What this microphone test does

fixmic captures audio from your microphone for a few seconds and analyses four things at once: peak level (are you too loud?), background noise (is there a hum?), signal strength (are you too quiet?), and reverb tail (does your room echo?). The result is not just a bar that moves — it's a plain-language summary of exactly what is wrong, and what to do about it.

How to test your microphone

1. 1

   Click Start test

   Your browser will ask permission to use the microphone. Click Allow. Nothing leaves your computer — the audio is processed locally.

2. 2

   Speak normally for about 10 seconds

   Read a sentence aloud at your normal volume and distance, keeping going until the counter reaches zero. The level meter will move and the waveform will draw.

3. 3

   Read the diagnostic

   Once the countdown finishes the tool shows you any problems it found, with a one-line fix for each.

4. 4

   Click Test speakers (optional)

   A short 440 Hz tone plays. If you hear it clearly, your output is fine and any communication problem is on the mic side.

What you need to run the test

Almost nothing. fixmic runs in the browser with no installer, no plugin, no Flash, and no Java. If you can read this page, you can probably run the test. You need a modern browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge from the last two years — and a microphone (built-in, USB, XLR through an interface, Bluetooth, or a wireless headset all work). The browser will ask permission to use the mic when you click Start test, and it will only allow it over HTTPS, which is on by default. Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android are all supported, including phones and tablets.

Is this microphone test safe?

Yes — your audio is safe. The microphone test runs entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API. Your audio never reaches any server, including ours, and even we cannot listen to anything you say into the mic. When you close the tab or click stop, the microphone is released immediately. No account, no signup. The site plans to add display ads from Google AdSense to cover hosting costs; when that goes live, those ads will run in an isolated context with no access to your microphone, your diagnostic results, or any audio data — and we will update this notice.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my browser ask for microphone permission?

Every modern browser requires explicit permission before any website can access the microphone. The permission is granted per-site and per-browser, and you can revoke it any time from the lock icon in the address bar.

Why is my mic showing as 'too quiet' even though I'm speaking normally?

Your input gain is probably set too low in your operating system. On Windows: Sound settings → Input → Input volume. On macOS: System Settings → Sound → Input → Input Volume. Slide it up and run the test again.

What does 'clipping' mean?

Clipping happens when your microphone signal is too loud — louder than the maximum the device can represent. The result sounds harsh and distorted. Lower your input volume or move further from the mic.

Why does my room sound echoey?

Hard surfaces (bare walls, glass, hardwood floors) reflect sound. Add a rug, curtains, or upholstered furniture, or record closer to the mic so your voice dominates the reflections.

Does this work on a phone?

Yes — on both iPhone and Android. Use Chrome or Safari. The browser will ask permission to use the mic, just like on a computer. The test works the same way.

Why does my mic work here but not in Zoom / Teams / Meet?

Conferencing apps add their own processing on top of the raw microphone signal — noise suppression, auto-gain, and echo cancellation. If our test works but Zoom does not, the problem is in the app's settings. See the app-specific guides above.

Can I test a headset or headphones microphone?

Yes. A headset microphone is just another input — open the device picker above, select your headset, and run the test. Plain headphones with no mic won't appear as an input, but you can still check their earpieces with the speaker test. To test both sides of a headset, run the mic test, then use Test speakers and Hear yourself live.

How do I know if my microphone is working?

Watch the level meter while you speak — if it moves, the mic is picking up sound. When the countdown ends, fixmic plays your recording back and tells you in plain language whether it's working cleanly or running too quiet, clipping, or noisy.

Can I hear myself live (loopback monitoring)?

Yes. After the test, click Hear yourself live and your microphone is routed to your speakers or headphones in real time. Wear headphones for this — on open speakers the mic re-records the playback and you'll hear an echo or a screech.

How do I test my microphone on a PC?

Just click Start test at the top of the page and talk for a few seconds — the test runs right in your browser, with nothing to install. It works on any computer: Windows, Mac, or Linux, on both desktops and laptops. If you have more than one microphone connected (built-in, USB, or a headset), pick the right one from the device selector above the button.

How do I test a microphone on Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Exactly the same way — click Start test and allow the microphone permission your browser asks for. If Windows is blocking access, open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and make sure microphone access and access for your browser are both turned on. For a full walkthrough of permissions, drivers, and the audio service on Windows, see the Fix microphone on Windows guide above.

My computer doesn't detect my microphone — what do I do?

If the microphone doesn't appear in the device selector or your system doesn't recognize it: make sure it's firmly plugged in (try another USB port), check that microphone access is enabled in your operating system's privacy settings, and update or reinstall your sound card driver. On Windows you can also run the audio troubleshooter. The Fix microphone on Windows and Mac guides above explain each step.