Best Free Linux Apps You Should Install Right After Setup
- Kalyan Bhattacharjee
- Sep 19, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 14, 2025
Overview | Best Linux Apps
Switching to Linux opens up a world of customization, speed, and security. But once your Linux distribution is installed, the next big question is: Which apps should you install first?
Whether you’re a student, developer, professional, or casual user, Linux offers powerful free apps that boost productivity, media handling, and overall experience. Let’s explore the best free Linux apps you should install right after setup.
Best Linux Apps to Supercharge Your Desktop in 2025
Looking to get the most out of your Linux setup? These best Linux apps in 2025 will boost performance, enhance productivity, and make your desktop experience smoother than ever.
VLC Media Player 🎬
Category: Multimedia
VLC is a must-have for any platform, and Linux is no exception. It plays virtually every video/audio format without needing extra codecs.
Features like subtitle sync, streaming support, and format conversion make it an all-in-one solution.
Why Install? Because it saves you the headache of codec errors and lets you play almost anything.
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) 🎨
Category: Graphics & Design
A free alternative to Photoshop, GIMP is perfect for editing photos, creating graphics, and working with layers.
It supports advanced features like plugins, filters, and file formats (JPEG, PNG, PSD, and more).
Why Install? Essential for anyone who works with images, whether casually or professionally.
LibreOffice Suite 📝
Category: Office & Productivity
LibreOffice comes pre-installed on many Linux distros, but if it’s missing, install it right away.
It’s a complete office suite with Writer (word processing), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), and more.
Why Install? A free, open-source alternative to Microsoft Office that’s compatible with DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.
Audacity 🎵
Category: Audio Editing
Perfect for recording and editing audio files.
Great for podcasters, musicians, or anyone who needs to tweak sound quality.
Supports multiple tracks, plugins, and export formats.
Why Install? If you ever need audio editing, Audacity is the gold standard in free software.
Krita 🖌️
Category: Digital Art
Designed for artists and illustrators, Krita offers professional-grade tools for painting and sketching.
Features include brushes, stabilizers, animation support, and a clean UI.
Why Install? It’s one of the best free tools for digital painting, rivaling paid software.
Steam 🎮
Category: Gaming
If gaming is on your list, Steam is a must. It provides access to thousands of Linux-compatible games.
With Proton and Steam Play, you can even run many Windows games on Linux.
Why Install? Gaming on Linux has improved dramatically, and Steam is at the center of it.
Kdenlive 🎥
Category: Video Editing
A feature-rich, non-linear video editor for Linux users.
Supports multi-track editing, transitions, effects, and rendering for multiple formats.
Why Install? If you’re into video editing, this is one of the best free tools for Linux.
Synaptic Package Manager 📦
Category: System Management
While most distros have app stores, Synaptic provides a more detailed, powerful way to manage software.
Lets you search, install, and remove apps with advanced control.
Why Install? Ideal for power users who want fine-tuned control over installed packages.
Timeshift ⏱️
Category: Backup & Recovery
Timeshift is like System Restore for Linux.
You can create automatic snapshots of your system and restore them if something goes wrong.
Why Install? A lifesaver for beginners and advanced users alike when experimenting with Linux.
Shotwell 📷
Category: Photo Management
A simple yet powerful photo organizer and viewer.
Lets you import, organize, and edit photos with ease.
Why Install? Great for managing large photo libraries without hassle.
Thunderbird 📧
Category: Email & Communication
Mozilla’s Thunderbird is one of the most popular free email clients.
Supports multiple accounts, calendar integration, and robust security features.
Why Install? A secure and customizable email solution for Linux.
GNOME Tweaks / KDE Plasma Tools ⚙️
Category: Customization
Depending on your desktop environment, tools like GNOME Tweaks let you change themes, icons, startup apps, and more.
KDE Plasma also offers similar customization options out of the box.
Why Install? To fully unlock the personalization power of Linux.
Exploring Beyond the Basics 🚀
While the apps listed above cover the essentials, Linux offers a vast ecosystem of free and open-source tools waiting to be explored. From lightweight desktop environments to advanced development frameworks, you’ll find software tailored to almost every need. Don’t hesitate to experiment - Linux makes it easy to install, test, and remove apps without cluttering your system. The more you explore, the more you’ll unlock the true flexibility and power that Linux has to offer.
Closing Notes 💡
Linux is powerful by default, but installing the right apps makes it truly shine. From multimedia to productivity and customization, the apps listed above will help you hit the ground running after a fresh setup.
Whether you’re editing videos, managing emails, gaming, or just browsing, these free Linux apps ensure your system is both functional and fun to use.
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