How to use it
- Press Left and Right with the headphones on. If the sound is on the wrong side, you are wearing them backwards (look for the L mark).
- If one side is silent, move the Balance slider: if the silent side comes alive, your device’s balance setting is off-centre — see one side not working for where to fix it on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android.
- Run the sweep at low volume. Earbuds should produce a clean tone across the range; a buzz at the bottom means a loose or torn driver.
Wired vs Bluetooth
Bluetooth earbuds add a small delay and some compression; that is normal and does not affect this test. If only one Bluetooth bud plays, re-pair both buds together — instructions in the guide above.
Related tests
Questions, answered
Can this measure my hearing?
No. It tells you what your headphones reproduce and which side works. Hearing should be checked by an audiologist.
The balance slider does nothing.
Your browser does not support stereo panning (very old browsers). Use your system’s balance setting instead.