Basemark GPU

Overview

Basemark GPU is a graphics benchmark for comparing mobile and desktop devices. It is a strong fit for people who want to compare a shared graphics workload across operating systems, but the free edition is for private use and gives only a single score.

Key features

Basemark’s proprietary C++ Rocksolid engine runs the same workload across platforms, giving comparisons a common starting point. The graphics API varies by system: Android supports OpenGL ES or Vulkan, iOS and macOS use Metal, and PC and Linux support OpenGL, Vulkan, or DirectX 12, depending on the system. That breadth suits cross-platform comparisons, though users should account for the different APIs when interpreting results.

High Quality targets desktop workloads and Medium Quality targets mobile ones, with official offscreen resolutions of 3840×2160 and 1920×1080 respectively. The game-like scene can generate tens of thousands of draw calls per frame, making it useful for evaluating demanding graphics workloads and APIs such as Vulkan and DirectX 12.

Powerboard provides an online place to compare results. Free users automatically submit their test data and receive a single score without breakdown analysis. That works for a quick comparison, but is a poor fit for users who need detailed diagnostics or control over whether results are shared. Corporate adds full test details, custom configurations, automation, data export, and optional result submission.

Pricing

The free plan is the practical choice for personal comparisons, provided automatic submission and the internet requirement are acceptable. Companies should choose Corporate for commercial rights and fuller analysis, as well as configurable and automated testing; its price is available by request.

Platforms

Downloads are available for Windows, Ubuntu/Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS. The product page lists graphics support for Vulkan 1.0, OpenGL 4.5, Metal 2, or DirectX 12, plus at least 12 GB of RAM on 64-bit systems and 2 GB of video RAM. Basemark’s privacy policy says IP data may be collected in some cases when graphics benchmarks, including Basemark GPU, are used. Technical support is available at [email protected] and licensing inquiries at [email protected].

Who it's for

Basemark GPU suits device reviewers, hardware evaluators, and users comparing mobile and desktop graphics through a common benchmark workload. Its demanding scene and Powerboard comparison database also make it relevant to people assessing graphics rendering across devices. It is less suitable for commercial users on the free edition, or anyone who needs detailed breakdowns without moving to Corporate.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The same workload spans mobile and desktop platforms, supporting comparisons across a broad range of systems.
• Pro: High Quality and Medium Quality target desktop and mobile graphics respectively, while the draw-call-heavy scene exercises demanding workloads.
• Pro: Corporate includes custom configurations, automation, data export, and optional result submission for more controlled evaluations.
• Con: Free use is restricted to home or private use, and results are automatically submitted to Powerboard.
• Con: The free edition returns only one score, without breakdown analysis, and requires internet access.
• Con: Corporate requires custom pricing, so businesses must request a quote.

Alternatives

3DMark is another freemium option with free plans for iOS and Android and a paid plan for Windows and macOS at $34.99 per on. Choose it if those platform-specific options better match the devices you need to benchmark.

GameBench is a paid option with a free trial. It is worth considering if you want to evaluate a trial before committing to a paid plan.

PerfDog is a freemium alternative whose free version is limited to non-profit organizations, so it may suit nonprofit users comparing mobile devices.

Evolve Benchmark offers a free personal-use plan with one seat, mobile and desktop support, presets, GPU monitoring, and score submission. Its free plan is a relevant choice for personal users who want GPU monitoring alongside benchmarking.

UNIGINE Valley Benchmark is free for gamers on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a one-seat Basic plan; choose it if you want a free desktop-focused alternative.

NVIDIA ShadowPlay is a free Windows option requiring Windows 10 or 11, a GeForce 551.52 driver or later, and a supported GPU.

vkmark is a free Linux Vulkan benchmarking suite that must be built and installed from source, making it an option for Linux users seeking a Vulkan-specific suite.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: Dawntrail Official Benchmark is a free Windows benchmark requiring a DirectX 11-compatible graphics card and drivers, with an approximately 3.97 GB download.

For broader category browsing, see Game Benchmark Software and PC Benchmark Software.

Verdict

Basemark GPU is a good choice for people who need a shared graphics workload to compare mobile and desktop devices, especially when a Powerboard score is enough. The private-use free tier is a useful starting point, but its automatic submissions and lack of score breakdown make Corporate the better fit for commercial or diagnostic work. If those limits are unacceptable, choose another benchmark that better matches your platform and analysis needs.