How to use the sound test
- Test each side: Press and hold 'Test Left Speaker' or 'Test Right Speaker'. The tone plays only while you hold the button. The first few presses play a short tune, then each press uses the frequency you've chosen.
- Choose a frequency: Use the slider or type an exact value from 20 Hz to 2000 Hz. 440 Hz is the default.
- Choose a waveform: Sine is a pure, smooth tone. Square, triangle, and sawtooth add harmonics that sound buzzier and make rattles or distortion easier to hear.
- Pick an output: If your browser supports it, choose which speakers or headphones to use from the 'Audio Output Device' menu. Otherwise the test uses your system default.
- Keep the volume low: Start quietly, especially with headphones. Test tones can be uncomfortable or even damage hearing and equipment at high volume.
Measuring audio latency
'Test Audio Latency' estimates how long sound takes to travel from your speakers to your microphone. Allow microphone access, stay quiet during the 3-second countdown, and the test plays a short click and listens for it.
Wired speakers usually measure low. Bluetooth headphones and speakers often add a noticeable delay, which is why audio can drift out of sync with video. If no click is detected, turn the volume up a little and make sure the microphone can hear the speakers. Headphones won't work for this part of the test.
Diagnosing sound problems
- No sound output: Check that volume is up and not muted, and that the right output is selected. If it's still silent, suspect drivers, faulty speakers or headphones, the audio jack, or the sound card. Testing with headphones helps isolate speaker problems.
- Distorted or crackling sound: This can mean blown speakers, a poor connection (especially with external speakers or headphones), driver problems, or a failing audio chip.
- Sound only from one channel: Look at OS balance settings, a faulty speaker or earpiece, or a problem with the audio jack or internal wiring.
- Working device: Clear audio plays through the selected output at a sensible volume, and the left and right tests each come from the correct side.
- Malfunctioning device: No sound, distortion or crackling, sound from only one side, or very faint audio even at high volume.
Common Speaker & Headphone Issues & Fixes
No sound
- Volume levels: Check the volume in your operating system, in your browser tab, and on the speakers or headphones themselves.
- Mute: Make sure your system, browser tab, or device isn't muted.
- Connections: Make sure speakers or headphones are properly plugged in (audio jack, USB, or Bluetooth pairing). Try re-plugging or re-pairing.
- Correct playback device: Make sure the right output is selected in your operating system's sound settings, or in the test's output menu.
- Drivers: Outdated or corrupted audio drivers are a common culprit. Update them from your computer or sound card manufacturer's website.
Distorted or crackling sound
- Connections: Loose or damaged cables can cause poor sound quality. Check them and try a different cable if you can.
- Volume too high: Very high volume can cause distortion, especially with smaller or cheaper speakers.
- Driver issues: Drivers can affect sound quality as well as whether sound plays at all.
- Interference (wireless): Other wireless devices can cause crackling in Bluetooth headphones and speakers. Move closer or away from other devices.
- Hardware damage: The speakers or headphones themselves might be damaged. Try a sine wave at a moderate frequency to confirm.
Sound only from one side
- Balance settings: Check the audio balance settings in your operating system.
- Mono audio: If both sides play during the left-only and right-only tests, check whether mono audio is turned on in your accessibility settings.
- Cable or connection: A partly inserted jack or a damaged cable can cause one channel to drop out.
- Headphone or speaker fault: It could be a fault in one earpiece or speaker. Swap them to confirm.
My headphones or speakers aren't in the output menu
- Browser support: Not every browser lets websites choose an output. If yours doesn't, the test uses your system default.
- Permission: Some browsers only list outputs after you allow microphone access.
- Reconnect: Connect the device before loading the page, then reload.
This sound test helps you quickly identify if the problem lies with your audio hardware, connections, or software settings.
Frequently asked questions
Does the test sweep through frequencies automatically?
No. It plays a steady tone at the frequency you choose, from 20 Hz to 2000 Hz. Move the slider while you listen to explore the range.
Why can't I hear very low or very high tones?
Small speakers and many headphones can't reproduce very low bass, and hearing at the extremes varies from person to person. Not hearing a tone at the edge of the range doesn't by itself mean anything is broken.
What does the latency test measure?
The time between the page playing a click and your microphone hearing it. It includes your speaker, microphone, and system audio delays together.