Mastering the Ubuntu "App Store": A Guide to Snap, Flatpak, and PPA
One of the biggest culture shocks for new Ubuntu users is moving away from downloading .exe or .dmg files from websites. In Ubuntu, software is managed through Repositories. By 2026, the landscape has evolved into a "universal" system where you can get almost any app safely, but there are three distinct ways to do it.
1. The Standard: Snap Packages
Developed by Canonical (the creators of Ubuntu), Snaps are the default way to get apps like Spotify, Discord, and Slack.
Why use Snaps?
- Self-Contained: Every Snap includes all the files it needs to run. This means an update to one app won't "break" another app.
- Auto-Updates: Snaps update themselves in the background without you having to click anything.
- Security: They run in a "sandbox," meaning they are isolated from your sensitive system files.
How to use: You can find them in the "Ubuntu Software" (or "App Center") GUI, or via terminal:
sudo snap install vlc
2. The Community Favorite: Flatpak
While Snaps are Ubuntu’s baby, Flatpaks are the cross-Linux standard. Many developers prefer Flatpak because it works on every version of Linux, not just Ubuntu.
Setting up Flatpak
Ubuntu doesn't include Flatpak by default, so you have to add it:
sudo apt install flatpak- Add the Flathub repository (the "App Store" for Flatpaks):
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo - Restart your computer.
3. The Power User Method: PPAs
A PPA (Personal Package Archive) is a unique way to get software directly from a developer’s personal "shelf" before it officially hits the Ubuntu stores.
When to use a PPA:
- You need the absolute latest "Alpha" or "Beta" version of a tool (like graphics drivers or specialized coding editors).
- The software is too niche to be in the main store.
How to add a PPA:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:name-of-developer/ppa-name
sudo apt update
4. Which one should you choose?
It can be confusing when an app is available in all three formats. Here is a quick rule of thumb:
| Feature | Snap | Flatpak | PPA / APT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Server tools & IoT | Desktop Apps (GUI) | System Drivers |
| Update Speed | Automatic | Manual/Automatic | Manual (apt upgrade) |
| Disk Space | Uses more | Uses more | Very efficient |
| Isolation | High (Sandboxed) | High (Sandboxed) | None (Full Access) |
5. Cleaning Up Your Software
Over time, you might accumulate "cruft." To keep your software libraries clean, use these commands:
- Remove a Snap:
sudo snap remove [app-name] - Remove a Flatpak:
flatpak uninstall [app-name] - Clean unneeded Flatpak data:
flatpak uninstall --unused
6. The "Software & Updates" App
If the terminal feels like too much, Ubuntu has a built-in tool called "Software & Updates" (not to be confused with the App Store).
- Go to the "Other Software" tab to see all the PPAs you've added.
- Go to "Additional Drivers" if your Wi-Fi or Nvidia Graphics card isn't performing correctly—Ubuntu will automatically find the best "proprietary" driver for you here.