Headphone test
Put your headphones on, set a low volume and press a test to check each side, the stereo image and the wiring.
Pick a test to start.
How to use
Put the headphones on correctly
L goes on the left ear, R on the right. Check the small letters on the earcups.
Lower the volume
Start at about a quarter of the volume to protect your ears.
Run Left, Right and Center
Left and Right must stay on one side. Center should sound in the middle.
Try Moving and Phase
Moving should glide smoothly. In Phase, the in phase part should sound more focused.
What the results mean
Sides are swapped
The headphones are on backwards, or the left and right wires are swapped.
One side is silent
Check the cable, the plug and the balance setting. With Bluetooth earbuds, one bud may be disconnected.
Center is not centered
The balance setting may be off, or one side may be blocked by earwax or a worn ear tip.
Phase sounds the same
If both parts sound equally wide, one driver may be wired the wrong way round.
Questions people ask
Does this work with Bluetooth earbuds?
Yes. It works with wired, Bluetooth and USB headphones. Make sure the earbuds are connected before you press a test.
What does the phase test show?
It plays the same tone first with both sides in step, then with one side flipped. On correctly wired headphones the flipped part sounds wider and emptier.
Why do I hear the left test in both ears?
Mono audio or a balance setting may be switched on in your phone or computer. Turn off mono audio in the accessibility settings.
Is the test safe for my ears?
Yes, at a low volume. Always start quiet and never use the tests at full volume with headphones.