Decibel Meter, TopTes TS-501B Sound Level Meter with A/C Weighting, Measuring Range 30 to 130 dB, SPL Tester for Noise Control, 2.25-inch Backlit LCD Display, MAX/MIN, Data Hold - Orange

Acurate, well the temperature is part is. I have no way to test how acurate the sound level part is but as the thermometer side is within a tenth of a degree C the sound side is likely to follow as the whole meter is sftware calibrated.

Easy to use, value for money.

Very good but also very complicated. If you only want one to sound test your car or bike buy a different one.

Good

Arrived on time well package and in good condition, works extremely well

Checking loud noises really good

I give it 5 stars for functionality. It has exactly everything you need. It has ideal dimensions and is comfortable. I didn't have the opportunity to check the calibration but comparing the results I think it is very accurate for not profesional measurements. Unfortunately, there is one prolem, the body is delicate. When the meter is lying on the desk and no one touches it, it works properly. But just pick it up and parts of the screen disappear. Maybe it's just this one. I decided to return it. BTW it's not that easy because there is no option to print a sticker and the QR code usually doesn't work and you waste a lot of time.

The TopTes TS-501B Decibel Meter is an extremely handy tool that blends function, form, and affordability in a way that’s hard to fault. I’ve now purchased this unit for myself and recommended it to others due to how intuitive and useful it’s been across a wide range of scenarios. While this won’t be a five-star review—and I’ll explain why—it absolutely deserves recognition for the quality it offers at this price point. The experience has mostly been positive, and for most casual or even semi-professional users, this meter will deliver far more value than expected.From the moment I unboxed the TS-501B, the thoughtful design impressed me. The package includes three AAA batteries, a compact carry pouch, and a surprisingly clear and detailed instruction manual. The orange ABS plastic casing has a rugged, almost industrial charm, and the anti-slip side strips add a functional touch. It’s lightweight, well-balanced in the hand, and comfortable to hold even during prolonged sessions. The 2.25-inch backlit LCD is large, bright, and readable in both direct sunlight and dimly lit environments, which proved extremely helpful when I used it in basements or at night.Over the course of several weeks, I used this decibel meter in no fewer than ten different real-world scenarios. I measured background noise in my home office to make adjustments for remote meetings and video recording. I used it in the car to compare cabin noise between winter and summer tyres. I tested the decibel levels of household appliances like my dishwasher, washing machine, air fryer, and vacuum cleaner. I took it to a local pub during a live music set to get a reading on how intense things really got at the peak of the evening. It’s also been used to measure noise levels during baby naps, to monitor sound leakage through shared walls in a flat, and even to help determine appropriate background music levels at a friend’s small café.In terms of technical performance, the TS-501B is solid. The microphone is sensitive enough to capture low-level ambient noise, and it responds quickly to changes in volume. The A/C weighting options are excellent additions for those who understand their purpose: A-weighting simulates human ear response and is useful for everyday noise evaluation, while C-weighting is flatter and suited for more industrial or full-range measurements. Switching between modes is straightforward, and the MAX/MIN functions help track spikes or drops in sound without needing to keep your eyes glued to the screen. The Data Hold function is similarly useful when you need to pause a reading for notation or comparison.Battery life is commendable, with the included alkaline batteries holding up well after weeks of occasional use. The auto-shutdown feature is a quiet hero—it saves power efficiently when the device has been left idle for a few minutes. You also get a low battery indicator which gives you plenty of warning before performance is affected. I’ve yet to encounter the kind of battery drain or unreliable startup issues that often plague cheaper decibel meters. And yes, the batteries are indeed included in the box—always appreciated.Now, onto the reasons this review sits at three stars instead of four or five. While the device generally performs very well, there are some quirks that experienced users will notice. For starters, the accuracy is generally within the quoted +/-1.5 dB margin, but it does tend to slightly overestimate levels in certain conditions, especially when background noise fluctuates. This was noticeable when measuring appliance noise next to a wall, where sound reflections may have skewed the readings. Another point is the lack of data logging or export capability. For a product in this price range it’s not expected, but it limits its use in more detailed studies or comparative projects unless you're manually jotting everything down.The plastic housing, while durable, is not waterproof or especially dust-resistant, so caution is needed in construction or workshop environments. I wouldn’t feel confident using it outdoors during rain or in very dusty surroundings without some kind of secondary protection. A rubberised cover or optional weatherproof case would elevate this product significantly. And while the display is easy to read, the button feel is a bit mushy and not as tactile as I’d like. It’s a minor gripe but worth noting for anyone who expects the same responsiveness they’d find in higher-end instruments.I also noticed the response time in detecting rapid, short-duration sound spikes can lag just slightly, especially when compared to professional-grade meters. For example, claps, dropped items, or sudden bursts of laughter register but not always with consistent immediacy. This is not a deal-breaker for general use but might matter for anyone using it in audio engineering or critical acoustical testing.That said, the overall usability of the TS-501B cannot be overstated. It’s fast to power on, immediately useful even without reading the manual, and genuinely helpful for daily applications that many people wouldn’t think to measure. Just being able to verify whether your living space is affected by external traffic, neighbours, or internal appliances is empowering—especially when trying to justify soundproofing investments or noise complaints. It’s also a surprisingly fun gadget. Friends who’ve never used a sound meter before ended up playing with it for half an hour, measuring how loud their speakers get or shouting into it to test the limits.If you’re an educator, a parent, a home audio enthusiast, a café owner, or just someone who wants to understand their environment better, this meter will exceed your expectations. It’s reliable, easy to carry, and consistent in the kinds of results it delivers. The convenience of its backlit screen, battery efficiency, and simple interface make it suitable even for older users or those less comfortable with techy gadgets.In conclusion, the TopTes TS-501B is a brilliant piece of kit with limitations that are only really noticeable when you push its boundaries. It may not be a full-featured, industry-grade SPL meter, but it’s a fantastic tool for personal, home, and light professional use. If you approach it with realistic expectations and treat it with care, it becomes a trusted companion for all kinds of sound measurement needs. And at under £30, with features like A/C weighting, data hold, a carry case, and triple battery inclusion, it punches far above its weight class. I look forward to continuing to use mine in both routine and unexpected ways, and while there’s room for improvement, I’m still very glad I made the purchase.