Play Left
The tone should come from the left earcup only. Silence on the right confirms channel separation.
Free browser audio check
Headphone Test – Left & Right Audio Test
Run a headphone test online in seconds: put on your headphones, keep the volume low, then tap the left or right earcup below.
No sign-upNo microphoneInstant test
Browser audio engine
Ready — choose a test
Interactive channel map
Tap the ear you want to hear
Local audio
Web Audio is unavailable in this browser. Try a current version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
Audio starts only after you press a control. Default test volume is deliberately low.
Three quick checks
How the headphone test works
Play Right
Repeat on the right. A tone on the wrong side usually means reversed channels or the headset is worn backwards.
Compare Both
Both sides should sound centered and close in loudness. A strong imbalance deserves another device or cable check.
One tool, several checks
What this online sound test can check
This browser-based tool provides a practical sound test online and checks the output path from your device to your ears or speakers. Use it after connecting new headphones, changing an adapter, updating an audio driver, or noticing that a game, call, or song sounds unbalanced.
Left and right channel direction
Use the Left and Right controls as a quick left right headphone test or left right speaker test. Each sound is sent through the actual stereo channel with Web Audio API panning. If the sides are reversed, check the L/R markings, detachable cable ends, speaker wiring, and any channel-remapping software.
Headphones, headsets, and speakers
The same tool works as a headphone, earbud, or headset test and as a basic speaker test for laptops, monitors, and external stereo speakers. Select the intended output before starting. The site never requests microphone access, so a gaming or call headset microphone is not tested.
Stereo separation and balance
Play Both after the separate channels. The sound should form a centered image and feel similar in level on each side. For a center position, continuous balance control, phase comparison, and moving audio, continue to the left right audio test or stereo test.
More detailed audio checks
A channel check cannot measure every part of audio quality. Use the frequency test for tones from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the bass test for low-frequency problems, or the surround sound test for stereo, 5.1, and 7.1 layouts.
Read the result
What your result means
A clean result has correct direction, clear separation, and similar loudness. The tool checks the playback path you are using right now—not just the headphone drivers.
Left plays on the right
Channels are reversed. Check orientation, detachable cable ends, or audio routing.
One side is silent
Reseat the plug, clean the connector, recharge Bluetooth devices, and test another source.
Both tests play in both ears
Mono audio or spatial processing may be combining the stereo channels.
One side is quieter
Check OS balance, earbud mesh, fit, cable damage, and another pair of headphones.
Troubleshooting
If one headphone side is not working
Work from the simplest cause outward. A quick swap between devices usually tells you whether the fault follows the headphones.
- 1Check the system volume, selected output device, and browser tab mute state.
- 2Push the 3.5 mm plug in fully or reconnect Bluetooth, then replay Left and Right.
- 3Set the operating-system balance to the center and turn off mono audio.
- 4Inspect detachable cables and adapters, then test the headphones on another device.
- 5If the same driver stays silent or distorted, the cable or driver may need repair.
Continue testing
Check more than left and right
Left Right Audio TestAdd a center tone and automatic channel order.Surround Sound TestExplore 2.0, 5.1, and 7.1 speaker layouts honestly.Stereo Movement TestHear a tone move smoothly across the stereo field.Frequency TestPlay precise tones from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.Bass TestCheck low-frequency response from 20 to 100 Hz.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
Why do I hear the left-channel test in both ears?
First check that mono audio is disabled in your device accessibility settings. Spatial audio, an audio enhancement, a loose adapter, or a mono cable can also combine the channels. Try another browser and another device to isolate the cause.
Why is one side of my headphones quieter?
Check the plug, cable, earbud mesh, Bluetooth battery level, and the left/right balance in your operating system. Swap ears or test another headset to tell a headphone fault from a hearing difference.
How can I test my headphones?
Start with a left right headphone test: wear the marked L earcup on your left ear and R on your right, then play Left and Right separately. Each sound should stay on the matching side. Play Both to compare loudness and confirm a stable center image.
Can I test Bluetooth headphones?
Yes. Connect them before starting and confirm they are the selected audio output. Bluetooth processing can add delay, but it should not change which channel is left or right.
Can this test my laptop speakers?
Yes. The same controls check the left and right speakers built into a laptop or connected external speakers. Closely spaced laptop speakers may make separation harder to hear.
Can I use this as a headset test for gaming?
Yes. Select the gaming headset as your output, then check Left, Right, and Both. Correct channel direction helps with positional cues, but this tool does not test the headset microphone.
Why are my left and right channels reversed?
Make sure the headphones are worn correctly. If they are, check detachable cables, adapters, speaker wiring, and any channel-swap or accessibility setting in your audio software.
Does this website record audio?
No. The tones are generated locally with the Web Audio API. The tool does not request microphone permission, upload audio, or require an account.
Is this a medical hearing test?
No. It checks playback channels and basic audio behavior. If one ear consistently hears less across several devices, consult a qualified hearing professional.