Parkdale

Parkdale is a free utility for measuring read and write speed on hard disks, CD-ROM devices, and network servers. It offers three drive access modes. QuickAccess tests sequential and random access using 4KB blocks and 32 concurrent threads. FileAccess reads and writes test data in a normal file through the filesystem, while BlockAccess works directly with disk sectors and shows transfer rates over time. Users can compare and submit drive test results on the Benchmark page. The Windows version includes command-line options for selecting a drive, file size, block size, and log-file creation. Parkdale is available for Windows, macOS, and Android. The maker lists support for Windows 11 through Windows 98, macOS 27 through 10.7, and Android 12 through 4.4. Interface languages include English, French, German, Greek, Italian, and Russian. The maker says its software has no hidden data collection, but crash reporting and automatic update checks send a non-personal ID and operating-system version; IP addresses are recorded to distinguish usage countries. Users can disable crash reports and automatic update checks. The software is free to download and use, with development supported through donations.

Parkdale provides several ways to test drive read and write speeds, including direct sector access and command-line options on Windows. Its listed measurements do not include IOPS or latency.

Parkdale suits people who want to measure drive read and write speeds on Windows, macOS, or Android. Windows users who need command-line test options may also find it useful.

Parkdale is a free drive-speed benchmark for measuring storage and network-server read and write performance. It suits people who want a choice of file-based and direct-sector tests across Windows, macOS, and Android. Its strongest case is flexible access modes, including Windows command-line options; readers who need IOPS or latency measurements should choose another tool.

Overview

Parkdale offers three ways to benchmark: QuickAccess, FileAccess, and BlockAccess. That range helps separate tests of access speed from file-system and direct-sector behavior, rather than forcing every reader through a single test method. Users can also compare and submit drive results on its Benchmark page.

QuickAccess measures sequential and random access with 4KB blocks and 32 concurrent threads. FileAccess reads and writes test data in a normal file through the filesystem, making it relevant when file-system behavior is the focus. BlockAccess works directly with disk sectors and displays transfer rate over time, but its directness is not a substitute for IOPS or latency measurements: Parkdale does not provide either.

Key features

Three access modes

QuickAccess combines sequential and random testing, while FileAccess exercises the filesystem and BlockAccess targets disk sectors. This makes Parkdale useful for readers who want to compare different kinds of storage access, though the modes answer different questions and should not be treated as interchangeable scores.

Windows command line

The Windows version accepts command-line options for the drive, file size, block size, and log-file creation. That gives users a way to configure runs and create logs without relying only on the graphical interface. Windows installation is also offered through winget and Chocolatey commands.

Benchmark sharing and privacy

Users can compare and submit results on the Benchmark page. The maker says the software has no hidden data collection; crash reports and automatic update checks send a unique non-personal ID and operating-system version, while IP addresses are recorded to distinguish countries of use. Both crash reporting and the automatic update check can be disabled.

Questions and feature or translation requests can be sent to [email protected], and a Parkdale FAQ is available. Supported interface languages are English, French, German, Greek, Italian, and Russian.

Pricing

Parkdale is free to download and use: free. There are no paid tiers or plan-based feature tradeoffs described. The maker supports development through donations, so users can benchmark without a subscription or purchase.

Platforms

Parkdale supports Windows, macOS, and Android. The maker lists Windows 11 through Windows 98 and Windows Server, macOS 27 through 10.7, and Android 12 through 4.4. Command-line options are specifically a Windows feature; package-manager installation is available through winget and Chocolatey.

Who it's for

Parkdale is a sensible fit for people who need free sequential and random drive-speed checks, want to contrast file-system tests with direct-sector access, or prefer Windows command-line configuration and logging. Its multi-platform support also makes it relevant to users comparing drives across Windows, Mac, and Android systems.

It is not the right choice when a benchmark must report IOPS or latency. Readers looking for a Linux version should also consider a tool with Linux support instead.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Three distinct access modes: QuickAccess, FileAccess, and BlockAccess cover different testing approaches, including normal-file and direct-sector reads and writes.
• Random and sequential tests: QuickAccess covers both with 4KB blocks and 32 concurrent threads.
• Windows automation options: Drive, file-size, block-size, and log-file settings are available from the command line, with winget and Chocolatey installation options.
• Free across three platforms: Windows, macOS, and Android support broadens its usefulness without a paid plan.
• Privacy controls: Users can turn off crash reporting and automatic update checks.

Cons

• No IOPS or latency measurements: Parkdale's speed tests do not cover these measures, so it cannot serve readers who need them.
• Command-line support is Windows-only: Users on macOS or Android do not get the listed command-line options.
• Some diagnostic data is transmitted when related features are enabled: Crash reports and update checks send an ID and operating-system version, and IP addresses are recorded for country distinctions.

Alternatives

For another free, cross-platform command-line option, consider fio, which supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. simple-disk-benchmark is also free, MIT licensed, and command-line based, with Linux, macOS, and Windows support.

Windows users seeking a free benchmark can consider AS SSD Benchmark or D-Bench. KDiskMark is a free open-source disk benchmark for Linux, while Filebench is a free Linux option.

DaVinci Resolve is a freemium video-editing application, so choose it for video editing rather than drive benchmarking. Buddi is free budgeting software, not a disk benchmark.

Explore more options in Disk Benchmark Software or PC Benchmark Software. The Wi-Fi Analyzer Software and Start Menu Customization Software lists cover different needs.

Verdict

Parkdale is a strong free choice for readers who want to compare sequential and random drive speeds through file-system and direct-sector modes across Windows, macOS, and Android. Its Windows command-line controls add useful flexibility. Choose another benchmark if your decision depends on IOPS or latency, or if you need Linux support.