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Free Online Speaker Test: Left/Right & Bass

Check left and right channels, bass and treble on speakers or headphones.

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How to use this tool

This speaker test plays known sounds so you can confirm that each side works, that left and right are on the correct side and that your speakers or headphones deliver bass and treble. Press Left, Both or Right to hear three rising notes on that side, run the 12-second Frequency sweep from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, or play four low notes with the Bass test.

  1. 01

    Set a comfortable volume

    Turn your system volume down to about a third; the page Volume slider starts at 50%. Raise it once you hear the first notes.

  2. 02

    Test Left, Right and Both

    Press Left, then Right. Each plays C, E and G twice, only on its own side. Both should sound as if it comes from the middle.

  3. 03

    Check bass and treble

    Run the Frequency sweep to hear where sound starts and fades, and play the Bass test (40, 60, 80 and 120 Hz) to check the low end of speakers or a subwoofer.

What each test checks

• Left / Right: that each channel works and is on the correct side • Both: balance; the sound should sit in the center • Frequency sweep: a 12-second rise from 20 Hz to 20 kHz that shows how low and high your speakers and ears go, and reveals any rattle or buzz at certain pitches • Bass test: 40, 60, 80 and 120 Hz tones; headphones and subwoofers play all four, compact laptop and phone speakers usually join in at 80 or 120 Hz

Speaker test on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android

• Windows 10/11: Settings > System > Sound, pick the output device and center the left and right levels in its properties; turn Mono audio off under Accessibility > Audio • Mac: System Settings > Sound > Output, choose the device and center the Balance slider • iPhone: Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual, center Balance and turn Mono Audio off • Android: Settings > Accessibility > Audio, check Audio balance and Mono audio • Bluetooth speakers and AirPods: connect them first so they are the active output, then run the test

Hearing range and the sweep

Young listeners hear roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the top end lowers with age; many adults hear up to 15–17 kHz. If the sweep fades earlier on one speaker than the other, have that speaker's tweeter checked. Creators can use the test to confirm that monitors or headphones are set up correctly before mixing a YouTube video, podcast or TikTok sound. Keep the volume moderate: high frequencies can be strong even when they seem quiet.

Frequently asked questions

How do I test my speakers online?

Press Left, Both and Right. You should hear three rising notes on the matching side. Then try the Frequency sweep and Bass test.

How do I test left and right on headphones?

Put the headphones on the right way round and press Left. The notes should play only in the left ear. Then press Right.

Why do I hear Left in both ears?

Mono audio is usually switched on in your system accessibility settings, or the headphones or cable are mono. Turn mono off and press Left again.

How do I test my bass?

Press Bass test to play 40, 60, 80 and 120 Hz in turn. Headphones and subwoofers reproduce all four; compact speakers usually join in at 80 or 120 Hz.

Is the speaker test safe for my speakers?

Yes, at moderate volume. Start low, especially for the sweep and bass test, and raise the level slowly.

How do I test speakers on Windows 11?

Choose your speakers under Settings > System > Sound, open this page and press Left, Both and Right. Each note should come from the matching side.

Can I test Bluetooth speakers or AirPods?

Yes. Connect them first so they are the output device, then press the test buttons.

Does it work on phones?

Yes. Plug in or connect headphones to check left and right separately, since many phones play through a single speaker.

Does the speaker test use my microphone?

No. The tones are generated in your browser and played through your speakers; the microphone stays off.

Is the speaker test free?

Yes. It is free with no signup and no download, and you can test as often as you like.

For developers

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