3DMark vs Novabench
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
3DMark, made by UL Solutions, is a cross-platform benchmarking tool used to measure how a PC or device performs with modern games and graphics technologies. It automatically scans a system's hardware and recommends the most appropriate benchmark to run.
Novabench is a benchmarking suite that tests CPU (single and multi-threaded), GPU (3D graphics and compute), memory, storage and NPU performance, alongside network tests for connection speed, latency, jitter, packet loss and traceroute analysis. Results can be compared against a database of millions of previously submitted scores. Beyond benchmarking, it includes stress testing to validate system stability under sustained load and real-time monitoring of temperatures, power consumption and battery health with historical logging. The free tier runs the full benchmark suite with no time limit and no account required, while paid Plus and Pro tiers add extended stress testing, deeper analytics, and persistent monitoring with batch testing across machines. It runs natively on Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, and recent Linux distributions on both x86-64 and ARM64.
- Widely recognized, industry-standard benchmark used by reviewers and enthusiasts
- Covers a broad range of tests from ray tracing to storage and stress testing
- Cross-platform support extends beyond just Windows PCs
- Score comparison database makes it easy to see how a build stacks up
- Free tier includes the full benchmark suite with no time limit or account needed
- Covers CPU, GPU, memory, storage, NPU and network in one tool
- Genuinely cross-platform, including ARM64 support
- Large comparison database for contextualizing scores
- Base purchase and Advanced Edition are separate one-time costs, which can add up
- Enterprise/site licensing pricing is not published and requires contacting sales
- Aimed primarily at gaming/graphics performance, less useful for general productivity benchmarking
- Deeper stress testing and analytics are locked behind paid Plus/Pro tiers
- Pro tier pricing is per-user, which adds up for multi-machine fleets
- Less specialized than dedicated GPU-only or CPU-only benchmark tools
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to 3DMark
View all →
Alternatives to Novabench
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing data3DMark is a paid, industry‑standard graphics benchmark with deep GPU tests, while Novabench offers a free, broader hardware suite but locks advanced stress features behind paid tiers.
Key differences
- •3DMark focuses on gaming/graphics performance with ray‑tracing tests; Novabench covers CPU, GPU, memory, storage, NPU and network.
- •3DMark requires a one‑time purchase (base + optional Advanced Edition); Novabench is freemium with a free full benchmark suite.
- •Novabench runs natively on Windows, macOS and Linux (including ARM64); 3DMark supports Windows, macOS (Apple Silicon), Android, iOS, but not Linux.
- •3DMark provides a large score‑comparison database geared toward gamers; Novabench also has a database but includes network scores and broader hardware categories.
- •Advanced stress‑testing and analytics are built‑in to 3DMark; Novabench’s deeper stress tools require paid Plus/Pro tiers.
Pricing & value
Novabench’s core benchmark suite is free; 3DMark requires one‑time purchase for base and optional Advanced edition.
Ease of use / learning curve
3DMark auto‑scans hardware and offers guided tests; Novabench requires manual selection of each component benchmark.
Features & depth
3DMark includes specialized GPU ray‑tracing (Port Royal) and storage stress tests not found in Novabench free tier.
Integrations & ecosystem
Novabench runs on Windows, macOS and Linux (x86‑64 & ARM64); 3DMark lacks Linux support.
Scalability
Novabench’s freemium model lets many machines use the free suite; 3DMark’s per‑license cost can limit fleet deployment.
Support
Novabench lists documentation and email support; 3DMark provides no specified support options in the facts.
Security & privacy
Both are closed‑source desktop apps with no disclosed API or security details.
Choose 3DMark if…
Buyers needing precise gaming/graphics performance metrics and willing to pay for advanced GPU tests.
Choose Novabench if…
Buyers wanting a free, cross‑platform hardware benchmark covering CPU, GPU, memory, storage and network.
Common questions
Can I use either tool without paying?
Novabench’s full benchmark suite is free; 3DMark requires a one‑time purchase for any use.
Which tool supports Linux?
Novabench runs natively on Linux (x86‑64 and ARM64); 3DMark does not list Linux support.
Do both tools offer stress testing?
3DMark includes built‑in stress tests; Novabench’s deeper stress testing is locked behind paid Plus/Pro tiers.