The Best Free Software of 2023

The Best Free Software of 2023

In an entirely mobile world, we have almost abandoned the desktop. 

However, the real work of your PC, even infrequent, requires particular software to get the most out of its abilities.

The software can cost a fortune, but still, there are some good free programs that have been in demand of numerous users for decades, and today’s offerings are pretty powerful. 

Software developers do their best to make their products more accessible for different people worldwide. 

So, with multiple options and easy access, there are thousands of great software choices that will cost you nothing.

Back-Up & Synchronization

Dropbox Basic

The Best Free Software of 2023

Once you drag and drop files in your Dropbox folder on the desktop, they will be immediately uploaded to the cloud and synchronized with any other device linked to your account. 

The files are easy to access both via apps and the web. If you accidentally delete any file, you can use the website to restore it. 

Dropbox provides 2GB of free online storage. 

Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive is considered the most flexible and universal sync and backup tool on the market. 

It’s the official (and inbuilt) cloud storage for users of Microsoft Office and Windows 10. 

OneDrive provides 5GB of free online storage. If you subscribe to Microsoft 365, the storage extends up to 1TB per user. 

IDrive

By default, you get 5GB free from IDrive to back up files from all your devices. If that’s enough, you’ll find this service covers most of your needs. 

Browsers

Mozilla Firefox

The reputable browser Firefox remains the choice of numerous users worldwide. 

That’s because it’s highly customizable, good at security, privacy, and performance, and supports plenty of new options. 

Google Chrome

Chrome still occupies the top position as a browser to have on your desktop, especially if you’re a fan of Google products. 

However, it’s probably not the browser you need if you’re seeking privacy, even if Chrome is going to stop tracking cookies in the near future. 

Maintenance Utilities

Skype

Skype goes hand in hand with video conferencing. The service is hugely functional, available on every platform you can think of, and offers more communication options than any of its rivals. 

For free, you can make multiple video calls between Skype users, tet-a-tet, or with groups. 

Besides, its real-time translation ability hits even the most sophisticated user. 

Zoom

If you need to host an online conference between you and 100 mates, Zoom can enable them all to view everything you’re showing for up to 40 minutes from any device, even a smartphone. 

It will also offer direct one-on-one HD video meetings. Moreover, you can chat with other users infinitely long.

Microsoft Outlook.com

You can access Outlook.com – perfect, minimalist, consumer-oriented webmail, complete with OneDrive integration if you’ve obtained a Microsoft account. 

The most significant features include Sweeps, so you can, for example, delete all messages from one sender at once. The version for iOS is incredibly cool. 

Teracopy

Windows’ ability to copy files between drives and folders is just fine. However, TeraCopy takes over that job and brings it to perfection.

It’s faster, better looking, provides more feedback, and can protect from various transfer errors.

µTorrent

One of the biggest services for uploading and downloading torrent files, µTorrent can work independently or together with web or mobile accounts for remote downloads. 

There are web-based options and desktop options for multiple platforms such as Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android for more experienced users.

File Viewers and Converters

IrfanView

IrfanView has been in the top position in file viewing for over twenty years. 

It views multiple types of files, but it can also convert them, batch operation changes, and even play media. 

Multiple extensions make it even more powerful.

XnView MP

With an improved version that works across various platforms, XnView MP can manage multiple actions, like batch file converting and support for 500 image formats. 

However, it offers a free version only for educational or private purposes.

FastStone Image Viewer

View, convert and edit your images with this fast and user-friendly free tool. 

It supports plenty of image formats, plus a ton of digital camera RAW image formats. 

Another great advantage is that it has companion apps for screenshots and photo resizing.

Graphics and Imaging

Adobe Photoshop Express

When you don’t need the full power of Photoshop, but still want Adobe on your desktop, the user-oriented Express version is here to help you with the basics of photo editing and sharing. 

It can manage multiple transformations of your images, plus has photo filters and, of course, in-app purchases to extend functions. 

GIMP

GIMP remains among the best free image editing tools and for good reason. 

It includes all the high-end instruments you could imagine for playing with graphics and, apparently, costs 100 percent less than Photoshop.

Maps

Google Earth

If expensive software that lets you fly across the globe doesn’t cover all your needs, then try Google Earth Pro for the desktop with advanced attributes like distance measuring and global guided trips. 

Everything is absolutely free. Besides, it also comes in web and mobile versions now.

Media Players

Spotify

The Best Free Software of 2023

If you are keen on music and looking for something of good quality, then Spotify is just for you. 

It provides millions of song possibilities and podcasts on every possible device you can think of and with offline playback. 

However, the free version is ad-supported. If you want to get an ad-free version, you may subscribe to the premium version for $10 per month.