Open Source Apps you MUST TRY in 2025
Why Use Open-Source Software in 2025?
In 2025, open-source software is more important than ever. With increasing concerns over privacy, data security, and software bloat, open-source alternatives offer transparency, efficiency, and user control. Unlike proprietary software, open-source projects are community-driven, often resulting in faster updates, better security, and a focus on user needs rather than corporate interests.
Whether you’re looking for a powerful operating system, a lightweight alternative to mainstream apps, or privacy-friendly tools, open-source software has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best open-source apps you must try in 2025, covering Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android for a variety of purposes.
Apps Categories
Utilities 🧩
1. AB Download Manager
A versatile download manager that streamlines file downloads with enhanced speed and reliability. Finally a worthy alternative for IDM.
Availability : Windows | Linux | WEB Extensions
Source Code : GitHub
2. Local Send
Facilitates secure, local file transfers between devices without relying on the internet, ensuring privacy and speed.
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS | Android | iOS
Source Code : GitHub
3. BleachBit
A system cleaner that frees up disk space and maintains privacy by removing unnecessary files and traces. An alternative for the CCleaner (Only for Cleaning Stuff).
Availability : Windows | Linux
Source Code : GitHub
4. Dev ToolBox
An all-in-one suite offering various development tools, simplifying coding and debugging processes.
Availability : Linux
Source Code : GitHub
5. Spek
An acoustic spectrum analyzer that visualizes audio files, aiding in audio analysis and troubleshooting.
Availability : Windows | Linux
Source Code : GitHub
6. V2RayN
A network tunneling utility designed to bypass internet restrictions and enhance privacy.
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS | Android
Source Code : GitHub (Desktop) | GitHub (Mobile - V2RayNG)
7. LRCGET
Automatically fetches and synchronizes lyrics for your music library, enriching your listening experience.
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS
Source Code : GitHub
8. OBS Studio
A powerful broadcasting and recording software, ideal for live streaming and content creation. You know what this is, right?
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS
Source Code : GitHub
Productivity 🎯
9. Zen Browser
A minimalist web browser focusing on speed and user privacy, offering a distraction-free browsing experience. An alternative for the Arc Browser. Built on Firefox not the Chromium Project.
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS
Source Code : GitHub
10. Krita
A professional-grade digital painting program, perfect for artists seeking robust tools for illustration, design and even animating. Could be consider as an alternative for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Animate.
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS
Source Code : GitHub
11. kdenlive
A comprehensive video editing suite that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production. It is an acronym for KDE Non-Linear Video Editor. (Better to use Davinci Resolve cuz it's free even though it's not open source. Cuz it's a direct competitor for Adobe Premier Pro).
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS
Source Code : GitHub
12. Okular
A versatile document viewer supporting various formats, including PDFs, e-books, and images, with annotation features.
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS
Source Code : GitHub
Social Media 😒
13. ZapZap
An open-source WhatsApp Client for Linux prioritizing privacy and encryption, ensuring secure communication.
Availability : Linux
Source Code : GitHub
14. Signal Messenger
All of you guys heard of it right? Signal is renowned for its end-to-end encryption and it offers secure messaging, voice, and video calls.
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS | Android | iOS
Source Code : GitHub
Entertainment 👻
15. Elisa Music Player
A user-friendly music player with a clean interface, supporting various audio formats, playlist management and displaying time synced lyrics. An alternative for AIMP & Oto Music (stick with Oto Music btw, UI kinda sucks on Android).
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS | Android
Source Code : GitHub
16. CloudStream
Streams movies and TV shows from multiple sources, providing a vast entertainment library at your fingertips.
Availability : Android
Source Code : GitHub
17. VidBinge
18. Unyo
A lightweight comic and manga reader with customizable viewing options for an optimal reading experience.
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS
Source Code : GitHub
Artificial Intelligence 🤖
19. Ollama
An AI-powered virtual assistant that integrates with various services to streamline tasks and provide personalized assistance. A way to run Ai models locally on your device.
Availability : Windows | Linux | macOS
Source Code : GitHub
20. GPT Mobile
All in one client to use Ai models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Groq, Claude with your own API keys. Brings the power of GPT-based language models to mobile devices, enabling advanced text generation and understanding on the go.
Availability : Android
Source Code : GitHub
That’s It! 🎉
Hope you found some great open-source apps to try in 2025! If you enjoyed this list, consider supporting your favorite open-source projects by contributing, donating, or simply spreading the word. 🚀✨