How to use the tone generator
- Turn your volume down before you press Play. Pure tones can be surprisingly loud.
- Set the frequency by typing a number, dragging the slider, or tapping one of the common test tones.
- Press Play. You can change the frequency, volume and waveform while the tone is playing.
- Fine-tune with the −1/+1 and −10/+10 buttons, or use the arrow keys on a keyboard (hold Shift for steps of 10). The space bar starts and stops the sound.
The page address updates as you go, for example ?freq=1000. Copy it to come back to the same tone later, or send it to someone who needs to hear exactly what you hear.
What can you use an online tone generator for?
Testing speakers and headphones
Slowly drag the slider from low to high and listen. A healthy speaker gets quieter at the very bottom and top of its range, but it shouldn't buzz, rattle or cut out in the middle. If one side of your headphones sounds different from the other, switch between Left only and Right only to compare them directly. If your phone speaker sounds muffled after getting wet, try our speaker cleaner first.
Playing a 1000 Hz test tone
The 1000 Hz tone is the standard reference tone used in audio, radio and video work. People use it to check recording levels, line up mixers and cameras, or confirm that an audio cable and output are working. To use this page as a 1000 Hz tone generator, tap 1000 Hz above to play it instantly, or link directly to it with fixandtest.com/tone-generator/?freq=1000.
Finding the limits of your hearing
Set the volume low, start at 10 kHz and slowly raise the frequency until the tone disappears. That point is roughly the upper limit of your hearing on your current device. It is a fun experiment, not a medical hearing test, because phone and laptop speakers often can't reproduce the highest frequencies at all.
Science and classroom experiments
Tone generators are useful for showing how sound works: resonance in a glass or a tube, standing waves, beats between two close frequencies (open the page in two tabs), and how the same frequency sounds with different waveforms.
Waveforms explained
- Sine – a single pure frequency with no overtones. The cleanest tone for testing and the best choice in most cases.
- Square – sounds harsh and buzzy because it contains strong odd harmonics. It sounds louder than a sine wave at the same volume.
- Sawtooth – bright and raspy, containing every harmonic. Useful for hearing how a speaker handles complex sound.
- Triangle – softer than square, between a sine and a square in character.
Frequency ranges at a glance
| Range | Frequencies | What you'll notice |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-bass | 20 – 60 Hz | Felt more than heard. Most phones and laptops can't play it. |
| Bass | 60 – 250 Hz | Deep, full tones. Small speakers start to fade here. |
| Midrange | 250 Hz – 4 kHz | Where the human ear is most sensitive, including speech. |
| Presence | 4 – 6 kHz | Sharp and clear; can become tiring at high volume. |
| Highs | 6 – 20 kHz | Thin, piercing tones. The upper end fades with age. |
Frequently asked questions
What is a 1000 Hz tone used for?
A 1000 Hz tone is the standard reference tone in audio and broadcasting. It is used to check levels, line up recording equipment, and quickly confirm that a speaker, headphone or audio cable is working.
Why can't I hear very low frequencies on my phone?
Small phone and laptop speakers physically can't move enough air to reproduce deep bass. Most phones start to lose output below roughly 150 to 300 Hz. Use headphones or a subwoofer to hear frequencies below that.
What is the highest frequency I can hear?
Young people can often hear up to around 17,000 to 20,000 Hz. The upper limit drops naturally with age, so many adults stop hearing tones somewhere between 12,000 and 16,000 Hz. Your device and headphones also limit what you can hear.
Is it safe to use a tone generator?
Yes, if you keep the volume low. Pure tones can sound much louder than everyday audio at the same volume setting, and very high or very low frequencies can be loud without seeming so. Always start quiet, especially with headphones.
Does this tone generator work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. It runs in Safari, Chrome, Edge and Firefox on phones, tablets and computers. On iPhone, turn off Silent Mode if you hear nothing.