Essential Linux Apps You Should Install in 2026

Must-Have Apps for Your Linux Desktop

One of the best things about Linux is the wealth of high-quality, free software available. Here's our curated list of essential apps every Linux user should know about.

Productivity

• LibreOffice — Full office suite compatible with Microsoft Office formats. Includes Writer, Calc, Impress, and Draw.
• Thunderbird — Feature-rich email client with calendar support, now maintained by a dedicated team at Mozilla.
• Obsidian — Powerful note-taking app using Markdown files stored locally.

Web Browsers

• Firefox — Privacy-focused browser with excellent extension support.
• Chromium — Open-source version of Chrome without Google's tracking.

Development

• VS Code — The most popular code editor with thousands of extensions.
• Git — Version control that every developer needs.
• Docker — Containerize your applications for consistent development and deployment.
• Alacritty — GPU-accelerated terminal emulator that's blazing fast.

Multimedia

• VLC — Plays virtually any media format without additional codecs.
• GIMP — Professional-grade image editor and Photoshop alternative.
• OBS Studio — Screen recording and live streaming tool used by professionals.
• Kdenlive — Powerful, non-linear video editor.

System Tools

• Timeshift — System backup and restore tool. Essential for peace of mind.
• htop — Interactive process viewer, better than the default top.
• Flameshot — Screenshot tool with built-in annotation features.

Install Them All with OmniSet

Instead of installing these one by one, use OmniSet to set up your entire environment with a single command. Our profiles bundle the right tools for your use case — development, design, gaming, or general productivity.

Browse our full tools directory to discover more Linux software.