Let’s talk essential Chrome extensions, the ones you can’t browse without. Not looking for a long list of novelty tools, just your trusted, everyday-use extensions that genuinely improve productivity, privacy, or usability.
Which ones do you install first on a fresh Chrome setup? Examples might include things like ad blockers, password managers, or tab organizers. Drop your favorites and what makes them so essential to your workflow.
I’ve been working in web dev for over a decade, and the first thing I install on any new browser setup is always uBlock Origin, super lightweight and never breaks pages. Then Bitwarden, open source and bulletproof for password management. And I’m one of those people with 30+ tabs always open, so Tab Wrangler is essential. It auto-closes inactive tabs and keeps a restore list. My must-have Chrome extensions are simple: speed, security, and sanity.
Totally agree, @ian-partridge! Been in product for 8+ years, and over time, I’ve come to rely more on productivity-oriented must-have Chrome extensions. Momentum gives me a calm, focused dashboard with to-dos and daily quotes—it’s surprisingly motivating. I use Pocket to save articles and sync across devices for downtime reading. And Grammarly? Can’t live without it. From emails to quick docs, it’s my silent editor. A tidy mind needs tidy tools
Couldn’t agree more with both of you. Coming from a cybersecurity background, I lean heavy on privacy-focused must-have Chrome extensions. Privacy Badger auto-learns and blocks sneaky trackers. HTTPS Everywhere ensures secure connections—especially when I’m on public Wi-Fi. I also use ClearURLs to clean up all that messy tracking junk from links. And for late-night work, Dark Reader has been a game changer. Nothing fancy, just peace of mind.