18.4
OPSI is an open-source client management system for automating software distribution, operating-system installation, inventory, patch management, and configuration.
Free planOpen sourceWebAPILinux
Best App Installation in 2026
App installation tools help you deploy software packages across supported computers, servers and services. The category includes free, freemium and paid options, with targets such as Linux, Windows, macOS, self-hosted systems, the web and APIs. If you plan to install apps on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone or tablet, check the Supported OS details for Android before choosing. Compare deployment methods, device limits,…
27.7
Patch My PC automates packaging, deployment, and updating of third-party applications across managed devices.
Free planWebmacOSSelf-hosted
36.9
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows
- 4
Chocolatey
LinuxmacOSWindows6.7From $18 a year - 5
Nix
Nix is a package manager and system configuration tool for creating reproducible, declarative environments.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.7Free plan - 6
Npackd
Free planLinuxWindows6.3Free plan - 7
PDQ Deploy
Self-hostedWindows6.2From $1,950 a year - 8
UniGetUI
UniGetUI provides a graphical way to discover, install, update and uninstall software through package managers, without using the command line.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.2Free plan - 9
Munki
Munki is a free set of tools for macOS administrators to manage software installations and, in many cases, removals on Mac client machines.
Free planmacOSSelf-hosted6.1Free plan - 10
GNU Guix
GNU Guix is a free functional package manager for installing and managing software on Linux, and it can also install the complete GNU operating system.
Free planLinuxSelf-hosted6.0Free plan - 11
Void Linux
Free planLinuxSelf-hosted6.0Free plan - 12
Flatpak Builder
Flatpak Builder is the primary tool for building Flatpak applications from source on Linux.
Free planLinux5.9Free plan - 135.9
- 14
WinGet
WinGet is a free Windows command-line tool for discovering, installing, upgrading, removing, and configuring applications.
Windows5.9 - 15
DNF
APILinuxSelf-hosted5.8 - 16
Scoop
Windows5.8 - 17
Zypper
Linux5.6 - 18
Gentoo Portage
Linux5.5 - 19
5.3 - 20
Distr
WebLinuxmacOSWindows5.0 - 21
Robopack
WebWindows4.7 - 22
Replicated
Web4.6 - 23
Installomator
macOS4.5 - 24
APT
Linux4.4
Choosing well
Check Android and supported systems
Start with the Supported OS field. If Android is required, confirm it directly before selecting a tool.
The listed platforms include Linux, Windows, macOS, self-hosted systems, the web and APIs. Match those targets to the computers, servers or services you need to reach.
Compare plans and licensing
Free plans are available from tools in this category, while other options use freemium or paid pricing. Check the Paid from detail and whether a free trial is offered.
Open-source options publish their code. If you need to read or change the code, check the licence and project terms.
Review how installation works
Compare Deployment methods with the way your organisation delivers software. API and self-hosted targets can suit setups that need local control or automation.
Check whether Silent installation is supported when software must install without interrupting the person using the device.
Check limits and rollback
Device limit shows the scale a tool can cover under its stated terms. Compare it with the number and type of devices you plan to manage.
Rollback support matters when an installation needs to return to an earlier state. Confirm the entry's details before relying on it.
Questions people ask
Do these tools support Android?
Check the Supported OS field for Android before choosing. The listed platform targets also include Linux, Windows, macOS, self-hosted systems, the web and APIs.
Can I find a free app installation tool?
Yes. Tools in this category offer free plans or free pricing, while other entries are freemium or paid. Check the pricing note for trial and starting-price details.
What should I compare between tools?
Compare Free plan, Paid from, Deployment targets, Supported OS, Deployment methods, Device limit, Silent installation and Rollback support.
Are open-source options available?
Yes. Open-source code is offered by tools in this category. Review the licence if you need to inspect or modify the code.
Do tools offer trials?
A free trial is offered by tools in this category. Check an entry's pricing note for its trial terms and duration.