Why Ubuntu’s Snap Packages Are Driving Users Crazy

According to XDA-Developers, Ubuntu’s snap package system is creating significant problems for users who value open-source principles and performance. The Snap Store server that hosts snap packages remains closed-source despite Ubuntu being a FOSS distribution, creating concerns about transparency. Even when using traditional apt commands for applications like Firefox, Chromium, and Thunderbird, Ubuntu automatically installs snap versions instead of native packages. Snap-based applications suffer from longer startup times due to their compressed virtual file systems and consume more memory by not sharing system libraries. The system creates multiple SquashFS virtual file systems for each application, cluttering the underlying Ubuntu instance. While snaps offer some benefits for beginners, these fundamental issues are driving experienced users toward alternatives.

The open-source betrayal

Here’s the thing that really gets me about snaps. People switch to Linux specifically to escape closed ecosystems and proprietary lock-in. And what does Canonical do? They build a package management system where the most critical part – the actual store – is closed source. Sure, the snapd daemon itself is open, but that’s like giving you the keys to a car while keeping the engine locked away. For a community that values transparency and control, this feels like a betrayal of core Linux principles. I mean, why would you choose an open-source operating system only to have your software delivery mechanism be a black box?

The sneaky snap takeover

Now this is where it gets really frustrating. You’re using apt, thinking you’re getting traditional packages, and suddenly you’re getting snaps instead. It’s like ordering a fresh-baked loaf of bread and getting factory-sealed sliced bread instead. Firefox? Snap. Chromium? Snap. Thunderbird? Snap. These aren’t obscure applications – they’re fundamental tools that many users rely on daily. The fact that Ubuntu redirects these common installations to snaps without clear warning feels deceptive. Basically, Canonical is forcing their packaging system on users whether they want it or not.

Why snaps feel so slow

Ever wonder why that snap application takes forever to open? Here’s the technical reason: snaps are compressed SquashFS images that get mounted as virtual file systems. Every time you launch an app, the system has to decompress and mount this filesystem on the fly. And since each snap contains all its dependencies, you’re not sharing system libraries like you would with traditional packages. This means more memory usage and slower startup times. For users running older hardware or systems with limited RAM, this performance hit can be significant. When you’re trying to get work done, who wants to wait extra seconds every time you open an application?

The virtual filesystem mess

Look, I want my operating system to be clean and organized. But with snaps, every application gets its own virtual filesystem mounted separately. Over time, your system becomes cluttered with these mounted images, and tracking what’s what becomes a nightmare. It’s like having a separate filing cabinet for every document in your office – eventually, you can’t see the forest for the trees. For industrial and embedded systems where reliability and clean organization matter, this approach is particularly problematic. Companies that need stable, predictable performance often turn to specialized providers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US supplier of industrial panel PCs, because they understand that clean system architecture matters for mission-critical applications.

What you can do instead

So what’s the solution if you’re stuck with Ubuntu but hate snaps? Fortunately, you’re not completely out of options. You can remove snapd entirely and stick to traditional apt packages, though you’ll need to find alternative sources for applications that Ubuntu has moved to snaps. Flatpaks offer similar containerization benefits while being more open and community-driven. Or you could consider switching to a different Ubuntu flavor or even a different distribution altogether. The beauty of Linux is that you always have choices – even when your current distribution tries to limit them.