simple-disk-benchmark

Overview

Simple Disk Benchmark is a command-line utility for measuring storage read and write performance. It suits people who want to shape a disk check around specific test parameters and handle results in a terminal workflow. Its focused controls make it useful for targeted comparisons, but destructive file behavior and limited Windows validation call for care.

Key features

Run read tests, write tests, or both, adjusting test-file size, block size, cycle count, and random seeking. These controls support sequential and random I/O checks, though users need to choose settings that fit the comparison they want to make rather than rely on a fixed preset.

A bar chart presents run timings, and JSON output can include timing summaries and individual runs. That makes results useful for command-line processing, including piping into jq or csvkit for CSV workflows. It is a practical fit for users who want data they can handle further, not those seeking a polished graphical reporting environment.

The README describes cache-bypass behavior on macOS using F_NO_CACHE and F_GLOBAL_NOCACHE, and on Linux using O_DIRECT. This helps reduce filesystem-cache effects in storage checks, but the implementation differs across those systems.

The benchmark creates a file of the chosen size, and an existing file at that path will be deleted. Options let users keep the file after a run, skip file creation, or decide whether it closes between cycles. The deletion risk makes path selection a meaningful safety step, not a minor setup detail.

Pricing

Simple Disk Benchmark is free under the MIT license. There is no paid tier to weigh against the free version, making it a straightforward option for readers who need its command-line tests without a software cost.

Platforms

It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and can be installed with Cargo on all three; macOS users can also install it through Homebrew. macOS and Linux are tested. Windows has limited support: unit tests pass, but no other testing or validation is stated, so it is a less assured choice for Windows storage checks.

Who it's for

This is best for terminal-comfortable users who want configurable sequential or random disk tests and JSON timings they can process. It is less suitable for people who want a graphical-first benchmark, need confidently validated Windows support, or cannot carefully manage the test-file path.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Read and write tests can be tuned by file size, block size, cycle count, and random seeking, supporting more targeted checks than a single fixed profile.
• Pros: Charted timings and JSON exports support quick inspection and further command-line analysis.
• Cons: An existing file at the selected path is deleted, so a careless path choice can destroy data.
• Cons: Windows validation is limited, while the README's TODOs include multithreaded benchmarking, volume information, and further documentation.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, browse Disk Benchmark Software.

• fio is another free option across Linux, macOS, and Windows; choose it if you want a GPL version 2 disk benchmark rather than this MIT-licensed tool.
• AJA System Test offers a free Lite version for macOS and Windows; choose it if those platforms and its standalone Apple Store or Windows versions suit your workflow, or if you need to consider its full version's PCIe bandwidth testing.
• Storage Benchmark Kit is a free Apache License 2.0 option spanning Linux, macOS, Windows, API, and self-hosted use; choose it if those deployment options matter more than a compact command-line tool.
• Parkdale is free and supports Android, macOS, and Windows; choose it if Android coverage is important.
• AS SSD Benchmark is free Windows freeware; choose it if you need a Windows-only alternative.
• AmorphousDiskMark is a free macOS option; choose it if you want a Mac-only alternative.
• DaVinci Resolve is a freemium video-editing application.
• Buddi is free budgeting software.

Verdict

Choose Simple Disk Benchmark if you want a free, configurable command-line tool with JSON timing output for focused disk checks. Its main appeal is the control it gives over test parameters; look elsewhere if you need validated Windows behavior, a graphical-first workflow, or a tool that does not risk deleting an existing file at the chosen path.