Revision: 001

Last Update: 2025-07-23

Introduction

Today I came across an excellent post by Emmanuel Mumba, 12 Open Source Alternatives to Popular Software (For Developers), and it got me thinking. I've been seeing many similar posts, like 12 Open Source Tools Every Developer Should Know🔥 or Open Source Game Engines vs. Custom Engines?. Sometimes I use open source without thinking - but why?

Before I start, I'll be very honest - I mostly use open-source software, or at least I try my best to find open-source alternatives before even considering commercial ones. It's not just because I'm cheap. I originally started using open source out of curiosity and to save money, but over time I've come to prefer it because open-source tools are:

• Open and transparent
• Often more robust and better designed
• Updated faster and more consistently
• Built on open file formats
• Easier to migrate away from
• Free from paywalls, cloud lock-ins, or platform tie-ins

Commercial software seems to be at a real disadvantage: it's more expensive, slower to evolve, and often discourages open collaboration. In many areas, it feels like they're just falling behind.

This saddens me - especially because I'm part of a commercial company. At Methodox, we develop Divooka to make programming more productive, creative, and enjoyable. But I often wonder: where do commercial companies go from here if they can't create something better than free and open alternatives? It seems like only commercial games and CGI/CAD tools consistently outperform open-source counterparts - mostly because they require tremendous investment and a broad mix of specialized expertise.

So, unlike the current popular trend of praising open source alone, I want to share some “controversial” opinions by highlighting good commercial software that I believe still outshines open source. I'll keep updating this list over time, hoping to give software users a more balanced perspective.

1. Programming

It's worth noting due to the nature of it - developer tools tend to require open source (at least to some aspects), otherwise it's just hard to tinkle with.

Python → Divooka

Python is a powerhouse for data science, scripting, and automation. But Divooka is designed as a next-generation development environment that blends the flexibility of scripting languages with a modern UI and built-in debugging/visualization features. It's not just a language - it's a productivity platform for developers who want rapid prototyping with fewer dependencies and tighter integration.

Why Divooka?

• Integrated editor, debugger, and easy sharing in one package
• Higher development efficiency for certain computational tasks
• Designed for general purpose coding and iterative workflows
• No need for dozens of third-party packages for basic tasks

2. File Sync

Syncthing → Dropbox

Syncthing is fantastic for self-hosted file sync, but Dropbox still wins in terms of user experience, reliability, and integration.

Why Dropbox?

• Instant file recovery and versioning (no manual setup)
• Seamless integrations with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, etc.
• Enterprise-grade collaboration features (shared folders, file requests)
• Faster syncing at scale, especially with large teams

3. Browser

Firefox/Chromium → Arc Browser (or Opera GX)

While open-source browsers like Firefox and Chromium-based derivatives are great, Arc Browser is reinventing the browsing experience with a focus on productivity, aesthetics, and built-in workspace tools. Opera GX also provides features tailored for gamers, like system resource control and integrated streaming services. ChatGPT suggested those two - I've never used them myself (nor heard of them)😅.

Why Arc?

• Tab management is organized into "Spaces" instead of messy rows
• Built-in split views, notes, and easel boards
• Minimalist design with focus on workflow, not just tabs
• Regular feature updates pushing UX innovation

4. Operating System

Those who understand Windows will not agree on some aspects (especially its file system and explorer) - well, let's just agree to not agree.

Linux → macOS or Windows 11

Linux is excellent for developers and servers, but for end-users and certain professional tasks, commercial OSes still have a clear edge.

Why macOS?

• Exceptional hardware-software optimization (e.g., M-series chips)
• Best-in-class design software (Adobe Suite, Final Cut Pro)
• Unix under the hood - great for devs who also need commercial apps

Why Windows 11?

• Broadest software compatibility (from AAA games to legacy enterprise apps)
• First-class support for DirectX and GPU-accelerated workflows
• Professional tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and DaVinci Resolve work flawlessly

5. CAD

FreeCAD → AutoCAD / SolidWorks / Fusion 360

FreeCAD and LibreCAD are improving, but commercial CAD software is still far ahead in features, user experience, and industry adoption.

Why AutoCAD?

• Industry standard for 2D and 3D drafting
• Vast ecosystem of plugins and integrations
• Precision tools trusted by engineering professionals worldwide

Why SolidWorks/Fusion 360?

• Solid parametric modeling and simulation features
• Advanced rendering and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) tools
• Excellent support, documentation, and large community of professionals

6. CGI

Blender → Maya / 3ds Max / Houdini

Blender is legendary! It's remarkable as a free tool and surprisingly versatile for all kinds of purposes, but commercial CGI software remains the backbone of the film and gaming industry. Let's see what they can do.

Why Maya or 3ds Max?

• Industry-standard pipelines for animation, VFX, and game asset creation
• Unmatched rigging, simulation, and character animation tools
• Used by nearly every major animation/VFX studio

Why Houdini?

• Procedural generation powerhouse for complex effects like smoke, water, and destruction
• Tight integration with high-end renderers like Redshift and Arnold

Godot → Unreal Engine / Unity 3D

Godot is gaining momentum, but Unreal Engine dominates with photorealistic graphics, powerful Blueprints scripting, and AAA-grade tools. Unity excels in mobile and AR/VR.

7. Accounting

GnuCash → QuickBooks / Xero

GnuCash is fine for personal finance or hobby projects, but QuickBooks and Xero are the leaders for small-to-medium business accounting.

Why QuickBooks?

• Automated invoicing, payroll, and tax calculations
• Deep integrations with banks, POS systems, and e-commerce
• Scales easily from freelancers to growing companies

8. Cloud Storage & Collaboration

Nextcloud → Google Drive / OneDrive

While Nextcloud offers great privacy, Google Drive and OneDrive deliver unmatched collaboration features, real-time editing, and tight integration with their respective ecosystems.

9. Office Suites

LibreOffice → Microsoft Office 365

LibreOffice works well offline, but Microsoft Office is still the gold standard for productivity.

Why Office 365?

• Real-time collaboration in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• AI-powered features like Copilot
• Seamless cloud sync and multi-device support

10. Design & Creative

Krita/Inkscape → Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro)

Open-source creative tools are getting better, but Adobe's suite remains unbeatable for professionals.

10. Design & Creative

Krita / Inkscape → Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro)
Krita and Inkscape are excellent open-source alternatives for digital painting and vector graphics, but Adobe's Creative Suite still sets the industry standard in design and multimedia production.

Why Adobe Creative Suite?

• Seamless cross-app integration: Edit a photo in Photoshop, tweak a vector in Illustrator, and import both into Premiere Pro or After Effects without any compatibility headaches.
• Professional-grade features: Advanced tools for photo retouching, typography, color grading, and motion graphics that simply don't exist (or are limited) in open-source tools.
• Massive ecosystem of resources: Adobe Stock, Typekit, and an enormous library of third-party templates and plugins.
• Collaboration-ready workflows: Adobe Creative Cloud supports real-time collaboration, shared libraries, and cloud sync across devices.
• Broad industry adoption: If you work with agencies or clients, Adobe is often a requirement - its formats (e.g., PSD, AI, INDD) are widely accepted as standards.

Adobe Creative Suite → Affinity Suite (Photo, Designer, Publisher)
While Adobe dominates, Serif's Affinity Suite has been shaking things up with one-time purchase pricing and exceptional performance. Affinity Photo (Photoshop competitor), Affinity Designer (Illustrator competitor), and Affinity Publisher (InDesign competitor) are gaining popularity among professionals and indie creators.

Why Affinity Suite?

• No subscription model: Buy once, own forever - no recurring Adobe Creative Cloud fees. (Although what they do is, when they have major updates, they will just release a new version, like Affinity Suite 2, which requires separate purchase, but is fair)
• Performance-first design: Lightning-fast rendering and editing, particularly with large, layered files.
• Professional-grade features: Non-destructive editing, advanced vector tools, CMYK and ICC profile support - suitable for print and digital design alike.
• Cross-platform parity: Windows, macOS, and iPad apps are fully compatible and optimized for touch interfaces.
• Growing adoption: Many freelancers and small agencies are switching due to cost savings without sacrificing quality.

11. Project Management

Taiga / OpenProject → Jira / ClickUp

Open-source project managers like Taiga are decent, but Jira and ClickUp dominate with enterprise features, automation, and integrations.

12. Automation

n8n → Make (formerly Integromat) / Zapier

n8n is amazing if you self-host, but Make and Zapier still win on usability, speed, and integration depth for non-technical users.

13. Video Editing

Kdenlive / OpenShot → DaVinci Resolve / Adobe Premiere Pro
Kdenlive and OpenShot are great open-source editors, but when it comes to professional video workflows, DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro are unmatched.

Why DaVinci Resolve?

• Industry-leading color grading and correction
• Fusion visual effects and Fairlight audio suite built-in
• Free version available, with the Studio version offering pro features

Why Adobe Premiere Pro?

• Tight integration with After Effects, Photoshop, and other Adobe apps
• Industry-standard in film, YouTube, and content creation
• Tons of plugins and templates

14. Music Production

LMMS / Ardour → FL Studio / Ableton Live / Logic Pro X
While LMMS and Ardour are solid free DAWs, professional musicians and producers often prefer commercial DAWs for their polished workflows, built-in instruments, and sound libraries.

Why FL Studio?

• Intuitive piano roll and beat sequencing
• Massive collection of plugins and synths
• Widely used in electronic music production

Why Ableton Live or Logic Pro X?

• Ableton Live shines in live performance and electronic music
• Logic Pro X offers incredible stock instruments and is highly optimized for macOS

15. DevOps / CI-CD

Jenkins / Drone CI → GitHub Actions / GitLab CI / CircleCI
Open-source CI systems like Jenkins are powerful but often require heavy maintenance. GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, and CircleCI offer seamless setup and integrations.

Why GitHub Actions?

• Tight integration with GitHub repositories
• Large marketplace of reusable workflows
• Scales from small projects to enterprise pipelines

Why GitLab CI or CircleCI?

• Easy YAML configuration with powerful templates
• Built-in container registry and Kubernetes integration (GitLab CI)
• Strong developer experience with rapid setup

Quick Comparison Table

Final Thoughts

Open source is truly great - I only wish commercial software could do better. There's a lot that commercial companies could learn, especially when it comes to end-user satisfaction and power-user friendliness: open file formats, easier migration, and all the other things most commercial vendors either ignore or deliberately restrict.

In a world with free markets, commercial software isn't dead - it just needs to be more focused. In areas requiring polish, ecosystem depth, or massive R&D investment (CAD, CGI, accounting, AAA gaming), commercial solutions still dominate. Meanwhile, open source continues to lead in flexibility, transparency, and innovation.

There's no need to pick sides - both worlds have their place. The goal is to use the best tool for the job, not to blindly favor one philosophy over the other. I just wish it were easier for users to find the right tools - right now, ads compete for attention, and information is often biased.