shouldiuse.io

VERDICT

Should I use Snapcraft?

Snaps are universal Linux packages - snapcraft.io

Depends. Buy if you ship Linux apps or run Ubuntu/IoT device fleets and want one packaging format with auto-updates. Skip it if you run non-Ubuntu distros, hate vendor lock-in, or need maximum app performance.

Confidence

Medium. Based on ~50 public sources; most snippets truncated, so numeric detail is limited.

Ratings

  • Value for money
  • Ease of use
  • Feature depth
  • Support quality
  • Security posture

Pricing

Free

Public Snap Store

ModelNot disclosed
Monthly feesNot disclosed
HardwareNot disclosed
Free tierYes
Private store / IoT servicesPaid via Ubuntu

Best for

  • Ubuntu-centric desktop fleets
  • IoT device makers needing managed updates
  • Developers shipping cross-distro Linux apps
  • Teams wanting sandboxed, auto-updating packages

Not for

  • Debian/Fedora users allergic to Canonical control
  • Performance-sensitive apps — snaps run slower than .debs
  • Anyone wanting simple native apt installs
  • Security-averse teams uneasy about store malware reports

Gotchas - check before you buy

high

Guess: store backend is closed-source; publishing ties you to Canonical infrastructure

medium

Private stores for commercial IoT require paid Ubuntu agreements

medium

Builds can pass but fail at runtime — test thoroughly before release

low

Documentation lives on a forum — users call it a bad design

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Universal Linux packages that run across distros
  • Regular automatic security updates out of the box
  • Snaps can be self-hosted outside the official store
  • Canonical tracks and resolves security vulnerabilities publicly
  • Adopted by KDE, Slack,, AWS IoT Greengrass

Cons

  • Users report snap apps run slower than .deb versions
  • Hijacked apps on the store delivered crypto-stealing malware
  • Persistent community criticism of snap since 2019
  • Manual package reviews create publishing bottlenecks

Sources & method

Analyzed 9/26/2026 - 8 sources - Multiple past CVEs in packaging tooling; researchers have found malware distributed via the store itself.

official x2review x3security x3
  • CVE-2020-27348 in snapcraft, Vulnerability in snapcraft tracked by NVD; details in the CVE record.
  • Snapcraft 4.4.4 library injection, Library injection vulnerability affecting built snaps; fixed in 4.4.4 release.
  • Malware via hijacked store apps, Linux users targeted by crypto thieves through hijacked apps on Snap Store, January 2026.

Key stats

  • Value for money: 4/5

    Rating

  • Free

    Starting price

  • 8

    Sources

  • Analyzed

  • Value for money: 4/5. Free for core use; paid only private/IoT
  • Ease of use: 2/5. Users report slower apps; build failures common
  • Feature depth: 4/5. Channels, sandboxing, private stores, self-hosting
  • Support quality: 2/5. Docs hosted on forum criticized; slow manual reviews
  • Security posture: 2/5. Past CVEs; hijacked apps delivered crypto malware
  • Yes Free tier Public Snap Store free to publish and install
  • 82/100 Domain trust score Gridinsoft scan of api.snapcraft.io
  • 2+ CVEs in tooling CVE-2020-27348 plus 2024 core22 report
  • Canonical Maker Backed by Ubuntu's parent company

Pricing

Public Snap Store

Free

  • Publish and install snaps free
  • Automatic updates included

Private store / IoT services

Paid via Ubuntu

  • Private store for commercial IoT
  • Snap creation and device services from Canonical

Security

Multiple past CVEs in packaging tooling; researchers have found malware distributed via the store itself.

  • CVE-2020-27348 in snapcraftVulnerability in snapcraft tracked by NVD; details in the CVE record.⁵
  • Snapcraft 4.4.4 library injectionLibrary injection vulnerability affecting built snaps; fixed in 4.4.4 release.
  • Malware via hijacked store appsLinux users targeted by crypto thieves through hijacked apps on Snap Store, January 2026.⁴

What users say

Opinion is sharply polarized: some Linux users love snaps while many complain about slowness, Canonical control, and forced updates.

“Unpopular opinion: I love snaps”
Reddit, r/linux
“Are ubuntu snaps as terrible as everyone says?”
Reddit, r/linux4noobs
“I don't think Snapcraft is a good system”
Snapcraft forum

Alternatives

Compare Snapcraft with each alternative.

  • Flatpak / Flathub

    Community-run Linux app store with less Canonical control.

  • APT / .deb packages

    Native Ubuntu packages; users report faster performance than snaps.

  • AppImage

    Portable single-file apps; no store or daemon needed.

Companies that use it

  • KDE
  • Slack
  • AWS (IoT Greengrass)
Full analysis

Based on ~50 public sources; most snippets truncated, so numeric detail is limited.

Free Linux app store, solid for Ubuntu and IoT fleets; think twice if you dread lock-in, slow apps, or Canonical control.

Methodology

Based on ~50 public sources; most snippets truncated, so numeric detail is limited.

Sources

  1. Snapcraft — Snaps are universal Linux packagessnapcraft.io
    official
  2. Are ubuntu snaps as terrible as everyone says?reddit.com
    review
  3. Why snap versions of apps are slower than .debreddit.com
    review
  4. Linux users targeted by crypto thieves via hijacked apps on Snap Storehelpnetsecurity.com
    security
  5. CVE-2020-27348 — NVDnvd.nist.gov
    security
  6. Private snap store for commercial IoT useforum.snapcraft.io
    official
  7. Snap Trap: Hidden Dangers in Ubuntu's Package Suggestion Systemaquasec.com
    security
  8. Best Snapcraft Alternatives & Competitorsalternativeto.net
    review

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