The 5 Linux AppImages I depend on daily – and how to add them to your desktop menu

Linux offers several methods for installing applications, including the default package managers, source, Snap, Flatpak, and AppImages. For a long time, AppImages had a bad reputation, but they have come a long way. In fact, there are some Linux apps that are available only as AppImages.

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One reason AppImages are appealing is that a company or development team can build a single version of an app and release it. This prevents developers from having to build versions for each distribution/desktop combination.

I have been using AppImages for a long time, and I have found that some of them are crucial for helping me get through my day.

What are AppImages?

I covered this topic in my article about AppImages and how you use them. Essentially, AppImages are containerized applications that include all dependencies and everything necessary to run the app within a single bundle.

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Typically, AppImages are run from the command line because the default systems don’t allow them to be added to the desktop menu. That’s where Gear Lever comes in. Gear Lever can add menu entries for AppImages so that those apps can be started with a click of the mouse instead of having to type a command in the terminal. 

Because there are certain Linux apps that are available only as AppImages, you’d be remiss not to give them a try.

With that said, here are my favorite Linux AppImage apps.

1. Perplexity

Perplexity is the newest app in my AppImage toolbox. I use Perplexity for research on a daily basis and prefer the desktop app (instead of the web-based version) because I find it easier to use and it doesn’t require me to have yet another tab open in my already busy browser. I have covered Perplexity quite a bit over the past year, so the only thing I will add is that the desktop client makes it easy to conduct deep research on subjects without needing to write overly complex queries.

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I will mention that there is also a Snap package option for Perplexity. Neither that version nor the AppImage are from the official Perplexity team, but both work well. You can download the file from the AppImage Hub.

2. Standard Notes

There is no better note-taking app for Linux than Standard Notes. You can read my official take on the app, where I called it the best note-taking app on the market. Standard Notes is another app that is available only as an AppImage for Linux, and it is very much worth installing. 

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With this app, I can create notes, organize notes into folders, tag notes, add links, pin notes, use focus mode, and much more. Although there are many note-taking apps on the market, Standard Notes sets the bar so high that most other apps cannot compare. Standard Notes offers end-to-end encryption, unlimited device sync, plain-text notes, offline access, tags, password-protected notes, full data export, two-factor authentication, daily encrypted email backups, and community support. And that’s just the free version!

You can download the Standard Notes AppImage from the official site and use it for free.

3. Session

Session is one of my favorite messaging apps because it takes privacy seriously. Instead of having a username (which could include associated details about a user), you get a random string of characters to serve as your username. Although I don’t use Session for every chat, I do use it when I need an added layer of privacy or need to communicate anonymously. You won’t find a messaging app that is better suited to keep your discussions private and anonymous. The only caveat to using Session is that, due to its strong emphasis on privacy, there is a slight learning curve.

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You can download the Session AppImage (and use the app/service for free) from the official site.

4. Audacity

Any time I need to record audio on my desktop (which is often), I turn to Audacity. This open-source, multi-track digital audio workstation is not only powerful and flexible but also easy to use. You also get plenty of plugins to help you clean up your audio or even add various types of effects. One of my favorite features of Audacity is the ability to remove background noise for better-sounding podcasts. I have used Audacity to record audiobooks, podcasts, and audio for stage productions. Although I have Apple’s GarageBand at my disposal, I prefer to use Audacity because of its simplicity.

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You can download the AppImage for Audacity from the official site.

5. Bitwarden

Bitwarden has been my password manager of choice for years because it is not only feature-rich but also open-source. I have even gone as far as installing the Bitwarden server on my LAN so I can create local vaults for extra privacy. Bitwarden includes all the features you need in a password manager, such as strong end-to-end encryption, a password generator, and Bitwarden Send (for sending encrypted messages or files). I use Bitwarden on my Linux desktops (via an AppImage) as well as on Android and macOS. If you’re looking for the best password manager on the market, this is it.

Also: Bitwarden vs. 1Password: Which password manager is best?

You can download the Bitwarden AppImage from the official site.

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