Is it as accurate as a professional sound level meter?

Phone microphones aren't calibrated to professional-grade standards, so readings are indicative rather than certified. For casual use — checking if a room is too loud or comparing two locations — it's very practical. For legal or occupational health measurements, use a certified instrument.

Does it record or store my audio?

No. The microphone signal is processed in real time to compute the dB level only. No audio is recorded, stored, or sent anywhere — it's private and stays on your device.

What dB level is considered safe for long-term exposure?

Health authorities generally recommend keeping sustained noise below 85 dB for workplace safety. Prolonged exposure above that level can cause hearing damage over time.

Why does the reading fluctuate even in a quiet room?

Background noise from your device's own electronics and ambient sounds (ventilation, distant traffic) is always present, typically registering between 30–45 dB. This is normal and expected.

Sound Meter

APP

Measure ambient sound levels in decibels.

Best on the app

Sound Meter needs your phone's hardware

It samples your microphone to compute sound pressure. Download Carbide free to use it — plus all 111 tools, fully offline.

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What it does

Sound Meter uses your phone's microphone to measure the ambient noise level around you in real time, displayed in decibels (dB). Watch the live needle climb as a truck passes, a dog barks, or a crowd cheers — then see it settle back down in a quiet room. It's useful for checking whether your workspace is too loud for concentration, verifying that earplugs are doing their job, or identifying noisy spots in your home. The tool is completely free, needs no sign-up, and runs fully offline — your microphone audio is processed on-device and never recorded or transmitted anywhere. Tap to start monitoring and get an instant, private sound-level reading wherever you are.

How to use the Sound Meter

Open Sound Meter and grant microphone permission when prompted.
Hold your phone with the microphone facing the sound source for the most accurate reading.
Watch the real-time dB display — the needle or bar updates continuously as noise changes.
Note the peak dB value shown on screen to capture the loudest moment.
Move to different spots to compare noise levels across locations.

Frequently asked questions

Is it as accurate as a professional sound level meter?: Phone microphones aren't calibrated to professional-grade standards, so readings are indicative rather than certified. For casual use — checking if a room is too loud or comparing two locations — it's very practical. For legal or occupational health measurements, use a certified instrument.
Does it record or store my audio?: No. The microphone signal is processed in real time to compute the dB level only. No audio is recorded, stored, or sent anywhere — it's private and stays on your device.
What dB level is considered safe for long-term exposure?: Health authorities generally recommend keeping sustained noise below 85 dB for workplace safety. Prolonged exposure above that level can cause hearing damage over time.
Why does the reading fluctuate even in a quiet room?: Background noise from your device's own electronics and ambient sounds (ventilation, distant traffic) is always present, typically registering between 30–45 dB. This is normal and expected.

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