Franz Benda (also: František Benda, baptized November 22, 1709 in Benatek an der Iser; † March 7, 1786 near Potsdam) was a Bohemian violinist, composer, and kapellmeister.

Benda wrote mainly works for the violin, especially "solos" (sonatas with basso continuo accompaniment) and concertos. In his compositions there are elements of the Baroque as well as the gallant and sensitive style. In terms of time and content, he thus stands between the Baroque and Viennese Classical periods.

In addition, Benda also had a very good reputation as a violin teacher. Many of his students (such as his brothers Joseph Benda and Georg Anton Benda, as well as Friedrich Wilhelm Rust, Johann Friedrich Reichardt and Christian Friedrich Georg Berwald) later achieved remarkable fame.

The Benda family is still active in musical life today.