--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "NIOSH Sound Level Meter" developer_entity: "EA LAB" bundle_id: "eu.ea-lab.NIOSH" app_store_id: "1096545820" category: "Utilities" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Free" offline_capable: false market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS" app_last_updated: "2026-04-17" report_date: "2026-07-30" last_verified: "2026-07-30T00:00:00.000Z" report_version: "1.4.2" total_reviews: 16196 overall_rating: 4.7 sentiment: "Mixed" sentiment_score: 45 confidence: "medium" confidence_score: 0.65 top_praise_theme: "The simple and intuitive interface allows users to perform quick sound measurements without complex setup" top_complaint_theme: "The latest update introduced severe stability issues including app crashes and failure to record measurements" review_sample_size: 49 total_review_count: 49 analyzed_review_count: 49 data_age_days: 62 momentum_velocity: "maintenance" intelligence_version: 3 nemesis: "Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter" competitor_count: 4 tags: ["utilities", "free", "mixed sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "workers", "employers", "seeking"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/apps/niosh-sound-level-meter" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" content_version: "v2" --- # NIOSH Sound Level Meter Intelligence Report ## TL;DR {#tldr} - **Category**: Utilities · Free - **Signal**: Rating 4.67 · Sentiment Mixed - **Recent focus**: The latest update introduced severe stability issues including app crashes and failure to record measurements (top complaint) · The simple and intuitive interface allows users to perform quick sound measurements without complex setup (top praise) > **TL;DR:** NIOSH Sound Level Meter is a utilities app by EA LAB, rated 4.67/5 by 16.2K users, with Mixed user sentiment (45/100), available on iOS. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** - Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** NIOSH Sound Level Meter shows Mixed sentiment (4.67/5 from 16.2K reviews) - users praise the simple and intuitive interface allows users to perform quick sound measurements without complex setup but report issues with the latest update introduced severe stability issues including app crashes and failure to record measurements. ## Quick Facts | Fact | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Rating** | 4.67/5 (16.2K reviews) | | **User Mood** | Mixed | | **Category** | Utilities | | **Developer** | EA LAB | | **Pricing** | Free | | **Platforms** | iOS | | **Confidence** | Medium (0.65/1.0) | | **Data Age** | 62d | ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** EA LAB - **Category:** Utilities - **Target Audience:** Workers and employers seeking to measure workplace noise exposure and prevent occupational hearing loss. - **Platforms:** iOS - **Version Reviewed:** 1.4.2 - **Report Date:** 2026-07-30 - **Signal Count:** 49 reviews analyzed - **Confidence:** Medium (0.65/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 1096545820 - **Bundle ID:** eu.ea-lab.NIOSH - **Performance Trend:** Declining - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-07-30 ## Executive Snapshot **What it is:** NIOSH Sound Level Meter is a free, government-validated acoustic measurement tool for workplace noise exposure on iOS. **Why users hire it:** It removes the financial barrier to professional-grade noise measurement for workers and employers who require validated data for compliance. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Differentiator] Professional-grade acoustic metrics:** Provides LAeq, TWA, Max, Peak, and Noise Dose metrics based on NIOSH and OSHA standards. * *User Intent:* Users seek enhanced value through premium features. - **[Differentiator] Calibration capability:** Allows manual calibration of internal or external microphones to maintain accuracy. * *User Intent:* Users expect intelligent, adaptive experiences that learn from their behavior. ## Market Position {#market-position} NIOSH Sound Level Meter holds a niche position as a non-commercial utility, currently ranking in the top 100 free utilities across several international markets. Its zero-cost model provides a significant competitive advantage over subscription-based rivals, though the lack of feature updates limits its growth against commercial alternatives. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Free - **Tiers:** Completely free with no ads or in-app purchases - **Analysis:** The app operates as a non-commercial public service tool, prioritizing research and safety over monetization. ## 🟡 User Sentiment (Medium Confidence: 49 of 49 reviews analyzed) {#user-sentiment} - **Overall Rating:** 4.67/5 - **Platform Split:** iOS 4.7/5 (16.2K ratings) - **Overall Sentiment:** Mixed ### Top Praises - **The simple and intuitive interface allows users to perform quick sound measurements without complex setup** - **Free access to professional-grade sound level data provides significant value for personal and professional use** - **Integration with health tracking apps enables users to monitor long-term environmental noise exposure effectively** ### Top Complaints (Impact Areas) - **The latest update introduced severe stability issues including app crashes and failure to record measurements** ## SWOT Analysis {#swot} **Core Strengths:** - Government-validated accuracy standards establish category authority - Zero-cost model removes all barriers to entry **Growth Levers:** - Implementing dark mode would improve usability for audio technicians in low-light settings ## Recent Changes (v2 → v3) {#recent-changes} Stability regressions and a 103-day update gap have eroded the app's reputation for reliability, shifting sentiment from mixed-positive to a state of active functional failure. **Overall trend**: Declining **Compared at**: 2026-07-30 ### High-impact changes - **[Declined] Stability Regressions** (sentiment) - **[Added] Maintenance Posture** (swot) ### Medium-impact changes - **[Declined] Hardware Compatibility** (features) ## Rivals Landscape {#rivals} > Competitive positioning identified by AI analysis of app features, category, and market signals. ### NIOSH Sound Level Meter vs Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter - **[Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter](https://marlvel.ai/apps/decibel-x-db-sound-level-meter)** by SkyPaw Co., Limited: This app is the dominant commercial alternative in the sound measurement niche, maintaining a massive user base and consistent update cadence. - **Key differences:** - Offers a sophisticated spectrum analyzer and frequency weighting options that target professional audio engineers. - Monetizes through a freemium model with advanced features locked behind subscriptions, contrasting with our completely free approach. - Provides extensive calibration settings to adjust for specific device microphone hardware variations. ### Contenders (Strong Challengers) - **[Sound Meter](https://marlvel.ai/apps/sound-meter-1)** by Coolexp: High release velocity indicates an aggressive attempt to capture market share through frequent feature iteration. - Aggressive update schedule allows for rapid integration of user-requested features and bug fixes. - Focuses on a simplified, high-contrast visual display that prioritizes readability in low-light industrial environments. ### Peers (What They Do Better) - **[Network Analyzer Pro](https://marlvel.ai/apps/net-techet-netanalyzer)** by Techet: Shares the 'Utilities' category and professional-tool positioning, though it serves a different technical domain. - Provides deep-dive network diagnostics and connectivity testing tools for IT professionals and network administrators. - Establishes a strong reputation for technical reliability in a completely different utility sub-sector. ### New Kids on the Block (What's Innovative) - **[Clock Wave](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-rzapps-timecoder)** by 震 任: Recent update activity suggests an attempt to pivot or maintain relevance in the utility space. - Explores time-based signal visualization which could potentially overlap with acoustic wave analysis in future iterations. - Leverages a high-volume user base to test new UI paradigms that could disrupt standard utility app layouts. ## App Momentum (Maintenance) {#momentum} - Maintenance-mode cadence, no recent features. - Latest release 103 days ago. > **Cadence:** 1 total versions · 0 majors in last 6 months · 103 days since last update ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} NIOSH Sound Level Meter is an utilities app that is completely free. With a 4.67/5 rating from 16.2K reviews, it shows mixed user reception. > **Bottom Line:** Restoring core stability is the priority to defend the app's reputation as a reliable, government-validated instrument. If the recording failures are not addressed, the app risks losing its professional user base to more stable, commercial alternatives. **Best for:** Workers and employers seeking to measure workplace noise exposure and prevent occupational hearing loss. ### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves) - [ ] [INVEST] Rebuild recording session logic because the latest update introduced crashes and recording failures → restore core utility ### Feature Gaps vs Competitors - Spectrum analyzer (available in Decibel X but absent here) ### Outlook: Declining The acoustic measurement market is consolidating around commercial apps that offer frequent live-ops and modern UI updates. NIOSH Sound Level Meter's maintenance-mode posture leaves it exposed to rivals that are actively siphoning professional users through better hardware compatibility and stability. - 🔴 Stability regressions in the latest version (crashes, recording failures) erode user trust, which compounds the rating drag already visible on the platform. - 🔴 The 103-day gap since the last update signals a maintenance-only posture, leaving the app vulnerable to rivals with aggressive, feature-rich release cadences. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 4.67/5 | | Total Reviews | 16.2K | | Sentiment | Mixed (45/100) | | Confidence | Medium | | Pricing Model | Free | | Platforms | iOS | | Key Features | 2 analyzed | | Trend | Declining | | Outlook | Declining | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **NIOSH Sound Level Meter** (this app) | 4.67/5 | Mixed | EA LAB | | [Network Analyzer Pro](https://marlvel.ai/apps/net-techet-netanalyzer) | 4.8/5 | N/A | Techet | | [Clock Wave](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-rzapps-timecoder) | 4.7/5 | Mixed | 震 任 | | [Sound Meter](https://marlvel.ai/apps/sound-meter-1) | 4.5/5 | N/A | Coolexp | | [Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter](https://marlvel.ai/apps/decibel-x-db-sound-level-meter) | 4.7/5 | N/A | SkyPaw Co., Limited | | [Free VPN by Free VPN .org™](https://marlvel.ai/apps/free-vpn-by-free-vpn-org) | 4.5/5 | Mixed | Free VPN LLC | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** EA LAB - **Website:** [https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html) - **Social:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/CDCgov) · [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https) · [X/Twitter](https://twitter.com/share) · [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention) ## Data Sources & Links - **App Store:** [View on Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/niosh-sound-level-meter/id1096545820?uo=4) - **Dev Site:** [Official Website](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html) - **Sources:** Developer website content, About us / company information, App store metadata, User reviews. ## Related Intel Reports - [*Network Analyzer Pro*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/net-techet-netanalyzer) (Techet) · 4.8/5 Rating - [*Clock Wave*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-rzapps-timecoder) (震 任) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*Sound Meter*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/sound-meter-1) (Coolexp) · 4.5/5 Rating - [*Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/decibel-x-db-sound-level-meter) (SkyPaw Co., Limited) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*Free VPN by Free VPN .org™*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/free-vpn-by-free-vpn-org) (Free VPN LLC) · 4.5/5 Rating - [*Potatso*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/potatso) (Potatso Lab LTD) · 4.4/5 Rating - [*Quantumult X*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/quantumult-x) (Cross Utility Ltd) · 3.8/5 Rating - [*V2Box - V2ray Client*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/v2box-v2ray-client) (techlaim) · 4.5/5 Rating - [*카톡 분석 - 오픈채팅, 카톡 채팅 분석, 통계, 검색*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-liger-katalkanalysispaid) (Park Sung Cheol) · N/A Rating - [*로또 황금번호 생성기*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/lotto-lottogold) (jaehwan lee) · N/A Rating ## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq} ### Is NIOSH Sound Level Meter accurate enough for professional use? The app is tested and validated to an accuracy of ± 2 dBA in a reverberant chamber, meeting Type 2 requirements of the IEC 61672:3 standard when used with an external microphone. ### How does NIOSH Sound Level Meter compare to Decibel X? NIOSH is a completely free, government-validated tool without ads or subscriptions. Decibel X is a commercial app that offers a more polished UI and advanced spectrum analysis features locked behind a subscription model. ### Does the app work in the background? No, the app currently stops recording when the screen locks or the user switches to another application, which is a common request from professional users. ### What is a free alternative to NIOSH Sound Level Meter? NIOSH is designed to be the primary free, validated tool. While other free apps exist, they often include ads or lack the scientific validation provided by NIOSH acoustics lab testing. ## Methodology {#methodology} This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 5-stage AI intelligence pipeline: 1. **Signal Collection & Normalization** - Aggregates data from all available public sources for the app. Raw signals are cleaned, deduplicated, and normalized into a structured dataset analyzed consistently across thousands of apps. 2. **Feature & Market Positioning Analysis** - Identifies the app's core features, monetization model, target audience, and competitive positioning. Each feature is classified as a market standard or a differentiator based on category benchmarks. 3. **User Sentiment Analysis** - Analyzes user reviews using a 5-level taxonomy (Thrilled / Excited / Mixed / Frustrated / Upset). Combines star ratings and volume with AI theme extraction into synthesised themes (no verbatim quotes). 4. **Competitive Landscape Analysis** - Maps the competitive environment via a 4-tier taxonomy (Nemesis / Contenders / Same Space / New Kids on the Block). Prioritizes same sub-genre over broad category. 5. **Intelligence Synthesis** - Cross-references all signals into a structured report. Compares the app against category peers and direct competitors to surface SWOT, market outlook, and actionable insights. - **Confidence Score:** 0.65/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 49 - **Data Sources:** user reviews, developer website, company about page, App Store metadata - **Rating Method:** Weighted average across platforms (iOS & Android), weighted by review count per platform - **Independence:** Fully independent analysis. No publisher sponsorship or editorial influence. - **Report Age:** 62 days since last refresh --- © 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/apps/niosh-sound-level-meter) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.