How to use the speaker and headphone test
- Turn your system volume down first. The test starts at 25% of its own range, which is deliberately quiet.
- Put on headphones the right way round, using the L and R markings.
- Click Left. You should hear a short tone only in the left ear or the left speaker.
- Click Right, then Center. Center should sound equally in both and seem to come from the middle.
- Raise the volume slider gradually if the tones are too quiet. Stop if anything sounds harsh or rattles.
Reading the result
| What you hear | What it usually means | Where to look next |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing at all | Wrong output device, muted tab or browser, or volume at zero | No sound |
| Left tone in the right ear | Headphones worn backwards, or channels swapped by software or a cable | Left and right reversed |
| Every tone in both ears equally | Mono audio is switched on, or a virtual surround effect is active | See the note below |
| One side never plays | A partly inserted plug, a damaged cable or a balance setting | Left and right reversed |
| Bluetooth headset connected but silent | Audio is going to a different output, or the headset is in call mode | Bluetooth no sound |
If both sides sound the same
A mono setting combines left and right, which helps people with hearing in one ear but defeats this test. On Windows 11, check Settings → Accessibility → Audio → Mono audio. On a Mac, check System Settings → Accessibility → Audio and turn off "Play stereo audio as mono". Spatial sound, virtual surround and some headset software can also blend channels, so turn them off for the test and back on afterwards if you use them.
Check the balance too. On Windows, open Settings → System → Sound, choose the output device and look at the left and right volume sliders. On a Mac, the balance slider is under System Settings → Sound → Output.
What this test can and cannot tell you
Each tone is a 440 Hz sine wave, the A above middle C, generated in your browser and placed fully left, fully right or in the centre. That is enough to confirm the output device, the channel order and basic balance. It does not measure bass or treble response, distortion, latency or surround channels. A 5.1 or 7.1 system will play the left and right tones through its front speakers.
Is it safe for my speakers?
Yes, at sensible volume. The tones are short and quiet by design, and the slider stops at 70% of the test's range. As with any audio, start low, especially on headphones.
Fix it by symptom
| Result | Windows 11 | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| No tone at all | Settings → System → Sound → Output: choose the right device and check it is not muted | System Settings → Sound → Output: choose the device and check the Mute box |
| Left and right swapped | Turn off spatial sound and enhancements, then check how the headset is worn or the speakers are placed | Check how the headset is worn or the speakers are placed. Turn off any audio utility that remaps channels |
| Both tones play in both ears | Turn off Settings → Accessibility → Audio → Mono audio | Turn off System Settings → Accessibility → Audio → Play stereo audio as mono |
| One side quieter | Control Panel → Sound → your device → Properties → Levels → Balance | System Settings → Sound → Output → Balance slider |
Common questions
What tone does the test play?
A 440 Hz sine wave, the musical note A above middle C, for about half a second. It is generated in your browser, so nothing is downloaded or streamed.
Can this test check bass or sound quality?
No. It confirms routing and balance. Judging bass, clarity or distortion needs music you know well, played through the same output.
Is it safe for my hearing?
The tone plays at a modest level, but always start with your device volume low and raise it until the tone is just comfortable.
More troubleshooting guides
Reviewed October 2026 · How we test · Report a problem