English · 00:04:13
Feb 11, 2026 6:18 AM

Awesome Free & Open Source Apps I Personally Use

ArisÄike @arisaike

SUMMARY

Arisaike presents a curated list of favorite free, open-source apps for privacy-focused alternatives in photo storage, note-taking, file transfer, and system customization across Android, Windows, and other platforms.

STATEMENTS

  • Ente serves as an open-source, encrypted alternative to Google Photos, offering 10GB of free storage.
  • Flameshot stands out as the most convenient screenshot tool with features like blurring areas, drawing shapes, freehand sketching, and direct copying.
  • LocalSend enables direct, fast file transfers between phones and PCs over the same Wi-Fi network, eliminating the need for cables or cloud services.
  • OBS Studio is a widely recognized open-source software used for video recording, including the presenter's own video production.
  • OnlyOffice provides a comprehensive, free suite for Word, Excel, presentations, and PDFs as an alternative to Microsoft Office without requiring login or payment.
  • Fossify apps offer simple, customizable tools for file management, gallery, calendar, messaging, and phone functions on Android.
  • Notesnook is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted note-taking app with a free plan sufficient for long-term personal use.
  • NotallyX functions as a straightforward, offline note-taking app preferred over other open-source options for its simplicity.
  • F-Droid operates as an alternative app store dedicated to free and open-source software, including apps and games.
  • OpenRGB unifies control over RGB lighting for keyboards, fans, mice, and other devices, reducing the need for multiple proprietary apps.

IDEAS

  • Open-source apps like Ente can replicate and improve on proprietary services by adding encryption and free storage without data tracking.
  • Screenshot tools such as Flameshot empower users with creative editing options directly in the capture process, streamlining workflows.
  • Wireless file sharing via LocalSend highlights how local networks can outperform cloud-based methods in speed and privacy for everyday transfers.
  • Even popular tools like OBS Studio surprise many by being fully open-source, democratizing professional-grade video production for all users.
  • Office suites like OnlyOffice demonstrate that avoiding vendor lock-in allows seamless access to essential productivity features without subscriptions.
  • Replacing default Android apps with Fossify's ecosystem fosters a de-Googled experience that's both lightweight and highly personalized.
  • Encrypted note-taking in Notesnook ensures personal data remains secure without compromising usability in a free tier.
  • Offline apps like NotallyX remind users that not all productivity needs require cloud sync, reducing dependency on internet connectivity.
  • F-Droid as a "god tier" store underscores the vast, undiscovered world of open-source mobile apps beyond mainstream platforms.
  • Unified RGB control through OpenRGB solves the fragmentation of hardware ecosystems, making PC customization more accessible and less frustrating.

INSIGHTS

  • Adopting open-source alternatives enhances digital sovereignty by minimizing reliance on corporate ecosystems, fostering greater user control and privacy in daily tech interactions.
  • Simplicity in tools like Fossify apps and NotallyX reveals that core functionality often outperforms bloated proprietary software, promoting efficient, clutter-free digital lives.
  • The versatility of apps like PipePipe and Anki shows how open-source solutions can transform niche tasks—such as media downloading or memorization—into powerful, customizable habits.
  • Unified platforms such as OpenRGB and Windhawk illustrate the potential of open-source to bridge hardware-software divides, simplifying complex customizations for non-experts.
  • Encrypted, free-tier apps like Ente and Notesnook challenge the notion that premium features require payment, proving sustainable models exist for secure, high-quality software.

QUOTES

  • "I've tried multiple different screenshot apps and I like Flameshot the best. It's convenient, simple, but also has a lot of useful features like blur selected area, draw different shapes, draw freely or copy your screenshot."
  • "As long as both of your devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi, you can send files directly to a device you want. It's very convenient and fast."
  • "If you don't want to log into your Microsoft account to use Microsoft Office apps or don't want to pay for them, then in my opinion, Only Office is great choice."
  • "Froid is a god tier application which is basically an app store or a play store but for open source apps or even games."
  • "Open RGP fixes this problem. This app works with almost any device that has RGB in it. And you can sync all your devices lighting within this one app."

HABITS

  • Regularly using OBS Studio and Audacity for video and audio recording in content creation workflows.
  • Relying on Anki daily for creating and reviewing custom flashcards to memorize languages or other information.
  • Sticking with Notesnook's free version for months as the primary note-taking method without needing upgrades.
  • Downloading media from YouTube via PipePipe whenever avoiding Google services on mobile devices.
  • Customizing Windows appearance and features through Windhawk to enhance personal productivity and aesthetics.

FACTS

  • Ente provides 10GB of free encrypted storage as a direct open-source rival to Google Photos.
  • F-Droid serves as a dedicated repository for thousands of free, open-source Android apps and games.
  • Anki supports community-created flashcard decks downloadable from the internet for instant learning setups.
  • OpenRGB is compatible with nearly all RGB-enabled hardware, consolidating control that typically requires separate apps per device.
  • Breezy Weather offers modern, customizable interfaces while pulling data from multiple sources for accurate forecasts.

REFERENCES

  • Ente (ente.io) for photo storage.
  • Flameshot (flameshot.org) for screenshots.
  • LocalSend (localsend.org) for file transfers.
  • OBS Studio (obsproject.com) for video recording.
  • OnlyOffice (onlyoffice.com) for office productivity.
  • Fossify Apps (fossify.org) for Android utilities.
  • Notesnook (notesnook.com) for encrypted notes.
  • NotallyX (github.com/Crustack/NotallyX) for offline notes.
  • LibreOffice Viewer (f-droid.org/packages/org.document...) for document viewing.
  • F-Droid (f-droid.org) as open-source app store.
  • PipePipe (github.com/InfinityLoop1308/PipePipe) for YouTube downloading.
  • Futo Keyboard (keyboard.futo.org) for typing.
  • Aegis Authenticator (getaegis.app) for 2FA.
  • Breezy Weather (github.com/breezy-weather/breezy-weather) for forecasts.
  • Audacity (audacityteam.org) for audio editing.
  • Anki (apps.ankiweb.net) for flashcards.
  • Windhawk (windhawk.net) for Windows customization.
  • Screenbox (github.com/huynhsontung/Screenbox) for media playback.
  • OpenRGB (openrgb.org) for RGB control.
  • Patreon (patreon.com/arisaike) for support.
  • StreamElements (streamelements.com/arisaike-f...) for donations.
  • Background music: "Sakamoto's Brilliant Days" from Sakamoto Desu Ga? anime.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Install Ente from its official site, upload photos to leverage 10GB free encrypted storage, and set it as your default gallery app for secure backups.
  • Download Flameshot via its website or package manager, assign a global hotkey for captures, and use built-in tools to annotate screenshots before saving or sharing.
  • Set up LocalSend on both sending and receiving devices from their respective app stores, ensure Wi-Fi connection, select files, and transfer directly without internet.
  • Install OBS Studio from obsproject.com, configure scenes and sources for your setup, and start recording or streaming videos with open-source plugins for added features.
  • Get OnlyOffice from onlyoffice.com, open existing Microsoft files in its suite, edit using familiar interfaces for Word, Excel, or presentations, and export without account linkage.

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Embrace open-source apps like Ente and OpenRGB to boost privacy, customization, and efficiency without proprietary dependencies.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Switch to F-Droid as your primary Android app source to discover and install privacy-respecting open-source alternatives effortlessly.
  • Use Anki for spaced repetition learning to build lasting knowledge in languages or skills through customizable flashcards.
  • Opt for encrypted tools like Notesnook and Aegis to safeguard personal notes and 2FA codes from data breaches.
  • Customize hardware with OpenRGB to sync RGB effects across devices, creating a cohesive and frustration-free PC setup.
  • Replace default apps with Fossify suite for a streamlined, ad-free Android experience tailored to your needs.

MEMO

In a digital landscape dominated by tech giants, Arisaike, a content creator passionate about open-source software, spotlights practical alternatives that prioritize privacy and freedom. From Ente's encrypted photo storage offering 10GB free—rivaling Google Photos without the surveillance—to LocalSend's seamless Wi-Fi file transfers that bypass cables and clouds, these tools empower users to reclaim control. Flameshot's intuitive screenshot editing and OBS Studio's robust recording capabilities further illustrate how open-source options match or exceed proprietary apps in functionality, all while fostering a de-Googled ecosystem.

Arisaike delves into productivity enhancers like OnlyOffice, a no-cost Microsoft rival for documents and spreadsheets, and Fossify's customizable Android suite for files, calendars, and messaging. Note-taking shines with Notesnook's end-to-end encryption and the offline simplicity of NotallyX, ideal for those wary of cloud vulnerabilities. F-Droid emerges as the "god tier" hub for discovering these gems, while PipePipe and Futo Keyboard provide YouTube access and superior typing without Google ties, underscoring the breadth of open-source innovation.

For niche needs, Arisaike recommends Anki for flashcard-based learning, Audacity for audio editing, and Windhawk for Windows tweaks that evoke retro aesthetics or add conveniences. Media playback via Screenbox and RGB unification through OpenRGB address everyday frustrations, from codec compatibility to scattered hardware controls. Breezy Weather rounds out the list with its sleek, adaptable forecasts. Ultimately, these apps not only save money but cultivate a more sovereign, efficient tech life—inviting viewers to explore and contribute in the comments.

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