Mac Microphone Test
Check your mic in seconds: watch the level move while you talk, switch inputs, and hear yourself back. Nothing is uploaded.
Start the mic check
Your browser will ask for microphone access. Audio is analyzed on this page only — it never leaves your Mac.
Mic not working? Fix it in order
The usual macOS suspects, from most to least common.
No permission prompt, meter never moves
macOS may be blocking your browser at the system level. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and make sure your browser is switched on, then fully quit and reopen the browser.
Permission allowed, but the level stays flat
Check the input device above — Macs often pick up AirPods or an external mic you forgot about. Also open System Settings → Sound → Input and make sure the input volume slider is not at zero.
The meter moves but you sound quiet or muffled
Bluetooth headsets drop to a low-quality call codec when the mic is active. Try the built-in MacBook microphone for comparison — it is usually clearer than AirPods for dictation and calls.
Works here, but not in another app
Each app needs its own entry in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone. If the app never asked, reset its permission and reopen it.
About your privacy
The level meter and the playback clip are processed entirely in your browser with the Web Audio API. Nothing is recorded on a server, nothing is uploaded, and the test clip is discarded the moment you leave this page.
Mic works? Put it to work.
If the bars are moving, your Mac is ready for dictation. Speakmac turns that mic into an offline speech-to-text engine that types in every app — no audio ever leaves your machine. See how fast you could write: test your speaking speed.
Common questions
How do I test my microphone on a Mac?
Click the start button on this page and allow microphone access when your browser asks. If the level meter moves while you talk, your mic works. You can also record a few seconds and play it back to hear exactly how you sound.
Why is my Mac microphone not working?
The three most common causes are: the browser or app does not have microphone permission (System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone), the wrong input device is selected (for example AirPods that are connected but in the case), or the input volume is turned all the way down in System Settings → Sound → Input.
How do I allow microphone access on a Mac?
Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and switch on the app that needs the mic. For websites, also check the permission in the browser itself: in Safari go to Settings → Websites → Microphone; in Chrome click the icon to the left of the address bar.
Does this mic test record or upload my voice?
No audio leaves your Mac. The level meter runs entirely in your browser, and the optional playback recording is held in memory on this page only — it is never uploaded and disappears when you leave.
Which microphone does my MacBook use by default?
macOS uses the device selected in System Settings → Sound → Input. MacBooks default to the built-in microphone array, but connecting AirPods or a USB mic usually switches the input automatically — which is a common source of "my mic sounds far away" complaints.
More free tools: see all Speakmac tools · speaking speed test
Your mic works. Now make it type for you.
Download the app. Try it out. If you love it, buy it once.
Requires macOS 14+ and Apple Silicon.