to reduce noise. Apps also allow for recording sessions and saving a history, but with a much lower level of reliability.
Calibration, key in any measurement
Calibration is a crucial step for accurately and reliably measuring noise. Professional sound level meters are calibrated regularly to ensure their accuracy and reliability, while mobile apps are not always properly calibrated, which directly affects the final result of each reading. Some professional devices can calibrate automatically based on ambient noise, and even manually if necessary, guaranteeing accurate readings every time.
When using a sound level measurement app, it's advisable to adjust the calibration value according to your phone model, as each microphone behaves differently. Apps like Sound Meter or Decibel Meter offer the option to apply a positive or negative correction to bring the reading as close as possible to that of a real sound level meter. Furthermore, keep in mind that these apps don't always account for ambient conditions, which can also affect the readings.
The dynamic range of apps
Dynamic range is an important factor to consider when choosing a noise meter. It refers to the difference between the lowest and highest noise levels that a device can accurately measure. Professional sound level meters have a much wider dynamic range than mobile apps, allowing them to measure both extremely low noise levels (like a person whispering) and extremely high levels (like an ambulance siren), automatically adjusting to the environment.
The apps typically have a limited dynamic range, generally from 30 dBA to 130 dBA , although microphone quality always affects the actual result. At extreme levels, measurements can become inaccurate or unreliable, something to keep in mind when the goal is to detect very low or very loud noises. Therefore, we shouldn't be surprised if a silent room doesn't register 0 dBA: a quiet environment typically registers around 30 dBA.
Additional features that make a difference
Professional equipment incorporates advanced features such as measuring different types of noise (low frequency or impulsive) and recording data over extended periods. Apps are increasingly offering tools that add real-time graphs, measurement history, CSV or PNG export , frequency weighting (A, B, C, Z, or ITU-R 468), FFT spectrum analysis, dosimeters compliant with NIOSH and OSHA standards, overlaid screenshots, and even manual calibration.
Even so, apps are still less accurate and reliable than professional equipment. They can struggle to measure certain noises, be less sensitive to level changes, and depend heavily on the quality of the device's microphone, which varies significantly between different phone or tablet models. Therefore, while useful for casual use, they are not suitable for professional applications where precise measurements are required.
Permitted decibel levels and regulations
To control excessive noise, legislation establishes limits that vary depending on whether we are outdoors or indoors, and on the time of day. Given that the threshold of hearing (or the sounds that the human ear begins to perceive) is 0 dB, it's helpful to know some indicative values: a normal conversation can reach 40 dB, a moving train is around 80 dB, and an airplane taking off is around 130 dB, already within the threshold of pain. The atomic bomb explosions in Hiroshima and Nagasaki reached 200 dB.
Regulations state that the maximum permitted noise level at home with the windows closed is 35 dB during the day and 30 dB at night , although some municipal ordinances vary these values ​​and even add a specific time slot for the evening. The European Union establishes a maximum ambient noise level of 65 dB for the day and 55 dB for the night. If this limit is respected, in theory, we shouldn't be able to clearly hear our neighbors' conversations or television.
Difference between noise and sound
It's worth taking a moment to differentiate between sound and noise. There isn't a technical distinction between the two concepts, but rather a difference in perception. Noise is an unpleasant sound , with a negative connotation, an unwanted sound. The way in which a human being perceives or reacts to a sound is what allows us to classify it as noise or not. This subjective perception is precisely what makes measuring the actual decibel level to which we are exposed so important.
How is sound intensity measured?
Noise levels are measured using devices called sound level meters. Ambient noise is measured using indicators that analyze the sound pressure level (SPL or Lp). This measurement identifies the intensity of sound produced by a given pressure, and its unit of measurement is the decibel (dB). Ambient noise limits range from 0 dB, the threshold of hearing, to 120 dB, which is considered painful. Thanks to apps, we can approximate these values ​​from anywhere without needing specialized equipment.
Sound meter
It's known for being an accurate tool for measuring decibels with your mobile phone , providing real-time noise levels. The sound meter displays everything like a speedometer, with ascending lines and the dB reading below.
At the bottom, a graph will display ascending or descending depending on the measured noise level, allowing you to save the audio file. It shows the minimum and maximum decibel levels, all of which depend on the regulations of each country, which always has an agency that enforces these regulations within set hours.
The sound meter works like an app with predefined values, although nowadays you have access to professional-grade tools for more comprehensive measurement. It was created by Pony Inc., the company behind another popular app, Photo Collage Maker.
Decibel Meter
Like other apps, Decibel Meter accurately displays decibel measurements , all within an interface similar to those found in other tools. Considered one of the lightest apps available, it allows you to measure noise levels, whether from a neighbor, a party, nearby construction, or other sources.
Its meter in this case uses a bar that goes from low to high, although the numbers are displayed at the top of the bar, not the bottom. Decibel Meter has been adding some adjustments to become one of the best for taking measurements.
The recordings are high quality, but microphone permission is required , as well as storage space to save the created files. The Decibel Meter app is free for users, although there is a Pro version with some added features. The app has 50.000 downloads.
Sound meter and detector
Once you open it, its interface will show you everything you need to measure any sound that bothers you, including unexpected ones. As you record, it will let you see how it went, all through graphs at the bottom with changing numbers.
The data is usually accurate; the user simply presses play to start and waits for the app to record for as long as needed. Recordings can last as long as the user wants , as long as there is storage space, which phones typically have ample.
It usually provides the information we need ; thanks to the decibel measurements, you'll get an approximation, although you'll need to have it measured by an official company for comprehensive data. The app is available for free on the Play Store. It also includes very useful features such as manual calibration, setting a maximum decibel limit, and the ability to change the meter's visual theme, as well as a history of previous measurements.
Sound Meter
This interesting app is highly rated on the Play Store , a store with millions of apps that has awarded it several times over the past five years. Sound Meter has seen its stability improve with each update.
For each measurement, it shows what might be happening, although it's not necessarily what's actually occurring, but it does give you an idea of ​​the different possibilities. Sound Meter is a very complete decibel meter for Android ; moreover, like the previous ones, it records readings in different sessions and saves them to memory.
Like a speedometer, this app 's noise level rises or falls depending on the noise, whether it's near or far, and also provides information about it. It has a 4,5 out of 5 star rating and over 10 million downloads. It's particularly noteworthy for its accuracy in very noisy environments, as it includes a decibel meter, reference information based on the type of sound, and the ability to calibrate the sensor to your specific phone model.
dB Meter Pro
Newly launched a few months ago, dB Meter Pro is geared towards those who want to measure any type of noise generated around them. Like all apps of this type, it uses the microphone to measure and record everything that happens, provided the user grants permission.
When exporting measurements, the app offers the option to save them in various formats, including common ones like MP3. In a noisy environment, it's best to take measurements regularly to determine if the noise level warrants a complaint and prompt action from the local council.
db Meter Pro is relatively lightweight and has a very polished interface , all modernized for today's standards. Recordings start at 30 seconds and can be uploaded to your available storage. The audio files are compatible with various services, apps, email, and more.
HQ PRO sound level meter
The app includes built-in software to enhance microphone input; however, it requires permission for both the microphone and storage. HQ PRO Sound Level Meter is one of the most important tools for measuring decibels with an Android mobile phone.
It's not designed as a professional solution , but the values ​​it typically provides are useful for getting a general idea, especially before measurements are taken with high-quality equipment. The HQ PRO sound level meter has improved; response times are now significantly shorter and more stable.
Noise levels are stable in some areas; try placing your phone in one area and taking measurements throughout the different stages. The HQ PRO sound level meter displays the measurement at that moment , with the minimum on the left and the maximum permitted on the right.
Tips for measuring decibels with your mobile phone
To get the most out of any of these apps, it's advisable to follow a few recommendations. The first is to calibrate the application before taking any important measurements, adjusting the correction value according to your phone model and comparing it with a real sound level meter if possible. The second is to place your phone on a stable surface and in a position that doesn't obstruct the microphone, avoiding covering it with your hand or thick cases.
It's also advisable to take several measurements at different times of day to get a more complete picture of the noise level, as ambient sound varies considerably throughout the day. Apps typically display the minimum, maximum, and average values—three very useful pieces of information for determining whether the noise is intermittent or continuous.
Finally, remember that these apps have no legal standing . If the noise exceeds the limits established by regulations and you wish to report it, you must contact a specialized company that can carry out an official measurement with a certified sound level meter. The apps serve as an initial guide, as a warning, but not as definitive proof.
Measuring the decibels around you with your mobile phone is easier than ever thanks to apps like Sound Meter, Sound Meter, Sound Meter and Detector, Decibel Meter, dB Meter Pro, and Sound Meter HQ PRO. All of them are free, lightweight, and perfect for getting an idea of ​​the noise around you. However, it's important to remember that these are approximate tools, and when your health or a potential complaint is at stake, it's always best to use a professional sound level meter that guarantees accurate and reliable readings. With this selection on your Android device, you'll get an initial warning about the noise level anywhere and can take steps to protect your hearing and well-being.
