Best apps for Windows
276 apps
Top Windows apps ranked by the community
The DuckDuckGo browser is a free, privacy-focused browser for iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows that uses DuckDuckGo search and blocks hidden trackers by default. The Fire Button clears tabs and data in one tap, Duck Player shows YouTube videos without personalized ads, and Email Protection forwards mail through @duck.com aliases. It also offers private Duck.ai chat and end-to-end encrypted sync.
8 DuckDuckGo Browser alternativesPros
- Blocks hidden trackers by default with no setup
- Fire Button clears tabs and data in one tap
- Built-in email aliases and Duck Player for YouTube
Cons
- No support for third-party extensions
- Fewer customization options than mainstream browsers
- No Linux version is available
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesZen Browser is a free, open source browser built on Firefox that brings an Arc-style layout to the Gecko engine: vertical tabs in a sidebar, workspaces, split view, pinned essentials and a compact mode that hides the interface. It works with Firefox add-ons and Firefox Sync, and is developed by a volunteer community for Windows, macOS and Linux.
7 Zen Browser alternativesPros
- Arc-style vertical tabs and workspaces on the Firefox engine
- Split view and compact mode for a clean workspace
- Works with Firefox add-ons and Firefox Sync
Cons
- Young volunteer-run project that still has rough edges
- No mobile version is available
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesLibreWolf is a community-maintained fork of Firefox focused on privacy and user freedom. It removes telemetry and sponsored content, ships with uBlock Origin and hardened privacy settings, defaults to privacy-respecting search engines, and clears cookies and history on exit unless you change it. It is free and open source, available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
7 LibreWolf alternativesPros
- Telemetry and sponsored content removed from Firefox
- Ships with uBlock Origin and hardened privacy settings
- Keeps compatibility with Firefox add-ons
Cons
- Strict defaults, such as clearing cookies on exit, need tweaking
- Updates can arrive a little after official Firefox releases
- No mobile version is available
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesVisual Studio Code is a free source code editor from Microsoft that runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and in the browser. It combines IntelliSense completion, a built-in debugger, Git tools and an integrated terminal with a large extensions marketplace. It is built on the MIT-licensed Code - OSS project and integrates GitHub Copilot for AI chat and agent workflows.
12 Visual Studio Code alternativesPros
- Huge extensions marketplace for almost any language or tool
- Integrated terminal, debugger and Git tools
- Remote development over SSH, in containers and with WSL
Cons
- Official builds include Microsoft telemetry and proprietary components
- As an Electron app it uses more memory than native editors
- Large extension setups can slow it down
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesSublime Text is a cross-platform text and code editor from Sublime HQ, known for its speed and low resource use. Goto Anything, multiple cursors and a command palette make large files and projects quick to navigate. It is extended with Python plugins, usually installed through the community Package Control manager. It can be evaluated for free, but a license is required for continued use.
12 Sublime Text alternativesPros
- Extremely fast, even with very large files
- Multiple cursors and Goto Anything speed up navigation and edits
- Low memory use compared with Electron-based editors
Cons
- A license is required for continued use, with reminders during evaluation
- Fewer built-in IDE features, such as debugging, than VS Code
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesIntelliJ IDEA is the JetBrains development environment for Java, Kotlin, Groovy and Scala, with deep code analysis, refactoring, a debugger and Maven and Gradle support. Since 2025 it ships as a single download: the core IDE is free, including for commercial work, and a subscription unlocks advanced Ultimate features for enterprise frameworks and web development. JetBrains AI tools are built in.
10 IntelliJ IDEA alternativesPros
- Deep code analysis and safe refactoring for Java and Kotlin
- The core IDE is free, including for commercial work
- Excellent Maven, Gradle and debugger integration
Cons
- Resource-hungry, with slow indexing on large projects
- Enterprise framework and web features require a subscription
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesWebStorm is a JetBrains IDE dedicated to JavaScript and TypeScript, with built-in support for React, Angular, Vue, Node.js and common test runners. It provides smart completion, safe refactorings, a debugger for browser and Node code, and Git tools without extra plugins. WebStorm is free for non-commercial use, and a paid license is required for commercial work.
8 WebStorm alternativesPros
- Built-in support for React, Angular, Vue and Node.js
- Smart completion and safe refactoring for JavaScript and TypeScript
- Free for non-commercial use
Cons
- Commercial use requires a paid license
- Heavier than VS Code for quick edits
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesPyCharm is the JetBrains IDE for Python, with code completion, inspections, refactoring, a graphical debugger, test runners and virtual environment management. A single distribution provides a free core for everyday Python work, while a Pro subscription unlocks advanced features for web frameworks such as Django, databases and remote development. JetBrains AI features are available in the IDE.
8 PyCharm alternativesPros
- Excellent Python completion, inspections and refactoring
- Graphical debugger, test runners and virtual environment management
- The free core covers everyday Python work
Cons
- Heavy on memory and slower to start than lighter editors
- Django, database and remote development tools require Pro
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesNeovim is a community-driven fork of Vim that keeps modal editing while modernizing the codebase. It adds first-class Lua scripting, a built-in Language Server Protocol client, Tree-sitter syntax highlighting, an embedded terminal and an RPC API that lets other programs use it as an editing engine. It is free and open source, and popular with developers who build a customized, keyboard-driven setup.
12 Neovim alternativesPros
- Lua scripting makes configuration and plugins easier to write
- Built-in LSP client and Tree-sitter highlighting
- Fast, keyboard-driven editing that runs anywhere in a terminal
Cons
- Modal editing has a steep learning curve
- Turning it into a full IDE takes time and ongoing plugin maintenance
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesVim is a highly configurable modal text editor derived from the Unix vi editor, preinstalled on many Linux and macOS systems and available for Windows. Editing is driven by keyboard commands and motions, and behavior is extended with Vim script and a large ecosystem of plugins. Created by Bram Moolenaar and now maintained by its community, it is charityware that encourages donations to help children in Uganda.
7 Vim alternativesPros
- Preinstalled on most Linux and macOS systems
- Very efficient modal editing once motions become second nature
- Lightweight, fast and ideal over SSH
Cons
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- Modern IDE features depend on plugins and configuration
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesZed is a code editor written in Rust by the creators of Atom and Tree-sitter, with a GPU-rendered interface that stays fast on large projects. It includes multiplayer editing, an agent panel that works with several AI models, edit predictions, Git tools, remote development over SSH and an extensions registry. Zed is open source under the GPL and runs on macOS, Linux and Windows; paid plans cover hosted AI usage.
12 Zed alternativesPros
- GPU-rendered interface that stays fast on large projects
- Built-in multiplayer editing and an agent panel for several AI models
- Open source under the GPL
Cons
- Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
- Some IDE features are less mature than in established editors
- Hosted AI usage requires a paid plan
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesNotepad++ is a free source code editor for Windows and a popular replacement for the built-in Notepad. Written in C++ on the Win32 API and the Scintilla editing component, it starts quickly and stays light while offering syntax highlighting for dozens of languages, tabs, macros, regular expression search and replace, and a plugin manager. It is open source under the GPL and maintained by Don Ho.
7 Notepad++ alternativesPros
- Starts instantly and stays light on resources
- Syntax highlighting for dozens of languages, tabs and macros
- Free, open source and extendable through a plugin manager
Cons
- Windows only, with no native macOS or Linux version
- Lacks the debugging, Git and project tools of a full code editor
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesPlatformsVisual Studio is Microsoft's integrated development environment for building .NET, C# and C++ applications, games and cloud services. It includes IntelliSense, an advanced debugger and profiler, visual designers, testing tools, Git integration and GitHub Copilot. The Community edition is free for individuals, students, open source and small teams, while Professional and Enterprise are paid. It runs on Windows only.
8 Visual Studio alternativesPros
- Advanced debugger and profiler for .NET and C++ apps
- Visual designers and testing tools for Windows development
- Free Community edition for individuals, students and small teams
Cons
- Windows only, as Visual Studio for Mac has been retired
- Large install and heavy resource use
- Professional and Enterprise editions are paid
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesPlatformsVSCodium is a community project that compiles the open source VS Code codebase into ready-to-use MIT-licensed binaries, with Microsoft telemetry disabled and branding removed. It offers the same editing experience, debugger, terminal and Git tools, and installs extensions from the Open VSX registry instead of the Microsoft marketplace. It suits developers who want the VS Code workflow in a fully open source package.
12 VSCodium alternativesPros
- The VS Code experience without Microsoft telemetry or branding
- Fully open source, MIT-licensed binaries
- Ready-made builds for Windows, macOS and Linux
Cons
- Open VSX lacks some extensions found in the Microsoft marketplace
- Microsoft extensions such as Pylance or Remote SSH are not officially usable
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesAndroid Studio is the official development environment for Android, built by Google on the IntelliJ platform. It provides Kotlin and Java editing, a visual layout editor, Jetpack Compose previews, an emulator, profilers and Gradle builds for phones, tablets, Wear OS, Android TV and cars. Gemini in Android Studio adds AI help for writing code and fixing errors. It is free on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS.
7 Android Studio alternativesPros
- Official, complete Android toolkit, free on all desktop systems
- Emulator, profilers and Compose previews built in
- Gemini helps write code and fix build errors
Cons
- Heavy on RAM and CPU, especially with the emulator running
- Gradle builds can be slow on large projects
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesGNU Emacs is a free, extensible text editor built around an Emacs Lisp interpreter, so almost every part of it can be reshaped. It supports programming with language servers through Eglot, debugger integration and built-in shells, and many people also use it for Org mode notes and planning, email and file management. Packages install from ELPA archives. It is part of the GNU Project and licensed under the GPL.
7 GNU Emacs alternativesPros
- Almost every part can be reshaped with Emacs Lisp
- Org mode is a powerful system for notes, tasks and planning
- Huge package ecosystem through the ELPA archives
Cons
- Steep learning curve and unusual default keybindings
- Needs significant configuration to match a modern IDE
- Can slow down with heavy configurations or very large files
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesPostman is an API platform for sending HTTP, GraphQL, gRPC and WebSocket requests, organizing them in collections and automating tests. It also covers API design, documentation, mock servers, monitors and AI-assisted features, with shared workspaces for teams. Postman runs on the web and as a desktop app; the free plan is limited to a single user, and team collaboration requires a paid plan.
6 Postman alternativesPros
- Covers the API lifecycle from design and testing to docs and monitors
- Large public network of shared API collections to start from
- Collection runner and scripts automate test suites, including in CI
Cons
- Free plan is limited to one user; team collaboration requires a paid plan
- The app feels heavy and cluttered for sending a quick request
- Cloud-centric workflow is a concern for teams handling sensitive APIs
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesInsomnia is an open source API client from Kong for designing and debugging REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket and server-sent event APIs. It supports collections, environments, scripting, test suites, mock servers, OpenAPI design and plugins. Projects can stay local, sync with Git or live in the cloud with end-to-end encryption, and paid plans add team collaboration and enterprise controls.
6 Insomnia alternativesPros
- REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket and SSE requests in one client
- Projects can stay local or sync through Git instead of the cloud
- Built-in mock servers, test suites and OpenAPI design
Cons
- Team collaboration and enterprise controls require a paid plan
- Storage options (local, Git, cloud) changed across versions and can be confusing
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesBruno is an open source API client that keeps collections as plain-text files on your disk rather than in a vendor cloud. Requests live next to your code and can be versioned and reviewed with Git like any other file. It handles REST and GraphQL requests, environments, scripting and assertions, and works fully offline without an account. Paid editions add advanced Git tools, AI assistance and enterprise features.
6 Bruno alternativesPros
- Collections stored as plain-text files you can version with Git
- Works fully offline, with no account required
- Open source, with REST, GraphQL, scripting and assertions
Cons
- No built-in cloud sync: teams share collections through Git
- Advanced Git tools and AI features need a paid edition
- Smaller ecosystem than long-established API clients
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesHoppscotch is an open source API client that runs in the browser, as a desktop app or on your own server. It tests REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, Socket.IO, MQTT and server-sent events with collections, environments, pre-request scripts and tests. Teams can share workspaces, and organizations can self-host the whole platform with Docker. A browser extension helps send requests that CORS would otherwise block.
6 Hoppscotch alternativesPros
- Runs in the browser with nothing to install
- Supports REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, Socket.IO, MQTT and SSE
- The whole platform can be self-hosted with Docker
Cons
- In the browser, CORS limits require an extension or proxy
- Some team and enterprise features are paid
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesHTTPie is a family of HTTP clients designed to make working with APIs readable and quick. The open source command-line tool offers an intuitive syntax, built-in JSON support, colorized output, sessions and plugins, and is widely used in scripts and documentation. HTTPie for Web and Desktop adds a graphical interface with collections and environments, and HTTPie AI turns plain-language prompts into requests.
6 HTTPie alternativesPros
- Readable command-line syntax that is easier to type than curl
- Formatted, colorized JSON output makes responses quick to scan
- One tool covers terminal scripts and a graphical app on desktop and web
Cons
- The graphical app has fewer testing and automation features than full API platforms
- Not preinstalled like curl, so scripts carry an extra dependency
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesYaak is a desktop API client created by Gregory Schier, the original author of Insomnia. It handles REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket and server-sent event requests, stores them as files that work with Git, and supports plugins for auth, importers and template functions. No account is required and secrets can be encrypted. Yaak is open source under MIT and free for personal use, with a paid license for use at work.
6 Yaak alternativesPros
- Requests are stored as plain files that work well with Git
- No account needed, with optional encryption for secrets
- Fast, clean desktop app from the original author of Insomnia
Cons
- Use at work requires a paid license
- Younger project with a smaller plugin ecosystem than Postman
- Desktop only, with team sharing handled through Git rather than a cloud workspace
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesSpotify is a streaming service for music, podcasts and audiobooks, known for personalized playlists such as Discover Weekly and its recommendation features. The free tier is ad-supported with some playback limits, while Premium removes ads, allows offline downloads and includes lossless audio. Spotify Connect lets you move playback between phones, computers, speakers, TVs and cars.
9 Spotify alternativesPros
- Strong personalized playlists and recommendations, like Discover Weekly
- Spotify Connect hands playback between phones, speakers, TVs and cars
- Free ad-supported tier and apps on nearly every platform
Cons
- Free tier has ads and playback limits, especially on mobile
- Podcasts and audiobooks crowd the interface for music-only listeners
- Offline downloads require a Premium subscription
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesApple Music is Apple's subscription streaming service with a large catalog, curated playlists, live radio stations and time-synced lyrics. Subscriptions include lossless audio and Dolby Atmos spatial audio at no extra cost, and the service works with Siri, the iCloud Music Library and Apple devices. It is also available on Android, Windows and the web, with a free trial for new subscribers.
9 Apple Music alternativesPros
- Lossless and Dolby Atmos spatial audio at no extra cost
- Time-synced lyrics, live radio and curated playlists
- Deep integration with Siri and Apple devices
Cons
- No free tier beyond the trial
- Best experienced on Apple devices, with other platforms feeling secondary
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesDeezer is a French music streaming service with a large catalog, podcasts and Flow, an endless personalized mix that adapts to your taste. Premium plans remove ads, unlock offline listening and stream in lossless FLAC quality, and the apps include synced lyrics and song recognition. A free ad-supported tier is also available, with features that vary by country.
9 Deezer alternativesPros
- Flow builds an endless mix tuned to your taste
- Lossless FLAC streaming on Premium plans
- Synced lyrics and built-in song recognition
Cons
- Free tier has ads and limits that vary by country
- Offline listening requires a paid plan
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesTIDAL is a music streaming service focused on sound quality, streaming in lossless and hi-res FLAC as well as Dolby Atmos. It offers curated playlists, music videos and detailed artist credits, and integrates with many hi-fi systems and network streamers. TIDAL no longer has a free tier: a single paid plan includes every audio quality level, and new users can start with a free trial.
9 TIDAL alternativesPros
- Lossless and hi-res FLAC streaming included in a single plan
- Detailed artist credits and curated playlists for music fans
- Works with many hi-fi systems and network streamers
Cons
- No free tier, only a trial before the paid plan
- Music discovery features are less developed than on Spotify
- No official desktop app for Linux
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesAmazon Music is Amazon's streaming service for music and podcasts. Prime members can listen to a large catalog in shuffle mode along with some on-demand playlists, while Amazon Music Unlimited is a separate subscription with full on-demand listening, HD and Ultra HD lossless audio and spatial audio. A free ad-supported tier is offered in some countries, and the service integrates closely with Alexa and Echo devices.
8 Amazon Music alternativesPros
- Included with Prime for shuffle-based listening
- Unlimited plan offers HD and Ultra HD lossless plus spatial audio
- Tight integration with Alexa and Echo devices
Cons
- The Prime tier is mostly shuffle play with limited on-demand control
- Full on-demand listening needs a separate Unlimited subscription
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesQobuz is a French music service focused on high-resolution audio, streaming in lossless and hi-res FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Alongside streaming it runs a store for buying hi-res album downloads, and adds editorial content such as reviews, liner notes and digital booklets, with a catalog known for its classical and jazz coverage. There is no free tier, but paid plans can be tried for free first.
8 Qobuz alternativesPros
- Lossless and hi-res FLAC streaming aimed at audiophiles
- Store for buying hi-res album downloads
- Reviews, digital booklets and a strong classical and jazz catalog
Cons
- No free tier, only a trial
- Personalized recommendations are less developed than on bigger services
- No podcasts, unlike most mainstream rivals
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesVLC is a free and open source media player from the VideoLAN non-profit that handles most video and audio formats, DVDs, audio CDs and network streams without installing extra codecs. It supports subtitles, hardware decoding, filters, format conversion and streaming, and can be extended with add-ons and skins. It runs on desktop and mobile platforms, with no ads, tracking or paid tier.
9 VLC media player alternativesPros
- Plays almost any file, disc or stream without extra codecs
- Free and open source, with no ads or tracking
- Available on desktop and mobile platforms
Cons
- Interface looks dated next to more modern players
- Advanced settings are buried in complex preference menus
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesmpv is a free, open source media player for the command line with a minimal on-screen controller. Built on FFmpeg and descended from MPlayer, it plays a wide range of formats, renders high-quality video with GPU shaders and hardware decoding, and is configured through text files and key bindings. Lua and JavaScript scripts extend it, and the libmpv library powers front ends such as IINA.
9 mpv alternativesPros
- Excellent video quality with GPU shaders and hardware decoding
- Highly scriptable with Lua and JavaScript
- libmpv powers other front ends such as IINA
Cons
- Minimal interface with no menus or playlist manager by default
- Configuration lives in text files, which deters casual users
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategories
