Bonnie++

Bonnie++ is a free, command-line benchmark suite for measuring filesystem and disk I/O performance on Linux. It exercises sequential input and output, rewrites, random seeks, and operations that create, inspect, and delete many small files. These tests can help investigate I/O bottlenecks in workloads such as database activity, and the documentation also describes file patterns resembling Squid or INN. Bonnie++ can test more than 2 GB of storage on a 32-bit machine. Options enable direct I/O for bulk tests or call fsync after each write, with directory syncing after file creation or deletion. A semaphore feature can synchronize multiple instances. Results can be written as plain text or CSV; companion tools convert CSV into HTML or formatted text. The software is licensed under GPL version 2.0, and its repository includes source code and packaging files for Debian, RPM, and Sun. Its documentation cautions that running benchmarks on live production machines can affect services and use disk space or inodes.

Bonnie++ covers both bulk I/O and small-file operations, with configurable syncing and several output options. Its production warning makes the intended environment an important consideration.

Bonnie++ suits Linux users who need to examine filesystem and disk I/O patterns, including in database-related workloads. It is intended for controlled benchmark use, since live production runs can disrupt services and consume storage resources.

Bonnie++ is a free, Linux command-line benchmark suite for filesystem and disk I/O. It suits administrators investigating storage bottlenecks in demanding workloads. Its broad workload coverage is useful for diagnosis, but runs can disrupt services and consume disk space or inodes.

Overview

Bonnie++ measures both bulk data movement and the filesystem activity around it, including creating, inspecting, and deleting many small files. That makes it a better fit for examining workload-specific bottlenecks than for producing a single general-purpose disk score. Its command-line interface and Linux focus suit operators comfortable running benchmarks directly on a system.

The main limitation is operational impact. Bonnie++ can use substantial disk space or inodes and severely affect services; its documentation advises against running it on production machines. Use it on an isolated system where the workload will not put live services or important data at risk.

Key features

Bulk I/O and filesystem activity

The suite tests sequential input and output, rewrites, and random seeks, as well as file creation, stat, and deletion. This range can help investigate I/O bottlenecks associated with database work and file activity resembling Squid or INN. Bonnie++ also supports testing more than 2 GB of storage on a 32-bit machine, extending its usefulness on older systems.

Run controls and output

For bulk I/O, the -D option enables direct I/O. The -b option calls fsync after every write and syncs the directory after file creation or deletion, allowing runs to account for that syncing behavior. Semaphore support coordinates multiple Bonnie++ instances, which is useful when synchronized runs matter.

Results can be written as plain text or CSV; included companion tools convert CSV to HTML or formatted text. That gives operators several ways to retain and review results, though working with the suite remains a command-line task.

Pricing

Bonnie++ is free under GPL version 2.0, with no paid plans stated. There is no free trial because the software is available as a free plan. The project includes source code and Debian, RPM, and Sun packaging files, giving Linux operators several distribution-oriented starting points.

Platforms

Bonnie++ supports Linux and is self-hosted, with a command-line interface. It is not a choice for readers seeking a desktop graphical benchmark or software for macOS, Windows, or Android.

Who it's for

Bonnie++ is aimed at Linux administrators and operators investigating storage behavior in I/O-intensive applications. Its mix of bulk I/O and small-file tests is particularly relevant when database-style workloads or frequent file activity are part of the problem. It is a poor fit for casual checks on a live server, where its resource use can affect services.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Combines sequential, rewrite, and random-seek tests with small-file operations, helping investigate more than transfer speed alone.
• Pros: Offers direct I/O, per-write syncing, and synchronized instances for runs that need those behaviors.
• Pros: Free under GPL version 2.0, with source and Debian, RPM, and Sun packaging files.
• Cons: Linux-only and command-line, limiting its fit for desktop users and other operating systems.
• Cons: Can consume disk space or inodes and seriously affect services, ruling out routine production use.

Alternatives

For a graphical benchmark on Android, macOS, or Windows, consider Parkdale, a free option across those platforms. If cross-platform Linux, macOS, and Windows support is the priority, fio is another free alternative. Linux server users wanting a Bash-script benchmark with no specific dependencies can consider Quickbench.

For macOS and Windows, AJA System Test offers a free Lite version, while its full version adds PCIe bandwidth testing. Mac users can also consider AmorphousDiskMark; Windows users can consider AS SSD Benchmark. ATTO Disk Benchmark is another disk-performance utility for macOS and Windows. For Linux, macOS, and Windows video work, DaVinci Resolve is an alternative with a free tier and a Studio plan priced at $295, paid once.

Readers comparing more options can browse Disk Benchmark Software and PC Benchmark Software.

Verdict

Choose Bonnie++ if you administer Linux systems and need to investigate both bulk I/O and small-file behavior, with control over syncing and result formats. Its free license and workload breadth make it a focused diagnostic tool; look elsewhere for a graphical, cross-platform benchmark or any routine test on a production machine.