Mic Test – Check Your Microphone Online with a Live Level Meter
Check that your microphone works before a call, class, game or recording. Speak and watch the level meter react, then record a short clip to hear how you sound.
Press Start and allow microphone access. If the level meter and waveform move when you speak, your mic is working. Levels are in dBFS, where 0 dB is the loudest possible: normal speech usually peaks around −20 to −6 dB. Press Record 5 s to play back your voice.
How to use the Mic Test
- Press Start and click Allow when your browser asks for the microphone.
- Speak or clap. The level meter, waveform and current, peak and average levels react in real time.
- If you have several microphones, pick one from the list; the test switches to it straight away.
- Press Record 5 s, then play the clip to hear the quality.
- Press Stop when you are done. The microphone is released.
Everything happens in your browser: no audio is uploaded or stored.
Reading the level meter
Digital audio is measured in dBFS (decibels relative to full scale). 0 dBFS is the maximum a microphone input can record; everything else is negative.
| Level | What it means |
|---|---|
| Below −50 dB | Silence or background noise only |
| −40 to −25 dB | Quiet: move closer or raise the input volume |
| −20 to −6 dB | Good level for speech |
| Above −3 dB | Too loud, risk of distortion (clipping) |
Microphone not working? Check these
- Browser permission: if access was blocked, click the lock or settings icon in the address bar, allow the microphone and reload.
- Windows: Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone: make sure microphone access and “Let desktop apps access your microphone” are on. Then check Settings → System → Sound → Input for the right device and volume.
- Mac: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone: allow your browser. Choose the input under System Settings → Sound → Input.
- Android and iPhone: allow the microphone for your browser in the app permissions.
- Hardware: check the mute switch on your headset, the cable or Bluetooth connection, and try another USB port.
- Busy device: close Zoom, Teams, Discord or other apps that may be using the mic.
No sound detected?
If the meter stays flat for 5 seconds, the tool tells you. Usually the wrong device is selected, the mic is muted, or the input volume is near zero. Choose another device from the list and try again.
Getting better sound
Keep the microphone about a hand’s width to a forearm’s length from your mouth, slightly to the side to avoid popping sounds. Turn off fans and close windows, and use a headset in noisy rooms. Record 5 seconds and listen back to compare settings.
Related tools: Webcam Test, Keyboard and Mouse Test and Typing Speed Test.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my mic is working?
Press Start, allow access and speak. If the level meter moves and your 5-second recording plays back your voice, the microphone works.
Is the mic test private?
Yes. The audio is analyzed in your browser. Nothing is uploaded or stored, and the mic is released when you press Stop.
Why does my browser block the microphone?
You may have clicked Block earlier. Click the lock icon in the address bar, set the microphone to Allow and reload the page.
Can I test a headset or USB microphone?
Yes. Plug it in, press Start and choose it from the microphone list.
What is a good microphone level?
For speech, peaks between about −20 and −6 dBFS. Close to 0 dB the sound may distort.
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