What this test can tell you
A moving waveform shows audio reaching the chosen input. The meter estimates digital RMS dBFS; a local five-second recording lets you listen to the captured voice.
The level is not calibrated room loudness or a microphone quality score. Input gain, processing, device selection and playback output can affect the result.
How to use it
- Press “Start microphone test” and allow microphone access when your browser asks.
- Speak normally: the level meter and waveform should react.
- If you have several microphones, choose the right one in the device list.
- Press “Record 5 s”, then play it back to check sound quality.
Reading the level
The meter estimates digital RMS level in dBFS, where 0 dBFS is full scale. It is not a calibrated loudness reading and does not measure sound pressure in the room. Compare normal speech, silence and playback on the same setup. The background estimate uses lower-level samples observed during the session, so it is not an isolated noise-floor measurement.
Microphone playback test: hear what the browser records
A moving meter confirms that audio is reaching this page. Playback checks something different: whether the captured voice is intelligible, quiet, distorted or coming from the wrong microphone.
- Use headphones or keep speaker volume low to avoid feedback.
- Select your intended microphone and speak at your normal distance.
- Press Record 5 s, say a short sentence, wait for recording to finish, then use the playback control.
- Repeat with another input if the voice sounds distant. Press Stop when finished.
Microphone not working? Separate permission, input and playback problems
Work through these checks in order. A browser permission error does not establish that the microphone is broken.
| What you see | What it means / next check |
|---|---|
| Permission denied | In Chrome, open Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Microphone and allow this site. On Windows 11, check Privacy & security → Microphone, including desktop-app access. In Safari on Mac, check Settings → Websites → Microphone; macOS may also require permission for the browser. |
| Access allowed, but no moving waveform | Select a different input, check the headset mute switch and raise input volume in your operating system. Speak or gently tap near the intended microphone to identify which input responds. |
| Waveform moves, but playback is silent | Check the playback volume and selected output. Test a known sound through the same headphones or speakers before changing the microphone. |
| Very loud or distorted recording | Lower input gain or move farther away, then record again. The displayed level is digital RMS dBFS, not a calibrated sound-pressure measurement. |
Methods and sources
These explanations describe this page’s browser test and its limitations. Last updated . Reference documentation:
Not working? Try these fixes
The browser does not ask for permission
Access was blocked earlier. Click the lock or microphone icon in the address bar, allow the microphone and reload the page.
Windows: the level stays flat
Open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and allow apps and desktop apps to use it. Then check Settings → System → Sound → Input and pick the right device.
Mac: no sound is detected
Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and enable your browser. Restart the browser afterwards.
iPhone or Android: it does not work
Allow the microphone for your browser in the phone settings and close apps that may use it, such as calls or voice recorders.
Frequently asked questions
Is my recording uploaded?
No. The recording is kept in your browser’s memory and deleted when you close or reload the page.
Why does my voice sound robotic?
Noise processing, wireless headset modes or the selected input can change your voice. The test requests echo cancellation and noise suppression to be disabled; device and browser processing may still apply. Compare a recording from another input before drawing conclusions.
Can I test a headset microphone?
Yes. Connect the headset, then select it in the device list.