How to test your microphone
This online microphone test shows whether your mic is picking up sound, how loud the signal is and which frequencies it hears. It works with laptop microphones, USB microphones, headset mics, webcams and the microphone in your phone.
- Press "Start microphone". Your browser shows a permission box. Choose Allow. If you do not see the box, look for a microphone icon in the address bar.
- Speak normally, clap or tap the desk. The level bar and the spectrum should move. If they do, your microphone works.
- Check the level. Normal speech at arm's length usually sits between about −40 and −15 dB on the meter. If the bar hits the red area all the time, the input is too loud and may distort.
- Pick another device from the "Input device" list if you have more than one microphone, for example a headset and a webcam.
- Optional: record 5 seconds and play it back to hear how you sound to other people on calls.
How the microphone test works
When you allow access, the browser passes the live microphone signal to the Web Audio API on your own device. The page measures the signal in two ways:
- Level (RMS) – the average loudness over the last fraction of a second, shown on the meter in decibels relative to full scale (dBFS). 0 dB is the loudest possible digital level; quieter sounds are negative numbers.
- Spectrum – a fast Fourier transform splits the sound into frequencies from 20 Hz (deep) to 20,000 Hz (very high). Voices mostly appear between about 100 Hz and 4,000 Hz.
The microphone is never connected to your speakers, so there is no echo or feedback, and the audio is not sent anywhere. The test turns off echo cancellation and noise suppression where the browser allows it, so you see what the microphone really picks up.
What the results mean
| What you see | What it means |
|---|---|
| Bars move when you talk | The microphone works and the browser can use it. |
| Level stays near −60 dB or lower | Mic is muted, set very low, or the wrong device is selected. |
| Level hits the red area often | Input gain is too high. Lower it in your system sound settings to avoid distortion. |
| Steady line at 50 or 60 Hz | Electrical hum, often from a ground loop or a cheap USB hub. |
| Lots of energy without you talking | Background noise such as a fan, air conditioner or computer. |
Supported devices and browsers
- Windows and macOSChrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. Built-in, USB and Bluetooth microphones.
- AndroidChrome and Samsung Internet. Phone mic and wired or Bluetooth headsets.
- iPhone and iPadSafari and Chrome on iOS 14.3 or later.
- RequirementsThe page must be opened over https (it is) and the browser must have microphone permission.
Microphone not working? Try these fixes
Permission blocked
Click the lock or microphone icon to the left of the web address, set Microphone to Allow, and reload the page. On Windows also check Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and make sure desktop apps and your browser are allowed. On macOS go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and enable your browser.
No sound detected
Check for a mute switch on your headset or a mute key on your keyboard. Choose the correct microphone in the Input device list. Make sure the input volume in your system sound settings is not at zero.
"Microphone is in use"
Another program such as Zoom, Teams, Discord or OBS may be holding the microphone. Close it fully and press Start again.
Bluetooth headset sounds poor
When a Bluetooth headset uses its microphone it often switches to a low-quality "hands-free" mode. This is normal. For better quality use a wired or USB microphone.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this microphone test safe and private?
Yes. The sound is analysed only inside your browser. Nothing is uploaded, stored or sent to our server. The optional recording is kept in the page's memory and is deleted when you close or leave the page.
Why does my browser ask for permission?
Browsers never let a website use your microphone without asking you first. You can remove the permission at any time in your browser's site settings.
What is a good microphone level?
For calls and voice recording, aim for speech that peaks around −12 to −6 dBFS and averages roughly −30 to −20 dB on the meter. Peaks that reach 0 dB will clip and sound distorted.
Can I test my phone's microphone?
Yes. Open this page on your phone, press Start microphone and allow access. The test works in Chrome on Android and in Safari or Chrome on iPhone.
Why does the spectrum show sound when I am quiet?
Every room has some background noise – fans, traffic, the computer itself. A quiet room usually shows a low level between −70 and −50 dB. That is normal.