Downloading Blackmagic Disk Speed Test is a 30-second task. But running it? That’s a moment of truth. Whether you discover your “fast” external SSD is actually USB 2.0 speeds, or you smile as 2500 MB/s flashes on screen — that data changes how you work.
Go grab the DMG. Test your startup disk. Test that cheap USB stick. You might be surprised.
P.S. — The app hasn’t had a major UI update in years. Some call it dated. I call it “honest.”
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test for Mac is widely considered the gold standard for a quick, visual benchmark of drive performance, particularly for video professionals . It is available for free primarily through the Apple App Store Download and Installation
While the primary distribution is the App Store, you can find standalone installers (often in format) through alternative methods: Official App Store
: The most secure and easiest way to install and receive updates. Blackmagic Desktop Video Installer
: The tool is often bundled with the "Desktop Video" software package on the Blackmagic Design Support Page Third-Party Repositories : Sites like blackmagic disk speed test mac download dmg
host standalone downloads, though the App Store version is generally preferred for the latest Apple Silicon support. Review Highlights User Interface
: Features a "speedometer" style dual-dial layout that looks like professional video equipment. Video Format Benchmarking
: Beyond raw MB/s, it explicitly tells you if your drive can handle specific video formats like ProRes 422 CinemaDNG RAW Blackmagic RAW at various resolutions (HD, 4K, 8K). Ease of Use
: A single "Start" button begins the test, which writes and then reads large blocks of data to provide a consistent average. Blackmagic Disk Speed Test - App Store
The Blackmagic Disk Speed Test is most easily available on the Mac App Store . While a standalone DMG for only the Disk Speed Test
isn't typically offered by Blackmagic, it is included in the Desktop Video package on the official Blackmagic Support page. 📥 How to Download & Install Option 1: Mac App Store (Recommended) Open the App Store on your Mac. Search for " Blackmagic Disk Speed Test ". Click Get then Install. Open the app directly from your Applications folder. Option 2: Blackmagic Website (Advanced) Go to the Blackmagic Design Support page. Select the Capture and Playback category. Find the latest Desktop Video update for Mac. Downloading Blackmagic Disk Speed Test is a 30-second task
Download the ZIP, open the DMG inside, and run the installer.
Note: This installs drivers you may not need if you don't use Blackmagic hardware. ⚡ How to Run a Speed Test
Launch the application from your Launchpad or Applications folder.
Select Drive: Click the Settings (gear icon) to choose a target disk.
Set Stress: Choose a file size (1GB to 5GB) to determine test intensity. Start: Click the large Start button in the center.
Stop: Click Start again to end the continuous testing cycle. Q: Is Blackmagic Disk Speed Test completely free
💡 Pro Tip: If your startup disk shows "Read Only" errors, use the Settings gear to "Select Target Drive" and choose a folder where you have write permissions, like your Documents folder.
Q: Is Blackmagic Disk Speed Test completely free?
Yes. No trial, no in-app purchases, no subscriptions.
Q: Does it work on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)?
Yes. The latest versions are universal binaries that run natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Q: Why is the download so small (around 2 MB)?
The DMG contains a lightweight, single-function app. It doesn’t include any bloatware or background processes.
Q: Can I test network drives (NAS or SAN)?
Not directly. The app only tests physically attached storage (SATA, NVMe, Thunderbolt, USB, SD cards).
Q: How often should I run Disk Speed Test?
Every 3–6 months for critical project drives, or immediately after any hardware change (new cable, enclosure, firmware update).
After about 10–20 seconds, you will see two primary numbers:
Below these numbers, a grid of checkmarks or X marks will appear, showing which video formats are supported. A green checkmark means your drive can handle that codec and frame rate. A red "X" means it cannot.