STILL / FIELD NOTES 15

Still and NIOSH Sound Level Meter: different reasons to choose

NIOSH Sound Level Meter is a free iOS app from the US occupational-safety research agency. NIOSH publishes testing and accuracy information for its app. Still is a separate product focused on a calm meter, analysis and a journal with a one-time upgrade; it does not claim equivalent validation.

September 8, 2026 · Arve Tech, maker of Still

Where NIOSH has the stronger evidence

The agency publishes its app's measurement specifications and guidance. That evidence should not be attributed to Still merely because both run on iPhone. If your main question concerns workplace noise, consult the NIOSH material and an appropriate professional measurement process.

Where Still focuses

Still offers live analysis and optional saved sessions, comparisons and PDF, CSV, HTML and PNG exports. Unadjusted readings are dBFS, and sound-pressure estimates need an external reference. Choose based on the actual workflow and evidence, not the assumption that a paid app is more accurate.

Try a repeatable approach

1. Decide whether your priority is a documented measurement method or a personal journal workflow.
2. Read the exact app's stated limitations and units.
3. Compare features and pricing without transferring accuracy claims between products.

Source and scope

NIOSH: Sound Level Meter app and measurement limitations

Measurement guidance is educational. Still is not a certified sound level meter and does not establish medical, legal or workplace-compliance conclusions. App-specific statements describe version 1.0.0, currently awaiting App Store review.