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10 Best Decibel Meters 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Decibel Meter, TopTes TS-501B Sound Level Meter with 2.25” Backlit LCD Screen, Portable SPL Tester with A/C Weighted, Range 30-130dB, MAX/MIN, Data Hold, Use for Home, Noisy Neighbor, Factory - Orange

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,305
Frequency Range
Measurement Range
Weighting Filters

Most important from
1532 reviews

Frequency Range
The frequency response is in line with the specifications and not a defect of the instrument.
Measurement Range
The capture and hold feature, along with Max and Min functions, make tracking sound levels easy.
Weighting Filters
Both slow and fast sampling options, along with A and C sound level weighting, provide versatility.

The TopTes TS-501B decibel meter is designed for anyone needing to measure sound levels accurately, making it suitable for homeowners, factory workers, and even those monitoring noise in schools or workshops. One of its standout features is the A/C weighting, which allows for precise sound measurement across a range of 30 to 130 dB, with an accuracy of 1.5 dB, covering frequencies from 30 to 8000Hz. This makes it versatile for different environments, whether you're dealing with noisy neighbors or tuning your audio system.

The 2.25-inch backlit LCD screen is another advantage; it's easy to read in various lighting conditions, which can be particularly helpful when you're trying to capture sound levels in dimly lit areas. Features like the MAX/MIN measurement function and data hold capability add to its ease of use, allowing you to track sound peaks effectively.

On the practical side, the TopTes TS-501B is portable and lightweight, weighing just under 10 ounces. It runs on three AAA batteries (included) and comes with a low battery indicator to alert you when it’s time for a replacement. The automatic power-off feature helps save battery life, which is a thoughtful addition for frequent users.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,305
Frequency Range
Measurement Range
Weighting Filters

Most important from
1532 reviews

Frequency Range
The frequency response is in line with the specifications and not a defect of the instrument.
Measurement Range
The capture and hold feature, along with Max and Min functions, make tracking sound levels easy.
Weighting Filters
Both slow and fast sampling options, along with A and C sound level weighting, provide versatility.
#2

Decibel Meter, Tadeto Digital Sound Level Meter Portable SPL Meter 30dB to 130dB MAX Data Hold with LCD Display Backlight A/C Weighted for Home Factories

Rating
9.6
Accuracy

Most important from
2547 reviews

Accuracy
While not perfectly accurate, it provides a good enough reading for general use.

The Tadeto Digital Sound Level Meter is a reliable choice for those needing accurate measurements within the 30dB to 130dB range. With a high accuracy of ± 2.0 dB, it ensures precise data collection, suitable for various environments such as factories, homes, and construction sites.

The inclusion of both A and C weighted measurements allows for versatile usage, from assessing ambient noise to analyzing machine sound pressures. This makes it highly adaptable to different needs, providing users with professional measurement methods. The device also offers fast and slow measurement response rates, catering to both stable and fluctuating noise environments effectively.

The 4-digit LCD display with backlight ensures readability in any lighting condition, and the low battery indicator is a useful feature for continuous operation. Additionally, it is lightweight and portable, making it convenient to carry around for fieldwork. The Tadeto Digital Sound Level Meter is well-suited for general and semi-professional uses, providing a good balance of features and ease of use.

Rating
9.6
Accuracy

Most important from
2547 reviews

Accuracy
While not perfectly accurate, it provides a good enough reading for general use.
#3

Noise Decibel Meter, Gedaye Sound Level Meter Range 35-135dBA, SPL Meter with A Weighted, Data Hold Max/Min, Fast/Slow, Color LCD Backlit Display, Noise Detector dB reader Monitor Audio Measure Device

Rating
9.4
Calibration

Most important from
214 reviews

Calibration
Using this device to calibrate my Denon receiver was so easy; I just turned it on and clicked for slow to steadily see the reading.

The Gedaye MT-911 decibel meter is a versatile tool suitable for various noise monitoring needs, including community noise complaints, job sites, and home theaters. One of its strengths is its wide measurement range of 35 to 135 dB, with a high accuracy of ±2.0 dB, making it reliable for different environments. The frequency range of 31.5Hz to 8KHz ensures it captures a broad spectrum of sound, which is crucial for accurate noise assessment.

The device features A-weighting, which is designed to mimic the human ear's response to different noise levels, making it more effective for environmental noise detection. Additionally, the fast and slow response options allow for flexibility depending on whether the noise levels are stable or fluctuating. The inclusion of a Max/Min measurement function is helpful for capturing peak noise levels, and the Data Hold feature allows users to freeze the current reading for easier analysis.

The color LCD backlit display is user-friendly, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions, and the added thermometer function is a nice bonus, though not essential for a decibel meter. The automatic calibration every time the device is turned on adds to its ease of use, ensuring consistent accuracy. Some users may find the reliance on AAA batteries inconvenient, although they are included in the package. The device is compact and lightweight at 4.4 ounces, making it portable and easy to handle. The Gedaye MT-911 offers a solid balance of accuracy, range, and user-friendly features, making it a good choice for both casual users and professionals monitoring environmental noise. Its few drawbacks, such as battery dependency, are minor compared to its comprehensive functionality and ease of use.

Rating
9.4
Calibration

Most important from
214 reviews

Calibration
Using this device to calibrate my Denon receiver was so easy; I just turned it on and clicked for slow to steadily see the reading.

Buying Guide for the Best Decibel Meters

When choosing a decibel meter, it's important to understand the key specifications that will help you find the best fit for your needs. Decibel meters, also known as sound level meters, are used to measure the intensity of sound in decibels (dB). They are essential tools for various applications, including workplace noise assessments, environmental noise monitoring, and audio system calibration. To make an informed decision, you need to consider several key specifications that determine the performance and suitability of the decibel meter for your specific use case.
AccuracyAccuracy refers to how close the measurements of the decibel meter are to the actual sound levels. This spec is crucial because it determines the reliability of the data you collect. Accuracy is usually expressed as a margin of error, such as ±1 dB. For general use, an accuracy of ±2 dB is often sufficient. However, for professional applications like occupational health and safety assessments, you may need a meter with higher accuracy, such as ±1 dB or better. Consider your specific needs and the level of precision required for your measurements when evaluating accuracy.
Frequency RangeThe frequency range indicates the range of sound frequencies that the decibel meter can accurately measure. This is important because different sounds have different frequencies, and you want a meter that can capture the full spectrum relevant to your application. A typical frequency range for general-purpose decibel meters is 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which covers the range of human hearing. If you are measuring specific types of noise, such as industrial machinery or musical instruments, ensure the meter's frequency range includes those frequencies. Choose a meter with a frequency range that matches the sounds you need to measure.
Measurement RangeThe measurement range specifies the range of sound levels that the decibel meter can measure, usually expressed in decibels (dB). This is important because it determines the loudness levels the meter can handle. For example, a measurement range of 30 dB to 130 dB is common and suitable for most environments, from quiet rooms to loud industrial settings. If you need to measure very quiet or very loud sounds, look for a meter with an extended measurement range. Consider the typical sound levels in your environment and choose a meter with a measurement range that covers those levels.
Weighting FiltersWeighting filters, such as A-weighting, C-weighting, and Z-weighting, are used to adjust the meter's response to different frequencies to match human hearing or specific measurement standards. A-weighting is the most common and is used for general noise measurements, as it mimics the human ear's sensitivity to different frequencies. C-weighting is used for measuring peak sound levels, and Z-weighting provides a flat response across all frequencies. Depending on your application, you may need a meter with multiple weighting filters. For general use, a meter with A-weighting is usually sufficient, but for more specialized measurements, consider a meter with additional filters.
Display and InterfaceThe display and interface of the decibel meter determine how easy it is to read and interpret the measurements. A clear, backlit display is important for reading measurements in various lighting conditions. Some meters also offer digital interfaces, such as USB or Bluetooth, for connecting to computers or mobile devices for data logging and analysis. Consider how you will use the meter and whether you need features like data storage, real-time data transfer, or advanced analysis capabilities. Choose a meter with a display and interface that meets your needs for ease of use and functionality.
CalibrationCalibration ensures that the decibel meter provides accurate measurements over time. This is important because the accuracy of the meter can drift due to environmental factors or regular use. Some meters come with a built-in calibration feature, while others require an external calibrator. Regular calibration is essential for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of your measurements. If you need precise and consistent data, choose a meter that is easy to calibrate and consider the availability of calibration services or accessories.

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