vkmark
github.com
What it is
vkmark is a free, extensible Vulkan benchmarking suite for Linux, built around targeted scenes that measure different aspects of Vulkan performance. Each scene can take configuration options. The `-b, --benchmark` command-line option lets users select scenes and their order; without it, vkmark runs a default set. The project lists X11, Wayland, and KMS backends. It can detect the window system automatically, or a user can choose one with `--winsys`. After installation, vkmark runs from the command line, and it can also be run directly from the project build directory without installation. Building requires Meson, a C++17 compiler, Vulkan development files, libglm, and libassimp, as well as dependencies for the selected backend. The documented build uses Meson and Ninja, with installation through `ninja -C build install`. The README includes an apt-install example for dependencies on recent Debian or Ubuntu systems. The repository includes the GNU Lesser General Public License, version 2.1.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- vkmark is an extensible Vulkan benchmarking suite with targeted, configurable scenes.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Free plan
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Integrations
- The README names Vulkan, X11/XCB, Wayland, and KMS-related dependencies for building; it does not describe third-party service integrations.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Support
- The repository provides GitHub Issues and Pull Requests for project discussion and contributions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The repository includes a file named COPYING-LGPL2.1 containing the GNU Lesser General Public License, version 2.1.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Benchmark defaults
- If no benchmark options are specified, vkmark runs a default set of benchmarks.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Benchmark scenes
- Its scenes measure various aspects of Vulkan performance, and each scene’s rendering can be configured with options.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Benchmark selection
- You can specify which benchmarks to run and their order with the `-b, --benchmark` command-line option.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Build requirements
- Building requires Meson, a C++17 compiler, Vulkan development files, GLM, and Assimp; backend-specific dependencies are also listed.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Default benchmarks
- If no benchmarks are specified, vkmark runs a default set of benchmarks.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Dependencies example
- The README gives an `apt install` command for the listed dependencies on recent Debian or Ubuntu systems.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Installation
- The project documents building with Ninja and installing with `ninja -C build install`.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Override backend
- You can select a window system explicitly with the `--winsys` command-line option.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Run modes
- After installation, vkmark runs from the command line; the README also documents running it from the project directory without installing.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Run without installing
- The README documents running vkmark directly from the project build directory without installing it.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Window systems
- The README lists X11, Wayland, and KMS backends and says vkmark attempts to detect a suitable window system automatically.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free Vulkan benchmarking suite.
- Scenes can be configured and selected individually.
- Supports X11, Wayland, and KMS backends.
- Can run without installation from the build directory.
Limits
- Linux only.
- Building requires several development dependencies.
- Runs from the command line.
- Backend-specific dependencies are also required.
Who it suits
vkmark suits Linux users who need configurable Vulkan performance benchmarks and are comfortable building and running a command-line tool. Its scene selection and backend options allow focused runs.
Verdict
vkmark provides configurable Vulkan benchmark scenes and several window-system backends for Linux. Its source-build requirements make the documented build process an important consideration.
Where Specifiction places it
- Game Benchmark Software#15 of 227.3
- PC benchmark tools#51 of 707.5
- PC Benchmark Software#60 of 737.2