How to run the speaker test
- Lower your device volume, then press Both and raise the volume until it is comfortable.
- Press Left and Right. Each should come only from that side.
- Play each tone. Bass shows how deep your speakers go, treble how clear they are.
- Run the sweep and note where the sound fades in and out at each end.
What the frequencies mean
| Range | Frequencies | You hear it in |
|---|
| Sub-bass | 20–60 Hz | Rumble in movies, deep electronic bass |
| Bass | 60–250 Hz | Kick drums, bass guitar |
| Mids | 250–4,000 Hz | Voices, guitars, most instruments |
| Treble | 4,000–20,000 Hz | Cymbals, "s" sounds, detail and air |
Speakers sound wrong? Things to check
- Swapped channels: left sounds come from the right. Check the cable ends are in the right speakers, or that headphones are on the right way round (L and R markings).
- One side silent: try another cable or port. With wired headphones, wiggle the plug gently; if sound cuts in and out, the cable may be damaged.
- No bass: normal for laptops and phones. External speakers or headphones fix it.
- Wrong output: make sure the right device (speakers, headphones, monitor, Bluetooth) is selected in your sound settings.
Checking your whole setup for a call? Try the video call test. Need a steady tone at a specific pitch? Use the tone generator.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test my speakers or headphones?
Turn your volume to a low, comfortable level, then press Left, Right and Both. You should hear the sound come only from the matching side. Then try the bass, mid and treble tones and the sweep to check the whole frequency range.
Why do I hear sound from both sides on the Left test?
If you hear it equally from both sides, your device may be set to mono audio, or you are using a single speaker. Check accessibility settings for "Mono audio", and the balance slider in your sound settings.
Why can't I hear the lowest or highest tones?
Small laptop and phone speakers cannot play deep bass, often nothing below 100–200 Hz. Many adults also cannot hear very high tones above about 15,000 Hz; that range naturally shrinks with age. Good headphones reproduce more of the range.
Is the sweep safe for my ears and speakers?
Start with your volume low. High tones can sound piercing, and some people find them uncomfortable. Very loud low tones can rattle small speakers. Stop any test that feels uncomfortable.
Why does the sound crackle?
Crackling often comes from a loose cable or plug, Bluetooth interference, a damaged speaker, or volume set too high. Try another cable or port, move closer to a Bluetooth device, and lower the volume.