Skip to content
SPCXTools

Microphone Test

Check that your microphone works with a live volume meter, waveform and quick playback recording.

Runs locally — files never leave your device

Loading tool…

How to use Microphone Test

  1. 1Click Start microphone test and allow microphone access when your browser asks.
  2. 2Speak or tap near the mic. The volume meter and waveform should move with the sound.
  3. 3If you have several microphones, pick one from the Microphone list to test it.
  4. 4Click Record 5 seconds, then play the clip back to hear how you sound.

Test your microphone in seconds

Before an important video call, interview, podcast recording or gaming session, make sure your microphone actually works. This online mic test shows a live volume meter and waveform as soon as you allow access, so you can instantly see whether the browser is receiving sound. You can switch between microphones and record a short clip to hear exactly how you sound. Everything runs locally — your audio is never uploaded.

What the mic test checks

  • Signal detection — the meter and waveform confirm the microphone is sending audio.
  • Input level — green is a healthy level, yellow is loud, red means the signal may be clipping.
  • Device selection — test built-in, USB, Bluetooth and headset microphones one by one.
  • Playback — record 5 seconds and listen back to check clarity, background noise and echo.
  • Technical details such as sample rate and channel count, when your browser reports them.

Fixing common microphone problems

No permission prompt or "blocked" message. Look for a microphone icon in the address bar and allow access. If you blocked it before, change it in the site settings and reload.

Operating system privacy settings. Windows and macOS can block microphone access for the whole browser. Enable it in Settings → Privacy (Windows) or System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone (macOS).

Wrong device. Laptops often have a built-in mic as well as a headset or webcam mic. Select each one in the list to find the one you want, then select the same device in your calling app.

Bluetooth headsets. Using the headset microphone can switch Bluetooth to a lower-quality "hands-free" mode, making audio sound muffled. A wired or USB microphone usually sounds better.

Background noise and echo. Listen to your recording. A hum suggests electrical interference; echo means the room is too reflective or speakers are feeding back into the mic — use headphones.

Tips for better sound

Position the microphone 10–20 cm (4–8 inches) from your mouth, slightly off to the side to avoid breathing noises. Speak at a normal volume and aim for the meter to peak in the upper green zone. Soft furnishings such as curtains and carpets reduce echo.

Check your output too with the Speaker Test, and your camera with the Webcam Test.

Frequently asked questions

Is my audio recorded or uploaded?
No. The audio is analysed in your browser using the Web Audio API. The optional 5-second test recording stays in your browser's memory and disappears when you leave the page. Nothing is sent to our server.
Why does nothing happen when I click start?
Your browser probably blocked microphone access. Click the camera/microphone icon in the address bar (or the padlock), allow the microphone for this site, and reload. On macOS, also check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone, and on Windows, Settings → Privacy → Microphone.
The meter moves but people can't hear me in calls. Why?
The app you use for calls may be set to a different input device, or may have its own mute. Check the input device in the app's audio settings. Also make sure the app has microphone permission in your operating system.
My microphone is very quiet. How do I fix it?
Increase the input level in your system sound settings, move closer to the microphone, and check that you are speaking into the correct side of the mic. Headsets often have a mute switch or volume wheel on the cable.
Why does this test turn off noise suppression?
To show what your microphone really picks up, the test disables the browser's echo cancellation, noise suppression and automatic gain. Calling apps usually turn these on, so you may sound a little cleaner there.
What does the red part of the meter mean?
If the meter often reaches the red zone when you speak normally, your input is too loud and may distort (clip). Lower the input level in your system settings.

Related tools

Speaker TestCheck left and right channels, bass and treble on speakers and headphones with test sounds.Webcam TestCheck your camera with a live preview, real resolution and frame rate, and take a test snapshot.Keyboard TestPress keys to check that every one registers — find dead, stuck or ghosting keys in seconds.Dead Pixel TestFill your screen with solid colours to spot dead pixels, stuck pixels and backlight bleed.Refresh Rate TestMeasure your display's real refresh rate in Hz, with frame time, jitter and a live smoothness graph.Screen ResolutionSee your screen resolution, browser viewport size, pixel ratio and other display details instantly.