Headphone Test FAQ
Short answers about testing headphones and speakers in your browser: how to check left and right, why you might hear no sound or no bass, what volume is safe, what frequency range people hear, Bluetooth delay, surround sound, and why this is not a medical hearing test.
Headphone test questions
Is this headphone test free?
Yes. Every test on headphonetest.app is free, works in the browser and needs no account, app or download. There are no ads, no sign-up and no cookies, and it works on phones, tablets and computers.
Does the site record or upload sound?
No. All sound is generated in your browser with the Web Audio API. The site never uses your microphone, records nothing and sends no sound or results to any server.
Why do I hear nothing?
Check that the device volume is up a little, that silent mode is off on iPhone, that the right output is selected, and that you pressed a play button. Browsers only allow sound after you click.
What volume should I use?
Start low and turn up only until you can hear the tone clearly. Keep it comfortable. Long exposure to loud or high-pitched sound can damage hearing, so stop if anything feels uncomfortable.
How do I check left and right?
Open the left right test, press L and R and check each sound comes from the matching ear or speaker. If both play together, mono audio is probably on in your settings.
What frequency range can people hear?
The commonly quoted range is about 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Many adults hear less at the top end, and the highest audible tone tends to fall with age. Your headphones also limit what you hear.
Is this a hearing test?
No. This is not a medical hearing test. Results depend on your headphones, settings and volume as well as your ears. If you are worried about your hearing, see a doctor or audiologist.
Why is there a delay with Bluetooth?
Bluetooth needs time to encode and send audio, so a short delay is normal. Video players often compensate; games and live calls cannot always. A low-latency mode helps if your device has one.
Why is one side quieter?
Dirt in the mesh, a worn ear tip, a balance setting or a fault in one side are the usual causes. Use the balance test on the home page to see how big the difference is.
Can I test 5.1 or 7.1 surround?
Yes, if your browser gives the page six or more output channels. The surround test checks this first and tells you honestly when only stereo is available. Many laptops, phones and Bluetooth devices only give stereo.
Last updated: October 13, 2026