Background noise test
Test your background noise
Check the background noise picked up by your microphone. Stay quiet for a few seconds, then compare readings before and after adjusting your setup.
Relative microphone level (dBFS). Compare readings with the same microphone and input level. Audio stays on your device.
Why background noise matters
Background noise is the steady hum your microphone hears when you're not talking — fans, air conditioning, traffic, computer whirr, or a noisy room. Too much of it makes calls tiring, recordings sound amateur, and speech-to-text less accurate. Measuring your noise floor helps you decide whether to move, mute a fan, or switch to a closer or better microphone.
How to read the result
Start the test and stay quiet for a few seconds while the reading settles. The number is a relative level in dBFS — lower (more negative) is quieter. Use it to compare: try the test, change something (close a window, move the mic), and test again to see the difference. It's a relative gauge, not a calibrated decibel (dB SPL) meter.
Cutting background noise
- Move closer to the microphone so your voice dominates.
- Turn off fans, AC, or noisy appliances while recording.
- Use a headset or directional mic instead of a laptop's built-in one.
- Add soft furnishings to reduce echo in a bare room.
- Then record a clip and play it back to hear the improvement.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a real decibel (dB) meter?
No. The reading is a relative microphone signal level in dBFS, without sound-pressure calibration. Compare readings using the same microphone and input gain. Values from different devices are not directly comparable.
Does it record or upload my audio?
No. The microphone signal is analysed live in your browser to compute a level. Nothing is recorded, stored, or uploaded.
What's a quiet enough noise floor?
Lower is better. The tool labels readings from 'very quiet' to 'very noisy' — aim for 'quiet' or 'very quiet' for clean recordings and accurate dictation.
Why should I stay silent during the test?
The goal is to measure background noise, not your voice. Staying quiet lets the reading settle on the ambient noise floor of your room and setup.
Which browsers are supported?
The latest Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari work, and the page must be served over HTTPS to access the microphone.
More free tools
- Microphone test
- Mic test — record & playback
- Online voice recorder
- Speech to text
- Text to speech
- Speaking speed (WPM) test
- Speech time calculator
- Speaker & headphone test
See all free voice & audio tools, or learn what Openbrocadoes on your Mac.
Try dictation in your workspace
Press ⌥ Space, speak, and keep writing in your Mac app. Openbroca turns your words into clear text. Start for free.
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