Headphone Test
Test your headphones for left/right channel balance, stereo separation, and frequency response. Connect your headphones before starting.
Left & Right Channel Test
Click the button below to play a tone in the left channel first, then the right.
Did you hear the tone in the correct ear?
How to Use This Test
Connect Your Headphones
Plug in wired headphones via the audio jack or USB-C adapter, or connect Bluetooth headphones and set them as the default audio output.
Test Left & Right Channels
In the Channels tab, play tones in each ear separately. Verify you hear sound in the correct ear for each channel.
Run the Stereo Sweep
In the Stereo tab, play the audio sweep that travels from left to right. You should hear smooth movement across your head.
Check Audio Balance
In the Balance tab, play the continuous tone and adjust the slider. Both earbuds should produce equal volume when centered.
Test Frequency Response
In the Frequency tab, play bass, midrange, and treble tones. Mark each as 'Clear' or 'Can't Hear' based on what you hear.
Review Your Results
The Results tab shows an overall headphone health score based on all tests. Save your results to track headphone condition over time.
What Your Results Mean
Excellent Headphone Health
All channels work correctly, stereo separation is smooth, balance is even, and all frequency ranges are clearly audible. Your headphones are in perfect condition.
Good โ Minor Issues
Most tests passed but one or two minor issues were detected. This could indicate early signs of driver wear or่ฝปๅพฎ balance drift that may worsen over time.
Needs Attention
Multiple tests failed or significant issues were detected. Your headphones may have damaged drivers, wiring problems, or debris blocking audio output.
Channel Imbalance Detected
One ear is significantly quieter than the other, or audio only plays in one channel. Check for debris, try cleaning the mesh, or test with a different audio source.
Common Problems and Fixes
No sound in one earbud
Check for debris in the earbud mesh โ gently clean with a soft brush. Verify the audio jack is fully inserted. Test with a different audio source to rule out device issues. If the problem persists across devices, the driver may be failing.
Audio sounds tinny or lacks bass
Ensure the earbuds form a tight seal in your ear canal โ poor seal dramatically reduces bass response. Try different ear tip sizes. Clean the mesh of wax buildup which can muffle low frequencies.
Stereo sweep sounds choppy or doesn't travel
This can indicate a wiring issue in one channel, Bluetooth codec problems, or the audio source not being true stereo. Try a wired connection and test with a known stereo track.
Crackling or distortion at certain volumes
Crackling at high volumes may indicate driver damage from overdriving. At low volumes, it can indicate a poor connection. Try cleaning the audio jack and testing at moderate volumes.
Bluetooth headphones disconnect during test
Ensure headphones are fully charged and within range. Move away from other wireless devices that may cause interference. Re-pair the headphones if disconnections persist.
One earbud is significantly quieter
This is often caused by earwax or debris blocking the mesh. Clean gently with a dry soft brush. If cleaning doesn't help, the driver may be degrading โ this is a common wear pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I hear anything in one ear?
This could indicate a damaged headphone driver, a bent audio jack, debris in the earbud, or a software balance setting routed entirely to one side. Try cleaning the earbud mesh, testing with a different audio source, and checking your OS audio balance settings.
What is the difference between stereo and mono audio?
Mono audio sends the same signal to both left and right channels, while stereo audio sends separate signals to each channel creating a spatial soundstage. Stereo allows you to hear different instruments or sounds positioned left or right in the mix.
How do I fix unbalanced audio between left and right earbuds?
First check your device's audio balance settings โ some phones have a balance slider in accessibility settings. If the balance is centered but one side is still quieter, the quieter earbud's driver may be failing or the mesh may be clogged with earwax or debris.
What frequency ranges do bass, midrange, and treble cover?
Bass typically covers 20-250 Hz (kick drums, bass guitar), midrange covers 250-4000 Hz (vocals, guitar, piano), and treble covers 4000-20000 Hz (cymbals, hi-hats, sibilance). Each range tests different aspects of your headphone drivers.
Can this test detect headphone hardware problems?
Yes. If you can't hear specific frequency ranges, notice volume imbalance between channels, or hear distortion at certain frequencies, it can indicate driver damage, wire issues, or connector problems. However, some issues may require professional diagnosis.
Does this test work with wireless Bluetooth headphones?
Yes. The test generates tones through the browser audio output, which routes to whatever audio device is currently active โ including Bluetooth headphones. Ensure your headphones are connected and set as the default output before starting.
Why do my headphones sound different on different devices?
Different devices have different DAC (digital-to-analog converter) qualities, amplifier power, and audio processing. A phone's headphone jack may drive headphones differently than a laptop. Bluetooth codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX) also affect audio quality wirelessly.
Why This Test Matters
Verifying headphone quality before an important video call or recording session
Checking used headphones before purchasing to catch hidden driver damage
Diagnosing audio issues that appeared after dropping or water exposure
Confirming headphone repair was successful after professional service
Testing new headphones to ensure they meet expected quality standards
Identifying early signs of driver wear before they become severe