Online Mic Test
Test your microphone instantly using this free browser-based tool. No downloads or sign-ups required. Simply click Start Test, allow microphone access, and speak to verify your mic is working correctly. You can also record a short clip and play it back to hear exactly how you sound to others.
Test Your Microphone
for Any App
Ready to test?
Click the button below and allow microphone access when prompted.
Your audio stays on your device and is never uploaded.
Why Test Your Microphone?
- ✓Verify your microphone works before important video calls, interviews, or presentations
- ✓Identify audio problems early rather than discovering them mid-conversation
- ✓Test new headsets, USB microphones, or audio equipment without installing software
- ✓Check if your browser and operating system have granted microphone permissions correctly
- ✓Troubleshoot issues when your mic works in some applications but not others
- ✓Confirm your voice is audible and clear before recording podcasts, videos, or voiceovers
How to Test Your Microphone
- 1
Click Start Test
Click the Start Test button below to begin. Your browser will request permission to access your microphone. This is a standard security prompt that appears whenever a website needs to use your mic.
- 2
Allow Microphone Access
When the browser permission prompt appears, click Allow to grant access. If you accidentally click Block, you will need to reset permissions in your browser settings before the test can work.
- 3
Speak Into Your Microphone
Once access is granted, speak at your normal volume. You will see the audio visualizer respond to your voice in real time. If the bars move when you speak, your microphone is detecting sound correctly.
- 4
Check the Volume Level
The tool displays whether your volume is too quiet, at a good level, or too loud. Adjust your microphone position or system input volume until you see the Good indicator consistently while speaking.
- 5
Record and Playback (Optional)
For a complete test, click Record to capture a few seconds of your voice, then click Play to hear the recording. This lets you evaluate your actual audio quality, including clarity, background noise, and any distortion.
Tip: This generic microphone test works with any application or service. For platform-specific testing with guided troubleshooting, see our dedicated tools for Microsoft Teams and Google Meet.
Troubleshooting Common Microphone Problems
⚠️Browser says microphone access is blocked
Click the lock or site settings icon in your browser address bar and change the microphone permission to Allow. In Chrome, you can also go to Settings, then Privacy and security, then Site Settings, then Microphone, and remove this site from the blocked list. After changing permissions, refresh the page and try again.
⚠️No sound is detected when you speak
First, confirm your microphone is physically connected and not muted. Check your operating system sound settings to verify the correct input device is selected as default. On Windows, right-click the speaker icon and select Sound settings, then check the Input section. On Mac, go to System Preferences, then Sound, then Input tab. Make sure the input volume is not set to zero.
⚠️The wrong microphone is being used
If you have multiple microphones connected (laptop mic, headset, USB mic), the browser may select a different one than you expect. Use the device dropdown in the test tool to switch between available microphones. You can also set your preferred mic as the system default in your operating system sound settings.
⚠️Audio is too quiet even at maximum volume
Move closer to your microphone, ideally positioning it four to six inches from your mouth. Check your system input volume and increase it if possible. On Windows, look for a microphone boost option in the advanced properties of your recording device. Some microphones also have physical gain controls that may need adjustment.
⚠️You hear static, buzzing, or crackling sounds
Electromagnetic interference from nearby electronics can cause noise. Move your microphone away from your computer, phone, or other devices. For USB microphones, try a different USB port, as some ports provide unstable power. Check your cable connections for damage. If using a wireless headset, ensure batteries are charged and the receiver is not obstructed.
⚠️Microphone works here but not in Zoom, Teams, or other apps
Each application has its own audio settings and permissions. Open the settings or preferences in the specific app and check which microphone is selected. Also verify the app has permission to access your microphone in your operating system privacy settings. On Windows, go to Settings, then Privacy, then Microphone. On Mac, check System Preferences, then Security and Privacy, then Privacy, then Microphone.
⚠️Recording playback sounds distorted or robotic
This often indicates your microphone input level is too high, causing clipping. Lower your system input volume or move the microphone further from your mouth. Audio processing features like noise suppression or echo cancellation can sometimes cause artifacts, so try disabling these in your system settings if the problem persists.
Tips for Better Microphone Audio
- 💡Test your microphone a few minutes before important calls rather than at the exact start time, giving yourself room to troubleshoot if needed
- 💡Speak at your normal conversational volume during tests to get an accurate reading of how you will sound in actual use
- 💡A quiet room matters as much as a good microphone, so close windows and doors, and silence notifications before testing
- 💡Position your microphone consistently each time you use it to maintain reliable audio levels across different sessions
- 💡USB microphones generally provide better audio quality than built-in laptop mics and avoid electrical interference from internal components
- 💡If you regularly switch between multiple audio devices, get in the habit of checking your device selection before each call or recording session
- 💡Headsets with boom microphones position the mic closer to your mouth and reduce background noise pickup compared to standalone desk microphones
- 💡Browser-based mic tests like this one verify that web applications can access your audio, which is useful since many modern communication tools run in browsers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this mic test free to use?
Yes, this microphone test is completely free with no limits on usage. There are no sign-ups, subscriptions, or hidden fees. The tool runs entirely in your browser.
Is my audio recorded or stored anywhere?
No. All audio processing happens locally in your browser. Your voice is never sent to any server. When you use the record and playback feature, the recording exists only on your device and is deleted when you close or refresh the page.
Why do I need to allow microphone access?
Browsers require explicit permission before any website can access your microphone. This is a security feature that protects your privacy. You can revoke this permission at any time through your browser settings.
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