The 15 best productivity extensions for Chrome in 2024

If I were to tell you I'm an expert in productivity extensions for Chrome, you'd naturally assume I'm a poster child for efficiency and focus. The truth is, thanks to ADHD, my expertise is born out of sheer necessity—a desperate attempt to rein in a brain that took one look at the concept of "linear thinking" and said, "Nah, I'd rather juggle flaming chainsaws."

Each Chrome extension recommended below has been battle-tested, not by someone who's a pinnacle of productivity, but by someone who's tried them all in a bid to wrangle a wandering mind.

The 15 best productivity extensions for Chrome

• uBlock Origin for blocking ads

• Todoist for task management

• 1Password for password management

• Grammarly for writing

• Momentum for getting motivated

• Inbox When Ready for email

• Session Buddy for tab management

• The Marvellous Suspender for improving computer performance

• Scribe for screen capture

• Google Keep for note-taking

• Marinara for time management

• Noisli for staying focused

• Pocket for saving for later

• Just Read for removing distracting elements

• Zapier for automating workflows

What makes a great Chrome productivity extension?

How we evaluate and test apps

Our best apps roundups are written by humans who've spent much of their careers using, testing, and writing about software. Unless explicitly stated, we spend dozens of hours researching and testing apps, using each app as it's intended to be used and evaluating it against the criteria we set for the category. We're never paid for placement in our articles from any app or for links to any site—we value the trust readers put in us to offer authentic evaluations of the categories and apps we review. For more details on our process, read the full rundown of how we select apps to feature on the Zapier blog.

 

If you'd told me 10 years ago that someday I'd be offering unsolicited advice about Chrome extensions like a low-rent tech guru, I would've choked on my Hot Cheetos, laughing you out of the room. Yet here I am, on the cusp of my influencer dreams, recommending internet tools to you instead of lip kits or those terrifying face massagers. 

There was no way for me to test every single Chrome extension out there, but I spent time with some solid fan favorites. Besides the ever-important "Does this make me want to throw my computer out of the window?" test, the main criteria are:

• Ease of use: Is the extension easy to set up and use? The extension should be user-friendly, with a straightforward and intuitive interface, allowing you to quickly understand how to use it and access its features. 

• Genuine utility: Does the extension actually make lives easier, or is it just taking up space? The extension should streamline and expedite tasks, saving you time and effort.

• Features: Does the extension offer enough features that address the specific productivity needs of the user? Each feature should add value and enhance the functionality of the extension.

• RAM usage: Does the extension run smoothly and efficiently without slowing down Chrome? Extensions that consume an excessive amount of memory can lead to decreased productivity and increased frustration. (See the aforementioned "Does this make me want to throw my computer out of the window?" test.)

• Security and reliability. You shouldn't give any random developer access to your web browser. Make sure you trust the developers behind any extension you install.

In addition to all that, there's of course my personal preferences, which, since you're a human and I'm a human, are likely different from yours. Productivity is deeply personal, so make sure you find the extensions that work for you—not for me.

The best Chrome productivity extensions at a glance

	Best for	Standout feature	Pricing
uBlock Origin	Blocking ads	Granular content filtering	Free
Todoist	Task management	Seamlessly manages tasks and to-do lists	Free for basic features; paid plans start at $4/month
1Password	Password management	Simplifies strong password generation and management	Plans start at $36/year
Grammarly	Writing	Improve writing quality with writing assistant	Free for basic features; paid plans start at $12/month
Momentum	Getting motivated	Inspirational dashboard replacing new tab page	Free for basic features; $39.96/year for Plus plan
Inbox When Ready	Email	Prevents distractions by hiding inbox	Free for basic features; $48/year for Pro plan
Session Buddy	Tab management	Allows you to save and restore browser sessions	Free
The Marvellous Suspender	Improving computer performance	Suspends unused tabs to improve performance	Free
Scribe	Screen capture	Automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots	Free for basic features; paid plans start at $23/month
Google Keep	Note-taking	Makes note-taking and organization easy	Free
Marinara	Time management	Allows you to customize which sites to allow and block during work times	Free
Noisli	Staying focused	Helps boost productivity by providing an ideal mix of background noises	Free for basic features; paid plans start at $10/month
Pocket	Saving for later	Easily save articles, videos, and web content for later	Free for basic features;  $44.99/year for Premium
Just Read	Removing distracting elements	Removes distractions from webpages	Free for basic features; $24/year for Pro plan
Zapier	Automating workflows	Triggers automations directly from your browser	Free for basic features; paid plans start at $19.99/month

Best Chrome extension for blocking ads

uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin pros:

• Free and open source

• Offers filters to block irritants beyond ads

• Versatile customization options

uBlock Origin cons:

• Can be difficult to configure

• Interface leaves something to be desired

The irony of a digital marketer using an ad blocker isn't lost on me, but hear me out. While sometimes useful, ads often feel like those vuvuzelas during the 2010 World Cup—loud and intrusive. My go-to is uBlock Origin, a free, open source tool that does more than just block ads. It weeds out questionable scripts and sneaky trackers, enhancing my browsing experience and noticeably reducing website loading times.

The design cleverly reveals how many intruders it's fended off per website visit, often soaring into double or triple digits, and since installation (over a million in just a few years for me). It also allows me to block other annoyances, like those guilt-tripping anti-ad blocker placeholders. And I can always allow websites I trust—after some recon, of course.

uBlock Origin pricing: Free

Best Chrome extension for task management

Todoist for Chrome

Todoist for Chrome pros:

• Easy to use

• Lightweight, using very little CPU resources

• Attractive interface

Todoist for Chrome cons:

• Requires sign-up

• Free plan is very limited

There are few feelings as satisfying as checking off tasks. Todoist is my to-do list app of choice, and the Chrome extension speeds up the process of adding tasks (including adding websites as tasks). Whichever to-do list you use, there's almost definitely a Chrome extension for it—and it'll save you a lot of time clicking back and forth between apps.

What draws me to Todoist for Chrome is how effortlessly it integrates with my browser, letting me jot down tasks and spur-of-the-moment ideas without throwing a wrench in my workflow. Navigating through my jumble of tasks is a breeze, thanks to its slick, user-friendly interface. Plus, it syncs across all my devices in real time, so my to-do list is always at my fingertips, no matter where I find myself. Despite some limitations in the free plan, the sheer convenience and boost in productivity Todoist for Chrome brings to the table makes it an indispensable tool for anyone on a mission to conquer their to-do list.

Todoist also integrates with Zapier, so you can automatically create tasks based on things that happen in the other apps you use most. Learn more about how to automate Todoist, or get started with one of these pre-made workflows.

Add new Google Calendar events to Todoist as tasks

Try it

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Google Calendar, Todoist

Google Calendar + Todoist

More details

Do you need a task to correspond with your new Google Calendar events? This Google Calendar Todoist integration makes it easy to automatically create a new tasks for each new Google Calendar event.

DetailsTry it

Add new Google Tasks to Todoist as tasks

Try it

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Google Tasks, Todoist

Google Tasks + Todoist

More details

Tired of managing your to-do lists across multiple apps? Rather than having to add the same task to multiple lists, use this integration to automatically add each new Google task to Todoist.

DetailsTry it

Todoist pricing: Free for Beginner plan; $4/month for Pro plan; $6/month for Business plan

Best Chrome extension for password management

1Password

1Password pros:

• 14-day free trial

• Very easy to create and manage strong passwords

• One-click autofill of login information

1Password cons:

• Paid subscription required

• Can be expensive for large teams

Like with your to-do list, you'll want the Chrome extension for whatever password manager you use. For me, that's 1Password. 

With just one main password, you can retrieve usernames and passwords for any website you frequent, eliminating the hassle of memorizing each one. If you're logging in to a site for the first time, 1Password can efficiently create a complex, unique password and store it in an encrypted vault so you don't have to remember a thing.

In addition to usernames and passwords, the extension saves:

• Secure documents and notes

• Credit card details

• Security questions and answers

• Software license keys

• Sensitive personal information (bank account details, Social Security number, health insurance info)

1Password even keeps an eye on whether any of your current passwords are weak, reused, or have been involved in a security breach. It's how I found out my Neopets password from the aughts was compromised. On the bright side, maybe now someone will finally feed my starving Poogle.

1Password pricing: $36/year for Individual plan; $60/year for Families plan with up to 5 accounts; Business pricing scales based on number of users

Best Chrome extension for writing

Grammarly

Grammarly pros:

• Writing assistant to help improve quality

• Customizable to suit your writing style

• Tone detection

Grammarly cons:

• Sometimes too nitpicky

• Can be disruptive while typing

Even as a writer, I need a little help from my friend, Grammarly. It proofreads everything I write in real time and then provides suggestions for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and even tone. If you're willing to splurge for Premium, it can also improve your vocabulary and clarity.

It saves me time proofreading for basic errors and makes me think deeper about my writing. The Grammarly Chrome extension works on everything from casual tweets to Google Docs. However, sometimes, it can get a bit too eager to help, popping up and blocking what I'm trying to click, which can be a tad frustrating when I'm in the zone (but not so frustrating that it makes me want to disable the feature).

Grammarly pricing: Free for basic features; $12/month for Premium; $15/month per member for Business

Best Chrome extension for getting motivated

Momentum

Momentum pros:

• Background and quotes update daily

• Integrates with other apps

Momentum cons:

• Difficult to customize

• Limited productivity features compared to other extensions

Momentum transforms every new tab into a personalized dashboard with the time, weather updates, beautiful backgrounds, a to-do list, and a motivational quote, making it one of the more lighthearted and enjoyable apps on this list, even though that's pretty much all it does.

When the day begins, Momentum asks, "What is your main focus for today?" as if I have any hope of achieving anything worthwhile. Each time I open a new tab with the intention of getting distracted, I'm reminded of my goal, which can provide that crumb of dopamine I need to get something done.

Momentum pricing: Free for basic features; $39.96/year for Plus plan

Best Chrome extension for email

Inbox When Ready

Inbox When Ready pros:

• Pauses email notifications until a specified time

• Customizable settings

• Minimizes distractions

Inbox When Ready cons:

• May not support all email providers

• Potential delays in responding to important messages if not managed effectively

Nothing lures me quite like the notification announcing the arrival of yet another email. Like a well-trained dog, I instinctively click over, eager to unearth the contents of every new message. I've regained control over my time and focus with Inbox When Ready.

This Chrome email extension is like Michelle Pfeiffer in "Dangerous Minds"—a stern yet caring teacher overseeing my reading habits. While I remain free to compose emails and sift through older ones, the temptation of new, unread messages is kept under lock and key. Inbox When Ready works by hiding my inbox by default, only revealing it when I consciously decide to check my emails, ensuring I only get sidetracked when I truly want to be. It's like having a personal email bouncer, keeping the distractions out until I say the word.

Inbox When Ready pricing: Free for Basic plan; $48/year for Pro plan

Best Chrome extension for tab management

Session Buddy

Session Buddy pros:

• Easy to recover closed tabs/windows

• Saves and restores browsing sessions

• Allows you to organize tabs into groups

Session Buddy cons:

• May not be necessary for users who don't frequently manage multiple sessions; can be resource-intensive

Having 73 tabs open and crashing the browser is a personal specialty of mine. Session Buddy offers a semblance of order amidst the chaos. It's like having a personal librarian for my "research" sessions. Should I find myself engrossed in the riveting world of Rhode Island biker gangs, I can safely archive that 35-tab hoard, pivot to another task with a fresh set of tabs, and then effortlessly circle back when the mood strikes.

What makes Session Buddy one of the more useful Chrome extensions is that it neatly tucks away my chaotic collection of tabs into a manageable, searchable list. Clicking on its icon on the Chrome toolbar opens a new tab showcasing your current session and any saved sessions, organized by date and time. And if you're the meticulous type, you can even rename and group sessions for easier access.

Session Buddy pricing: Free

Best Chrome extension for improving computer performance

The Marvellous Suspender

The Marvellous Suspender pros:

• Improves browser performance and saves computer memory

• Resumes tabs quickly and easily

• Customizable suspension settings

The Marvellous Suspender cons:

• May not work perfectly with all websites

• You may lose unsaved work on suspended tabs

Rather than taking the proactive step of saving a group of tabs for later with Session Buddy (because who has the energy for that?), this open source Chrome extension is the hero we didn't know we needed.

Instead of letting idle tabs run amok and gobble up your computer's memory, this extension gently puts them to sleep after a certain period of inactivity. It's like tucking your tabs into bed, ensuring they don't drain resources while you're off getting distracted by yet another rabbit hole. A single click is all it takes to bring the desired tab back to life. For those who can't be bothered with the tab-saving formalities, The Marvellous Suspender offers a laid-back solution to keep things zippy.

The Marvellous Suspender pricing: Free

Best Chrome extension for screen capture

Scribe

Scribe pros:

• Integrates with Google Drive

• Supports a variety of formats

• Supports multiple languages

Scribe cons:

• Accuracy may vary depending on the audio quality

• Free tier is limited

Scribe streamlines the process of showing others or even reminding yourself how to execute specific online tasks without getting tangled in long videos. It lets you record your screen, clicks, and keystrokes, and then, like some modern-day scribe (hence the name, I presume), crafts meticulous step-by-step guides, complete with screenshots.

Gone are the days of laboriously penning instructions or fumbling with the screenshot function. Scribe handles the heavy lifting, churning out guides that can be tweaked, stored, and disseminated at will—perfect for those moments when you need to indoctrinate a new recruit or enlighten a client without breaking a sweat. 

Scribe pricing: Free for Basic plan; $23/month for Pro plan; custom pricing for Enterprise plan

Best Chrome extension for note-taking

Google Keep

Google Keep pros:

• Integrates with Google ecosystem

• Color coding and labeling features

• Syncs across multiple devices

Google Keep cons:

• Less feature-rich compared to some dedicated note-taking apps

• Can be difficult to organize notes

While my thoughts flutter like moths around a dim porch light, this Chrome extension is the proverbial bug zapper. A simple click on the Google Keep icon creates a new note, allowing me to jot down ideas before they flit away, giving some semblance of order to my chaotic mind. I've tried fancy note-taking apps—if you already use a different one, check to see if it has a Chrome extension—but there's a charm in Google Keep's simplicity. It's like a pocket-sized notebook that doesn't carry the risk of going through the wash.

The Google Keep Chrome extension is a dream for anyone who's ever had a brilliant idea while browsing, only to forget it moments later. With just a click on the Google Keep icon, a new note pops up, ready for you to spill your thoughts before they vanish into the ether. You can color-code your notes, add labels, and even include images, making it a versatile tool for all your note-taking needs.

Google Keep pricing: Free with a Google account

Best Chrome extension for time management

Marinara

Marinara pros:

• Unintrusive interface

• Highly customizable

Marinara cons:

• Doesn't offer some common features of other Pomodoro Technique apps, such as the ability to create and manage tasks

Out of all the zillions of productivity methods out there, the Pomodoro Technique won me over. The concept is simple: you work in 25-minute focused bursts (called Pomodoros) and then take short five-minute breaks. After two hours, you take a longer 15-minute break. Marinara lets you keep track of these work-break cycles right on your browser.

I love this extension because it motivates me to work while serving as a time tracker. My one gripe is that it doesn't include a "skip break" option on the notification screen. Sometimes when I'm in the zone, the last thing I want is to be interrupted. And right now, if I want to skip that break and dive right back into work, it takes three to four clicks to start a new focus phase. 

Marinara pricing: Free