50+ Best Free and Open Source Software for Linux in 2025

From terminal multiplexers and disk cleaners to password managers and package tools, these essential programs form the backbone of daily Linux usage, helping you stay productive while keeping your machine in top shape. The FileZilla interface might look a little confusing to first time users, but it’s actually very simple to use. This open source FTP tool comes with all sorts of advanced features such as support for large file transfers, synchronized directory browsing, and filename filters.

DVDStyler is a cross-platform, FOSS DVD authoring tool that allows you to create nice-looking and professional DVDs with your video and image files. From simple screen recorders and audio editors to full-fledged 3D creation suites and professional-grade video editors, these tools prove that Linux isn’t just for servers and terminals — it’s also a powerful platform for creativity. These 15 essential open-source tools dominate modern development in 2025, with adoption rates exceeding 90% among professional developers. It comes preloaded with powerful open-source tools for capturing network traffic, analyzing logs, and visualizing alerts, all in a single platform. As such, DVDStyler allows you to create your own interactive menus or choose from the built-in ones, add subtitles and audio files, and use video files in different formats.

In addition, OCS Inventory NG relies on well-known technologies like Apache and MySQL / MariaDB, making it a robust program. The project’s website (listed below) has a fully functional demo in case you want to check it out before attempting to actually install the program. For anyone interested in security, system monitoring, or learning more about real-world cyber threats, Security Onion is an invaluable addition to your Linux toolbox. What makes it particularly useful is that it’s fully open-source and regularly updated, so you can build a professional-grade security setup without relying on expensive commercial solutions. Security Onion is a Linux distribution designed specifically for network security monitoring, intrusion detection, and threat hunting for a small business network, or a large enterprise.

For that reason, most people who use Firefox also use a second browser as well (typically based on Chromium), like Arc Browser, Chrome, or Brave for when they need full features and functionality like full Chrome Extension support. It simply comes down to there not being enough marketshare for web developers to focus on making everything work properly in Firefox as it only accounts for less than 3% of global marketshare. Because of that, while you may be choosing a “privacy-focused” browser like Firefox, you’re also getting substantially less third-party app support, and a higher chance of websites not performing as intended (like legacy banks or modern sites using newer technology). What this ultimately means is all the Chrome extensions that people use and rely on are not compatible with Firefox unless rebuilt specifically for it.

LibreOffice

It is time once again to share a list of the best free and open-source software I’ve come across in 2025. To test for the best open source software we first set up an account with the relevant software platform, whether as a download or as an online service. Back in the day, users would often be put off Linux because few software manufacturers developed for the system. All the files uploaded are instantly encrypted on your device. Uploading files is done via drag and drop and you can share your files through a link. You can easily view your files and customize your folders with various options.

Brave

What makes it truly powerful is its ability to handle large amounts of content collaboratively, with detailed version control so you can track every edit. From running your own wiki and tracking bugs to managing tasks and point-of-sale systems, these programs help you coordinate work, share information, and collaborate efficiently. It’s designed to save time, reduce setup headaches, and make HPC more accessible for both organizations and enthusiasts who want to experiment with cluster computing on Linux. I’ve found it especially handy when I need a database that’s versatile, fast, and doesn’t lock me into proprietary systems.

• If you work on several projects and have a lot of tasks to do at a time, you definitely need to try OpenTodoList, which is a simple note-taking application that allows you to stay organized.
• Beloved by Linux users since its original release in 1996, GIMP is one of the most famous and best-maintained open source software tools out there.
• With osquery, you can explore your system to perform intrusion detection, diagnose a problem, or just produce a report of its operation – all at your fingertips using a single tool.
• It’s designed to save time, reduce setup headaches, and make HPC more accessible for both organizations and enthusiasts who want to experiment with cluster computing on Linux.
• This free FTP client has a number of sophisticated features, including huge file transfer capability, synchronized directory browsing, and filename filtering.
• From resuming YouTube videos across devices, to having your contacts, and favorite Play Store apps easily available, a single sign-in allows for a seamless experience across Google.

FileZilla

From resuming YouTube videos across devices, to having your contacts, and favorite Play Store apps easily available, a single sign-in allows for a seamless experience across Google. For example, flight confirmations in your Gmail inbox will automatically sync with your Google Calendar and Google Maps to help you get to the airport on time. Your Google Account helps you save time by automatically filling in passwords, addresses, and payment details using the information you’ve saved to your account. No matter which device or Google service you’re using, your account gives you a consistent experience you can customize and manage at any time. TensorFlow is an end-to-end open-source platform for machine learning. PostgreSQL is the most advanced open-source relational database.

All of Google,working for you

You can also use this platform to do color keying and grading operations, as well as more basic clip splicing and trimming. Just like Photoshop, GIMP has a fairly steep learning curve but anyone who puts in a bit of time is sure to appreciate its customizable interface and GPU hardware acceleration. GIMP has built-in support for layers, filters, and automatic photo enhancement. The latest updates to the free video player have included the ability to stream to other devices (like Chromecasts) and 360-degree video support for VR headsets. Like some of the other amazing open source offerings mentioned here, VLC is constantly being upgraded with new goodies and features to explore. The only downside to this awesome free office software is that editing documents collaboratively online is a bit tricky.

QBittorrent is a free and open-source BitTorrent client that helps users to download and share files over the network in a decentralized manner. Fyne is a modern, open-source GUI toolkit for the Go programming language that lets you build cross-platform desktop and mobile applications with ease. If you manage a website, blog, or online coding platform that provides programming tutorials, CodeMirror can be an invaluable tool, making code examples interactive, readable, and easier for your audience to follow.

OSQuery

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• If you have at least a basic understanding of SQL, getting details about the operating system using the built-in tables in OSQuery will be a piece of cake.
• DEV Community — A space to discuss and keep up software development and manage your software career
• At the same time, it doesn’t compromise on power — you’ll find support for unlimited tracks, 3D animations, keyframe-based effects, and real-time previews, which makes it flexible enough for more complex projects.
• From self-hosted solutions like Nextcloud to encrypted storage services like Internxt, and media streaming with Ampache, this category ensures that your files are always accessible, organized, and under your control.
• The FileZilla interface might look a little confusing to first time users, but it’s actually very simple to use.

To move a file from one to the other, simply drag and drop it. Meanwhile, on the right, you’ll see the file system of your server. In the left-hand panel, you’ll find a window displaying your local file system.

I don’t often edit PDF files, but when I do, I usually use PDF Mix Tool, which is a simple and lightweight open-source program that makes it possible to perform common PDF editing operations, such as file merging and page rotation. Simple to use yet powerful under the hood, BleachBit is one of those must-have maintenance tools for keeping your Linux system lean and private. BleachBit is often compared to CCleaner, but in many ways, it goes further and helps you reclaim valuable disk space by removing temporary files, system cache, and other unnecessary clutter that builds up over time.

Beyond playback, it also includes features like media conversion, basic editing, and the ability to stream content across your network – all wrapped in a simple interface that “just works”. It also allows you to add subtitles, transition effects, and export the resulting video file to DVD and many other common formats. Despite being powerful, it remains approachable for beginners and is backed by a strong community that offers tutorials, extensions, and plugins to extend its functionality even further. Inkscape is one of the most popular open-source tools for creating and editing vector graphics.

Best open source software: Best media player

Notepad++ is a text editor that replaces the Windows notepad software. Power richer data generation and model gains with proprietary data and benchmarks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Each tutorial at TecMint is created by a team of experienced Linux system chicken game download administrators so that it meets our high-quality standards. Check out Pro.Tecmint.com for ad-free reading, exclusive guides, downloadable resources, and certification prep (RHCSA, RHCE, LFCS) – all with lifetime access.