Decibel meter for iPhone and Android
SoundSense measures the noise around you in dBA, saves sound checks with notes and turns them into clear reports. No account needed, and audio is never recorded.
Typical levels, rounded. Real places vary, which is why it helps to measure. Full decibel chart
01 · Measure
Open SoundSense and the estimated level in dBA is there straight away, with a live graph. The live meter is free, with no time limit.
02 · Keep
Save the checks that matter with a title, place and notes. Each one shows the average (LAeq), minimum, maximum and the time above your own threshold.
03 · Show
When noise turns into a conversation with a landlord, a neighbour, a school or an office, bring a readable record instead of a feeling.
SoundSense listens only to calculate a number. There is no SoundSense server, so we never receive your measurements.
Read the privacy policyNo sign-up, no email, no name. Open the app and measure.
Sound is processed in short memory buffers on your phone. Nothing is recorded, saved or uploaded.
Measurements, titles and notes live in the app's private storage and are left out of iCloud and Android cloud backups.
SoundSense never asks for your location. A place is whatever you type.
Phone microphones are not certified instruments, so SoundSense shows estimates and labels its readings and reports that way. It is made for understanding and comparing everyday noise: traffic, neighbours, open-plan offices, classrooms, gyms, concerts or a home workshop. If you have a sound level meter you trust, the reference adjustment brings readings closer to it. For legal, workplace or medical decisions, use a certified meter. Our guide on how to measure decibels on Android explains how to get a steady reading.
No. The app turns the microphone signal into sound levels on your phone and keeps the audio only in short memory buffers for that calculation. It never saves audio, never sends it anywhere and does not try to recognise speech or people.
Yes, with Premium, for up to 8 hours. Android shows a notification while it runs and iPhone shows its microphone indicator. The free live meter works while the app is open.
They stay on the old phone: SoundSense keeps them out of cloud backups on purpose, and we have no copy. Export the ones you want as CSV or image files (or PDF with Premium) before you switch or uninstall.
In your Apple Account or Google Play subscription settings, or through Manage purchases in the app. You keep Premium until the end of the period you paid for. Deleting the app does not cancel a subscription.
SoundSense is on Google Play now. The iPhone version is coming soon to the App Store; questions in the meantime? Write to us.
Questions about the app, a purchase or your data. We reply by email.
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