A speaker test plays tones across the range of hearing, from 20 Hz bass to 20 kHz treble, so you can hear what your speakers reproduce and spot problems. Tap each tone, answer whether you heard it, then run the sweep and rattle check. Clean, even sound through the sweep means the speaker is healthy.
What to listen for
- Gaps: a tone you hear on one speaker but not the other points to a faulty driver or a crossover problem.
- Buzzing or rattling during the 30–200 Hz rattle check: usually something loose. Check the grille, nearby objects, the shelf, or a torn speaker cone.
- Distortion that only appears at higher volume: the amplifier or speaker is being pushed too hard.
- A sudden drop partway through the sweep: normal at the very bottom and top on small speakers, worth checking anywhere in the middle.
What range should I expect?
Human hearing is often quoted as 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the top end falls with age, so not hearing 15–20 kHz is common and usually says more about the listener than the speaker. Laptop and phone speakers typically stop producing bass well above 100 Hz; bookshelf speakers go lower, and a subwoofer is needed for the deepest notes. Use the bass test for a finer check of the low end.
Test signal details
Tones are pure sine waves with 30 ms fades so they never click. The sweep is exponential (equal time per octave), 20 seconds from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. All output passes through a limiter that keeps peaks below −3 dBFS. Full details are on the methodology page.
Common questions
How do I test if my speakers are working?
Play the tones on this page with Left, then Right, then Both selected. If each speaker plays the tones cleanly, without buzzing or gaps, it is working.
Why can't I hear the 20 kHz tone?
Most adults cannot hear that high, and many speakers and devices roll off before 20 kHz. It is rarely a sign of a fault.
What causes speaker rattling?
Most often a loose grille, an object touching the speaker, a loose screw or a damaged cone. Run the rattle check and listen near each part.
Is the sweep safe for tweeters?
Yes at sensible volume. The sweep is limited to −3 dBFS and starts at 20% volume. Do not turn your amplifier up high for high-frequency tones.
Last reviewed 14 November 2026 by Sri Murugan Systems. Found a mistake? Tell us.