How this microphone test works
Click Start mic test and allow microphone access when your browser asks. Pick your device from the Microphone drop-down if you have more than one, then say something. The level meter and waveform move with your voice, and the dB readout shows how loud the signal is.
Below the meter you also see technical details: the sample rate (usually 44.1 or 48 kHz), the number of channels, and whether echo cancellation, noise suppression and auto gain are switched on. Press Record 5 s to capture a short clip, play it back to hear what others will hear, and use Download if you want to keep the file.
Everything runs inside your browser. The audio is never uploaded, and nothing is recorded on our servers. The recording you make stays in your own browser memory until you close the tab.
How to read the results
- Level meter. Normal speech should reach roughly the middle to upper-middle of the meter. If it barely moves, the input volume is too low or the wrong device is selected. If it hits the top and stays there, the signal is clipping and will sound distorted.
- dB level. Speaking at a normal distance, you want peaks well below 0 dB, around -12 to -6 dB. Anything stuck near 0 dB is clipping.
- Waveform. A flat line means no signal at all. A constant fuzz while you are silent points to background noise, a bad cable or electrical interference.
- Flags. Echo cancellation and noise suppression are helpful for calls but can make music or singing sound thin. Browsers usually turn them on by default.
- Playback. Listen for hiss, hum, popping on "p" sounds and a boxy, telephone-like tone. That last one is often a Bluetooth headset in call mode.
Mic not working? Try these fixes
- Allow the permission. Click the lock icon in the address bar, set Microphone to Allow, and reload.
- Windows 11. Open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and turn on microphone access, including for desktop apps. Then go to Settings → System → Sound → Input, choose the right device and check that the volume is not at zero or muted.
- macOS. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and enable your browser. Check System Settings → Sound → Input for the right device and input volume.
- Chromebook, Android and iPhone. Check the browser's microphone permission in system settings. On Chromebook, also check that the mic is not muted in Quick Settings.
- Check app-level mute. A headset often has a mute switch on the cord or earcup. Discord, Zoom and Teams each have their own input device and mute setting. Make sure they point to the same mic you tested here.
- Fix a quiet or tinny Bluetooth mic. Bluetooth headsets switch to the hands-free profile (HFP) when the mic is active, which drops audio to a low-quality, mono mode. For better quality use a wired mic or a USB headset, or use the laptop's own mic with the headset only for listening.
- Reconnect. Unplug USB or 3.5 mm mics, plug them into a different port, and make sure the plug is fully seated and the jack is the mic jack (pink or the headset combo jack).
Why test your microphone
A quick check catches a muted headset, the wrong input device or a permission block before it costs you the first minutes of a meeting, interview or stream. It also lets you hear your own recording and adjust distance and gain so you do not sound too quiet or distorted.
Frequently asked questions
Is my voice recorded or uploaded?
No. The audio is processed only inside your browser. The 5-second recording stays on your device and is never sent to our servers.
Why is my mic so quiet?
The input volume may be low, the mic may be far from your mouth, or the wrong device may be selected. Raise the input level in your system Sound settings and speak a few centimeters from the mic.
Why does my microphone not work in the browser?
The browser may not have permission, another app may be using the mic, or the operating system privacy setting may block it. Allow the mic in the address bar and in Windows or macOS privacy settings.
Why does my Bluetooth headset sound bad when the mic is on?
Bluetooth switches to the hands-free profile (HFP) when the mic is active, which lowers audio quality. A wired or USB mic avoids this.
What do echo cancellation and noise suppression do?
They filter out speaker echo and steady background noise to make voice calls clearer. They can make music sound thin, so they are best left on for calls.
What is a good dB level for a microphone?
Aim for speech peaks around -12 to -6 dB. If the signal sits near 0 dB it is clipping and will sound distorted.
Why is my microphone too loud or clipping?
Clipping happens when the input level is set too high, so peaks are cut off. Lower the input volume in your system sound settings, turn off any microphone boost and move a little further from the mic.
Several microphones are listed, which one should I choose?
Pick the one that matches the device you actually speak into, such as a headset, USB mic or the built-in laptop mic. Speak and watch the level meter, and the right input is the one that reacts.