The best productivity extensions for Chrome
Nine extensions that solve real everyday problems: typing the same thing over and over, remembering passwords, having a hundred tabs open or translating a text.
We spend much of the working day inside the browser: email, CRM, documents, chat. That's why a few well-chosen extensions can save you a lot of time, while too many can slow Chrome down.
We've picked nine useful extensions, each for a different problem. We're the NexoPad team, so we included it, but the rest are well-known tools we'd recommend anyway. Features can change over time, so check them on the Chrome Web Store before installing.
Summary: 9 extensions and what each one is for
| What it does | Ideal if… | |
|---|---|---|
| NexoPad | Replies with shortcuts, notes, links and AI | You type the same messages every day |
| Bitwarden | Password manager | You reuse passwords or write them down |
| LanguageTool | Spelling and grammar checker | You write in several languages |
| uBlock Origin Lite | Ad blocking | Websites are full of ads |
| Dark Reader | Dark mode on any website | You spend long hours in front of a screen |
| OneTab | Save tabs into a list | You pile up dozens of open tabs |
| Google Translate | Translate text and pages | You read or write in other languages |
| Loom | Record videos of your screen | You explain things that are easier to show |
| Todoist | To-do list | You want to capture tasks from any website |
1. NexoPad: your replies, notes and links always at hand
NexoPad saves the texts you repeat (replies, signatures, templates) and inserts them with a shortcut like /hello in any text field on any website. If a reply includes details that change, like the customer's name, it asks for them when inserting.
It also brings together your notes with reminders, your favorite links, page clips and AI to rewrite or translate. You can search everything with Ctrl+K without leaving the page, or keep it open in the side panel while you work.
2–9. The rest of the list
2. Bitwarden
Open-source password manager. It stores your passwords, fills them in for you and generates strong ones. It has a free plan and also works on your phone.
3. LanguageTool
Spelling, grammar and style checker that works in almost any text field. Especially useful if you write in several languages.
4. uBlock Origin Lite
Blocks ads and trackers so pages load faster and distract you less. It's the version of uBlock Origin adapted for Chrome.
5. Dark Reader
Applies a dark mode to any website, with brightness and contrast settings. Easier on the eyes if you spend long hours at the screen.
6. OneTab
Turns all your open tabs into a list with one click, and you restore them when you need them. Frees up memory and tidies your browser.
7. Google Translate
Google's official translator extension: translates the text you select or the whole page without switching tabs.
8. Loom
Records your screen and camera and lets you share the video with a link. Great for explaining a bug, a task or a design without calling a meeting.
9. Todoist
To-do list with projects and due dates. From the extension you add tasks or save the page you're viewing as a task.
How to choose extensions without cluttering your browser
- Start with your biggest time sink. If you type a lot, a text expander; if you hunt for tabs, a tab manager.
- A few that do a lot beat many small ones. Every extension uses memory; one that combines several features replaces several small ones.
- Check the permissions each extension asks for, and be wary of those that ask for more than they need.
- Disable the ones you don't use from
chrome://extensions. - Combine them with Chrome's keyboard shortcuts: we cover the most useful ones in our guide to Chrome keyboard shortcuts.
Frequently asked questions
Do extensions slow Chrome down?
Some do, especially if you have many. Install only the ones you use daily and disable the rest.
Do these extensions work in Edge or Brave?
Edge and Brave can install extensions from the Chrome Web Store, so most work the same way. NexoPad has versions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera and Brave.
Are they free?
All of them have a free version or free plan. Some offer paid plans with more features.
Which extension helps you type faster?
A text expander like NexoPad, which inserts full replies with a shortcut. To compare options, see our roundup of the best text expanders.
Published on October 11, 20267 min read
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Text shortcuts, notes, links and AI in any tab. Install it in under a minute.