Noise comparison tool: what those dB claims sound like
This noise comparison tool puts two sound sources side by side and tells you the honest perceptual gap — the fastest way to decode “whisper-quiet” marketing into something your ears can plan around.
Rule of ear: +10 dB ≈ twice as loud; +20 dB ≈ four times. Class-typical entries are our labelled estimates for devices whose makers publish nothing.
The dB ladder, calibrated to real life
| 30 dB | Whisper — the floor of “silent” marketing |
|---|---|
| 40 dB | Quiet library — where good sleep devices live |
| 45–50 dB | Coolzy-Pro’s published range — quiet conversation |
| 50 dB | Moderate rain |
| 55–65 dB | Conventional compressor portables under load |
| 70 dB | Vacuum cleaner — nobody sleeps here |
How to read a dB claim like a reviewer
Ask three questions: which mode (minimum speed flatters), what distance (1 m vs 3 m is a different world), and is it published at all — our quiet ranking rewards brands that answer. For sleep planning, pair this tool with the bedroom guide.
Frequently asked questions
How does the noise comparison work?
Pick any two sources; the noise comparison tool shows their dB gap and translates it into perceived loudness — every +10 dB reads to human ears as roughly twice as loud, because the decibel scale is logarithmic.
What dB level is quiet enough for sleep?
Most sleepers are comfortable below the mid-40s dB at the pillow; below 40 is genuinely easy. Distance helps: the same unit measured at 1 m is quieter at 3 m.
Why do many cooler brands publish no dB figure?
Because “whisper-quiet” sells without accountability. We flag unpublished figures in every review and score on class behaviour, clearly labelled — brands that publish numbers (Coolzy: 45–50 dB) earn transparency credit.
At what distance are dB specs measured?
Often 1 m, sometimes unstated — which changes everything. A spec without a distance is half a spec; treat it as best-case.