Speaker Test
Play test tones, isolate left and right channels, and adjust volume for your speakers or headphones.
Speaker Test
Test your speakers and verify left/right channel routing.
How this test works
We generate tones with the Web Audio API and route them to the left or right channel in your browser. No audio files are uploaded or fetched from the network.
- • Left/Right buttons isolate a single channel so you can confirm stereo separation.
- • The Play All option alternates channels to mimic a quick stereo check.
Troubleshooting
- • Raise system volume and confirm the output device is not muted or disconnected.
- • If using Bluetooth, reconnect and wait for the profile to switch to stereo A2DP instead of hands-free mode.
- • Disable mono audio or accessibility features that merge channels.
- • If nothing plays, click inside the page once to satisfy autoplay policies, then try again.
- • Check balance controls in the OS and on hardware knobs to ensure both channels are active.
Fix guides
Step-by-step solutions for common issues
Quick steps
- • Set your OS output device, lower volume, then press Play All to confirm sound comes through.
- • Use Left and Right to verify stereo separation; the silent ear should stay quiet.
- • Adjust balance in OS settings if one side is much louder than the other.
- • Switch between speakers and headphones in your system tray to confirm routing.
If you hear nothing
- • Check wired connections or reseat the 3.5mm jack fully.
- • Ensure Bluetooth headphones show as connected with the media profile, not only calls.
- • Try another browser tab or app to rule out a device-wide mute, then return to this test.
- • Restart the browser after unplugging USB audio devices so the list refreshes.
If left and right sound identical
- • Turn off mono audio in accessibility settings.
- • Disable spatial audio or virtual surround that may blend channels.
- • Swap earcups or cables if hardware wiring is reversed.
- • Check app upmix settings that duplicate channels.
Windows output checks
- • Open Settings > System > Sound and pick the correct Output device.
- • Click Device properties to set balance and confirm not muted.
- • Run the built-in Test button to compare with this page if still silent.
- • Turn off enhancements or spatial effects if they distort the tones.
macOS output checks
- • Open System Settings > Sound > Output and select the device you want.
- • Balance the left and right slider to the center.
- • Disable spatial audio or head tracking if levels feel uneven.
- • If USB audio is missing, unplug and reconnect, then reopen the browser.
Reduce delay for calls and games
- • Prefer wired or low-latency Bluetooth codecs; avoid switching to hands-free profile.
- • Close heavy downloads or streams that can cause buffer underruns.
- • Keep Bluetooth receivers within a few feet and avoid metal obstructions.
- • Turn off audio enhancements that add processing lag unless you need them.
Browser or site sound blocked
- • If Chrome shows a blocked icon in the address bar, click it and allow sound for this site.
- • On macOS, check System Settings > Sound > Sound Effects and ensure output is not set to internal speakers if you expect headphones.
- • Disable tab muting extensions or right-click the tab and choose Unmute site.
- • Reload the page after changing permissions to make sure the Web Audio context restarts.
When to use this test
- • Before a call to ensure you will hear participants on both channels.
- • After plugging in new speakers or headphones to confirm they are wired correctly.
- • When diagnosing balance issues or a silent earcup.
- • Before gaming or mixing audio where channel accuracy matters.
Safety and privacy
- • Audio is generated in your browser; no files are downloaded or uploaded.
- • Keep volume low before pressing Play to protect your ears and hardware.
- • If you share the computer, use a guest or private window to avoid saving permissions.
Related tools
FAQ
Is this safe for headphones?
Yes. The tones are short and low-level. Start with your volume down and raise it slowly.
How do I switch the output device?
Use your OS sound output selector. The browser plays to whichever device the system sets as default.
Left and right sound swapped - what now?
Swap the cable or earcups, or use your OS balance settings to flip channels if available.
Can I test Bluetooth delay?
Yes. Play the alternating tones and watch for lip-sync; long delays mean you may prefer wired for calls.
Why is the sound crackling?
Lower volume, close CPU-heavy apps, and check the cable or Bluetooth signal. Crackle often comes from interference or overdriving the speakers.
Can I test surround or 5.1 here?
This page checks stereo quickly. For surround, run each channel in your OS sound settings after confirming left and right work here.