Mic Test

Test your microphone online in seconds - free, private, no download.

A quick mic test before a call saves everyone the "we can't hear you" minute. This test reads your microphone directly in your browser and shows a live input level, so you can see straight away whether your mic is picking up sound. Nothing is installed, and your audio is never uploaded.

Start the test and talk normally - the bars should move

Why use this mic test

100% private

Your audio stays in your browser the whole time. Nothing is uploaded, and the optional playback clip is discarded when you stop the test.

See your level live

A real-time meter shows exactly how loud you are, so you can spot a mic that is too quiet or clipping.

Hear yourself back

Record a five second clip and play it back to check for background noise, echo, or a muffled headset mic.

No download or sign-up

Runs instantly in your browser tab. No app, extension, or account required.

How to test your microphone

  1. Click Start Mic Test above.
  2. Allow microphone access when your browser prompts you.
  3. Talk normally and watch the meter - the bars should move with your voice.
  4. If you have more than one input, use the Microphone dropdown to switch between them.
  5. Optionally click Record 5 seconds, then play the clip back to hear how you sound to other people.
  6. Click Stop Test when you're done - this releases the microphone immediately.

Common mic problems and fixes

  • Microphone access was blocked: click the microphone icon in your browser's address bar, set it to "Allow", then reload the page.
  • Bars don't move at all: the wrong input is probably selected. Pick a different device from the dropdown, and check your mic is not muted in your operating system's sound settings.
  • Mic is in use by another app: Zoom, Teams, Discord or another browser tab may be holding the microphone. Close it and start the test again.
  • Headset mic not detected: plug the headset in before opening this page, and check it is selected as the input device rather than your laptop's built-in mic. Many headsets also have an inline mute switch.
  • Voice is too quiet: raise the input level (or "microphone boost") in your system sound settings and move within about 30 cm of the mic.
  • Sound is distorted or the meter is always red: your input gain is too high. Lower it in your system settings, or move slightly further from the mic.
  • Echo or feedback on calls: use headphones. Open speakers let your mic pick up the other person's voice and send it back to them.
  • Works here but not in a specific app: that app has its own microphone permission, separate from your browser's. Check its settings, or see the help pages for Chrome or Firefox microphone permissions.

Once your mic checks out, run the webcam test and the speaker test to make sure your camera and audio output are working too, or run the full pre-call check to test everything, including your connection, in one pass. Already have a recording? Use the audio to text tool to turn it into a transcript, also free and private, or narrate a walkthrough with the screen recorder now that your mic is confirmed working. You can also browse all Meetrix features. If you're self-hosting a Meetrix deployment, the Meetrix blog has the setup guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this mic test free?

Yes. The mic test is completely free to use, requires no sign-up, and there is nothing to download.

Is my audio recorded or uploaded anywhere?

No. The level meter reads your microphone directly in your browser, and the optional 5-second playback clip is held in your browser tab only. Nothing is sent to Meetrix or anyone else, and the clip is discarded when you stop the test or close the page.

How do I know if my microphone is working?

Start the test and talk normally. If the bars move as you speak, your mic is picking up sound and working. If they stay flat, check that the right input device is selected and that your mic is not muted.

Why does my browser ask for microphone permission?

Browsers require explicit permission before any website can access your mic. Click Allow when prompted, or check the site permissions if you accidentally blocked it.

Can I hear how I sound?

Yes. Click Record 5 seconds, say something, then press play. The recording stays in your browser and is never uploaded. The live meter deliberately does not play your mic through your speakers, because that causes feedback howl.

Why is my mic not working?

The usual causes are a blocked browser permission, the wrong input device being selected, a hardware mute switch on a headset, or another app such as Zoom or Teams holding the microphone. The troubleshooting section above walks through each one.

How do I test my headset microphone?

Plug in the headset before starting the test, then pick it from the Microphone dropdown. If the dropdown does not list it, your operating system has not detected it yet - reconnect it and reload the page.

Does this mic test work on mobile phones?

Yes, it works on modern mobile browsers, including recent versions of Chrome and Safari on Android and iOS. On iOS, make sure the ring/silent switch is not interfering with playback when you listen back to a recording.

Does this test my speakers too?

Indirectly. Recording a clip and playing it back exercises both your microphone and your speakers or headphones, so if you can hear the playback, your output device is working as well.

What should my input level look like?

When speaking at a normal volume, the bars should sit around the middle to upper-middle of the meter and only touch red on the loudest words. If it is constantly red, lower your input gain; if it barely moves, raise it or move closer to the mic.

Which browsers are supported?

Any modern browser with getUserMedia support: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari (recent versions). Older browsers without it are not compatible.

Can I test my camera as well?

Yes. Use the free webcam test to check your camera in the same way, before you join a call.

Can I test my speakers or headphones too?

Yes. Use the free speaker test to check your audio output, including left and right channels separately.

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