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 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 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.

In a hurry, I compared 3 meters. A not comprehensive table of the results is as following:Tadeto SL720 Reed R8060 TopTes TS-501B----------------------------------------------max dB-A68.1 68.1 68.871.7 69.3 70.072.9 71.6 71.279.0 75.9 77.880.1 80.3 77.7116.1 96.9 102.7max dB-C78.0 76.7 75.882.7 78.8 78.886.5 85.4 84.9When the noise is within 60-90 dB, the 3 meters produce about the same results, when outside of that range, I have doubts that the meters are precise. Reed feels to be closer to reality out of three, but price wise it's 6x more.Somehow I liked TopTes the most, probably because it's not too far from Reed, but the interface is much better. On the downside, when it's quiet, TopTes shows 35 dB, when in reality it's probably 10 dB or so.

Easy to use and seems accurate enough to get an idea of noise differences in different areas or near different equipment. Not using to check a definite decibel reading as much as a comparative number..

I bought this item for speech therapy, work well for what I use for. Note 3 decibels over what it should be. Easy to use and the screen easy to read. For what it cost I am very happy with the purchase.