5 noise meters for the class

Last updated on 12 May 2026

Nothing is more recognisable than the noise ofa classroom full of children talking to each other and working. A sound atmosphere that sometimes literally takes off to become noise, harmful to concentration and working together.

Excessive noise in a classroom can have a real impact on student concentration, learning and even overall health. (Not to mention the teacher’s fatigue and skull aches).

The importance of regulating noise to improve learning and well-being

Research has long shown that noisy environments interfere with school performance. They reduce the understanding of the concepts taught and make memorization less effective. In addition, prolonged exposure to noise can cause stress in students, manifested by fatigue, headaches or sleep disorders.

Using tools such as noise meters or online sound meters not only detects excessive noise levels, but also raises students’ awareness of the importance of managing their own sound volume.

How to measure this noise level and especially how to make your students aware of the volume of their exchanges so that, on their own, they try to regulate themselves?

Discover three online tools and two mobile applications that turn the microphone of your computer or smartphone into a real sound meter. These solutions make it possible to easily measure and visualise the sound level of a room. Here are five practical tools to assess noise in your classroom.

Three online solutions for noise measurement

Here are three online solutions to measure the noise level in your classroom. All three are free and very simple to use via the TNI or a video projector.

Bouncy Balls. Dynamic visualization of the sound level

Here is one of the most well-known noise measurers. I even dedicated a full-fledged article to him some time ago: Bouncy Balls. Visualize the sound level of your class. This measuring instrument shows the volume of noise in a room by displaying a set of balls bouncing off your screen.

The application offers several interesting features:

• Choice of visual themes (plastic balls, emojis, numbers, bubbles, eyes)
• Adjusting Microphone Sensitivity
• Customizable audible alert options (silence, beep, chut)
• Checking the total number of items displayed

The principle is simple: the higher the noise level, the more the balls stir and bounce on the screen. When calm comes back, they fall slowly. This immediate visualization allows students to become aware of the noise they generate and to self-regulate naturally.

The tool is particularly suitable for use on large screens or digital boards. Its clean interface and intuitive operation only require a modern browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended) and microphone access permission to work.
Link: Bouncy Balls

Classroom Noise O Meter. An educational and intuitive sonometer

Developed on the Scratch platform, Classroom Noise O Meter is a simple and effective tool to visualize the sound level in your classroom. Its sleek interface features a colorful indicator that reacts in real time to variations in noise in the room.

The system uses an intuitive colour code:

• Green: acceptable sound level
• Yellow: level that begins to be high
• Red: too high a level requiring intervention

The advantage of this tool lies in its ease of use: it is enough to open the page, to allow access to the computer microphone, and the sound level meter is immediately operational. Its clear and visible display from afar makes it easy for students to self-regulate.

Totally free and accessible directly from a web browser, it does not require any registration or installation. It can be projected onto a TNI or displayed on the class computer screen.

Link: Classroom Noise O Meter

Unlike conventional sound meters, Shhht (developed by Lalilo) proposes an original and positive approach to noise management in the classroom. This free web application turns sound control into a motivating activity thanks to a visual reward system.

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Its principle is simple, but effective: the more students respect the defined sound level, the more a drawing is gradually revealed on the screen. If the volume exceeds the set threshold, the drawing pauses, naturally prompting students to return to an appropriate sound level.

The tool offers great flexibility of use with:

• 5 preset sound levels (very quiet, calm, relaxed, friendly or dynamic)
• An integrated timer to set the duration of the activity
• A choice of varied drawings that are gradually revealed

Ideal for the first stage, this application is suitable for both collective use, via a computer connected to a projector, and group work on a tablet. Its use is disconcertingly simple: it is enough to allow access to the microphone to start using it.

Shhht’s major advantage lies in its non-punitive approach: rather than alerting when noise is exceeded, it positively encourages appropriate behaviour.

Link: Shht

The three applications at a glance

Characteristics	Classroom Noise O Meter	Shhht	Bouncy Balls
Interface	Simple and minimalist	Artistic and evolutionary	Dynamic and playful
Visualization	Color code (green/yellow/red)	Drawing which is gradually revealed	Balls that bounce
Personalization	No	5 preset sound levels: • very quiet • calm • relaxed • user-friendly • dynamic	Multiple: • Adjustable sensitivity • Choice of visual themes • Number of items • Types of alerts
Strengths	• Very intuitive • Perfect to get started • Immediate reading	• Positive approach • Built-in timer • Visual reward	• Highly customizable • Very interactive • Visually attractive
Points of attention	• Limited features • No customization	• Requires a defined duration • One drawing at a time	• Can be too stimulating • Reverse effect risk
Recommended age	All levels	Kindergarten and elementary	Elementary and more
Installation	Web browsing only	Web browsing only	Web browsing only
Compatibility	All browsers	All modern navigators	Chrome/Firefox recommended
Ideal for	First use and quiet classes	Timed activities and positive motivation	Dynamic classes and group work

Mobile apps for tablets and smartphones

Mobile noise meter.

Let's add to these three online sound meters, their equivalents for mobiles and tablets. Rather, they are for personal use. Most mobile noise meters offer a more advanced interface and options.

To be able to measure the decibels in the room, you can use applications like Sonometer - dB Decibel Meter for iOS or Sound Meter for Android. These apps provide quick sound level measurement and help monitor the volume of music, a movie or your class.

Playful tools to empower your students

Managing noise in the classroom is a real daily challenge. These digital tools offer playful solutions to empower students. Beyond their sound measurement function, they can be used as teaching aids to develop the group’s autonomy and collective awareness.

Ideally, their use should be adapted as needed. I advise you to alternate between the tools during the year to maintain the interest of the students.

Feel free to share in the comments your experiences with these different tools or your other tips for managing noise levels in the classroom!

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To go further

How to interpret the measurements of decibels db in a classroom?

The tools presented here, including mobile apps, do not have professionally accurate measurement ranges, but they do provide useful insights into what can happen in your classroom. Are there official standards? What levels should not be exceeded? Here is some useful information.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a maximum noise level of 35 dB(A) in classrooms. This threshold is considered optimal for:

• Ensuring good speech intelligibility
• Facilitate information retrieval
• Fostering effective communication

But not surprisingly  The actual noise levels in our schools are often higher. A busy class can reach 48 dBA in quiet periods and exceed 60 dBA in activities. Not to mention the school canteens with an average noise level of around 78 decibels, which can exceed 89 decibels at times.