What Is the Difference Between Snap, Flatpak, and apt?

Sat, 02 May 2026 11:22:26 +0800

When installing software on Ubuntu, you often see three names: apt, Snap, and Flatpak. All of them can install apps, but they solve different problems.

In short:

Tool	Main role	Best fit
`apt`	Traditional Ubuntu/Debian package manager	System components, command-line tools, distro-maintained software
Snap	App packaging format promoted by Canonical	Ubuntu desktop apps, server tools, auto-updated software
Flatpak	Cross-distribution format focused on desktop apps	Graphical apps, sandboxed apps, Flathub ecosystem

apt: Part of the System

apt is the traditional package manager for Debian and Ubuntu systems. It installs .deb packages from distribution repositories, with dependencies maintained by the distribution.

Typical usage:

`1`	`sudo apt install firefox`

apt has these traits:

It integrates most deeply with the system.
Dependencies are managed centrally by the distribution.
Software versions usually follow the distribution release cycle.
It is well suited for system libraries, drivers, command-line tools, and server components.

Its downside is also clear: versions may be older. Distributions prioritize stability, so they do not always ship the latest upstream release immediately.

Snap: App and Dependencies in One Package

Snap is a packaging format promoted by Canonical. It bundles an app with many of its runtime dependencies, reducing reliance on the exact system library versions.

Installation looks similar:

`1`	`sudo snap install firefox`

Snap’s advantages:

The same package can more easily run across Ubuntu versions.
Apps can update independently of system updates.
There is some default isolation and permission control.
It works well for desktop apps that need fast updates and some server tools.

Common complaints include slower startup, larger disk usage, less natural theme integration, and an update model that gives users less control than apt.

Flatpak: More Desktop-App Oriented

Flatpak is also a cross-distribution app packaging format, but it is more focused on Linux desktop apps. Many Flatpak apps come from Flathub.

Typical installation:

`1`	`flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.firefox`

Flatpak has these traits:

Strong cross-distribution support.
Focus on desktop app distribution.
Uses runtimes to share base dependencies.
Clearer sandbox and permission model.
A large software selection on Flathub.

Flatpak also uses extra space, especially when installing a runtime for the first time. Once multiple apps share a runtime, the overhead becomes less wasteful.

The Biggest Difference: Dependencies

apt is more like assembling software into the system. Apps depend on libraries already in the system, and multiple packages share the same dependencies.

Snap and Flatpak are more like shipping an app with its own runtime environment. The app carries part of what it needs, reducing problems caused by different system versions.

That creates a tradeoff:

Approach	Pros	Cons
`apt` shares system dependencies	Saves space, integrates well, centrally maintained	Versions are tied to the distribution
Snap/Flatpak carry runtime pieces	Cross-version, cross-distribution, easier updates	Larger packages, possible slower startup, weaker integration

Isolation and Permissions

Software installed with apt usually runs directly in the system environment. It integrates naturally, but has less isolation.

Snap and Flatpak both use sandbox ideas. Apps cannot freely access all system resources by default; they need permission interfaces for files, camera, network, desktop notifications, and other resources.

This does not make them absolutely safe, but it gives a clearer permission boundary. For desktop apps from mixed sources, that matters.

Updates Work Differently

apt usually follows system updates:

1
2

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Snap updates automatically. That is convenient, but also controversial: users do not have to manage versions, but they also get less control.

Flatpak can be updated manually:

`1`	`flatpak update`

So if you care about when updates happen, apt and Flatpak usually feel more controllable. If you want apps to stay current automatically, Snap is more hands-off.

Which One Should You Use

Choose by scenario:

System tools, drivers, and server components: prefer apt.
Ubuntu-recommended desktop apps: Snap is fine.
Newer desktop apps, especially cross-distribution apps: Flatpak is often a good choice.
If the same app exists in all three formats: compare stability, startup speed, theme integration, and update needs.

A conservative approach is: use apt for the system layer, then choose Snap or Flatpak for desktop apps as needed.

Summary

apt, Snap, and Flatpak do not fully replace one another. They are different distribution models.

apt is better for maintaining the system. Snap emphasizes bundled dependencies and automatic updates. Flatpak is better for cross-distribution desktop apps and sandboxed delivery.

For everyday use, there is no need to obsess over which is best. Use apt for system software. For desktop apps, follow your distribution’s recommendation and your own experience: stable operation, controlled updates, and clear permissions are what matter.

Reference:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ubuntu/comments/9awvip/eli5_snap_and_flatpak_how_are_they_differ_from_apt/

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