Online Microphone Test
Start the test to see live input levels, switch devices, and record a short playback - all in your browser.
Microphone Test
Microphone testing is not supported in this browser.
Ready to test your microphone
Permission Required
Click the lock icon in your browser's address bar to allow microphone access, then try again.
How this test works
We use the MediaDevices API to capture audio and the Web Audio API to render live input levels and optional playback. Everything is processed locally.
- • Device switching comes from enumerateDevices, so you can pick USB, headset, or built-in mics.
- • Recordings are kept in memory; nothing is sent to a server.
Troubleshooting
- • Check the physical mute switch or inline button on your mic or headset.
- • Select the right input in Windows Settings > System > Sound or macOS System Settings > Sound.
- • Close apps that hold the mic (Zoom, Teams, Discord), then reload the page.
- • If the browser shows 'permission blocked', click the lock icon, allow Microphone, and refresh.
- • Try another USB port and remove unneeded audio devices to keep the list clean.
Fix guides
Step-by-step solutions for common issues
Quick steps
- • Plug in or unmute your mic and close other apps using it.
- • Hit Start Test and choose Allow when the browser asks for microphone access.
- • Speak at normal volume; aim for the waveform to peak around the middle of the meter.
- • Use the device dropdown to pick the exact mic you want to test.
If permission was blocked
- • Chrome or Edge: click the lock icon, open Permissions, set Microphone to Allow, then reload.
- • Firefox: click the mic icon in the address bar, choose the device, and set it to Allow.
- • Safari: open Settings for This Website, set Microphone to Allow, then refresh and retry.
Fix quiet or distorted audio
- • Raise input level to 60-80 percent in your OS; avoid maxing out boost to reduce clipping.
- • Keep the mic a hand's width from your mouth and speak straight toward it.
- • Turn off loud fans or move the mic away from keyboards to reduce noise.
- • Use a headset if room echo makes speech sound distant.
Windows privacy and input checks
- • Open Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone and turn on access for apps and browsers.
- • In Settings > System > Sound, pick the intended input device and watch the input meter move.
- • Disable unused virtual devices so the browser list stays simple.
- • Run the Optional Troubleshooters for Recording Audio if devices fail to appear.
macOS privacy and input checks
- • Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and allow your browser.
- • Go to Sound > Input, pick the mic, and raise input volume until the meter responds.
- • If using an external interface, confirm it is set as both Input and Output to avoid silent monitoring.
- • Quit any app that already has the mic, then reopen the test tab.
Fix app-specific blocks (Zoom, Teams, Meet)
- • Zoom: Settings > Audio > choose your mic; disable exclusive mode on Windows if the browser loses access.
- • Teams: Settings > Devices > Microphone; unmute hardware switch and test call audio.
- • Google Meet: in-call More options > Settings > Audio; pick the mic and speak to see the level bar move.
- • Close those apps while running the browser test to free the device.
When to use this test
- • Before joining Zoom, Meet, or Teams to confirm people will hear you.
- • After connecting a new USB mic or headset to pick the correct input device.
- • When callers report you sound muffled or too quiet and you need a quick check.
- • While setting up streaming software to confirm gain before going live.
Safety and privacy
- • Audio never leaves the browser; recordings clear when you close the tab.
- • You can revoke mic permission anytime using the lock icon in your browser.
- • Use a private window if you do not want the permission to persist after testing.
Related tools
FAQ
How do I allow microphone access?
Click Start Test, then select Allow in the browser prompt. If you previously blocked it, use the lock icon in the address bar and set Microphone to Allow, then reload.
Why is the waveform flat while I'm talking?
Common causes are a hardware mute switch, the wrong input device, low input level, or OS privacy blocks. Pick the correct mic in settings and raise input to around 70 percent.
Do you upload or store audio?
No. Audio stays in your browser. Recordings live in memory only and disappear when you close the tab.
Does this work on phones and tablets?
Yes. Mobile browsers can run the test as long as you grant mic permission and keep the tab active.
Why do people hear background noise?
Lower input gain, move the mic closer, and enable noise suppression in your meeting app. If you use a laptop mic, avoid typing while you talk.