Microphone Tester
Test your microphone online, choose from available input devices, and see live sound levels directly in your browser.
Microphone test
Choose a microphone, click start, allow access if prompted, then speak into the mic. The live meter should move as sound is detected.
How to use this tester
Choose the microphone you want to test, click start, and allow microphone access if your browser asks. Then speak into the microphone and watch the level meter move.
Tips for success
- Make sure the correct microphone is selected in the dropdown.
- If the level does not move, check browser permissions.
- USB headsets and webcams often appear as separate microphones.
- Speak normally first, then try louder sound to confirm range.
Common mistakes
- Mistaking a denied permission for a dead mic. If the meter never moves, check the browser's microphone permission before blaming hardware.
- Testing the wrong input. Headsets, webcams, and built-in mics list separately. Confirm the dropdown shows the device you mean.
- Sitting too far away. Speak 6 to 12 inches from the mic. A meter that barely moves is usually distance or low gain, not a fault.
- Leaving system gain at default. Windows and macOS often set input low. Raise the input level in OS sound settings if the meter stays faint.
- Running the test while another app holds the mic. Conferencing and streaming apps can claim exclusive access. Close them, then click Refresh Devices.
FAQ
Why is my microphone not listed?
Some browsers hide device names until permission has been granted at least once. Try clicking start first, then refresh devices.
Why is my level meter not moving?
The most common reasons are blocked browser permissions, the wrong input device being selected, or the microphone being muted at the system level.
Does this record my voice?
This page is intended only to analyze live microphone input in your browser and display the level meter.
Why does my microphone sound quiet or distorted?
Check three things: the input gain in your OS sound settings (often too low by default), the distance and angle from the mic (6 to 12 inches in front is usually ideal), and whether the browser has full access to the mic. If the level meter only moves when you're nearly touching the mic, increase input gain in system sound settings. If the meter pegs and distorts, reduce gain or add a pop filter.
Can I test external USB or Bluetooth microphones?
Yes. USB, XLR (via an audio interface), and Bluetooth microphones all appear in the device list once the browser has permission to see them. Bluetooth mics occasionally require reconnecting if they went to sleep or switched profiles. For USB mics, unplugging and replugging usually refreshes the list. If your mic still doesn't appear, close other apps that may have claimed exclusive access (conferencing software is the common culprit).