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WaveNook

Mic test: check your microphone online

Press Start, allow microphone access and say something. If the meter moves, your mic works. You can switch microphones, see its settings, and record a five-second sample to hear exactly how you sound.

–∞ dB

Private by design: everything happens in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.

How to test your microphone

  1. Click Start mic test. Your browser asks for permission to use the microphone: choose Allow.
  2. Speak normally. The waveform and level meter move with your voice, and a green message confirms the mic is working.
  3. If you have several microphones, pick another one from the list to compare them.
  4. Click Record 5 seconds and play it back to hear exactly what others hear on calls.

Features

Live level meter

See your input level in decibels with a peak marker, so you can tell if you are too quiet or clipping.

Hear a recording

Record a short sample and play it back to check for hiss, echo or muffled sound before a call.

Switch devices

Compare your laptop mic, a headset and a USB microphone without leaving the page.

Nothing leaves your device

Audio is analysed in your browser. We never record to a server or store anything.

Microphone not working? Quick fixes

On Windows 10 and 11

  1. Open Settings → System → Sound and check that the right device is selected under Input.
  2. Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and make sure microphone access is on for apps and for your browser.
  3. Under the input device's properties, raise the input volume and check it isn't muted.

On a Mac

  1. Open System Settings → Sound → Input and choose your microphone. Speak and watch the input level.
  2. In System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone, enable your browser.

In the browser

If you previously blocked access, click the icon on the left of the address bar and allow the microphone. Only one app can use some microphones at a time, so quit Zoom, Teams, Discord or OBS and try again.

Make your mic sound better

  • Keep the microphone a hand's width from your mouth and slightly off to the side to avoid "p" and "b" pops.
  • Soft furnishings reduce echo. A room with curtains and a rug sounds far better than a bare kitchen.
  • Use headphones on calls so your mic doesn't pick up the other people's voices from your speakers.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my microphone is working?

Start the test and speak. If the level meter moves and you see "Your microphone is working", the browser is receiving sound from your mic. For a full check, record a 5-second sample and listen to it.

Why does the meter not move?

Usually the wrong device is selected, the mic is muted (many headsets have a mute switch or button), or the input volume is at zero in your system settings. Also close apps such as Zoom or Discord, which can hold on to the microphone.

I clicked Block by mistake. How do I allow the microphone again?

Click the lock or microphone icon on the left of the address bar, set Microphone to Allow, then reload the page. In Safari, go to Settings for This Website.

Is the mic test safe and private?

Yes. The sound is processed by your browser on your own device. Nothing is uploaded or saved, and the test stops when you press Stop or close the page.

What is a good microphone level?

When you speak at a normal volume, the meter should mostly sit around -20 to -10 dB. If it reaches the red zone you may sound distorted; if it stays below -40 dB people will struggle to hear you.

Does this work on iPhone and Android?

Yes, in Safari on iPhone and iPad and in Chrome on Android. Your phone will ask for microphone permission the first time.

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