{"id":843,"date":"2024-11-21T04:34:08","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T02:34:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/raspberrytips.com\/?p=843"},"modified":"2025-11-11T08:35:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T06:35:50","slug":"best-apps-raspberry-pi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/raspberrytips.com\/best-apps-raspberry-pi\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Best Apps to Use a Raspberry Pi as a Desktop PC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Finding apps that work well with Raspberry Pi is important if you plan on using it as a replacement for your desktop computer. But when there are so many out there, it’s hard to tell which ones are the best. Today you’re in luck because I’ve done all of the hard work for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Category<\/strong><\/th>Best application<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Email client<\/td>Thunderbird<\/td><\/tr>
Graphics<\/td>MyPaint<\/td><\/tr>
Development<\/td>Visual Studio Code<\/td><\/tr>
Web browser<\/td>Brave<\/td><\/tr>
Office<\/td>LibreOffice<\/td><\/tr>
Console<\/td>Terminator<\/td><\/tr>
Printer management<\/td>CUPS<\/td><\/tr>
Movies<\/td>VLC<\/td><\/tr>
Music<\/td>QMMP<\/td><\/tr>
Instant messaging<\/td>Pidgin<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Recommended apps on Raspberry Pi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This list was created after two days of using a Raspberry Pi as a desktop computer. You might know some of these apps already, but I’ll introduce each with a picture and a short description explaining why you need it on your Raspberry Pi<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have written a complete tutorial on how to install new apps on Raspberry Pi<\/a>, feel free to read it first, especially if the apps you are interested in aren’t available with traditional methods.<\/p>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for inspiration for your next Raspberry Pi project, I\u2019ve put together a list of 75+ ideas<\/a> with full descriptions, difficulty ratings, and links to tutorials. Whether you\u2019re a beginner or more advanced, there\u2019s something here for you. Grab the list for free here<\/b><\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n

Synaptic<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"synaptic<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Synaptic is the Debian package manager. It will help you find and install new software on your Raspberry Pi.
<\/strong>It’s equivalent to the default “Add\/Remove Software” with more features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can see all Raspberry Pi OS packages on one page, browse by categories or search for specific words. And you’ll get all menus on the top bar, a feature we don’t have on the default software.
It allows you to add repositories, customize the tool, or use a script to download packages automatically from a previous installation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you always use the apt<\/em> command to manage packages, you won’t need this tool. However, for desktop usage of the Raspberry Pi<\/a>, I will be recommending mostly graphical software. You can install Synaptic in the same way you install other programs on Raspberry Pi OS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before installing any apps, make sure you’re using a fast SD card with enough space for everything. I don’t know about you, but I hate having to start all over again because I didn’t choose my materials wisely. If you’re not sure if your SD card is good enough, you can check my benchmark of the best SD cards here<\/a>. I have compared them all, and I give you the best recommendation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note<\/strong>: If you want to see all these steps in action, I have a video lesson available for the community members. You can join here and watch it directly<\/a> if you are interested (with 20+ other lessons for Raspberry Pi and many other benefits).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

XFCE4<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"raspberry<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The old-school default desktop environment was just not for me.
If I have to use the Raspberry Pi as my computer, I’d rather install a better interface.
I have chosen XFCE4, but depending on your needs, other possibilities exist.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think XFCE4 strikes a good balance between performance and design.
<\/strong>You’ll get the applications menu on the top left (I like that) and a dock with the main shortcuts at the bottom of the screen (you can customize it as you want).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The installation process is a little unusual, so I’ll give you all the steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n