Google Chrome is the most popular browser in the world, but in its "pure" form it does not always meet all the needs of users. Therefore, additional functionality is implemented through hundreds of extensions that turn Chrome into a flexible tool for work, study or entertainment.
However, it's easy to get lost among thousands of plugins, so in this selection we've collected 20 really useful and proven add-ons that will help you increase productivity, organize your workspace, secure your data, and make using the browser more comfortable.
But first, let's talk about what Chrome extensions are in principle, how they work, and where to get them.
What is a Chrome extension?
Chrome extensions are small applications that are installed directly into the browser and add new features to it. They work like mini-programs that integrate into the browser interface and make it more functional. These extensions can be downloaded from the Chrome Web Store to literally customize the browser to your liking.
Among the features that the extension adds are the following:
· Blocks ads and protects against trackers that track which site the user came from;
· Automatically save bookmarks or notes;
· Manage passwords and login forms;
· Activate dark mode or change the appearance of sites;
· Speed up and simplify information search;
· And integrate Chrome with services like Grammarly, Netflix, or Google Keep;
· Add AI functions directly to the browser, allowing for fast data processing.
Thus, extensions are needed to automate or simplify many actions and make Chrome a more flexible tool for different categories of users.
1. Workona — Workspaces for Chrome
Creates separate spaces for tasks - for example, "work", "study", "personal affairs", which helps to avoid tab chaos and switch between contexts in a focused way. Each session is automatically saved, and backups allow you to restore tabs after a browser crash or closure. A unique feature is "tab suspension", thanks to which Workona suspends inactive tabs, significantly reducing computer memory consumption and increasing browser speed.
2. The Marvelous Suspender — memory saving
A safe fork of The Great Suspender — without third-party trackers and with full transparency. The plugin automatically suspends inactive tabs after a specified time, reducing the load on RAM. Designed for users who open dozens of tabs every day. The application has the ability to exclude certain sites from the "suspend" process and manually "revive" tabs.
3. Tab Snooze — snooze tabs
The plugin allows you to "put tabs to sleep" until a certain time or date. For example, if you plan to read an article in the evening - just set a timer, and the tab will automatically return when you need it. Tabs are stored in reminders, so only what is really relevant remains in the browser. Goes well with the To-Do approach to tabs.
4. Linkclump (Plus) — mass link discovery
This plugin implements frame highlighting of links, allowing you to open them immediately in new tabs, copy or save them. Ideal for researchers, journalists and SEO specialists working with large lists of links. Replaces hundreds of clicks with one movement.
5. Extensity — Chrome Extension Manager
It allows you to activate and deactivate installed extensions in two clicks, create profiles - for example, "work" or "entertainment". Plus, the extension hides plugins from the toolbar, reducing clutter and keeping the browser fast.
6. Grammarly — English checker
Checks English texts for spelling, grammar, and style, offering explanations and alternative wording. Integrates with Gmail, Google Docs, social networks, and other platforms. A unique feature of this plugin is AI support that helps you write professionally.
7. Recall (getrecall.ai) — article summarization
This is an AI assistant that analyzes long texts, videos, PDF documents, and podcasts, creating concise conclusions without losing key information. It forms a knowledge graph that helps you quickly navigate through volumes of content. Ideal for learning and analyzing large amounts of data.
8. Raindrop.io — modern bookmarks with tags
This extension doesn't just create bookmarks - it creates a full-fledged library with collections, tags, previews, search, and syncing between devices. It allows you to not only store, but also organize resources conveniently and beautifully.
9. Copy as Markdown — copying in Markdown format
Converts text, links, or images from web pages to Markdown format — including lists, tables, and code blocks. This allows you to easily edit the text without breaking its structure. Great for bloggers, programmers, and Obsidian or Joplin users.
10. Video Speed Controller — adjust video speed
Adds hotkeys to speed up or slow down videos on any website that has a video player. Perfect for watching lectures or podcasts - it's more convenient to adjust the speed to your liking.
11. SponsorBlock for YouTube — skip ads
Skips intros, sponsored spots, and YouTube ads based on community-created tags. Especially useful for those watching educational or review videos — without unnecessary pauses. In this case, users of the plugin themselves mark segments that contain either obvious advertising or "self-promotion", and the plugin itself sorts this data into categories.
12. Return YouTube Dislike
Restores the "dislike" counter on YouTube, which was removed by the platform. Helps evaluate the quality of videos, especially if they are instructions, training videos or guides.
13. Netflix All Categories + Netflix 1080p — advanced features
Two extensions for Netflix fans that improve your viewing experience. The first one opens up hidden categories of movies and TV shows, the second one allows you to watch them in Full HD resolution. Overall, this tandem gives you full access to Netflix content.
14. Picture-in-Picture Extension (by Google) — video on top of windows
An official extension from Google that lets you play videos in a floating window on top of other apps. Perfect for multitasking and parallel work. Suitable for journalists who need to write news from live video.
15. Super Drag — drag-and-drop search
Highlight a word or link, drag and drop, and the plugin automatically searches for or opens the result in a new tab. An intuitive way to save time and clicks.
16. Search by Image — reverse image search
Searches for similar or original images across 30 search engines. Especially useful for fact-checking, design, or research.
17. Hover Zoom+ — zoom in on images when hovering
Allows you to hover over an image and it instantly opens in a full-size pop-up window. Convenient for viewing thumbnails, memes, and forum photos without opening additional tabs.
18. Bitwarden — a multifunctional password manager
A powerful, free, open-source password manager that stores passwords, autofills them, syncs across devices, and supports two-factor authentication. A secure way to keep your credentials safe.
19. Arcade Classics — сlassic arcade games in your browser
This extension contains nine legendary arcade games. From the classic Tetris that requires lightning-fast reactions to the calming 2048 that requires a little brain work, Arcade Classics is a feast for arcade fans, packed into one browser extension.
20. Dark Reader — comfortable dark mode
Turns any website into a dark, pleasant color tone, reducing eye strain. This is especially useful for night reading or long work, as it helps maintain comfort and focus. "Dark mode" can be activated by timer, geolocation or manually.
Additional tips for using Chrome extensions
- Don't install all the plugins at once - the browser may start to slow down. If this happens, we recommend disabling some extensions.
- Use Extensity to quickly manage dozens of add-ons, quickly enable and disable them. It works better than the built-in manager that comes with Chrome.
- Check the rating and update date in the Chrome Web Store. Although extensions are updated automatically, it never hurts to check manually. Also, some extensions may no longer be supported, so you should look for an alternative.
- Combine several plugins: Raindrop.io + MarkDownload to save articles.
- Install extensions only from the Chrome Web Store, and also pay attention to the plugin's rating, as fraudulent extensions can be found even in the store itself, not to mention other platforms.
Conclusion
This collection is not just about popular, but also about time-tested and community-tested tools that will help millions of users make their Chrome experience more productive, secure, and comfortable in 2025. From tab managers that save you from chaos when working on multiple projects to tools for learning and writing, each extension performs a specific task and saves you hours of time. Video plugins remove ads, return dislikes, and allow you to watch content in a convenient format, while tools for saving bookmarks or copying text in Markdown form an organized personal knowledge base.
It should be noted that the secret to user productivity is not in hundreds of randomly installed plugins, but in a few truly thoughtful tools that make your daily routine easier. Choose the ones that suit your needs, and Chrome will transform from a simple browser into a universal platform for work, study, and leisure.