Chromebooks have come a long way from being “just a browser with a keyboard.” Thanks to Linux on ChromeOS (Crostini), you can now run full-fledged desktop applications right alongside your web apps. Once Linux is enabled, your Chromebook starts feeling less like a lightweight laptop and more like a compact Linux workstation.
If you’re wondering which Linux apps are actually worth installing on a Chromebook, this guide breaks it all down. Below, we cover the best Linux apps you can run on a Chromebook, what they’re useful for, and why they make sense on ChromeOS.
Best Linux Apps You Can Run on a Chromebook
Before getting started, make sure Linux is enabled on your Chromebook by opening Settings, navigating to About ChromeOS, then Developers, and turning on the Linux development environment option.
1. Visual Studio Code
If you write code on a Chromebook, Visual Studio Code is almost mandatory. It runs smoothly inside the Linux container and supports a wide range of programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, C++, and Go.
What makes VS Code ideal for Chromebooks is its balance between performance and features. It’s lightweight compared to full IDEs, offers excellent Git integration, and has one of the largest extension ecosystems available.
To install and set up Visual Studio Code on a Chromebook, you can follow the official guide, Installing VS Code on Chromebooks.
2. Audacity
Audacity is a popular audio editor that works reliably on Chromebooks using Linux. It’s an excellent choice for podcast recording, voiceovers, and basic music editing tasks, especially if you want more control than web-based audio tools can offer.
Audacity supports multi-track recording, noise reduction, audio effects, and a wide range of file formats, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate users.
It’s lightweight, easy to learn, and performs well even on mid-range Chromebook hardware, which makes it one of the most practical Linux apps you can install on ChromeOS.
Simply run the following command in the Terminal:
sudo apt install audacity -y3. Shotcut
Shotcut is a powerful, open-source video editor that runs well on Chromebooks using Linux. It’s a great option if you want a simpler alternative to heavier editors like Kdenlive while still getting access to advanced editing tools.
Shotcut supports a wide range of video and audio formats, timeline-based editing, filters, transitions, and hardware-accelerated playback on supported devices. Its interface is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it a solid choice for YouTube videos, screen recordings, and short video projects on ChromeOS.
Because Shotcut is relatively lightweight compared to full professional editors, it performs better on mid-range Chromebooks and doesn’t overwhelm the system, especially for basic to intermediate editing tasks.
Simply run this command in the terminal to install it:
sudo apt install shotcut -y4. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player works exceptionally well on Chromebooks through Linux. It supports almost every media format and offers better codec compatibility, subtitle support, and advanced playback controls than most browser-based players.
VLC is especially useful if you frequently play downloaded videos, local media files, or uncommon formats that web players struggle with. Once installed, it integrates smoothly with the Linux file system and provides features like playback speed control, audio synchronization, and screenshot capture.
Here’s how you can install it on a Chromebook. Open the Terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt install vlc -y5. GIMP
GIMP is one of the most powerful image editors available on Linux and works great on Chromebooks. It is ideal for photo editing, image manipulation, and general graphic design tasks.
Compared to web-based editors, GIMP offers deeper control, plugin support, and full offline functionality. It includes advanced tools such as layers, masks, custom brushes, filters, and color adjustment options that allow you to edit images with precision. It also supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD, PNG, JPG, and TIFF, making it easy to work with files from other design programs.
Another advantage of GIMP is its flexibility. You can customize the interface, install additional plugins, and extend its capabilities based on your workflow.
Here is the terminal command you can use to install it on a Chromebook:
sudo apt-get install gimp -y6. LibreOffice
While Google Docs and Sheets are excellent, there are times when you need a full desktop office suite. LibreOffice provides powerful tools for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, all while working completely offline.
It includes applications such as Writer for word processing, Calc for spreadsheets, and Impress for creating presentations. These tools offer advanced formatting options, templates, charts, and other productivity features that make them suitable for both personal and professional work.
LibreOffice is also highly compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX, so you can easily open and edit files shared by others.
Here is the terminal command you can use to install it on a Chromebook:
sudo apt-get install libreoffice -y7. Microsoft Edge
If you prefer using a browser other than Chrome on your Chromebook, Microsoft Edge is a great option. Edge is built on the Chromium engine, which means it offers excellent performance, strong compatibility with modern websites, and support for Chrome extensions.
It also includes useful features such as built-in tracking prevention, vertical tabs, collections, and integration with Microsoft services. Running Edge through the Linux environment allows Chromebook users to access a full desktop browsing experience.
We already have a guide on how to install Microsoft Edge on a Chromebook. Simply follow the guide to install it on your device.
8. Firefox
Firefox is another excellent browser you can install on a Chromebook using the Linux development environment. It is known for its strong privacy protections, open-source development, and customizable browsing experience.
Firefox also supports a wide range of extensions and developer tools, making it a great choice for both everyday browsing and web development tasks. If you prefer a non-Chromium browser, Firefox provides a fast and reliable alternative.
Here is the terminal command you can use to install it on a Chromebook:
sudo apt-get install firefox-esr -y9. FileZilla
FileZilla is a fast and reliable FTP, FTPS, and SFTP client used for transferring files between your computer and a remote server. It is widely used by developers, bloggers, and website administrators to upload, download, and manage website files. The simple drag-and-drop interface makes file transfers quick and easy.
On a Chromebook, FileZilla can be especially useful if you manage a website or blog and need to upload files directly from your device. Once installed through the Linux development environment, you can easily transfer files between your Chromebook and your web hosting server without relying on browser-based tools.
Install it with the following command:
sudo apt-get install filezilla -y10. Evolution
Evolution is a powerful email client and personal information management tool that combines email, calendar, contacts, and task management in one application. It provides features such as message filtering, scheduling, and offline email access.
For Chromebook users who prefer a desktop-style email experience, Evolution works well through the Linux environment. It allows you to manage multiple email accounts and stay organized even when you are not connected to the internet.
Use the following command in the Linux terminal to install Evolution:
sudo apt-get install evolution -y11. Inkscape
Inkscape is a powerful vector graphics editor that is perfect for creating illustrations, logos, icons, and complex graphic designs. It supports SVG files and includes advanced tools for drawing, path editing, layers, and typography.
When installed on a Chromebook using the Linux development environment, Inkscape provides a professional design experience similar to desktop design software. It’s an excellent option for students, designers, and content creators who want advanced design tools on ChromeOS.
Here is the terminal command you can use to install it on a Chromebook:
sudo apt-get install inkscape -y12. OpenShot
OpenShot is a beginner-friendly video editor that offers powerful editing features such as timeline editing, transitions, visual effects, and title creation. It supports many video formats and provides an easy-to-use interface for editing videos.
Chromebook users can install OpenShot through Linux to perform basic video editing tasks directly on their device. This is especially useful for creating YouTube videos, editing short clips, or working on school and personal video projects.
You can install OpenShot using this terminal command:
sudo apt-get install openshot -yAre Linux Apps Worth Using on a Chromebook?
Yes, absolutely, as long as you understand your Chromebook’s hardware limits. Linux apps can transform your Chromebook into a capable development machine, a creative workstation, or a productivity-focused laptop.
Devices with modern Intel or AMD processors and at least 8GB of RAM deliver the best Linux experience, while entry-level Chromebooks benefit most from lightweight apps. The ability to run web apps, Android apps, and full Linux desktop software on the same device still feels impressive.
