Best Open-Source Utilities
This ranking highlights four open-source utilities with strong GitHub communities, ordered by star count. The top entry, scrcpy, has over 144,000 stars and supports screen mirroring across Linux, macOS, and Windows. Other tools include Stirling-PDF for document processing and LocalSend for cross-platform file transfers.
All listed utilities are free, with licenses ranging from Apache-2.0 to GPL-3.0. Platforms vary, but most support Linux, Windows, and macOS. LocalSend also works on Android. Version numbers are current as of this listing.
| # | App | Stars | License |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | scrcpy | 144.4k | Apache-2.0 |
| 2 | Stirling-PDF | 84.4k | NOASSERTION |
| 3 | LocalSend | 84.2k | Apache-2.0 |
| 4 | Flameshot | 30.2k | GPL-3.0 |
Scrcpy mirrors and controls Android devices from a computer. It works without root access and supports basic input like keyboard and mouse.
Stirling-PDF is a web-based PDF editor accessible from any device. It offers tools for editing PDF documents directly in the browser without requiring installation.
LocalSend is a cross-platform file-sharing tool that works offline over a local network. It provides a simple, open-source alternative to proprietary solutions like AirDrop. The tool supports direct device-to-device transfers without requiring internet access.
Flameshot is a screenshot tool designed for ease of use while offering powerful editing features. It allows users to capture, annotate, and share screenshots efficiently. The tool is lightweight and suitable for desktop environments.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the top pick in “Best Open-Source Utilities”?
- scrcpy currently leads this list, which is ordered by GitHub stars among the 4 open-source options we track.
- Are these apps free?
- Yes. Every app on this list is free and open-source. Download links point to each project's official release.
- How is this ranking decided?
- The order reflects GitHub stars, a public measure of popularity. Data is pulled from official sources and last refreshed on Jun 26, 2026. We don't accept payment for placement.
How we rank:entries are ordered by GitHub stars, a public popularity signal. Versions, licenses and platform support are read from official release feeds. We don't accept payment for inclusion or position. Supported platforms reflect the latest release (Linux, macOS, Windows, Android).