Headphone Test

Check that your headphones play the correct channel in each ear.

Press Left or Right. You should hear the tone only on the corresponding side.

Start at a low, comfortable volume. Make sure mono audio is turned off and the left-right balance is centred in your device settings.

Volume — 50%

Are the left and right channels swapped?

First, check that you are wearing the headphones or earbuds correctly. The side marked L should be on your left ear, and the side marked R should be on your right ear.

If the channels are still reversed, disconnect and reconnect the headphones. For wired headphones, make sure the plug is fully inserted. You can also test the headphones with another device to determine whether the problem comes from the headphones or the original device.

Is one side quieter?

Select Left and Right separately and compare their loudness. You can then use the automatic test to listen as the sound moves between the two sides.

If one side is consistently quieter, check that the left-right balance is centred. For earbuds, make sure both sides fit securely and inspect the speaker openings for dirt or debris.

Try the headphones with another device. You can also try another pair of headphones with the original device. These checks can help determine whether the difference comes from the headphones, the device settings, or your hearing.

This browser tool is a basic listening check. It is not a calibrated hearing test.

Want a more complete check?

Use the bass test to check low-frequency reproduction, the 3D spatial audio test to explore directional sound, and the hearing frequency test to compare tones across a wider frequency range.