Mic Test – Check Your Microphone Online
Level, waveform, playbackAllow access when the browser asks. The list fills after you start.
Hear what other people hear on a call.
- Below −40: too quiet or muted
- −20 to −8: good speech level
- Above −3: clipping, lower gain
- Processed inside your browser
- No upload, no storage
- Recordings vanish with the tab
Mic Test: Is Your Microphone Working?
Start this microphone test, allow access when asked and speak. The meter and waveform show whether your mic picks up sound, and the 5-second recording lets you hear what others hear.
Live Level
Watch a real-time meter and waveform to confirm your mic is picking up sound.
Record & Replay
Capture five seconds and listen back to hear yourself as others do.
Fully Private
Audio is processed in the tab and never uploaded or stored.
How to
Test Your Microphone
- 01
Click Start mic test and allow microphone access
- 02
Pick your microphone if you have more than one
- 03
Speak normally
peaks should reach around −20 to −8 dBFS.
- 04
Click Record 5 s & play back to hear yourself
Reading the level meter
| Level (dBFS) | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Below −50 | Nothing picked up | Check mute, input device, permissions |
| −40 to −25 | Quiet | Move closer or raise input gain |
| −20 to −8 | Healthy speech | Ideal for calls and recording |
| Above −3 | Clipping | Lower gain or move back |
What the microphone readings mean
The level meter shows the signal in dBFS (decibels relative to digital full scale). 0 dBFS is the loudest the system can record; anything above clips. Normal speech at 20–30 cm should peak around −18 to −6 dBFS. A flat line near the bottom means no signal; a meter pinned at the top means the input is too hot. These are digital levels, not sound pressure in the room, so they cannot be compared between different microphones.
Mic not working? Fix it in a minute
Browser blocked the microphone
Click the padlock/tune icon in the address bar, set Microphone to Allow and reload.
Windows privacy settings
Windows 11: Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone → enable Microphone access and desktop-app access. Then Settings → System → Sound → Input to select the mic.
macOS permissions
System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → enable your browser; then Sound → Input to set the device and level.
Wrong input device
Webcams, headsets and monitors add extra mics. Try each one in the dropdown until the meter moves.
Hardware mute
Check headset mute buttons, flip-up booms and USB mic mute LEDs.
Fixes and reliable results
Common problems and quick fixes
Wrong device, permission, mute switch, low gain.
How to get a reliable test result
Same distance, same sentence, same settings.
Method and review notes
We tested with USB, headset and built-in mics in major browsers.
Related guides and fixes
Learn more in these guides: Microphone not working, Microphone settings, Discord mic fixes, Decibel levels chart, What is LUFS.
Make your microphone sound better
- Distance: 10–20 cm from the mouth for headsets and USB mics.
- Angle: speak slightly off-axis or use a pop filter to tame plosives.
- Gain: normal speech peaking near −12 dBFS leaves headroom.
- Room: curtains, rugs and soft furniture reduce echo more than software.
- Noise: keep the mic away from fans and keyboards.
Microphone tips
Getting the position right
Keep the mic 10–20 cm from your mouth, slightly off-axis to avoid pops.
Troubleshooting tips
Choose the correct device, allow permission and close other apps using the mic.
What the test cannot check
Absolute sensitivity and self-noise in dB SPL; browsers cannot read calibration data.
Before your next important call
Test the mic, camera and headphones five minutes before you join.
Different mics, different expectations
| Type | Strength | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop built-in | Always available | Fan and keyboard noise |
| Headset boom | Consistent distance | Breath noise |
| USB condenser | Detailed sound | Room echo |
| Dynamic | Rejects background noise | Needs to be close |
| Bluetooth earbuds | Convenient | Low-quality call mode while the mic is active |
Testing your mic for Zoom, Teams, Discord and Google Meet
If the mic works here but not in a call app, that app is using another input. In Zoom/Teams: Settings → Audio → choose the same mic, and disable automatic volume adjustment if levels jump. In Discord: User Settings → Voice & Video → Input Device, and set Input Sensitivity manually if words get cut. In Google Meet: ⋮ → Settings → Audio.
Privacy: we don't keep anything
The signal is processed locally. The 5-second recording lives only in this tab's memory and disappears when you close or reload the page.
Why is my mic so quiet? Gain staging from mic to app
Volume is set in several places: the mic's own gain knob (USB and XLR interfaces), the operating system input level, optional boost, and the app's own input setting. Raise them in that order. Get closer to the mic first: halving the distance raises the level by about 6 dB without adding noise. Use boost only as a last resort because it raises background hiss as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.How do I know if my microphone is working?
Start the test and speak. If the meter and waveform move and playback sounds clear, it works.
Q.Why does my browser keep blocking the microphone?
The site permission is set to Block or the OS denies the browser. Allow it in site settings and OS privacy settings.
Q.The meter moves but I can't hear playback. Why?
That's an output problem. Run the sound test.
Q.My microphone is too quiet. How do I fix it?
Move closer, raise input volume in OS settings, and disable auto-gain features. Some USB mics have a gain knob.
Q.Why does my voice sound robotic or echoing?
Robotic: Bluetooth call mode or packet loss. Echo: room reflections or speakers feeding the mic. Use headphones.
Q.How do I test a microphone in Windows 11?
Settings → System → Sound → Input, select the mic and speak; or use this page.
Q.Does this work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. Allow microphone access when prompted.
Q.Do you save my recordings?
No. They never leave your browser.