Step by step
- Lower your volume, put on your headphones, and press Left and Right to confirm each channel plays cleanly on its own side.
- Run Sweep 20 Hz–20 kHz and listen for sudden volume drops, buzzing, or rattling at specific pitches.
- Press Bass test (50 Hz) to check whether low frequencies sound solid and clean rather than distorted.
- Compare In phase and Out of phase: In phase should feel centered between your ears, while Out of phase sounds wide and hollow.
At a glance
| Test | What it checks | Good result |
|---|---|---|
| Left / Right | Channel separation and wiring | Sound plays only on the selected side |
| Sweep 20 Hz–20 kHz | Frequency response and driver rattle | Smooth transition without buzzing |
| Bass test (50 Hz) | Low-end depth and distortion | Clean, steady low tone |
| In / Out of phase | Driver polarity | In phase feels centered; Out of phase feels hollow |
Related questions
How do I test how good my headphones are?
Use the frequency sweep, 50 Hz bass test, and phase check on this page to spot imbalances, rattling drivers, or weak bass, then listen to a familiar well-recorded track.
What frequencies should I hear in the sweep?
Young people hear roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz, while adults often top out around 14–16 kHz. Very small speakers may not reproduce the lowest bass notes.
What does it mean if In phase sounds hollow?
If In phase sounds wide and hollow just like Out of phase, one side of your headphones or cable is wired backwards.
Why do my headphones buzz during the sweep or bass test?
A buzz or rattle at specific frequencies can point to a loose driver, debris on the diaphragm, or volume set too high.
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Open the full headphone test →
Updated November 14, 2026.