How to test your speakers
- Turn your volume down a little, especially if you’re using headphones.
- Press Left speaker, then Right speaker. Each should play only on that side.
- Press Both speakers: the tone should sound centred.
- Try Bass, Treble and the Sweep to check the range.
What each test checks
| Test | What you should hear | Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Left / Right | A tone from one side only | Wiring, balance, headphones worn the right way round |
| Both | A tone from the centre | Both channels working and in balance |
| Bass (60 Hz) | A deep hum | Woofer or subwoofer, headphone seal |
| Treble (8 kHz) | A high, thin tone | Tweeters, high-frequency hearing |
| Sweep | A tone rising from very low to very high | The whole range of speakers and ears |
If something’s wrong
- Sound on the wrong side: headphones may be on backwards (check the L and R marks), or speaker cables are swapped.
- One side silent: check the cable and connector, the balance setting in your system’s sound settings, and try other headphones to see whether the fault is in the device.
- No sound at all: check the volume and mute, and that the right output device is selected in your system’s sound settings and in your browser.
- Rattling or buzzing on bass: something near the speaker may be vibrating, or the speaker may be damaged; lower the volume.
Hearing and volume
Long periods of loud listening can damage hearing. A useful rule is to keep headphones at a level where you can still hear someone speaking near you. The tests here are short and moderate, but always start with the volume low.
Privacy
The tones are generated by your browser’s audio engine. Nothing is recorded, and no microphone access is needed.
Questions
Why do I hear the left test in both ears?
Your audio may be set to mono. On Windows, check Settings › Accessibility › Audio › Mono audio; on iPhone and Mac, check the Mono Audio setting in Accessibility. Some Bluetooth speakers are mono too, so both tests come from the same speaker.
Why can't I hear the bass tone?
Small speakers in laptops, phones and tablets can't move enough air to reproduce 60 Hz well, so the tone is very quiet or missing. Headphones and speakers with a subwoofer play it clearly.
Where does the sweep become silent?
Most adults stop hearing high tones somewhere between 12 and 17 kHz, and the limit drops with age. Speakers also have limits at both ends. The sweep shows the combined range of your equipment and your ears.
Is it safe for my speakers?
Yes, at sensible volume. The tones are played at a moderate level with soft starts and ends. Turn your volume down before starting, especially with headphones, and raise it gradually.
Last reviewed 8 November 2026