| Tested on | Ubuntu 25.04 (Plucky Puffin) |
|---|---|
| Applies to | Ubuntu, Debian |
| Privilege | sudo or root |
| Scope | A practical must-have Ubuntu apps list for desktop users, including what ships by default, a one-shot apt starter bundle, curated picks for media, security, and dev tools. |
| Related guides | Add Apt Repository Command Not Found Apt Install Specific Version Backup Brave Browser Session Ubuntu Configure Vnc Server Ubuntu |
A new Ubuntu laptop feels complete until you need a annotated screenshot, a system restore point, or a password manager that syncs across machines. The must-have apps for Ubuntu are not a hundred-item download spree—they are a short list of tools that fill gaps the default desktop leaves open, installed through apt, Snap, or Flatpak depending on what the archive actually ships.
I trimmed recommendations against what installs cleanly on Ubuntu 25.04, checked package versions with apt-cache policy, and grouped picks by job so you can adopt one category at a time. Preinstalled apps are called out first so you do not reinstall Firefox or LibreOffice by habit.
Quick starter bundle (apt)
If you want a sane baseline in one pass, these packages are all in universe or main on Plucky and resolved on my host without PPAs:
Package channels and dependencies vary by Ubuntu release — see check Ubuntu version when you need to confirm yours.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y \
vlc gimp gnome-tweaks flameshot peek copyq \
htop btop fastfetch timeshift bleachbit keepassxc \
syncthing filezilla transmission-gtk \
git build-essential ripgrep fd-find fzf \
ffmpeg audacity inkscape kdenlive handbrake \
steam-installer lutris flatpakA dry-run on this machine pulled current candidates such as vlc 3.0.21, gimp 3.0.2, flameshot 12.1.0, keepassxc 2.7.9, syncthing 1.29.2, and bleachbit 4.6.2. Your mirror may differ slightly by point release, but the set should install without extra repositories.
After flatpak is installed, add Flathub once:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoWhat Ubuntu already includes
Skip reinstalling these on a default desktop install—they are already must-haves, just preloaded:
| App | Role |
|---|---|
| Firefox | Web browser |
| Thunderbird | Email (optional; disable if unused) |
| LibreOffice | Office suite |
| Files (Nautilus) | File manager |
| Terminal | Shell access |
| Settings / Software | System config and graphical package browsing |
| Calculator, Calendar, Clock | Everyday utilities |
| Image Viewer, Document Viewer | PDF and photos |
| Rhythmbox / Videos | Music and video (many users still add VLC); Apple Music subscribers stream in a browser—see iTunes on Ubuntu |
| Screenshot | Basic captures |
| Baobab (Disk Usage Analyzer) | See what fills the disk—pair with check disk space on Linux |
If LibreOffice is heavier than you need, you can remove LibreOffice from Ubuntu and swap in OnlyOffice from Snap—but do not install two full office suites unless you mean to.
apt vs Snap vs Flatpak
| Source | When to use it | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| apt | Package exists in apt search |
Best system integration; security updates with apt upgrade |
| Snap | App published on Snap Store, missing from apt | Auto-updates; some apps feel slower to start |
| Flatpak | Flathub build; sandboxed GUI apps | Use Flatseal to review permissions; themes may need extra work |
On Ubuntu 25.04 several popular names are not in apt—telegram-desktop, onlyoffice-desktopeditors, code (VS Code), and obsidian need Snap, vendor .deb, or Flatpak. Searching first saves frustration:
apt search '^vlc$'
snap find telegram
flatpak search obsidianSystem, tuning, and monitoring
| App | Why it is a must-have | Install |
|---|---|---|
| GNOME Tweaks | Theme, fonts, touchpad, window buttons, extensions shell | sudo apt install gnome-tweaks |
| Extension Manager | Install GNOME Shell extensions without hunting browsers | flatpak install flathub com.mattjakeman.ExtensionManager |
| Flatseal | Review Flatpak network and filesystem permissions | sudo apt install flatseal |
| htop / btop | Live CPU, memory, and process view in the terminal | sudo apt install htop btop |
| fastfetch | Quick system info card (replaces unmaintained Neofetch) | 26.04: sudo apt install fastfetch — Fastfetch on Ubuntu 26.04; 24.04/22.04: PPA or .deb guide |
| GNOME System Monitor | GUI resource graphs | sudo apt install gnome-system-monitor (often preinstalled) |
| Caffeine | Prevent screen lock during long video or builds | sudo apt install caffeine |
| CopyQ | Clipboard history and pinned snippets | sudo apt install copyq |
Backup, security, and maintenance
| App | Why it is a must-have | Install |
|---|---|---|
| Timeshift | BTRFS or RSYNC snapshots before major upgrades | sudo apt install timeshift |
| KeePassXC | Local password database; no cloud required | sudo apt install keepassxc |
| Syncthing | Encrypted folder sync between your own devices | sudo apt install syncthing |
| BleachBit | Preview and clear caches safely | sudo apt install bleachbit — see Ubuntu disk cleaner |
For optional malware scanning (NAS, mail, cross-platform files), read does Ubuntu need antivirus?—ClamAV is separate from cache cleaners.
Optional penetration-testing CLIs on a daily-driver Ubuntu desktop (nmap, nikto, sqlmap, and similar) install from Ubuntu apt only—see install Kali Linux tools on Ubuntu for release-aware package names and why not to add Kali repositories.
Screenshots and screen recording
| App | Why it is a must-have | Install |
|---|---|---|
| Flameshot | Region capture, arrows, blur, clipboard workflow | sudo apt install flameshot |
| Peek | Short GIF/WebM recordings of a screen region | sudo apt install peek |
Bind Flameshot to Print Screen under Settings → Keyboard → Screenshots so it replaces the default tool—the Ubuntu screenshot guide lists the GNOME shortcuts you are overriding.
Media, photos, and audio
| App | Why it is a must-have | Install |
|---|---|---|
| VLC | Plays almost any file; DVDs and streams | sudo apt install vlc |
| Celluloid / mpv | Minimal GNOME video players | sudo apt install celluloid mpv |
| ffmpeg | Convert, trim, and stream from the shell | sudo apt install ffmpeg — see install ffprobe on Ubuntu |
| Audacity | Record and edit audio tracks | sudo apt install audacity |
| Shortwave | Internet radio with a simple GTK UI | sudo apt install shortwave |
Creativity and document work
| App | Why it is a must-have | Install |
|---|---|---|
| GIMP | Raster editing (photos, UI mockups) | sudo apt install gimp |
| Inkscape | Vector graphics and SVG | sudo apt install inkscape |
| Kdenlive | Non-linear video editing | sudo apt install kdenlive |
| HandBrake | Transcode video for smaller files or devices | sudo apt install handbrake |
| OnlyOffice | Microsoft Office–friendly documents (if you skip LibreOffice) | sudo snap install onlyoffice-desktopeditors |
| Foliate | Clean ePub reader | sudo apt install foliate |
Productivity and communication
| App | Why it is a must-have | Install |
|---|---|---|
| Geary | Lightweight IMAP desktop mail | sudo apt install geary |
| Telegram Desktop | Synced chat (not in apt on 25.04) | sudo snap install telegram-desktop |
| Signal | Encrypted messaging (Flatpak) | flatpak install flathub org.signal.Signal |
| Obsidian | Markdown notes vault (Flatpak) | flatpak install flathub md.obsidian.Obsidian |
| FileZilla | SFTP and FTP for remote files | sudo apt install filezilla |
| Transmission | BitTorrent when you need it | sudo apt install transmission-gtk |
| qBittorrent | Feature-rich GUI torrent client | sudo apt install qbittorrent — install guide |
| HPLIP | HP printer and scanner drivers (hp-setup, scanning) |
See install HPLIP on Ubuntu — use apt first on 26.04/24.04 |
FileZilla connects to remote servers; if you want this machine to host shared folders instead, see set up a NAS server on Ubuntu for Samba and NFS.
Development and terminal power tools
| App | Why it is a must-have | Install |
|---|---|---|
| git + build-essential | Source control and compile toolchain | sudo apt install git build-essential |
| Dart SDK | CLI and server-side Dart without a full Flutter install | See install Dart SDK on Ubuntu — official Google APT repository |
| Visual Studio Code | Popular editor (Snap or Microsoft apt repo) | See install VS Code on Ubuntu — official .deb, apt, Snap, and Insiders |
| AWS CLI | Manage EC2, S3, IAM, and other AWS services from the terminal | See install AWS CLI on Ubuntu — official v2 bundle or apt install awscli |
| Docker | Containers for services and CI-like workflows | sudo apt install docker.io — add your user to the docker group |
| Distrobox | Run other distros inside containers with tight desktop integration | sudo apt install distrobox |
| ripgrep, fd-find, fzf | Fast search and fuzzy picking in the shell | sudo apt install ripgrep fd-find fzf |
| Yazi | Modern terminal file manager | sudo apt install yazi or see install Yazi on Ubuntu |
| tmux | Persistent terminal sessions over SSH | tmux |
On Ubuntu, fd-find installs as fdfind. Symlink if a tool expects fd:
Point a short command name at the install path with ln -sf; the create symbolic link on Linux covers -s, -f, and safe targets under /usr/local/bin.
sudo ln -sf /usr/bin/fdfind /usr/local/bin/fdGaming
| App | Why it is a must-have | Install |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Largest native and Proton game library on Linux | See install Steam on Ubuntu — official .deb or sudo apt install steam-installer |
| Lutris | Wine, Epic, GOG, and custom installers in one UI | sudo apt install lutris |
Steam’s first launch downloads the full client and drivers may need a reboot. For Windows-only titles, check ProtonDB before you buy.
Nice extras (install when you need them)
| App | Use case | Install |
|---|---|---|
| Tilix | Tiling terminal emulator | sudo apt install tilix |
| Virt Manager | KVM virtual machines | sudo apt install virt-manager |
| Stacer | GUI overview of startup, caches, and services | sudo apt install stacer |
| Distrobox + Podman | Test packages from other distros without a full VM | sudo apt install distrobox podman |
What to skip or replace
| Common suggestion | Reality on Ubuntu 25.04 |
|---|---|
| Neofetch | Unmaintained; use fastfetch |
| Empathy / Pidgin | Legacy chat; use Telegram, Signal, or Matrix clients |
| Third-party Chrome .deb + Firefox | Pick one primary browser unless you need Chrome for testing — install Google Chrome on Ubuntu |
| LibreOffice + OnlyOffice + WPS | One office suite is enough |
| Every PPA on “must-have” lists | Prefer apt, Snap, or Flatpak before adding unknown PPAs |
| Cawbird and old Twitter clients | Unmaintained; use the web or current official apps |
Lists from 2016–2020 often pin PPAs that no longer publish for current Ubuntu codenames. Always run apt search or check Software before you add a repository.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
Unable to locate package |
Wrong name or missing universe | sudo add-apt-repository universe && sudo apt update |
| Snap app will not start | Old revision or missing plug | snap refresh; check snap connections |
| Flatpak app has no theme | Portal or runtime gap | Install gnome-tweaks; use Flatseal only for permissions |
fd: command not found after installing fd-find |
Ubuntu package name | Symlink fdfind to fd |
| Steam asks for 32-bit libs | Multiarch not enabled | Follow Steam’s on-screen prompt; sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 — see dpkg command |
| Two copies of the same app in the menu | apt + Snap + Flatpak | Keep one channel; remove duplicates with apt purge, snap remove, or flatpak uninstall |
References
- Ubuntu Desktop documentation
- Ubuntu Packages search
- Snap documentation
- Flatpak documentation
- Flathub application repository
Summary
Must-have Ubuntu apps start with what the desktop already ships—browser, files, office, and terminal—then add targeted tools: gnome-tweaks, flameshot, htop or btop, timeshift, keepassxc, vlc, ffmpeg, and git cover most daily gaps from apt alone. Pull Telegram, OnlyOffice, and VS Code from Snap when apt has no package; use Flatpak for Signal, Obsidian, and Extension Manager. Install one app per role, prefer apt when the archive is current, and replace outdated favorites like Neofetch with fastfetch on modern releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are must-have apps for Ubuntu?
Start with what Ubuntu already ships—Firefox, Files, LibreOffice, and Terminal—then add a small set for your workflow: gnome-tweaks and flameshot for desktop use, vlc and ffmpeg for media, keepassxc and timeshift for security and backups, and git plus build-essential if you develop. Install extras from apt first, then Snap or Flatpak when the archive does not carry the app.
Does Ubuntu come with enough apps preinstalled?
A fresh Ubuntu desktop install covers browsing, email, office work, photos, music, and basic settings. You still benefit from a few add-ons: a better screenshot tool, system monitor, password manager, backup utility, and maybe a dedicated video player or IDE depending on how you use the machine.
Should I use apt, Snap, or Flatpak for Ubuntu apps?
Prefer apt packages from Ubuntu main and universe when they exist—they update with the system and integrate cleanly. Use Snap for apps like Telegram or OnlyOffice that are not in the archive. Use Flatpak for sandboxed desktop apps such as Signal, Obsidian, or Extension Manager when you want Flathub versions.
What is the best video player for Ubuntu?
VLC (3.0.x on Ubuntu 25.04) plays almost every format and is the safe default. Celluloid and mpv are lighter GNOME-friendly players in universe if you want a minimal UI. Install ffmpeg alongside any of them for command-line conversion and scripting.
What is the best screenshot tool on Ubuntu?
Ubuntu includes a basic Screenshot app. Flameshot is the must-have upgrade: region capture, arrows, blur for redaction, and copy-to-clipboard. Install with sudo apt install flameshot and bind it in Settings → Keyboard → Screenshots.
How do I install must-have apps from the terminal?
Run sudo apt update, then sudo apt install PACKAGE. For Snaps use sudo snap install NAME. For Flatpak run flatpak install flathub APPID after installing flatpak and adding the Flathub remote. Search with apt search, snap find, or flatpak search before you install.
Is Neofetch still a must-have on Ubuntu?
Neofetch is unmaintained. fastfetch in universe is the modern replacement—run fastfetch in a terminal for OS, kernel, desktop, and theme info. See install Fastfetch on Ubuntu for apt, GitHub .deb, and config steps. btop or htop covers live process monitoring.
What apps do I need for gaming on Ubuntu?
Install steam-installer from apt for the Steam client, then lutris for managing Wine and non-Steam launchers. Enable 32-bit libraries and current GPU drivers before you expect Proton titles to run well. MangoHud and GameMode are optional performance extras in universe.
