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

I bought two different brand/models of sound meter. Since they can be found so cheap it was worth getting a second to compare results. In a room with a background reading of just under 40dB, using the slow update rate, both using the A weighting, thiis meter is typically within about 1 or 2dB of the other meter when reading: Ambient sound level Music at a pleasant volume White noise a 10 second 30Hz to 8kHz sweep (covering the docuented frequency response) Testing with a tone generator at 1kHz I also see deltas close enough to 3dB when halving or doubling the output amplitude. The sources aren't calibrated, an Android audio signal generator app via a bluetooth speaker that has dedicated filtering for music. Using a 1kHz tone and halving or doubling the amplitude I see a delta on the meter close enough to +/-3dB. Since both meters have a stated accuracy of +/-1.5dB with 0.1dB resolution I'm comfortable with readings from this device. In the C weighting mode the reading from the two meters differ typically by around 6dB using the same sources and peak difference is about 10dB. That is pretty severe (typically 4x linear power difference and up to 10x linear power difference between the two meters using C weighting). I wasn't using sources with high audio power levels, just the same ones as I tested the A weighting with. Of the two meters I bought I suspect from my observations that this model is the more accurate in the C weighting mode so trust this purchase more. Without using a calibrated signal source these observations are only illustrative speculation rather than verification of anything. The live level meter is quite nice, my other meter has a bar meter with lots of bars but is only actually capable of displaying three levels as a stepped scale whereas the bar meter on this is a continuous scale. It would be nicer if I could have the fast/slow display modes apply independently on the bar meter and the numeric dB reading, I'd like a fast bar meter but a slow numeric meter. The fast update mode is 8 times per-second for the displayed dB level on the LCD and is probably great for tuning a stable signal but I have to say I prefer the slow mode with an update per-second due to the less volatile and easier to follow meter number. It's nice that it has a min and max view giving a nicer perspective than my other device which only has a max view. Both have a button to hold the currently displayed level which can be helpful trying to judge the effective level at some point when using the high speed update rate. The LCD display is monochrome on this and color on my other meter but there's not a lot of use for color on a sound meter, other than perhaps the bar meter progressing towards red at high levels which this meter can't do, I prefer the microphone pop filter on my other meter over this where it's quite thin but both meters have the same size microphone protrusion I can swap the pop filters over when in use meaning the thinner one on this doesn't matter much to me The meter does quite a good job of filtering out user handling noise but not nearby ambient noise like moving or placing things close to it. It has a nice solid cover for the microphone and pop filter when unused but it always removes the pop filter when I take the cover off, leaving the filter inside the cover. It also has a temperature and humidity display. Thermometer seems accurate enough displaying Fahrenheit but the hygrometer looks like it under-reads others I have at home by 10% and I suspect the hygrometer on this has the error. On the whole I'm pleased using it to monitor and compare sound sources I experience.

Seems to be a nice, useful Decibel meter. Especially for the (low) cost. Multiple configuration options are appreciated. For my use case, which I admit was internet-searched to not be valid -- actually does seem to work well and too expectation. My application is measuring the loudness of my PCP airguns. Conventional wisdom states you need something much more responsive. In this case, when selected on "FAST", "C" Mode, and MAX Hold seems to yield results that are very close to my PCP rifle's vendor's stated dB (approx 88-90). I get the same result, about 88-90 that drops off with distance (as expected). Overall I'm highly satisfied with the unit's perceived accuracy, speed, and overall usefulness. Additionally the large display allows the unit to be read at some distance away (easily readable within 1-2 meters) and one can turn on the backlight if taking measurements in lower light / dusk situations. On top of that, the Instruction Manual quality is reasonable to good. With that said though I do have a few small complaints: 1) This unit's display 'too prominently' features the ambient temperature and Humidity (RH) of it's environment. While I do admit this is useful infromation, I'd prefer it to constantly show dB highs and lows and allow the primary area of the display to (continue) to display the current active reading based on sample rate (Fast/slow). Missed opportunity. 2) Unit works off n=3 (included) batteries. Would have preferred rechargeable and USB-C. Overall, a fantastic value and a reasonable tool to use for PCP/Pellet Rifle noise characterization. It absolutely works great with 'slower' and less 'instantenously' sound sources even better. Recommended!

This decibel reader seems to work well. Build quality is pretty decent. Large backlit screen is easy to see. It appears to offer accurate decibel reading. I like having this to measure generator noise levels. One improvement that could have been made is to make this rechargeable. But other then that, no real complaints...

Perfectly good SPL meter. I do miss the good old analog meters -- I preferred them to ones with only numerical readouts, for watching the range of SPL when a band is playing. The little segment display works almost as well as those used to, plus we now get to choose the time constant (fast or slow response) which is nice. Also, the min/max feature is super helpful when setting up to record, so I can get a clue of how much headroom is needed. I also plan to use this to calibrate an SPL meter app on my phone, plus I'll be able to determine the useful range of the phone app, comparing the results to a calibrated meter. The temperature and humidity sensors are helpful too: checking the humidity of the room where I keep guitars, etc. The only missing feature is the ability we had with old meters to use the capsule mic independently. That is, meters used to have an RCA connector, so I could use it as a calibrated flat mic plugged into a computer to do room analysis, etc. A 3mm stereo jack for that would have been great. Another improvement would be to adjust the case so that the cap could be clipped onto the bottom, rather than it being another loose item to track.

I just got it today. After reading some simple things in the manual and online to understand the differences between A and C, it seems pretty straightforward and the device appears to work. I don't have anything else to compare it to like that of some other reviews who would call their comparison a "professional" sound measuring device, but by adjusting the volume of my speakers, as well as the gain and bass levels, the changes seem to be appropriate when it measures the changes in pressure that occur when the bass hits, although I haven't done a bass test with it because I'm in an apartment. So far, I haven't held back on being loud and the highest reading I've gotten for pressure was 113dB across my room, which was much louder than anyone should rightfully have their music, especially in an apartment. For comparison, your average jet engine for a 747 is around 110 dB without applying thrust. Standing nearby a rocket launch which would be closer to 140 dB. The device does not measure hertz, which are the measurement for the frequency of sound waves that will change the pitch rather than the loudness and pressure that decibils measure. I knew this when I purchased the device, but I just wanted to mention that for additional clarity. The product description claims it comes fully calibrated and factory tested for quality assurance. From walking around my house, testing things from my fish tank filter, to music at different levels, my vacuum, and my fridge, they all seemed to be within the expected ranges of what is claimed in the manual. If anything, I think it might read a tad bit on the high side, but I'm no expert. I would say on the fast setting you'll get a variation more like +5 dB or -5 dB from what it probably actually is, depending on what you're listening to. I prefer to use the C setting on Slow, because I feel that shows the most realistic number without drastic spikes. Compared to my thermostat that controls my house, the temp gauge on the device appears to be about 3-4° F higher, and my temp gun (which, in all fairness to the resilient lil' guy, has been dropped in a bucket of water) shows about 2° F higher than the sound device. My temperature gun also shows 2° F higher than what my aquarium heater is set to and it, as it is automatic, is not currently heating. The mercury thermometer I have somehow developed a bubble and is unreadable and I accidentally let my other temp/hygrometer device freeze, so the screen no longer functions. The hygrometer on the sound device seems accurate enough, being as it is dry here and my house is normally not as humid as your typical house, per my previous monitor. I haven't tested it in a humid room, but there isn't much need to unless you're possibly in a humid area, in which case you should use your best judgment as you would with any other electronic device. It feels like it's built well-enough. As with anything in general, but specifically a measuring instrument, you won't want to drop it. The cap that covers the microphone when it's not in use is a snug fit, which is great. However, when you pull them apart be sure that you pull them straight apart from each other. If you open it non-chalantly as you might a stick of deodorant, you may risk breaking your microphone. To hit the Amazon "ideas" for relevancy: it seems to measure noise and pressure levels well. The device has a good size. ~two phones on top of one another, but about the weight of a single phone. LCD screen is easy to read. Backlight on/off function works great. Fast noise levels with A and pressure/loudness levels with C on slow. During your "test" time, you can select the min/Max to give you the highs and lows of your test that you can average out. For around $30, it seems to be good value for money (so far) since higher end sound monitors can apparently run hundreds of dollars, if not more. The package I received wasn't completely sealed, but the item had not been touched. It arrived new. It also comes with a little velvet bag that you can put it in for carrying/storage purposes. Again, as with other electronic devices, any time you intend on storing it for any length of time where it will not be in-use, remove the batteries to avoid any corrosion or potential fire hazards. At best, you get lucky without corrosion, at worst it catches on fire. Better safe than sorry. For any practical purpose it appears as though this is a reliable enough decibel meter that it will be sufficient for 99% of the average consumers. If you're making sure your music isn't breaking any ordinances, checking someone else's noise level (you nosey neighbor, you), or any other thing you find yourself curious about knowing how loud it is, this device should be just fine. If you're aiming for truly professional reading levels and studio purposes, you typically get what you pay for when it comes to any precision measuring device, but I do believe you get a little more in this device than you rightfully should for $30. I compared this to several other devices that were <$30 and I think I would have disappointed with the other devices I was looking at. It does come from China with an impossible address that you'll probably never find, so take that for what it's worth. They do, however, have a support email and they do boast a 3-year warranty for after-sale service and lifetime tech support. I will update this if anything notable changes. I hope this helps somebody.

I needed this in order to calibrate the sound levels for the speakers on my home theatre system. This has a lot of features including the "C" level that is needed for proper home theatre speaker calibration. Product is easy to work and the display is fully functional with LED readout and a backlight making it so you don't have to hold it up to a light to view it. After using this to calibrate my speakers, it sure did make a difference in the sound effects. I had tried to manually adjust the speaker levels but found out I was waaaaay off after using this. I'd say this is a good buy and it could be selling for me than what's listed here.

I tested the accuracy of this sound meter on my HP Envy x360 laptop fan and a Handheld Mini Fan. The spec on the Handheld Mini Fan says noise level 60 db but doesn’t say distance from fan to get this reading. I measured 60 dba with fan on high speed with sound meter 2.5 inches from fan. Did a google search to see what is the max noise level on the HP Envy x360 fan and it said the maximum fan noise on an HP Envy x360 can reach around 50-55 decibels (dB) when under heavy load or in performance mode. I measured 55.7 dba with fan on max speed. I was not able to get 30 dba in a silent room like some reviews on Amazon said. When turned on it read 33 dba then would slowly rise to 38 dba and stay their. Tried it in several silent rooms in house with same result. I contacted TopTes tech support and asked why. They replied back saying: Standard room environments with real-world conditions, even in seemingly "silent" conditions, often contain residual noise sources, such as air movement, electrical hum, and vibrations. Certain electronic devices, including power supplies or household appliances, can generate low-frequency sounds that may be picked up by the meter. Why the Reading Starts at 33 dBA and Rises to 38 dBA: Upon powering on, the sensor stabilizes, which can lead to slight variations in initial readings. As the environment subtly changes (e.g., temperature, air currents), the meter may detect minor fluctuations. In most homes, background noise levels rarely drop below 30 dBA due to factors like distant traffic, HVAC systems, or even the natural sound of air moving. Accuracy & Expected Performance in Quiet Rooms: While some customer reviews mention readings above 30 dBA in quiet spaces, this aligns with real-world conditions where absolute silence is rarely achieved outside a specialized anechoic chamber. A reading of 33-38 dBA in a quiet room is within the expected range for this type of device. Our sound level meters are tested and rigorously calibrated before leaving the factory, including anechoic (soundproof) room. Just realize you will not get 30 dba in a silent room like they explained. Their are very low noises you can’t hear that the meter will pickup. The meter needs to be in a soundproof room like they use when testing to get their spec of 30 dba, Their tech support is excellent replying to 2 emails I sent within 1 to 3 days. They gave a detailed reply both times answering all my questions. The temperature reading is within 1 degree and the % humidity reads about 5 % higher compared with my accurate ThermoPro TP55 Digital Indoor Hygrometer Thermometer. I highly recommend this sound meter.

I ordered this after my trusty old radio shack spl meter decided to lose it mind and start whacking out. I was going to return it at first, but it was my user error and after I figured out, I had to hit a button twice to actually engage the spl display. Once over the initial hiccup the meter works fine. My negatives are the short display time as I like a running spl display over various albums and sources. This has a short display time for my needs but if not required for you this will not be a negative for you. The other is having to reset the a to c weighting display parameter and start over after the display quits. I believe the preceding is because of the 3 tripe a battery that runs the unit and a attempt to extend battery life. In any event this is a fine meter for the price and was well worth it to me. It has frequent use at the house and I am happy with it.