For those who are not aware of Ubuntu, it is the most popular Linux distribution. Just like most Linux distributions, Ubuntu is also open-source. So, you will get the operating system almost free of cost. The operating system has become famous for a while now, mainly because of its Cloud-based computing that also supports OpenStack.
Now, if you are considering a switch to Ubuntu Operating System, you should know a list of most obvious applications for Ubuntu. Also, you should check out the alternate ones that you once used in Windows or Mac before. So, in this article, we will learn about Top 10 Essential Applications for Ubuntu Operating System.
Also Read: Introduction to Linux Distribution and Overview
Top 10 Essential Applications for Ubuntu
1. Google Chrome Browser

There is no denying that Google Chrome is the most popular web browser in the world. That is why it is first on our list. You must need a web browser to surf the internet. So, we believe that it should be Google Chrome. So, it is the apparent web browser preference for you.
Just like other operating system, Chrome supports Ubuntu. All the features that are available for different operating system, this version of Chrome is similar as well. Along with that, all the extensions and plugins are also compatible with this version of the web browser. Not only that, but even the syncing part is also covered up while you use Chrome.
2. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is one of the most popular media players that supports almost all kinds of media files along with its codecs. It has some unique features which make the media player stand-out from the rest. It is available in Windows and Mac, as well as in Ubuntu Operating System. Therefore, it is a must-have application.
VLC is the perfect fit for you as it not only supports almost every media, but you can also raise the volume up to 200%. It also has the option to resume your media file from its last position. And, the fact it is free of cost to use makes it close to mandatory in Ubuntu.
3. Skype

Skype has always been one of the most popular instant messaging applications. It is available in almost all OS, and most certainly you will also get it for your Ubuntu system. Skype has been a free-to-use app for ages now. The fact that it is ideal for both personal and commercial use makes it unique and worthy to install in your Ubuntu system as well.
You can do casual texting on this app, as well as voice chats. Not only that, Skype has been one of the best platforms to do a video conferencing over VoIP. Nowadays, the desktop application has become very light-weight, and it has improved the overall looks drastically as well.
4. Dropbox

Those days are gone when people used to store data on hard-drives. Nowadays, people prefer syncing data to cloud storage. Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage systems that people love to use. Now, apart from the online browser version, Dropbox also offers a desktop application which is available in almost every OS, including Ubuntu.
Now, the desktop app offers seamless data syncing across multiple devices. However, it would be best for you to know that the service is not free. But on the other hand, it offers 2 GB of storage free of cost.
5. GIMP

For though don’t know, GIMP is an incredible image editor, which many people believe to be the best alternative software for Adobe Photoshop. The application is there for more almost 20 years, and it is available in nearly all operating system. So, you will also get this application for your Ubuntu OS. And the best part is, it is completely free.
The app also has the necessary features of an ideal image editing software. Recently, they have also updated the overall looks too. So, you can say it has become more user-friendly. GIMP is, overall, a competent software, and you should install it in your system.
6. Shotcut

If you are a video editor and using Ubuntu OS, then Shotcut is a utility software application that we believe you must have. As the app is free to use, you can easily download it. Some people also believe that Shotcut is the direct alternate of Adobe Premiere. The app is available on Windows and Mac, and on Ubuntu OS as well.
Just like any top-notch video editing application, Shotcut too has all those essential and necessary features. So, as a video editor, it can serve you in the best possible way. It is free to use where others are quite expensive.
7. LibreOffice

Experts believe that LibreOffice is the direct replacement software for MS-Office right now. However, one of the best things is LibreOffice comes along with the Ubuntu OS. So, you don’t need to install the app manually.
Now, if you talk about its features; most of them are pretty much similar to MS-Office. It has dedicated applications identical to MS-Word, MS-Excel, and MS-PowerPoint. Not only that, it can read any existing file created in MS-Office. Moreover, you can create or edit PDF files as well. All we can say it LibreOffice is an incredible software and worthy enough to use on a regular basis.
8. Steam

If you love to play video games, you should give Steam a try. For those who are unaware of Steam; it is an online distributor of Computer Games operating since 2003. You can play 1500+ popular games using the service. Now, to use Steam, you need to install an application which is available on Windows, Mac, and of course, Ubuntu.
Steam allows you to purchase games, which are not available in Ubuntu. Understand this; all the games are not available in Ubuntu OS. What Steam does is it allows you to choose your favorite game from the vast library of games they own. Therefore, you should try the app.
9. Timeshift

While you are working on a computer, it is essential to take a backup of your work. Timeshift is a valuable utility application which allows you to restore your system to the point that you desire. However, this app is ideal for system recovery and not data recovery of your personal files.
Timeshift is available is Windows, Mac, and Linux. So, if you are a Ubuntu user, you should use this fantastic too and create restoration points. So, if anything goes wrong, you can quickly fix your system as it was before. As Ubuntu doesn’t have its own recovery tool, we suggest you install Timeshift for any unfortunate events.
10. Blender

We all fancy Autodesk Maya, if we are a 3D animator. The problem is Maya is damn expensive. So, it can be tough for you to cope up. However, we are suggesting a capable alternative – Blender!
Blender is a seamless 3D animation software capable of designing top qualify outputs. The app is available in Ubuntu as well. And, the best part is the application is 100% free to use. It covers most of the features that Maya or any other similar app has. That is why it would be best that you should install the Blender.
Conclusion
So, here is the list of Top 10 Essential Applications for Ubuntu that you must install in your system if you use Ubuntu. Now, please note that there are numerous other applications which may fit into this category. We just created a list which we believe is necessary.