I tested the new Claude Desktop on Linux - here's how it compares to rival apps

https://www.zdnet.com/a/img/resize/d83212605a4627d140fec84f3320b05a8cecc01c/2026/07/06/d1471b75-b61b-483c-a7e6-b022e9959f2b/claudedesktophero.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&height=675&width=1200

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.


ZDNET's key takeaways

  • Claude Code finally has a Linux desktop app.
  • The app works swimmingly if you play by the rules.
  • Trying to make it work locally was an exercise in futility.

As a hard-core Linux user, I'm always on the lookout for apps that enable Linux to keep pace with competing platforms. You might be surprised that, even in this age of AI, competitive open-source options are not hard to find. For example, I've been using both Alpaca and Moose for some time without issue. Both of these apps serve as GUIs for instances of locally installed Ollama (which is how I typically like to roll with AI). They offer well-designed GUIs, the flexibility to work locally or in the cloud, and efficient use of system resources.

But sometimes, I yearn to work with a more mainstream option.

Such...

Copyright of this story solely belongs to zdnet.com. To see the full text click HERE

Read more