Which decibel meters are the best for your need?
A decibel meter is a quite handy tool for acoustic measurements. These devices have diaphragms which respond to the changes in air pressure caused by sound waves on the inbuilt microphone. The unit then accurately converts these electrical values back in decibel units.
Today, Wonderful Engineering brings you the 10 best decibel meters of the market!
Sinometer Decibel Meter ($69.95)
This audio digital sound level meter has an operating temperature of 0 to 40 degrees Celsius and operating humidity of 10% to 70% RH. It works on 9 Volts Alkaline cells and has an integrated 0.5 inches condenser microphone. It has a full measurement range of 40~130 dB (decibel) and produces an AC signed output for frequency analyzer level recorder, FFT analyzer, graphic recorder, etc.
Technical Specifications By The Manufacturer:
- Accuracy: ±2 dB (under reference condition)
- Frequency Range: 31.5 Hz ~ 8.5 kHz
- Linearity/Dynamic Range: 30 dB
- Measuring Level: 40~130 dBA, 40~130 dBC
- Frequency Weighting: A and C
The digital LCD measures 45 x 35 mm with four digits resolution of 0.1 dB.
Available here.
REED Instruments Decibel Meter ($464.00)
This highly accurate sound level meter has an accuracy of (+-) 1.4 dB and meets two types of standards with a triple range measurement (50 dB dynamic range). The unit logs real-time data with integral SD memory card(up to 16GB). You can also choose your sampling rate from 1 to 3600 seconds. It includes batteries, a calibration certificate and has a large backlit LCD displaying precise readings.
“Was looking for an SLM that record data so I could share actual data with law enforcement to support noise ordinance rules. I live next to a business that generates considerable noise sporadically through the day from 7 am to 10 pm six days a week. Calling in disturbances was futile. This meter and its ability to record data all day have made a conversation on solution possible. Very easy to use and download data to turn in graphs, metrics, etc. Also, check out the youtube video on tips and tricks.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
Leaton Decibel Meter ($17.99)
This unit is a compact, lightweight and portable sound level detector. It features a frequency of 31.5 Hz to 5 kHz, an accuracy of 1.5 dB and a sampling rate of 2 times/second. The digital LCD has a four digit display with a resolution of 0.1 dB. It has an integrated 1/2 inch condenser microphone. You can also hold the maximum value with a power life of about 30 hours using an alkaline battery. The unit has a backlit display and automatically shuts off when not in use for a time. It is incredibly easy to use and is very responsive to changes in sound pressure levels from a stationary point (volume increases), as well as changes as you move closer to or farther away from the sound source.
“Very easy to use.Significant digits and backlight are easy to read. Mount is nice but would be helpful if it would stand up on its own.Did not come with portable carrying case as per description next to the picture. One excellent review led me to think this was not A weighted the one I received is A-weighted.At this price, there is no reason not to have one.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
BestFire® Decibel Meter ($22.89)
This unit comes with a mini battery and integrated LCD. This device supports a dynamic range as well as instantaneous sound measure functions. You can hold the maximum values and has an auto power off function for saving battery life. The large bright LCD is easy to read and is a reliable, fast and accurate way to measure sound level. It is useful in various noisy environments such as factories, offices or even traffic. It is pocket-sized and easy to carry.
- Measuring Range: 30 dBA to 130 dBA.
- Accuracy: plasma: 1.5 dB
- Resolution: 0.1 dB
- Frequency range: 31.5 HZ to 8.5 KHZ
- Frequency Weighting: A
- Sampling Frequency: 2 times/sec
“Good. A-weighted decibel meter for the price it works well and is about on par with an older unit I have I bought this one because I thought my old one might have been having issues guess not. It works like a champ, though.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
Proster Decibel Meter ($24.95)
This mini, digital sound meter has an integrated 0.5 inches condenser microphone. It calibrates internally with an oscillator. You can hold max/min noise level measurement and view it on the large backlit LCD. It automatically shuts off after 15 minutes.
Technical Specifications By Manufacturer:
- Measurement Range: 30 dBA – 130 dBA
- Accuracy: (+/-) 1.5 dB; Resolution: 0.1 dBA
- Frequency range: 31.5
“This meter is pretty cool; it measures noise/loudness in the form of decibels. The meter itself has a nice big easy readable display and fits in your hand well. It takes one 9volt battery which is included. It’s easy to use; I tested my car stereo at different levels, and this little meter performed correctly. Then my family had fun screaming as loud as we could to see who was the most deafening =). If you are in the market for a decibel/noise meter, this one here is a good choice!! It didn’t come with a case but I won’t minus a star for that.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
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GoerTek Decibel Meter ($18.99)
3 AAA batteries power this unit. The unit automatically shuts off when not in use, and you can always turn it ON/OFF manually. It is specially designed to fit comfortably in your hand. It gives accurate readings in the range of 30 dBA ~ 130 dBA while reducing the effects of wind noise. The min/max hold function will keep the maximum and minimum reading until the next value comes. This sound decibel meter is applicable for the measurement of noise engineering, quality control, health prevention and various environmental sounds. Its applications include noise measurement in different places such as factories, offices, transporting routes, stereo equipment, and other noisy areas.
Technical Specifications By The Manufacturer:
- Measuring Range: 30~130 dBA
- Accuracy: (±) 1.5 dB
- Frequency Response: 31.5 Hz ~ 8.5 kHz
“I used it to balance the outputs of my home theatre speakers (which were well off by ear) and everything sounds more whole and present in the showroom. Reproducibility seems right, but I have no way to verify the accuracy of the meter. For what I used it for, it is perfect. It may be nice to have one with an output jack if you want to get far-reaching about calibration, but for the price, it is hard to beat.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
Extech Instruments Decibel Meter ($65.05)
This unit can accurately measure 40 to 130 dB on a digital display with 2 dB accuracy and 0.1 dB resolution. It records and holds maximum and minimum values over time and turns off when not in use. The device also shows results on the large LCD in two different ways, either by number or a fast-responding analog bar graph. The lightweight meter easily fits in your hand; can be used wherever you need it and gives precise readings with (+/-) 2 dB accuracy and 0.1 dB resolution.
“Did what we needed to do with this. Worked out great. The CEO of our company needed confirmation of what would be the best alternative for soy prodding his office. This helped us determine the best scenario. All went well.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
Parts Express Decibel Meter ($22.00)
This product is a one-button operation, digital sound level meter by Parts Express. It has a large, backlit LCD with auto power off ability. The unit also has a threaded insert for compatibility with a tripod mount. It is less than 6 inches in length, incredibly portable and easy to use.
“This meter is so easy to use! We bought it for our 8-year-old to use for a school science project and it’s a great little measuring device. The simple buttons, the relatively large screen, and the max reading feature are all great. It helps give perspective on what might be damaging our hearing in our everyday lives. I didn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a device since I didn’t need OSHA-level performance. The price point was appropriate for this unit.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
Dr.Meter Decibel Meter ($22.99)
This compact, lightweight, digital decibel meter is ideal for measuring noise levels in factories, offices, theaters, and audio systems. After 15 minutes of inactivity, it powers off and boasts a large LCD screen with data hold function. It calibrates itself using the internal oscillator and has a 0.5 inches condenser microphone for taking data.
Technical Specifications By The Manufacturer:
- Measurement Range: 30 dBA ~ 130 dBA
- Accuracy Within (+/-) 1.5 dB
- Resolution: 0.1 dBA
“First thing I tested this on was my piccolo. It drives my dogs and neighbours nuts, so it didn’t surprise me it registered at over 95 dBA. I also found this device to be useful in testing everyday items like my hairdryer, car stereo, work copier, etc. I have always wondered what effect daily use of these things was having on my hearing. I tested my hairdryer, and it came out at about 83.2 dBA which is within the 80-90 range for most hairdryers. Interestingly enough, most of the items I thought were probably hurting my hearing were within a safe decibel range. This device is very easy to use and provides quick readings. I believe that it’s beneficial to use around the house and in the workplace.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
BAFX Products Decibel Meter ($17.99)
The unit requires 9 Volts battery and accounts for relative loudness perceived by the human ear. It automatically turns off after 11 minutes of inactivity. It comes with a backlight display and can give a low battery indication.
Technical Specifications By The Manufacturer:
- Measures from 30 dBA to 130 dBA
- Accuracy of (+/-) 1.5 dB
- Resolution to 0.1 dB
- Frequency weighting A
- Sampling rate of 2x/second
“Is not accurate as the professional phonometer, but for this price is excellent, I test just the noises on the ships motor and me comparate with professional dB meter ( 800 $ ) and this BAFX have just two dB of difference up to 115 dB. If you need for not professional use is perfect!!!” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
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