Mic Test

How to run a microphone test (and hear yourself)

Click Test my microphone and choose Allow.
Say a few words. The green bar should move with your voice.
Click Record 5 seconds, speak as you would on a call, then play it back.
Read the recording check: it tells you if you're too quiet, too loud, or if background noise is drowning out your voice.

Understanding your results

Check	What it means	Good result
Voice level	How loud your speech is (dBFS: 0 is the maximum the mic can record)	Above about −32 dB
Clipping	Sound too loud and cut off	None
Background noise	Level when you're not speaking	Below about −50 dB
Voice clarity	How far your voice stands above the noise	20 dB or more

The device panel also shows the sample rate, mono or stereo, and whether noise suppression, echo cancellation and auto gain are on — the same processing video-call apps use.

Microphone not working?

If the meter doesn't move or the test shows an error, follow the step-by-step fixes in microphone not working — permission, the right input device, mute switches, volume 0 and drivers.

Tips to sound better on calls

Use a headset or earbuds with a mic — they pick up your voice and less of the room.
Keep the mic about a hand's width (6–8 in) from your mouth and slightly to the side to avoid breath noise.
Rugs, curtains and cushions reduce echo; bare rooms sound hollow.
Turn off fans and close windows when you can.

Mic test with playback

Want to hear yourself? Click Record 5 seconds, talk normally, then press play. This is the quickest way to hear what others hear — echo, a muffled sound or a buzzing cable are obvious on playback. It works with headsets, AirPods, USB microphones and laptop mics.

Mic test for background noise

The recording check measures the noise level when you're not speaking and how far your voice stands above it. If background noise is high, turn on noise suppression above, move away from fans and windows, or use a headset.

Using Discord? See the Discord mic test guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do I test my microphone online?

Click "Test my microphone", allow access, and speak. If the level meter moves, your mic works. Record a 5-second clip to hear yourself and get a check of your voice level, distortion and background noise.

Why is my mic not picking up any sound?

Check that the right microphone is selected, that it isn't muted by a key or switch on your headset, and that the input volume in your system settings is above zero. Also make sure your browser has microphone permission.

Why does my microphone sound quiet?

Move closer to the mic (about a hand's width, 6–8 in / 15–20 cm, works well) and raise the input level in your system sound settings. Laptop microphones pick up more room noise and less voice than a headset.

What does clipping mean?

Clipping happens when the sound is too loud for the microphone, so the peaks get cut off and your voice sounds harsh or crackly. Move back a little or lower the input volume.

Should I turn noise suppression on?

For video calls, yes. Noise suppression and echo cancellation remove fan noise and stop the other person from hearing their own voice. Turn them off only if you are recording music.

Is my voice recorded or uploaded?

No. The audio is analyzed in your browser. Test recordings are kept only in your browser's memory so you can play them back, and are deleted when you leave the page.

Microphone