Quick answer: take the headphones off, lower the device volume, connect the pair you want to test and play the center check once. Put the headphones on only after confirming the level is quiet, then run the left-center-right sequence. Stop immediately if a tone is uncomfortable.

Browser audio test

Test your headphones

Start at a low headphone volume. Each button plays a short sine tone generated in this browser.

Left and right headphone test

Use these to check stereo routing. Some headphones, accessibility settings and browsers may mix both channels together.

Reference frequencies

Compare whether the headphones reproduce each tone cleanly. Different loudness between frequencies is normal and is not a hearing or hardware diagnosis.

Ready to test

Start at a low volume. Keep the headphones off your ears for the first sound. Stop if a tone is uncomfortable, harsh or distorted.

Testing a headset? This checks audio output only

A headset combines headphones with a microphone. This page checks the playback side: a guided stereo sequence, individual left/center/right routing and short reference tones. It does not request microphone permission, so it cannot confirm whether a boom or inline headset microphone works.

If playback is the problem, continue below. If only the microphone is failing, use the operating system's input settings or the headset manufacturer's support instead of raising headphone volume or repeating output tones.

How to test headphones safely

Remove the headphones from your ears and set the device volume low.
Disconnect other Bluetooth or wired outputs, then select the headphones you want to test.
Play center once while the headphones are off your ears. Raise the volume only enough to hear the test comfortably.
Put the headphones on and run the left-center-right sequence. Check whether the on-screen channel matches the side you hear, then repeat an individual channel if needed.
Play each short reference frequency once. Confirm any repeatable buzz, silence or imbalance with familiar speech or music at the same volume.

What the results can mean

No sound from any button

Check the browser-tab volume, system output and physical connection. If the headphones are Bluetooth, confirm they are connected for media audio rather than another device. Compare a second app before assuming the headphones failed.

Left and right are reversed

Confirm that the headphones are worn on their labeled sides and repeat the check. For wired equipment, inspect how adapters, interfaces or channel cables are connected. This page reports the Web Audio channel; it cannot inspect the physical wiring.

One side is silent or much quieter

Try the center check, reseat the cable or reconnect Bluetooth, and compare another source. Balance or mono settings, the source device, the connection and the headphones can each affect the result.

One tone buzzes or crackles

Stop and repeat it once at a lower volume. A repeatable artifact is useful evidence, but this browser test cannot separate the recording path, wireless link, processing, fit, debris or driver damage.

Keep the listening level low

The World Health Organization recommends keeping personal-device volume below 60% of maximum and limiting exposure to loud sound. A percentage is only a starting precaution: this page cannot know the sound-pressure level produced by a particular device, amplifier and pair of headphones.

Use the lowest comfortable level, keep each test short, and stop for discomfort, pain or ringing. Apple devices can also show headphone-level information and reduce loud audio in supported settings.

Wet earbuds need drying, not a headphone test

Do not wear or repeatedly play tones through wet earbuds. Follow the maker's care instructions first. For supported Apple guidance and drying limits, use the wet AirPods and earbuds guide.

Sources and technical references

Testing built-in or external speakers instead? Use the online speaker test.

Headphone test online