Flathub review
A free, open-source catalog and distribution service focused on Flatpak apps for Linux.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Flathub is a web-based catalog and distribution service for applications packaged with Flatpak. It serves Linux users looking to discover desktop applications, utilities, development tools and games, as well as maintainers who want to submit Flatpak apps for publication. The storefront provides searchable listings with metadata, screenshots and installation instructions. Its focus is specifically Linux apps, rather than a general marketplace spanning desktop and mobile platforms.
Installation is tied to the Linux ecosystem: people can open an app page and install through a compatible Linux software center or use Flatpak references from the command line. This gives users more than a browse-only catalog, while keeping installation dependent on Flatpak-compatible systems. Maintainers submit manifests and source repositories; Flathub applies automated and manual checks before publication. Those checks are a meaningful part of distribution, but they also make the listing process more involved than simply posting an app page.
Flathub is free and open source, with community support and documentation. It is a strong fit for maintainers distributing Flatpak applications and for Linux users who want one place to explore them. It is less suitable for teams seeking distribution beyond Flatpak-compatible Linux environments or developers seeking a marketplace with a stated paid tier or broader platform reach. Choose Flathub when Linux distribution and Flatpak packaging are central; consider another channel when cross-platform storefront reach is a requirement.
Flathub pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Catalog pages combine app metadata, screenshots and install actions.
- Users can install through compatible software centers or the command line.
- Maintainers submit manifests and source repositories for pre-publication checks.
- Where it doesn't
- Its distribution scope is limited to Linux systems with Flatpak support.
- Publication involves automated and manual checks before an app is listed.
- Users need a compatible software center or Flatpak command-line setup to install.
Flathub fact sheet, pricing and score →
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