Speaker Test
Confirm left and right channels first, then follow a live 20 Hz–20 kHz sweep without installing an app or granting microphone access.
- Fewer clicks, keyboard friendly
- Clean, readable, works on any screen
Test tones are generated in this browser; this page does not use a microphone.
Left / right channel check
Choose a side and confirm the tone comes from the matching speaker or earcup.
Frequency sweep
A smooth 20 Hz–20 kHz sine sweep. Listen for gaps, buzzes, or rattles.
Ready — choose a channel or start a sweep.
Start with a low system volume. Stop if any tone is uncomfortable or distorted.
How to use
- Set your system volume low before starting.
- Select Left and then Right; each tone should come from the matching side.
- Select Both to check that the sound image is centered.
- Choose 10, 20, or 40 seconds, then select Start sweep.
- Stop immediately if a tone is uncomfortable, or if you hear a buzz or rattle worth investigating.
What the left, both, and right buttons check
Each button sends a 440 Hz sine tone to the selected stereo position: left only, both channels equally, or right only. If the Left tone is heard on the right, the channels are swapped somewhere between the computer and the speakers; with headphones, first check that the L and R earcups are on the correct ears. A built-in phone or laptop speaker may be mono, so it cannot demonstrate left/right separation.
Why the sweep is logarithmic
The sweep moves from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz over 10, 20, or 40 seconds. Frequency doubles every octave, so this tool uses an exponential frequency ramp: each equal part of the sweep covers an equal number of octaves instead of spending nearly all of its time at high frequencies. Use the live frequency readout to note where a rattle, buzz, or dropout occurs. This is a listening check, not a calibrated frequency-response measurement; room acoustics, placement, output volume, and hearing all affect what you hear.
Use test tones safely
Pure tones concentrate energy at one frequency and can sound louder or more piercing than music. Begin with the system volume low; this tool defaults to 20% and limits its own control to 50%. Small speakers commonly reproduce very low bass or very high treble weakly, which alone does not prove that the hardware is faulty. Stop the test rather than raising volume if a tone is painful, distorted, or makes a speaker rattle.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean if the left speaker test plays on the right?
A Left test tone heard on the right indicates swapped channels, such as reversed speaker cables, an audio-setting problem, or headphones worn on the wrong ears. The audio output can otherwise sound normal, but stereo placement in music, games, and video will be reversed.
Why can I not hear 20 Hz or 20 kHz during a speaker test?
A 20 Hz–20 kHz sweep sends those frequencies to the output, but audibility depends on the speaker, listening level, room, and listener. Compact laptop and phone speakers often have little low-bass output, and very high frequencies can be quieter or inaudible. Check for a clear problem at ordinary frequencies such as 440 Hz before assuming a fault.
Does this speaker test measure frequency response?
No. This is a subjective listening test that plays a 20 Hz–20 kHz sine sweep and shows the generated frequency. Measuring frequency response needs a calibrated microphone, known playback level, and software that accounts for the room and microphone response.
Does this speaker test need microphone permission?
No. The test only creates output tones through the Web Audio API; it does not record sound or request microphone permission. Browser autoplay rules still require selecting a test button before audio can begin.
Related tools
Updated 2026-10-18