Buying a decibel meters brings with a whole new set of opportunities. Not can you start studying sounds, owning a decibel meter opens a whole new branch of academia for you!
However, if you want the best decibel meter, you’re going to have to put in some effort.
The following list compiles the top 15 products, but before going through them, there are, nonetheless, a few things that need to be covered.
Buyers guide
As mentioned above, buying the best decibel meter demands patience and research.
Here are a few things you should dedicate attention to when setting out to buy a decibel meter for yourself!
Purpose
When setting out to buy a decibel meter, the first step is to do your fair share of research with relevance to the purpose you need it for.
Defining a purpose for yourself will help you narrow down the plethora of options you have when considering to buy a decibel meter.
Price
By defining a price range, you’ll ensure that you shop in a particular bracket and not end up spending huge sums of money on features that you do not necessarily require. Plus, it’s good to be financially smart.
Range
Different decibels measure readings in different decibel ranges.
In conjunction with the first point, try to go with something that can give you the reading in a range that you require.
Additionally, the meter should be accurate to the first degree in that range.
Dimensions
As with all hand-held equipment, the dimensions of the apparatus should ensure that you can carry it around easily without any difficulty.
USB Capability
USB support will enable you to save your meter reading for future references. Not every decibel meter has this feature.
Screen
An essential feature of decibel meters is their readability.
If there’s a decent chance that you’ll be using the meter in the sun, then you need a screen that can easily display it’s reading without any difficulty.
Top 15 Decibel Meter Reviews
The list below was compiled after meticulous attention to detail to every gritty bitty detail of the topmost decibel meters currently available in the market.Each product was analyzed and assessed by our team of experts. Each product has with it several pros and cons as well that can help you make a better decision for yourself.
Without further ado, here are the top 15 decibel meters on the market!
1. Meterk Digital Decibel Meter
This model combines elegant design with maximal efficiency, which is why it is one of the best products on the market.
Large LCD ensures that it can be viewed at any setting or environment, including in the dark and close settings.
Additionally, the Sound Level Tester records the minimum and maximum sound decibels around any given time range and freezes the current measurement readings.
The model is also lightweight and has an auto shutdown feature.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Auto switch-down
- Good accuracy
Cons:
- The number on screen flicker around
- Lacking instructions
2. TACKLIFE Decibel Meter
Like all products produced by Tacklife, their decibel meter is also one of the best product in the market.
This model measures in the range of 30dBA-130dBA and has pretty good accuracy levels. The model has an LED display that enables users to view the screen in all scenarios.
Additionally, Tacklife also has an inbuilt automatic switch-off option, making it optimal for saving battery.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic design
- Well-lit screen
Cons:
- Bad instruction manual
3. BAFX Products – SPL – Decibel Meter
This is a compact model that combines efficiency with aesthetics. All you have to do is turn on the model, and it will give you the reading!
Measuring in-between the range 30-130dBA, the model also employs automatic power switch which turns off after a while, preserving battery.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Easy to carry around
- Well-lit display
Cons:
- Not suited for professional usage
- No adjustment for auto power-off
4. RISEPRO Decibel Meter
This model is widely applicable for a plethora of usages and is suitable for all sort of environments, such as casual, work, and home.
The apparatus has a frequency range from 31.5 to 4Khz and measures from 30 to 130 dB. The accuracy is also quite good, accounting up to +/-1.5dB.
The model also has a lot of different features and come with a whole package, which includes a pouch as well.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Wide applicability
- Extremely accurate
- Easy to calibrate
Cons:
- Lags 3-4 seconds
- Doesn’t read 30Hz or lower sounds
5. URPRO Decibel Meter
The URPRO is a simplistic model that is highly recommended for homeowners who want to find out what their neighbors are up to.
Measuring in the range from 30 dB to 130 dB, this model is also applicable for another purpose in the house.
The models simple-to-use design also makes it optimal for use in speech therapy.
Lightweight and well-lit display, this model is good to have if you’re looking to invest in a hobby.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Simplistic design
- Easy to use
- Good for beginners
Cons:
- Calibration issues
- Screen is slow
6. Protmex Decibel Meter
With a good design array of different buttons and features, this is a good model to get if you’re a professional or work in environments where you need the highest level of accuracy.
This model employs an electric condenser microphone to monitor sound levels and has a range from 30 to 130 dB.
The model also has a digital display and power saving, making it optimal for long-term usage. The design is also quite efficient and easy to grip.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Easy to carry around
- Good accuracy
- Optimal for professionals
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners
- No external calibration port
7. Galaxy Audio Live Decibel Meter
The Galaxy Audio Live Sound Monitor is a model that redefines simplicity with functionality and is an excellent detector to consider if you’re looking for something to indulge in your free time.
The best part about this model is that it is lightweight, which makes it extremely easy to carry around.
For this reason, this is also a standard model considered for usage in speech and voice therapy.
The model also has a good frequency range which is 125Hz to 8KHz.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No external power connection
- Bad manual/instructions
8. TestHelper 9.7” Sound Level Meter
This is a decibel meter that takes immense pride in its aesthetical value.
However, owing due to that implies that it can’t be moved around often and is optimal for use if it is kept in one place.
The LCD is about 9.7 inches, with numbers in red, making it easy to be read everywhere.
The model also has good accuracy at +1.5 dB and has the standard decibel measuring range.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Buzzer alarm
- USB power supply
- Can be hanged on the wall
Cons:
- Fragile
- Can’t be carried around
9. MEEARO Decibel Meter
This model is widely applicable in different scenarios due to the properties that it offers.
The first desirable features are data hold, max recorded reading and min recorded reading as well as auto power off.
The measuring range is from 30 – 130 dB with a frequency range from 31.5 to 8Khz.
Additionally, this model, unlike its predecessor, is fast responding which means it can give you readings almost instantaneously.
This makes it optimal for industrial usage.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Good accuracy
- No time lag
- Easy to use
Cons:
- The instruction manual isn’t good
- Calibration requires partial disassembly
10. VLIKE LCD Digital Audio Decibel Meter
Nothing beats the classical model which works on double-A batteries. If you’re old-school and want to keep things simple, this is the model for you.
The VLIKE combines efficient design with all the latest features needed in a decibel meter.
The range is standardized, whereas the frequency and accuracy of the apparatus are well-defined and meet standard regulations.
This model is also made with material that is built to last and can prove useful in the long run.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Made of good composite material
- Easy to use
- Good for home use
Cons:
- Bad instruction manual
- Reading isn’t constant
11. Extech 407732 Digital Sound Level Meter
With the microphone attached at the very top, the elegant design of the Extech enables the user to insert this apparatus into small and confined spaces to find out if there are any leaks or gaps.
The model adheres to all standard regulations and provides excellent accuracy.
The display is also backlit, making it easier to take readings in the dark.
This model is highly recommended for homeowners!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Accuracy
- User-friendly setting
- Compact design
Cons:
- Bothersome recalibration
- The battery cover is screwed in
12. COLEMETER Decibel Meter
Out of all the models mentioned in this list, the Colemeter is without a doubt the most beautiful design there is.
For this reason, if you’re looking for something elegant and pleasing to look at as well as function, this is the model for you.
The model adheres to all standard regulations and has auto power feature as well, which can help you conserve battery on the go.
Additionally, the Colemeter also has a large backlight display, making it easier to note down reading.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Beautiful design
- Can be placed on a tripod
- Best for home usage
Cons:
- Turns on a slight touch
- Might freeze occasionally
13. Pyle PSPL25 Digital Decibel Meter
The Pyle is a model that is built for outdoor use and is highly recommended for those individuals who want the professional features combined with simple use.
Auto switch-off ensures that you’ll rarely ever run out of battery since the device turns itself off if not used.
Furthermore, the model also has a suitable frequency and measurement range, making it applicable to a variety of activity and purposes.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Well suited for beginners
- Good for light use
Cons:
- Not heavy duty
- Manual isn’t that good
14. KASUNTEST Professional Sound Level Meter
This model is a simple one that does what it’s set out to do: give accurate readings with minimal work done by the user.
The model is CE Certified & RoHS Compliant, which makes it suitable for use if you want a touch of professionalism in your apparatus.
The large LCD will enable you to view the readings in virtually all scenarios whereas the elegant design ensures that it looks good when you use it.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Tripod mount
- Low battery alert
- Bar graph display
Cons:
- Accuracy isn’t good enough
- No data logger
15. UthCracy Noise Level Meter
The simple UthCracy is good for indoor users who want to adjust their microphones and speakers and don’t feel they would need the decibel meter for high-intensity work.
This is because this model has less range than the models mentioned above, spanning from 40dB to 130dB.
Auto switch feature turns off the device after 20 minutes of no engagement, which will save you battery.
Furthermore, the LCD screen has a bar graph indication for sound level range, making it easy to visualize your readings.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Good for indoor usage
- Great for a live band setting
Cons:
- Readings aren’t consistent
- Not suitable for outdoor work
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dB is too loud?
The human range for decibel intensity detection starts from 0 and goes up to about 150 decibels.
Generally speaking, anything that goes above 80 decibels has the potential to harm our hearing range.
Hence, it’s fair to say that if you’re approaching 80+ decibels, it is too loud.
Going above 100 can cause discomfort and dizziness.
How do you calibrate a dB meter?
The majority of dB meters come pre-programmed with automatic calibration, which is why the process is quite simple.
Put the calibrator right over the microphone, and the device will calibrate itself.
Once calibrated, the levels shown should be equal.
What do you do when your neighbors are loud?
Two things can be done in a scenario in which you find your neighbors being exceptionally loud.
The first one is civic engagement, which includes you going up to your neighbors and addressing the concern directly to them.
If they pay no heed to it, then you may call and notify the respective authorities, and they shall handle the matter.
How are dB levels measured?
The dB levels are measured when sound enters the device via the microphone.
The different factor that matters here is the sound intensity and pressure, which is what’s being measured here.
These two factors are tangible and can be processed accordingly.
At what decibels is hearing damage?
Generally speaking, hearing normally gets damaged due to prolonged exposure to sound at intensities exceeding 85 decibels.
Under that threshold, prolonged exposure doesn’t have much of an effect on hearing.
On the other hand, a gradual increase in intensity decreases the time required to damage hearing.
How many decibels can kill a human being?
About 150 decibels is required, constantly, for the rupture of the eardrum.
The rupture can lead to a permanent loss in hearing.
When it comes to death, the threshold increases to about 185 and goes till 200 decibels.
In-between this range, death can occur.
What is an acceptable noise level?
In general terms, any noise level that is below 80 decibels in normal.
However, the latter term is subject to the environment you’re in.
At a construction site, the normal noise level might approach 80 or 100 decibels.
In office settings, the acceptable noise level is always below 70 and averages on 60 dB.
Do police respond to noise complaints?
In simple words, yes. The police do respond to noise complaints.
Since the prime objective of police is to safeguard the community and ensure that the law is upheld, they must ensure that no individual breaches the right of another individual.
Can you call the police for noise in the UK?
As mentioned above, you can call the police for a noise complaint in the UK.
However, when doing so, you have to make sure that the noise is loud enough for it to be considered a public nuisance.
The police would not respond to any complaints that mirror personal biases or dislikes.
Can iPhone measure decibels?
An iPhone itself is not well-equipped to measure decibels.
However, due to the intricate machinery involved, iPhones can be temporarily transformed into decibel meters.
This is done via the installation of software from the online store — software such as these work in conjunction with the system configuration of the iPhone.
Conclusion
At the end of it all, you’re in charge of what you fancy. Hence, when buying the right decibel meter for yourself, make sure all your requirements are fulfilled.
Furthermore, if you already own one of the products mentioned in the list, let us know your favorite decibel meter in the comment section below!
