Chromebooks can run Chrome browser extensions, Android apps from the Google Play Store, and Linux desktop applications. That gives you access to a very large library of software. These are the most useful and popular apps across every category for 2026.

Productivity and Office

• Google Docs, Sheets, Slides (free) – The default choice for documents and presentations. Deep ChromeOS integration, offline support, and real-time collaboration.
• Microsoft 365 Web (free/subscription) – Full Word, Excel, and PowerPoint available in the Chrome browser. Files sync with OneDrive.
• Notion (free/paid) – Notes, databases, and project management. Both web app and Android app available.
• Obsidian (free) – Markdown-based notes with a graph view. Runs as a Linux app or Android app.

Creative and Design

• Canva (free/paid) – Graphic design for social media, presentations, and documents. Excellent web app, also available as an Android app.
• Photopea (free) – Browser-based Photoshop alternative that opens PSD files. No install needed.
• GIMP (free) – Full-featured image editor available through the Linux environment.
• Adobe Express (free/paid) – Lightweight creative tool for social graphics and short video clips.

Communication

• Google Meet (free) – Video calls natively integrated with Chromebook. Best video call performance on the platform.
• Zoom (free/paid) – Android app available from the Play Store. Works reliably for meetings.
• Slack (free/paid) – Available as an Android app and progressive web app. Works well on Chromebook.
• WhatsApp Web (free) – Full WhatsApp in the Chrome browser. No install needed.

Entertainment

• Netflix (subscription) – Android app available. Supports offline downloads for Premium subscribers.
• Spotify (free/paid) – Android app or web player. Offline playback available with Premium.
• YouTube (free/Premium) – Works perfectly in Chrome browser. YouTube Premium enables background play.
• Plex (free/paid) – Stream your own media library to your Chromebook.

Developer Tools

• VS Code (free) – Runs through the Linux environment. Full development environment with extensions.
• Android Studio (free) – For Android app development, runs through Linux.
• GitHub Desktop (free) – Linux version available for managing Git repositories.
• Terminal (built-in) – Chrome OS’s built-in terminal gives access to the Linux shell after enabling the Linux environment.

Utilities

• 1Password / Bitwarden (free/paid) – Password managers available as Chrome extensions and Android apps.
• VLC (free) – Android version plays virtually any video file format.
• Files by Google (free) – Better file manager than the built-in Files app for managing downloads and transfers.
• Google Drive (free/paid) – 15GB free cloud storage natively integrated with Chrome OS.

Gaming

• Roblox (free) – Available from the Play Store on supported Chromebooks.
• Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (paid) – Available from the Play Store on modern Chromebooks.
• Steam (free) – Available through the Linux environment on supported Chromebook models. Many Linux-compatible Steam games work well.
• GeForce NOW (free/paid) – Cloud gaming that streams PC games to any Chromebook via the browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Microsoft Office on a Chromebook?

Yes. Microsoft 365 is fully available as a web app in Chrome, and the Android apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are available from the Play Store. The web apps work without a subscription for basic features; a Microsoft 365 subscription accesses full functionality.

How do I install Linux apps on a Chromebook?

Go to Settings, then Advanced, then Developers, and enable the Linux development environment. Once set up, open the Terminal app and use standard Linux package management commands (sudo apt install appname) to install software.