Let’s face it: There are thousands of applications waiting to be installed in your computer, but what are the best ones? We’re here to help. Having been a user and administrator of computers, I can personally testify that there are a lot of software that are clunky and confusing, because they’re poorly designed or feature-less. I’ve played with a lot of softwares myself and grown increasingly frustrated when I need to install them on my computer. But then I found the following lists.
The founding fathers of the web couldn’t have imagined how much technology would advance over the years, and how much it would change our lives. Technology has made our lives easier in many ways. Nowadays, there are free tools that can make your workflow faster or help you monitor the performance of your website.
10 free software that are actually great 2019
If you’re looking for some great software to use at home or at work, but you don’t want to spend a dime on your new program, here are 10 excellent options that won’t cost you a penny.
- Microsoft Office 365: This is a great way to get an office suite without paying out the nose for it. It has all of the programs you need—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook—and they’re all fully functional. You can even get them on mobile devices so you can access them wherever you go. There’s also OneDrive storage included if you want to store files in the cloud instead of on your computer. The only drawback is that it requires an internet connection to work properly (and because it’s cloud-based).
- LibreOffice: If you don’t want to commit to Microsoft Office 365 but still want something similar, LibreOffice is a good alternative. It has many of the same features as Google Docs and other online applications do for word processing and spreadsheets but it’s also compatible with older versions of Microsoft Office so if someone sends you a document in Word format then there’s no problem opening it up in LibreOffice as well
10 free software that are actually great 2019
In the age of the cloud, it’s hard to believe that there are still so many people who use Microsoft Office or Google Docs for their day-to-day work. But for a lot of people, those tools are just fine. They’re familiar, they work well enough, and they don’t cost any money.
But if you’re looking for something different—something more powerful, more flexible, or just plain better than what you’re using now—there are plenty of options out there that are completely free. Here are 10 of them:
10 free software that are actually great 2019
It’s a mobile world, but we have not fully abandoned the desktop. The real work (and a lot of the play) of computing requires a full personal computing system, and to get the most out of that, you need software.
Software can be expensive, but free programs have been a mainstay of the desktop experience for decades, and today’s offerings are pretty powerful. You can find all manner of free audio and video editors, office suites, file utilities, organizers, photo converters, and more. Software developers can adopt an ad-based model, donation-ware to keep things afloat, or a shareware/freemium model that charges for extra features.
To be included in this roundup, the software must be available directly from the developer/creator/original publisher. It should (typically) have a Windows-based download—no browser extensions here because we’re not all on the same browser. However, we’ve included web-based apps that are as good as, or better than, most downloadable programs.
If the software is on a tiered sales model, the free version cannot be trial-ware. It has to have at least a free-for-life option. Preferably, the program had an update in the last year or two, and the program should have little or no advertising to support it. Finally, this list is about software for productivity; there are plenty of other places to find free PC games.
Something to always watch for: crapware installers. To make ends meet, many creators of otherwise great free software, or the services that offer the programs for download, bundle in things you don’t want. Worse, the installation routine obfuscates the steps, so you provide the unwanted program tacit permission to be installed. For more about how to spot and avoid this problem, see How to Rid a New PC of Crapware.
A related pro tip: Only download desktop software from the maker of the software directly. It’s not foolproof—after all, developers want to eat, too—but it helps.
For more free software, check out The 100 Best iPhone Apps and The 100 Best Android Apps.
Did we miss any free programs you can’t live without? Let us know in the comments.
Best Free Audio/Video Software
Best Free Audio Editing Software
Audacity
4.0
Windows, macOS, Linux
Open-source Audacity(Opens in a new window) can record and edit audio files on more tracks than you can imagine. It then outputs exactly what you need. It is perfect for noobs and pros alike, on any desktop OS.
MSRP Free
at Audacity See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Video Converter
Handbrake
3.5
Windows, macOS, Linux
No one would call HandBrake(Opens in a new window) simple, but for power and comprehensiveness, it’s hard for any other video transcoder to compete. Transcode means to convert; Handbrake will turn almost any video format into another video format. It’s free, it’s open-source, and it has years of practice.
Best Free Video Editing
Shotcut
3.5
Windows, macOS, Linux
While it lacks the slick interface found in most other video editors, Shotcut(Opens in a new window)‘s got lots of other powers, all without paying—you have nothing to lose but time in trying it out. You can undock panels as you work, customizing the editing on screen, which is great on multi-monitor setups.
MSRP Free
Best Free Game Recording/Streaming Software
Streamlabs OBS
Windows, Web, iOS, Android
Stream your video gaming with Logitech’s Streamlabs Open Broadcasting System(Opens in a new window) (aka SLOBS), directly to YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook. You can even switch between gameplay and your own camera to make some commentary. There may be a bit of a learning curve due to the power it wields, but you can find plenty of help online.
at Streamlabs See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Video Player
VLC media player
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
The premier way to watch just about any video, ever, no matter what the weird codec, VLC media player(Opens in a new window) has features like auto-rotating those smartphone videos taken at the wrong orientation, and resuming playback from where you stopped. Seriously, VLC plays back anything on all desktop platforms, and it guarantees it comes with no ads, tracking, or spyware. (For more, read How to Play DVDs in Windows 10.)
MSRP Free
at VideoLAN Organization See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Communication Software
Best Free Messaging Software
Discord
4.5
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation
Millions of people worldwide use Discord for text and voice and video chatting—mainly while kicking each other’s arses in online games or watching streams of gameplay from services like Twitch or Caffeine. Even Microsoft wanted to buy it. You can spend a monthly ($9.99) or annual ($99.99) fee to go premium for better video/audio quality and to upload larger files.
Per Month, Starts at $9.99
at Discord See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Remote Access
TeamViewer
4.0
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, browsers
PCMag’s top pick for software to take control of other computers is TeamViewer(Opens in a new window). Almost everything you need is free for personal use: desktop sharing, file transfers, and even chatting with remote users. The setup couldn’t be easier. Take control of a remote PC over an internet connection with the app, or use a browser (even in Chrome OS) with the TeamViewer (Opens in a new window)extension. (That said, remote access tools can be abused, so don’t turn it on unless you’re on the phone with the person you’re allowing access to. Turn it off after.)
Per User, Per Month, Starts at Free
Best Free Video Conferencing
Zoom Meetings
4.5
Windows, macOS, Linux, web, iOS, Android
Want to host an online conference for you and 100 of your closest friends? Zoom Meetings can let them all view what you’re showing (or just your face) for up to 40 minutes from any device, even a smartphone. Plus, you can chat all you want. It’s a PCMag Editors’ Choice award winner, and it made our list of the Best Tech Products of 2021, too. (Also check out our guide to top zoom tips.)
Per User, Per Month, Starts at $14.99
at Zoom Meetings See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Writing and Design Software
Best Free Desktop Publishing Tool
Scribus
Windows, macOS, Linux
Scribus(Opens in a new window) is the open-source equivalent of Adobe InDesign for desktop publishing, or as close as you can get. It has built-in color separation and management and a lot more, all for nothing.
at Scribus See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Writing Tool (Screenwriters)
Trelby
Windows, Linux
Fancy yourself a budding screenwriter, but lack the funds to buy high-end tools like Final Draft? Trelby(Opens in a new window) does a damn fine job of helping you keep the formatting correct, remember character names, and even import and export to formats used in Hollywood.
at Trelby See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Writing Tool
yWriter
3.5
Windows, macOS, iOS
The highly structured interface of yWriter is there to help the budding or experienced novelist get a real handle on their story and the characters who may be trying to overtake it. The program is full of stats on what you have written, giving you a data-driven writing experience. yWriter doesn’t have the depth of Scrivener, but it does have a much lower price (Spoiler: It’s free! Or you can make a donation.)
MSRP Free
at yWriter See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Entertainment Software
Best Free Maps Software
Google Earth Pro
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
As if high-end software that lets you fly across the globe isn’t cool enough—especially with all the same features as its online/mobile sibling, Google Maps—Google Earth Pro(Opens in a new window) for the desktop is totally free. It includes advanced features such as high-resolution printing, distance measuring, and global guided tours. Although it also comes in web and mobile versions, the desktop version is the only one that lets you also view satellite images of the moon and Mars. (Plus, it has star maps.)
at Google Earth See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Media Center
Plex TV
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation, Smart TVs, media hubs, NAS devices
If you don’t know or care what a media server is—you just want to stream your videos and music collection around the house—Plex is probably for you. Install it on all your devices, point it at some media, and those audio and video files become available on everything…even remotely over the internet. (For more, read How to Set Up a Plex Server, How to Share Your Plex Libraries, How to Organize Your Plex Media Library, and The Expert’s Guide to Managing Your Plex Server.)
at Plex See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Social Media Software
TikTok Windows
Windows, iOS, Android, Web
You probably think of TikTok as a mobile-only phenomenon. But not only can you access the video wonderland on the desktop at TikTok.com(Opens in a new window) to see your For You page, but there’s also a well-done app for it right in the Windows Store. TikTok Windows won’t work with your webcam, but you can use it to upload video you edit to perfection with desktop video tools. It’s all free but has ads for support—just like on the mobile versions, they show up looking like videos you might want to see.
at Microsoft Store See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Imaging Software
Best Free File Viewer and Converter
Faststone Image Viewer
Windows only
View, manage, and compare your images with this fast and intuitive freebie. FastStone Image Viewer(Opens in a new window) supports a slew of image formats, plus a ton of RAW image formats from specific digital camera manufacturers. It has companion apps for screenshots and photo resizing.
at FastStone See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Graphics Software (Vector Editing)
Inkscape
3.0
Windows, macOS, Linux
Adobe Illustrator is the high-water mark of vector image editing, but it has the premium price to match. You can still get cross-platform Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) image creation with the free Inkscape. You’ll have to work a little harder to learn it, but it may be exactly what a talented (but cash-strapped or subscription-shy) artist needs.
MSRP Free
at INKSCAPE See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Graphics Software (Bitmap Editing)
Paint.net
Windows only
Is Paint.net(Opens in a new window) a perfect replacement for Photoshop? Nothing is as powerful, but at this price—free—Paint.net is pretty close. For any minor (and some major) picture manipulation, it’s fast, comprehensive, and easy to use.
at paint.net See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Productivity Software
Best Free PDF Reader
Foxit PDF Reader
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web
Just about any browser will read a PDF. But Foxit PDF Reader(Opens in a new window) is free for not just reading, but also annotation collaboration on the files (at least with the Windows version; other versions may be more limited). Send PDF files between them and even update the contents after the fact, thanks be to the cloud. (For more, read How to Convert PDFs to Word Documents and Image Files.)
at Foxit See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Office Suite
LibreOffice
3.0
Windows, macOS, Linux
Free office suites aren’t many, and only one is a download for the major desktop operating systems. The open-source LibreOffice, now in version 7, suffers a bit in the polish department, lacks collaboration features, and sports an overstuffed toolbar interface that might remind you of Microsoft Office a decade ago. But it’s powerful nevertheless, and it easily converts/imports files from other systems. It comes with a word processor (Writer), a spreadsheet (Calc), a presentation program (Impress), a vector drawing program (Draw), and even a full database (Base) and math-formula editor (Math). And it’s all utterly and completely free.
MSRP Free
at LibreOffice See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Note-Taking App
Microsoft OneNote
4.0
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web
Once just a part of Microsoft Office, the sublime OneNote has become a free, standalone powerhouse for note-taking across all the major OSes. It still works with Office, syncs data across all platforms, and has full online access via Office.com, with storage via OneDrive. That’s why it’s our Editors’ Choice pick for note storage.
Per Year, Starts at $69.99
at Microsoft Store See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Browser
Mozilla Firefox
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
The venerable browser Firefox(Opens in a new window) remains highly customizable; strong on security, privacy, and performance; and supports a slew of new standards. (For more, read Which Browser Is Best?, plus our Top Firefox Tips.)
MSRP Free
at Mozilla VPN See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Text Editor
Notepad++
Windows only
Notepad++(Opens in a new window) is nothing like the anemic Notepad most Windows users grew used to over the decades. This free download has tabs, color-coded nesting text, WYSIWYG printing, and even support for macros. It’s a must for hand-coders or any writer who wants a minimalist interface.
at Notepad++ See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Security Software
Best Free Antivirus
Avast One Essential
4.5
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Our Editors’ Choice award winner for free antivirus this year, Avast One Essential really is essential if you’ve got a Windows computer. It’s a top-scorer against malware in lab tests, and it did great in our hands-on tests, too. It has a whole new look, and it offers more free protection than ever.
MSRP Free
PCMag Editor’s Choice for Free AntiVirus
at AVAST See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Password Manager
Bitwarden
4.0
Windows (including a Microsoft Store app), macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browser extensions
You’ll see many password managers out there, and a few of them have a free tier, but none is so completely free as the fully open-source Bitwarden Free. (You can pay for extra features, if you want them.) The free version has unlimited password storage and full sync across all your devices. It even includes a full multi-factor authentication app. (For more, read our guide to the Best Free Password Managers.)
MSRP Free
Best Free Secure Browser
Brave
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Do you want to stop the trackers watching you online dead in their digital tracks? Going incognito on a standard browser isn’t enough. You need to use a full-on privacy browser, one that blocks the cookies and especially the fingerprinting of your whole browser and computer. Brave(Opens in a new window) is one of a slew of them with a rating for strong protection from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, but it also adds in advanced protection against fingerprinting. (For details, read The Best Private Browsers.)
MSRP Free
Best Free VPN
Proton VPN
4.5
Windows, ChromeOS, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
You probably should pay for a VPN, but you can skip it with a tool like the PCMag Editors’ Choice award winner ProtonVPN, albeit with a few restrictions. That said, it’s not just our pick for the best free VPN, it’s our best VPN overall, period. With ProtonVPN, your bandwidth is not limited, and the focus is mainly on keeping you secure. (For more, read The Best Free VPNs.)
Price as Tested $9.99
$4 Per Month for Yearly Basic Plan
at ProtonVPN See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Utilities
Best Free Backup and Synchronization Software
IDrive
4.5
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
You get 5GB free from IDrive to back up files from all your devices. If that’s enough capacity for you, you’ll find this service more than up to your needs. It’ll even back up your photos and videos from Facebook. That’s why it’s a PCMag Editors’ Choice award winner for backup services suitable for remote workers.
Per Year, Starts at $79.50
at IDrive See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free File Recovery and Deletion
Recuva
Windows only
Recuva (say it out loud) is a must on the tool belt of any techie: It’s the key to helping recover a lost file. It’s easy to understand, but note: It should really be installed before you lose a file. It’s a portable application, too, so you have the option to run it from a USB thumb drive.
MSRP Free
at Wondershare See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free File Transfer Program
Teracopy
Windows, macOS, Android
Sure, Windows itself copies files between folders and drives just fine. But TeraCopy(Opens in a new window) can take over that job and make it sing—it’s faster, and the interface for making copies is better looking. Plus, it provides more information and feedback, and it can even recover from transfer errors.
at Code Sector See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Free Screen Capture
Microsoft Snip
Windows only
Even those with modest screen-capture needs would say the old Snipping Tool in Windows was lacking. Now Windows 10 and 11 users have Windows Snip & Sketch, an evolutionary leap akin to protoplasm turning into hominids—albeit still lacking things like video and voice capture. Still, the ability to annotate a screengrab will make all the difference versus what was available before. (For more, read The Best Screen Capture Apps.)