Four Open-Source Windows Apps That Are Better Than Their Paid Rivals
How-To Geek, Tuesday, April 7th, 2026
Open-source applications sometimes have a reputation for being slightly buggy or unpolished, and that is sometimes true. However, in many cases-including some of the most important types of apps you'll need-the free and open-source options are leagues ahead of the paid options. Here are four of my favorites. - VLC Media Player - The best multi-purpose media player - Bitwarden - Stop reusing insecure passwords - Joplin - Note taking without a paywall - OBS Studio - Recording, streaming, and more in one program Open-source applications once had a reputation for being buggy, or "not user-friendly." However, these days, many of the best apps out there are open-source and free.
Here are four of my favorites.
- VLC Media Player - The best multi-purpose media player
- Bitwarden - Stop reusing insecure passwords
- Joplin - Note taking without a paywall
- OBS Studio - Recording, streaming, and more in one program
Open-source applications once had a reputation for being buggy, or "not user-friendly." However, these days, many of the best apps out there are open-source and free.