Bass Test
Check how low your headphones, speakers or subwoofer can go with pure test tones from 20 to 200 Hz.
Protect your ears and speakers. Start with the test volume and your device volume low, then raise them slowly. Low tones can seem quiet but still be powerful.
Single tones
Frequency sweep
Your result
How to run the bass test
- Set a low volume
Keep your device volume low and use the test volume slider at 30% or less. - Play the tones
Start at 200 Hz and work down to 20 Hz, or play the sweep and note where the sound fades in. - Pick your result
Choose the lowest tone you clearly heard to see what it means for your device.
What your result means
| Lowest tone you hear | Typical device | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 20–31.5 Hz | Subwoofer, high-quality full-range headphones or speakers | A bass boost will be clearly audible. |
| 40–63 Hz | Good headphones and desktop speakers | Boost 60–125 Hz for extra punch. |
| 80–100 Hz | Earbuds, bookshelf and small Bluetooth speakers | Boost 100–200 Hz. Avoid boosting below 60 Hz. |
| 125 Hz and above | Laptop, phone and tablet speakers | Use the laptop speakers preset. |
Related equalizer settings
Add more bass to every site
The Chrome extension includes a bass booster and a 10-band equalizer for YouTube and other streaming sites.
Bass test FAQ
What frequency is bass?
Bass usually covers about 20–250 Hz. Sub-bass is roughly 20–60 Hz and is felt as much as heard. Upper bass from 60–250 Hz gives music its punch and warmth.
Why can't I hear 20 Hz or 30 Hz?
Most laptop, phone and small speakers cannot reproduce very low frequencies, and human hearing is also much less sensitive there. Even good headphones may only produce a faint rumble at 20 Hz.
Is the bass test safe for my speakers?
Start with the volume low and raise it slowly. Pure low tones at high volume can overload small speakers and are hard on your ears.
Can I use this to test a subwoofer?
Yes. Play the single tones from 20 to 63 Hz and the sweep, and listen for tones that are missing, rattling or distorted.
How accurate is this test?
It is a listening test, not a laboratory measurement. The result depends on your device, your room and your hearing, but it is a good way to compare headphones and speakers.