I tested the new Claude Desktop on Linux – here’s how it compares to rival apps
I tested the new Claude Desktop on Linux – here’s how it compares to rival apps
https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-tested-claude-desktop-on-linux-how-it-compares-to-rival-apps/
Publish Date: 2026-07-06 12:05:00
Source Domain: www.zdnet.com
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
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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 is the case with the newly released Claude Code Linux desktop app, which offers all the features found in the MacOS and Windows versions, and even lets you enable developer options to expand the feature set.
Also: I quit ChatGPT for a free, private, and local AI called Ollama – here’s why
Before I get into this, it’s important to understand that when I use AI, I almost always use it locally. I’ve installed Ollama on most of my machines I have. Why? I’m not straining the power grid or compromising my privacy. I will always choose local AI over cloud-based.
That said, I still wanted to kick the tires of the Claude Code Linux desktop app to see how it compared to the competition.
Here are the important bits for me:
- The app has to have a well-designed GUI that makes interacting with models simple.
- The app needs to easily connect to locally installed AI (such as Ollama).
- The app needs to function exactly as it does on other operating systems.
- The app needs to use system resources wisely.
Does the Claude Code Linux desktop app live up to that checklist? Let’s find out.
Installing Claude Code on Linux
First things first: Install…
