Mic Test: Check Your Microphone Online in Seconds
This free mic test shows whether a microphone works, how loud each word reaches the computer, and how you actually sound on calls. Press Start, allow microphone access, and a live level meter, waveform and status badge react to every word you say.
Most people run a mic test right before something important, like a job interview on Zoom, a raid night on Discord, or a podcast recording session. Others arrive when friends keep saying “you’re muted” even though nothing looks muted. Live readings and quick playback show whether microphone hardware, system settings or call apps are causing trouble, so you can fix it before anyone notices.
How to Run a Mic Test
Checking any microphone takes five short steps, and nothing gets installed or uploaded along the way.
- Click Start microphone test near the top of this page.
- Allow microphone access when Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari asks for permission.
- Speak at normal volume, then watch the level bar move and the status badge switch to Working.
- Click Record 5 seconds, say a sentence or two, and play that clip back to judge clarity.
- Pick a different device from the Microphone menu if you want to compare headsets, webcams or USB mics.
Reading the Level Meter
During each mic test, our meter shows input level in decibels (dB), where 0 dB is the loudest signal any system can capture without distortion.
| Level | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| -60 to -45 dB | Very quiet signal | Move closer or raise input volume |
| -30 to -12 dB | Good speaking level for calls and recordings | Nothing, this range sounds clear |
| Close to 0 dB | Too loud, badge shows Clipping | Lower input volume or move back slightly |
Clipping makes voices sound crunchy and harsh because peaks get cut off, and no app can repair that damage after recording. Quiet signals cause problems too, since apps boost them and raise background hiss along with speech.
Echo Cancellation, Noise Suppression and Auto Gain
Our tool includes three switches that copy processing used by Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Discord. Echo cancellation removes sound leaking from speakers back into your mic, noise suppression lowers fans and keyboard clatter, and automatic gain keeps quiet and loud speech at similar levels. Turn all three off to hear raw microphone sound, then switch them on to hear what callers will hear, which helps you decide whether problems come from hardware or processing.
Testing Different Types of Microphones
Every microphone works with this page, although each type has its own common weak spots worth checking.
USB Microphones
USB mics like Blue Yeti, HyperX QuadCast, Rode NT-USB and Shure MV7 plug straight into computers and usually sound clean. Check that the pickup pattern faces you, because Blue Yeti models set to omni or figure-8 mode capture room noise from every side.
Headsets, AirPods and Bluetooth Earbuds
Wired gaming headsets from Logitech, SteelSeries and Razer give steady results, while Bluetooth earbuds such as AirPods often sound thin or robotic. That happens because many Bluetooth devices switch into low-quality call mode whenever their microphone turns on. PlayStation owners can also test DualSense built-in mics here after checking buttons and sticks with our gamepad tester.
XLR Microphones and Audio Interfaces
XLR mics like Shure SM58 or SM7B need audio interfaces such as Focusrite Scarlett or PreSonus AudioBox, and low readings usually mean interface gain sits too low. Musicians who record vocals alongside keyboards can confirm their controller sends notes with our MIDI tester during the same setup session.
Laptop and Webcam Microphones
Built-in laptop mics and webcam mics from Logitech C920 or Razer Kiyo sit far from your mouth, so they capture more room echo. Speak a little closer during testing, and consider a headset if playback sounds hollow.
Microphone Not Working? Try These Fixes
If your mic test shows a flat meter or the badge never reaches Working, work through these fixes in order because most problems come from permissions or settings.
- Permission denied: Click the lock icon in your address bar, set Microphone to Allow, and reload this page.
- No microphone found: Reconnect that mic or headset, and check for hardware mute switches on cables, headsets or USB mics.
- Used by another app: Close Zoom, Discord, OBS Studio or Teams, since some apps hold microphones and block other programs.
- Windows 11: Open Settings, go to Privacy and security, choose Microphone, and allow both desktop apps and your browser.
- macOS: Open System Settings, go to Privacy and Security, choose Microphone, and switch on your browser.
- Wrong default device: Open Windows Sound settings or macOS Sound settings and select the correct input device.
Mic Test for Discord, Zoom and Teams
Passing our test means your hardware works, but each app picks its own input device separately. In Discord, open User Settings, then Voice and Video, and choose a mic under Input Device. Zoom keeps this under Settings, then Audio, while Microsoft Teams lists it under Settings, then Devices. Matching that choice with whichever device passed our mic test solves most “nobody can hear me” problems in seconds.
Your Recording Stays Private
Audio gets analysed and recorded only inside your browser through getUserMedia, a standard that also requires secure HTTPS pages before any site can request microphone access. Nothing gets uploaded or stored on our server. Your 5-second clip disappears when you close this page, unless you choose to download it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my mic so quiet even at full volume?
Many dynamic mics like Shure SM7B need far more gain than USB mics or headsets provide. Raise gain on that audio interface first, then try Microphone Boost under Levels in Windows Sound control panel if your driver offers it.
Why does my mic pick up keyboard and fan noise?
Mics placed far away hear rooms more than voices, so move closer and point the mic toward your mouth. Turning on noise suppression in our tool shows how much cleaner speech gets with processing.
Why do people hear an echo when I talk?
Echo usually comes from someone else’s speakers feeding sound back into their own microphone. Ask that person to wear headphones, or turn on echo cancellation in that call app.
Can I download my test recording?
Yes, you can save your 5-second clip after playback and share it with support teams or friends. Recording format depends on which browser you use.
Does this test work on phones and tablets?
Yes, it runs in Android and iPhone browsers, including Chrome and Safari. Phones with several built-in mics may switch between them, so hold the bottom edge closer while you speak.
How far should I sit from my microphone?
Close placement gives clearer voice and less room echo, so keep headset mics near the corner of your mouth. For desk mics, try a hand’s width away first and adjust after listening to playback.
Start Your Mic Test Now
Clear audio makes calls, streams and recordings easier for everyone, and a mic test takes less time than joining any meeting. Press Start, speak normally, record a short clip and listen back, and you will know within one minute whether your microphone is ready. When other gear also needs checking, our hardware tester covers controllers, mice, graphics cards and MIDI keyboards too.