Best Decibel Meters

The Extech 407730 definitely does it all. Shaped and sized like a TV remote, it’s easy to carry along. Response time is quick, with accurate readings, verified reviewers say.

The 407730 has a host of tech-forward features. The large LCD display screen is easy to read. It self-updates every 40 seconds so you know your reading is exact. Accuracy is within 2 decibels. All in all, the Extech is a great buy.

Main features of the Extech 407730 Sound Level Meter include:

• Accurately measures 40-130dB sound levels
• +/–  2dB accuracy with 0.1dB resolution
• Auto power-off; Max Hold function
• Digital display + analog bar graph

Bottom Line

It’s easy to see why customers are raving about this dB meter. Buyers say they take it to the workplace, to outdoor concerts and anywhere it’s important to monitor sound levels. The look is attractive; it’s similar to a cordless landline phone. At just 7 oz., it’s super-portable.

The Extech runs conveniently on three AA batteries. It’s backed by a limited one-year warranty on parts and labor.

This amazing little meter gets two thumbs up from hundreds of happy customers. Not only does it accurately measure dB levels, it has software to analyze the data it collects. (Note: the software is for Windows only.)

All of these great features come at a surprisingly low price point. Accuracy is within an impressive 1.5dB. Internal storage capacity is 4500 data points. You’ll need to grab your own USB hookup for this model.

Main features of the BAFX dB Meter include:

• Measures 30-130dB sound levels
• Analysis software (for Windows) + handy travel case
• Accuracy to +/–  1.5dB
• Measures in both dBA and dBC

Bottom Line

The BAFX meets all your needs at a very comfortable price point. It also comes with its own carry case, including an area for extra batteries (AA).

The decibel meter measures 30-130dB on the easy-to-read digital screen. It comes with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Verified reviewers say they take this model everywhere.

This was one of the most accurate decibel meters we found. It measures to within 1.4 dB so you know exactly how loud your environment is.

The decibel meter has a sleek look and is hand-held for portability. The LCD display is backlit so it’s easy to read in any environment. The electric condenser microphone picks up fine differences in sound levels.

Main features of the Reed Instruments R8050 Sound Meter include:

• Accuracy to +/–  1.4 dB
• Dual range measurement (High or Low)
• Backlit LCD display
• ½” condenser microphone for high accuracy

Bottom Line

This nice-looking decibel meter is among the most accurate we found for personal use. It includes dual range measurement, a condenser mic and an easy-to-read display.

The model picks up on a frequency range of 31.5Hz to 8 kHz. It comes complete with a windshield ball, battery and a handy case so you can tote it along.

Here’s another cost-effective, high-performance option. The Pyle PSPL25 is a favorite among verified buyers because it offers loads of options without going over-budget.

This attractive hand-held model measures sound at an impressive range. Choose High to measure 60-130dB or Low for 30-100dB. You’ll get a reading to within just 1.5 decibels. The PSPL25 operates on one 9V battery.

Main features of the Pyle PSPL25 Digital Sound Level Meter include:

• Low (30-100dB) or High (60-130dB) choice
• Hand-hold size (9”)
• Accuracy to +/–  1.5dB
• Operates on one 9V battery

Bottom Line

We know looks aren’t everything, but this really is one heck of a high-tech looking model. It fits easily in the hand and has an oversize mic for an accurate sound measurement every time.

Try the Max Hold and Data Hold functions. You’ll also appreciate the auto power-off to save battery life. (It comes with one battery to get you started.)

Verified reviewers (more than a hundred of them at the time of this review) agree: the Rispero is an amazing bargain for a high-performance dB meter.

Use it in any environment where you’re worried about sound levels. It measures to within +/–  1.5 decibels. The Rispero features Max, Min and Hold settings. It’s lightweight and portable, and it’s economic enough to keep one on hand and one in your car, customers say.

Main features of the Rispero Digital Sound Level Meter include:

• Measures 30-130dB
• Accuracy to +/–  1.5dB
• Records max and min + has Data Hold feature
• Foam-covered mic

Bottom Line

A low price point is always great; accuracy is even better. This model puts these together in one handy, sleek-looking decibel meter.

This sound meter comes with a sleek-looking carrying case. It operates on one 9V battery. It’s all wrapped up in a box that’s suitable for gift-giving, according to verified buyers.

The Mertek measures sound accurately so you know when to protect hearing, according to the manufacturer. Customer reviews support that the Mertek is a great choice for personal or work-environment use.

This decibel meter comes complete with a mounting hole for a tripod. Verified reviewers say it’s lightweight and easy to carry along. And the large-size LCD display is easy to read even in low lighting.

Main features of the Meterk Digital Sound Level Meter include:

• Measures 30-130dB with +/- 1.5dB accuracy
• Backlit LCD digital display
• Min, Max and Data Hold functions
• Self-calibrated decibel monitoring tester

Bottom Line

This economically priced model certainly doesn’t skimp on options. Verified customers say they appreciate the accurate readings they get with the Meterk Digital.

The meter has an auto-shutdown feature, or manually turn it off by pressing and holding the button. The mic is wind-resistant so you get an accurate measurement no matter what conditions you’re in.

The Tacklife is super-sleek looking and fits in your hand so you can take it anywhere. Get accurate readings (+/- 1.5dB) on a clear LED display. Don’t worry about wasting battery life; it shuts off automatically after 10 minutes.

The Tacklife is another very economical model. You get all the function you need in a dB sound meter without a hefty price tag. That’s a plus, according to verified reviewers.

Main features of the Tacklife Digital Sound Level Meter include:

• Measures 30-130dB
• Accuracy to +/–  1.5dB
• Backlit LED display
• Set auto power save, or shut off manually

Bottom Line

Highly accurate yet affordable, the Tacklife is a top choice among reviewers. Easily read decibel measurements on the LED display. It requires a 9V battery, so it’s inexpensive to run, too.

The Tacklife comes with a 2-year warranty against manufacturer defects so you can buy with confidence.

This sound monitor has a cool rectangular design. Carry it along and let it measure decibel levels wherever you go. Or mount it on the wall if you need continuous sound monitoring.

The large-size display allows you to get an accurate readout in noisy environments. Reviewers say the TestHelper is very accurate (within 1.5 decibels). It also features a beeping alarm to let you know things are getting too loud in the area.

Main features of the TestHelper Decibel Meter include:

• Conveniently rechargeable
• 9.7” large screen LCD display
• Measures 30-130dB
• Accuracy to +/–  1.5dB

Bottom Line

There’s so much to love about this state-of-the-art decibel meter. It’s big enough to easily see the readout but fits easily in nearly any space. Because it’s squared-off, you can stand it up so you don’t need to actively carry it wherever you go.

There’s a handy tripod mounting screw to make things even easier. The model runs on a DC 5v 1A micro USB.