Speaker Test

What this speaker test checks

This test plays sounds generated live by your browser to check three things that matter for any speaker, headphone or earbud:

• Channel separation. A tone plays on the left side only, then the right side only. If you hear it on the wrong side, or on both, something in the chain is swapped, mixed to mono or damaged.
• Clean sound. White noise contains every frequency at once, which makes rattles, crackles and buzzing easy to hear.
• Frequency range. A single tone, or a sweep from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, shows how deep and how high your speakers can go, and where the sound drops out.

Nothing is recorded: the sounds are created on your device and sent straight to your speakers.

How to test your speakers or headphones

1. Set a low volume on your device and on the slider above. You can always raise it; very high or very low tones can be unpleasant, and loud high tones can harm your hearing.
2. Play Left, then Right. With headphones, check that each earbud plays only its own side. With speakers, stand in front of them, at the same distance from both.
3. Play Both. The tone should seem to come from the middle. If it leans to one side, one channel is quieter.
4. Play white noise at a moderate volume and listen closely to each speaker. The noise should sound smooth and even, like steady rain.
5. Run the sweep. Press “I can no longer hear it” as soon as the rising tone disappears. That is the highest frequency you heard with this device.
6. Mark what you heard in “What did you hear?” and save the result. You can compare it later with another device, or share the link.

How to read your results

Left and right channels

If each side played only when expected, your channels are correct. If both sides played a “left only” tone, the most common causes are a mono audio setting, a balance slider set to the middle of a mono mix, or an adapter that merges channels. If the sides are swapped, check how the headphones are worn (L and R markings) or how the speaker cables are connected.

White noise

Smooth noise means the drivers and the case are healthy at that volume. Crackling that comes and goes often points to a loose connector or cable. A constant buzz or rattle that changes with volume usually comes from a torn or worn speaker cone, or from a loose part vibrating in the case.

Highest frequency heard

The number depends on both your ears and your equipment. Young adults often hear up to 16–18 kHz with good headphones, and the upper limit usually drops with age. Small laptop and phone speakers also roll off at the top. That is why this result is an indication, not a hearing test: if it seems low, try the same test with other headphones to see which one is limiting. For a step-by-step check of the highest tone you hear and of the deepest bass your speakers play, use the audio frequency test.

Troubleshooting

I hear nothing at all

Check that the page is not muted in your browser tab, that the right output device is selected in your system sound settings, and that the volume slider above is not at zero. Some browsers only allow sound after you click on the page, so press a play button again.

The left tone plays on both sides

Look for a “mono audio” option in your system accessibility settings and turn it off. On Bluetooth headphones, some “call” or “hands-free” modes are mono: disconnect and reconnect them in their stereo (media) mode.

Only one earbud or speaker plays

Try the other side of the cable or another pair of headphones to find which part is at fault. On wired headphones, gently move the cable near the plug while the tone plays: sound cutting in and out means a damaged wire or jack.

The sound crackles or rattles

Lower the volume and listen again. If the noise disappears, the speaker was simply overdriven. If it remains at low volume, the speaker, its cable or its connection is likely damaged.

The bass is missing

Small speakers cannot reproduce deep bass, often below about 100–200 Hz. That is normal for laptops and phones. On larger speakers or headphones, check that no equaliser or “bass cut” setting is active.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a hearing test?

No. It can show that you stop hearing a tone at a certain frequency, but the result also depends on your speakers, headphones and volume. For any concern about your hearing, see a professional.

Why can I not hear the tone at 20 kHz?

Very few adults hear up to 20 kHz, and many speakers cannot play it. Not hearing the top of the sweep is normal.

Why do low and high tones sound quieter?

Human hearing is most sensitive in the middle of the range, roughly between 1 and 5 kHz. At the same level, very low and very high tones naturally sound softer.

Can this test damage my speakers?

Not at a reasonable volume. Loud, very low or very high tones can stress small speakers and your ears, so keep the volume moderate, especially with headphones.

Does it work on phones and tablets?

Yes, in recent browsers on Android and iOS. On iPhone and iPad, check that the silent switch or silent mode is off, because it can mute web audio.

Is anything recorded or sent to TestrHub?

No. The sounds are generated on your device and nothing is recorded. Saved results stay in your browser, and a result is only shared if you copy its link.