Microphone Test

What this tool does

The Microphone Test confirms that your microphone is picking up sound. When you start it, the tool shows a live input-level meter and a real-time waveform, so you can actually see your voice register as you speak. It gives a plain-language verdict — “Sound detected — your microphone is working” — once the input crosses a threshold, and it lets you switch between input devices if you have more than one. It is the fastest way to check a microphone before a call without dialling into a meeting.

Everything happens inside your browser. The microphone signal is analysed locally with the Web Audio API; it is never recorded, stored or uploaded.

When you’d use it

Checking a microphone quickly comes up often:

• Before a video call, interview or presentation — confirm people will actually hear you, so you are not stuck on “can you hear me?” once the meeting starts.
• After plugging in a new headset or USB microphone — verify the computer detects it and that it registers your voice.
• When someone says you sound quiet or muffled — watch the meter to see whether the input level is too low.
• Diagnosing which device is live — a laptop usually has a built-in mic plus any connected headset; the dropdown lets you test each one.
• Checking for clipping — if your audio sounds distorted, the peak reading shows whether the input is too hot.

How to use it

1. Start the test. Press Start microphone test. Your browser will ask for permission to use the microphone — choose Allow.
2. Speak normally. Talk, count out loud, or tap the microphone. The input level meter and the waveform should move in time with the sound.
3. Read the verdict. Once the input crosses the detection threshold, the tool confirms “Sound detected — your microphone is working”.
4. Switch devices if needed. If you have more than one microphone, use the dropdown to test a different one; the meters update straight away.
5. Watch the peak. The peak reading shows the loudest moment so far — useful for spotting an input that is too loud and clipping.
6. Stop when done. Press Stop microphone test to release the microphone. The browser’s microphone indicator will switch off.

How to read the results and fix problems

A waveform that moves and a meter that climbs into the green when you speak mean the microphone works. For a call, aim for the level to sit roughly between 20 and 60 percent during normal speech. If the meter barely twitches, the input gain is too low or the wrong device is selected — raise the gain in your operating system’s sound settings or pick the correct microphone from the dropdown. If the peak pushes past 90 percent, the input is clipping; lower the gain so your voice does not distort.

If nothing moves at all, check that you allowed microphone access, that the microphone is not muted by a hardware switch or a headset mute button, and that no other app already has the microphone. A “denied” message means the permission for this site is blocked: click the microphone or lock icon in your browser’s address bar and set it to Allow.

Browser compatibility

The test works in current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari, including Safari on iOS, and needs a secure (HTTPS) connection — which this page uses. Browsers may apply automatic gain control, which can smooth out the level you see; that is normal and does not affect the test’s verdict.

For a full pre-call check, also run the Webcam Test and the Speaker & Audio Test. To capture audio rather than just measure it, use the Voice Recorder, and Browser Info reports what else your browser supports.

Your microphone input is analysed only in your browser, is never recorded or uploaded, and the microphone is released the instant you stop the test.