How to use the speaker test
- Turn your system volume down to a low level, then raise it gradually while testing.
- Choose a sound from the list. Start with the 1000 Hz tone.
- Press Play left and confirm the sound comes only from the left speaker or earpiece.
- Press Play right and confirm it comes only from the right.
- Press Play both to check that the two channels sound balanced, then try the bass tone, sweep or pink noise.
- Press Stop at any time to end the sound.
What each sound is for
| Sound | What it checks |
|---|---|
| 1000 Hz tone | A midrange reference. Use it first to confirm each channel plays at all and sounds clean. |
| 440 Hz tone | The standard tuning pitch (A above middle C). A steady tone that makes buzzing or distortion easy to hear. |
| 4000 Hz tone | A high pitch that tests the treble driver. Human hearing is very sensitive in this region, so keep the volume low. |
| 60 Hz tone | Deep bass. Small speakers often cannot play it, so a faint or silent result may be normal. |
| Sweep, 50 to 10,000 Hz | A smooth glide over eight seconds. Listen for rattles, buzzing or dips at particular pitches. |
| Pink noise | A hiss with equal energy in every octave. Good for a general check and for hearing loose parts or a blown driver. |
If you hear nothing
- Check the system volume and make sure the speakers or headphones are not muted.
- Make sure this browser tab is not muted. Look for a speaker icon on the tab.
- Confirm the correct output device is selected in your system sound settings.
- Check the cable or Bluetooth connection, then try the same device with another app.
- Press Play again. Some browsers only start audio after a button press.
Who this is for
- Buyers of used laptops and headphonesConfirm both channels work before you pay.
- Anyone with sound from one sideWork out whether the fault is the cable, the device or a setting.
- Setting up a new speaker or soundbarCheck left and right placement and balance.
- Remote workers and streamersCheck your output before a call or a broadcast.
- IT and support staffRun a quick audio check on a returned or newly issued device.
- Home theater and desktop audio hobbyistsSweep a speaker to hear rattles and weak spots.
Frequently asked questions
Why does sound come from only one side?
Start with the simple causes: a headphone or speaker plug that is not fully inserted, a balance slider moved to one side in your system sound settings, or a mono audio option switched on. If the problem follows the cable or headphones to another device, the fault is in that hardware.
Is this test safe for my speakers and my ears?
The page caps its output well below full scale and starts at a modest level, and each sound stops by itself after a few seconds. Even so, keep the volume low before pressing Play, especially with headphones, and raise it slowly. No test sound is risk-free at high volume.
Why can I not hear the 60 Hz bass tone?
Many laptop, phone and small desktop speakers cannot reproduce very low frequencies, so a silent 60 Hz tone is common and is not a fault by itself. Try headphones or a speaker with a larger driver to compare.
How do I know left and right are not swapped?
The left button should sound on your left side and the right button on your right. If they are reversed, check the L and R markings on your headphones, then look for a channel swap or balance option in your system sound settings.
Does it work with Bluetooth and USB audio?
Yes. The sound plays through whichever output your system and browser are using. Bluetooth can add a short delay before the first sound, so the start of a tone may come in slightly late.
What is the frequency sweep for?
It glides from 50 Hz up to 10,000 Hz over eight seconds. Listen for rattles, buzzing or a drop in volume at certain pitches, which can point to a loose part, a damaged cone or the limits of a small speaker.
Why is the sound coming out of the wrong device?
The page uses your system default output. Change the default playback device in your operating system sound settings, then press Play again. Some browsers also have their own output setting.
Does the speaker test use my microphone?
No. It only plays sound and never asks for microphone permission. Nothing is recorded or uploaded.