Overview

3DMark is a gaming benchmark for comparing graphics and processor performance across computers and mobile devices. It suits people who want a consistent way to compare systems or put benchmark scores into gaming context. Its breadth of tests and score comparisons make it a strong general-purpose choice, though storage testing costs extra and its Windows edition has defined system requirements.

Key features

3DMark scans a system and recommends a suitable benchmark, a useful starting point for readers who may not know which test fits their hardware. Its graphics and processor tests include ray tracing, DirectX and Vulkan benchmarks, CPU Profile tests, and GPU stress tests. That range supports more than a single headline score, although the right test still depends on what component or workload you want to evaluate.

Same-hardware comparisons: Scores can be compared with results from systems using the same CPU and GPU combination, giving a more relevant reference than comparing unlike configurations.
Game estimates: Estimated frame rates for selected popular games help connect a benchmark score to gaming, but the estimates cover only a selection of games.
Run monitoring: Charts show CPU and GPU temperatures, clock speeds, and frame-rate changes during a run, which can help explain how performance behaves under load.
Storage testing: The separately purchased Storage Benchmark DLC measures gaming performance on SSDs and other storage hardware through practical gaming activities. It is useful for storage-focused comparisons, but it is not part of the core purchase.
Custom workloads and results: 3DMark supports custom workloads and an online results database, extending its use beyond fixed benchmark runs.

Pricing

3DMark uses a freemium model, with free mobile editions and paid desktop editions. 3DMark for iOS and 3DMark for Android each cost 0.00 USD per free and suit people who want mobile benchmarking without an upfront purchase.

3DMark for Windows and macOS costs 34.99 USD per once as a one-time purchase. It fits desktop users who want the paid edition across either supported desktop platform. 3DMark for Windows, sold through Epic Games, also costs 34.99 USD per once. The desktop editions are paid rather than trial-based; there is no free trial.

The starting price is 29.99 one-time, while the named Windows and macOS plans are priced at 34.99 USD per once. The Storage Benchmark DLC is a separate purchase, so buyers interested in storage results should account for that separately. Enterprise edition licensing adds automation, offline results, XML export, commercial-use licensing, Testdriver compatibility, and priority email and phone support. Single-seat licenses require internet access for online activation; site licenses support offline activation and simultaneous use on multiple systems. Enterprise pricing is custom pricing.

Platforms

3DMark supports Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. The listed minimum Windows requirement is Windows 10 64-bit, a dual-core 1.8 GHz CPU, 4 GB memory, and DirectX 11 graphics. The 3DMark Demo is available through Steam; paid home-use copies can be downloaded through Steam, Epic Games Store, or 3dmark.com, depending on where they are purchased.

Who it's for

Choose 3DMark if you compare gaming hardware across device types, want CPU-and-GPU-matched score references, or need multiple graphics and processor test categories. Its game estimates and run charts help make results more interpretable than a score alone. It is a less direct fit if you need storage benchmarking included in the base purchase or require a narrowly specialized tool for one platform.

Pros and cons

Pro — Broad benchmark coverage: Ray tracing, DirectX and Vulkan graphics tests, CPU Profile tests, and GPU stress tests give hardware comparisons more than one angle.
Pro — Useful result context: Same-configuration comparisons, selected game frame-rate estimates, and monitoring charts help explain what a run means.
Pro — Mobile entry points: The iOS and Android editions are free, making mobile benchmarking accessible without buying a desktop edition.
Con — Storage testing costs extra: The Storage Benchmark DLC is separate, which raises the cost for users who also need SSD and storage performance measurement.
Con — Desktop editions require payment: Windows and macOS plans are one-time purchases, with no free trial for evaluating the paid edition.
Con — Enterprise activation differs by license: Single-seat licenses need internet activation, while offline activation is reserved for site licenses.

Alternatives

Browse game benchmark software if you want to compare tools beyond 3DMark. Basemark GPU is another freemium option across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows; its free edition is limited to home or private use, requires internet, submits test data to Powerboard, and provides a single score without breakdown analysis. Evolve Benchmark is a freemium choice for Android and Windows users. GameBench is worth considering if you want a paid option with a free trial. PerfDog offers a free version for non-profit organizations. glmark2 is a free option for Android, Linux, and Windows. NVIDIA ShadowPlay is free for supported Windows systems. OpenVR Benchmark has a free core benchmark, with its leaderboard and hardware details sold separately. WhatFPS Benchmark is a free Windows option with GPU, CPU, RAM, and disk benchmarking and a public leaderboard.

Verdict

3DMark is the right choice for people who want broad gaming benchmarks, comparable hardware scores, and context from game estimates and run monitoring. Its range makes it more useful than a single-purpose score tool, while the separate storage DLC and paid desktop editions are the main reasons to look elsewhere.

	3DMark	vkmark
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, iOS, macOS, Web, Windows	Linux
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	29.99 one-time	—
Workload type	both	graphics
Platform support	multi	linux
Custom workloads	Yes	Yes
Result comparison	Yes	—
Online result database	Yes	—

3DMark vs vkmark

3DMark

vkmark