Last Updated: February 26th, 2024
If you are new to Linux or switched from Windows or OS X and now searching for the best Linux apps or essential Linux apps to get you started then you are at the right place. Linux is not like Windows or OS X, there are several Linux distributions depending on your requirements and not all come with the same built-in apps. Choosing the best Linux apps will depend a lot on your requirements and preferences. The article covers a list of the best apps for Linux, most of the apps listed below are free while others are paid ones. If you are a gamer, you may like to have a look at these best Linux games that you can play today.
These Are The Best Linux Apps Which You Should Be Using
Web Browsers
1. Firefox
Firefox by Mozilla is a default web browser for most of the Linux distributions. With the new Quantum update, Firefox is faster, more powerful, lighter, and more. The Firefox Quantum update brings also features private browsing mode with tracking protection making you go for it.
2. Google Chrome
Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers which is fast, simple, and secure. Google Chrome has a huge collection of extensions that you can download from the Chrome Web Store.
On Linux, you can download Chromium which is an open-source project on which Google Chrome is based.
3. Vivaldi
Vivaldi is a relatively new web browser founded by the former Opera Software co-founder. The browser has currently more than 1 million users globally and comes with various features faster navigation, smarter browsing, tab management, bookmarks, shortcuts, and visuals. If you want to try something new on your new Linux desktop, Vivaldi is worth it.
Communication
4. Pidgin
Pidgin is a popular open-source instant messenger used by millions of users. It supports popular chat protocols like AIM, Google Talk, IRC, XMPP, and Sametime along with other third-party plugins. Pidgin also offers features that include file transfers, away messages, buddy icons, custom smilies, and typing notifications. Pidgin is also available for Windows users.
5. Claws Mail
Claws Mail a is fast, stable, lightweight email client and a great alternative to Thunderbird for Linux users. It comes with various features such as multiple accounts, threaded display, address book, external editor, and automatic mail checking. If you are switching from other email clients on your Linux you will not face any issues.
6. Choqok
If you are searching for a Twitter client for Linux then you should try using Choqok. Choqok is a free/open-source which has support for multiple accounts, URL shortening, notification, image preview, and, filtering of unwanted posts.
7. Jitsi
Jitsi is a powerful best free VOIP client for Linux and an alternative to Skype. It features advanced video routing concepts such as simulcast and, bandwidth estimations and supports other popular Instant Messaging including Google Talk, Facebook, and ICQ.
Web Development
8. Eclipse
Eclipse is a popular open-source IDE, mostly provided in Java. It is mostly used in writing Java Applications but it can be used in developing apps in other programming languages by using plugins.
9. Aptana Studio
Aptana Studio is an open-source web development tool based on Eclipse. Aptana Studio has support for various programming languages and with the plugins, it supports Ruby, Rails, P, HP, and Python. The latest version of Aptana, Aptana Studio 3 is faster, and customizable with new features.
Media Players
10. VLC
If you have used the VLC open-source media player on your Windows PC then go ahead and install it on your Linux desktop also. It is simple, fast, powerful, and can play any media format. You can add skins to the media player and install extensions to download subtitles.
11. Kodi
Kodi is another popular media player used by millions of users to watch videos, music, podcasts, and pictures. You can easily customize Kodi by installing skins and add-ons. It has a dedicated forum to make things easy for you in case you face problems.
Music Players
12. Clementine
Clementine is a cross-platform music player inspired by Amarok featuring a tabbed interface for playlists discovering and downloading podcasting edit tags in MP3 and OGG files, and searching and playing your local playlists. It also lets you search for lyrics and artists’ information online, remote control from your Android devices or copy music to your iPhone, or iPod. The app is fast, has an easy-to-use interface, and is an ideal music player for Linux.
Best MP3 Music Downloader For Android
13. Amarok
Amarok is an open-source and a great music player for Linux enthusiasts. It lets you play your CDs, tag and rename your playlists, automatically bookmark your tracks, and import your tracks from iTunes. One of the best parts is that Amarok is integrated with Web Services like Last.fm, MP3tunes, Magnatune.
Security
14. Gufw
Linux is comparatively a secure OS and comes with an inbuilt firewall, iptables. However, iptables is not an easy tool to use. Gufw is a simple, easy, and intuitive firewall tool for Linux that can be configured in a few clicks. It lets users block or allow any pre-configured network activities along with the user-specified ports. You can also use Gufw to log and track your Internet traffic reports.
15. KeePass
Memorizing long and complex passwords for each of your logins can be a really difficult task. KeePass is an open-source password manager that lets you import and export passwords in various formats, and keeps your usernames and passwords encrypted. KeePass is lightweight, easy to use, and available for Windows and OS X also.
16. ClamAV
If you are searching for a free and open-source Anti-virus program for your Linux, ClamAV is a great option. It features a command line scanner, a regular virus database updater, and a database updater. ClamAV has support for various file formats.
Photo Editors
17. GIMP
GIMP is an open-source image editor a one of the best alternative to Photoshop for Linux users. Whether you are a photographer, graphic designer, or Illustrator, GIMP has a wide range of photo editing tools. GIMP also comes with various customization options and support for 3rd party plugins.
18. Krita
Krita is another open-source painting tool for Linux, OS X, and Windows users. It features an intuitive user interface, brush stabilizers, a pop-up palette, a resource manager, brush engines, and a wrap-around mode.
Text Editors
19. Vim
Vim is a powerful and highly configurable cross-platform text editor. It features s search and replace option, a multi-level undo tree, can easily integrate with other tools, and supports various programming languages and file formats. If you are a Linux user you may be aware of it.
20. Sublime Text
Sublime is a cross-platform popular text editor and a paid application. The split editing feature lets you edit two files at the same time, with multiple selections you can make various changes at the same time. Sublime Time has a dedicated community forum and support.
There are many more Linux applications that can be on the list mentioned above! Which is your favorite Linux application?