Mic Test
Allow microphone access, then talk. Watch your level move live, find out if your mic is working properly, and hear a recording of your voice.
Getting ready…
How It Works
Once you allow access, the meter and waveform show your microphone live. If they move when you talk, your computer is receiving sound.
The guided test takes 6 seconds. For 2 seconds you stay quiet, so it can measure your room’s background noise. Then you talk for 4 seconds, and it measures your speaking volume and checks for clipping, the harsh distortion you get when the input is too loud.
The test reads the raw signal, with the browser’s noise suppression and automatic volume turned off, so the numbers are honest. Your recording stays in this page for playback. Nothing is uploaded or saved.
Interpreting Your Result
Levels are in dBFS, where 0 is the loudest your microphone can record and lower numbers are quieter. If nothing gets above −50 dBFS, no sound is reaching the microphone: it may be muted, switched off, or the wrong input may be selected.
Speech below −35 dBFS sounds distant on calls. Move closer, or raise the input level in your system sound settings. If the test reports clipping, lower it instead.
Background noise above −45 dBFS is audible as hiss or hum. Common causes are fans, a cheap USB hub, or a cable running next to a power supply.
Can people hear you, but you cannot hear them? Check your output with the speaker test. Checking a new laptop? Test its keys with the keyboard tester while you are at it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my microphone not working?
The most common causes are a muted microphone, the wrong input selected in your system settings, or the browser blocked from using it. If the meter here does not move at all, check those three first, then try another USB port or cable.
How do I allow microphone access in my browser?
In Chrome, Edge or Firefox, click the icon at the left of the address bar, set Microphone to Allow, and reload. In Safari, open the Safari menu, choose Settings for This Website, and allow the microphone. Also check your system: on Windows, Settings, Privacy and security, Microphone; on a Mac, System Settings, Privacy and Security, Microphone.
Is my voice recorded or uploaded?
A short clip is recorded in this page so you can play it back. It never leaves your device, and it is gone as soon as you close or reload the page.
How can I make my microphone sound better?
Get closer: a hand’s width or two from your mouth works for most microphones. Point it at your mouth, turn off fans and other noise near it, and set the input level so your speech is clearly visible but never clips. A pop filter or foam cover helps with harsh P and B sounds.
Why does my microphone sound different on calls?
Call apps apply noise suppression, echo cancellation and automatic volume. This test turns those off to measure the microphone itself, so your raw recording can sound noisier than a call.