Microphone test
Test your microphone online
A free, in-browser microphone test. Press start, allow access, and speak — if the level meter moves, your mic is working. Nothing is recorded or uploaded.
Microphone idle
Click start, then allow microphone access.
100% local: this test runs entirely in your browser and never records, stores, or uploads your audio.
How to test your microphone
- Press Start microphone test above.
- When the browser asks, choose Allow so the page can read your microphone.
- Speak at a normal volume and watch the level meter. It should rise and fall with your voice.
- If the bar stays flat, open the Input device dropdown and choose a different microphone, then try again.
Why isn't my microphone working?
If the meter doesn't move when you talk, the most common causes are:
- Permission blocked. The site needs microphone access — check the small icon in your browser's address bar and set this site to Allow.
- Wrong input selected. Headsets, webcams, and built-in mics all show up separately. Pick the right one in the device dropdown.
- Muted or low input. Your operating system's sound settings may have the input muted or the input level near zero.
- In use elsewhere. Another app may be holding the microphone exclusively — close it and reload.
- Hardware. Check the cable, USB port, or mute switch on the mic or headset.
Is it really private?
Yes. This test uses your browser's built-in getUserMedia API to read the live input level only. No audio is recorded, stored, or sent anywhere — the moment you stop the test or close the tab, it's gone. The same privacy-first philosophy drives OpenBroca, which can run speech recognition fully on-device.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this microphone test free?
- Yes. It's completely free, needs no account or sign-up, and works in any modern browser over HTTPS.
- Does it record or upload my audio?
- No. The test reads only the live input level in your browser to move the meter. It never records, stores, or uploads any audio.
- Why does my browser ask for microphone permission?
- Browsers require explicit permission before any site can access your microphone. Choose Allow to run the test; you can revoke it at any time from the address-bar permission menu.
- My mic works here but not in another app — why?
- Each app manages its own microphone permission and selected input device. If the test works here, the hardware is fine; check that app's audio settings and permissions.
- How do I choose a different microphone?
- After you start the test and allow access, use the Input device dropdown to switch between any connected microphones, headsets, or webcams.
- Which browsers are supported?
- The latest versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari all work. The page must be served over HTTPS for microphone access to be allowed.
More free tools
- Mic test — record & playback
- Online voice recorder
- Speech to text
- Text to speech
- Speaking speed (WPM) test
- Speech time calculator
- Background noise test
- Speaker & headphone test
See all free voice & audio tools, or learn about OpenBroca.