S3Corp. Tech Blog

Chrome extensions can turn a simple browser into a powerful tool for increasing productivity. These small programs enhance Chrome’s capabilities by adding features that save time, streamline tasks, and boost efficiency. However, it’s important to use them wisely. If installed incorrectly or used excessively, they can slow down your browser or pose security risks. That said, when used correctly, extensions can significantly improve your online experience by saving you time and effort.

The Chrome Web Store has thousands of options, many of which are well-known and widely used. Popular extensions like Google Drive, Google Translate, Evernote Web Clipper, and Save to Pocket are familiar to many. But what about lesser-known extensions that can be equally valuable? Here’s a list of 10 Chrome extensions you need to try right now.

The 10 Best Chrome Extensions You Should Try Right Now

1. Clipboard History 2

If you frequently copy and paste text, Clipboard History 2 is an essential tool for you. We’ve all experienced the frustration of accidentally overwriting something important on the clipboard. This extension solves that issue by keeping a history of everything you copy for a set number of days. If you need to retrieve something you copied earlier, you can easily scroll through your clipboard history and select the item you need. This extension is ideal for anyone who needs to keep track of multiple copied items over time, whether you’re working on a document or conducting research. It is especially useful for professionals in fields such as web development or content creation who need to reference multiple sources frequently.

2. StayFocusd

The internet is full of distractions. It’s easy to lose track of time when browsing social media or checking irrelevant websites. StayFocusd helps eliminate this problem by allowing you to set time limits on distracting sites. Once you reach your set limit, the extension blocks access to those sites for the rest of the day. This can prevent time-wasting habits, increase focus, and improve productivity. StayFocusd’s most notable feature is that once the time limit is up, there’s no way to bypass the block. This helps keep you disciplined and focused, preventing you from giving in to the temptation of visiting time-sucking websites. It is especially helpful for freelancers or remote workers who need to avoid distractions and stay productive during work hours.

3. Checker Plus for Gmail

If you manage multiple email accounts through Gmail, you know how cumbersome it can be to switch between inboxes. Checker Plus for Gmail solves this problem by improving the Gmail experience with several useful features. It provides desktop notifications for new emails, allows you to read and delete emails directly from the notification, and gives you a faster way to manage multiple accounts. It even works with Google Inbox, helping you streamline your workflow. This extension is particularly useful for busy professionals or anyone who needs to keep on top of several email accounts simultaneously. It eliminates the need to constantly check your inbox and allows you to manage emails more efficiently.

4. GIF Delayer

GIFs are everywhere on the internet, but they can sometimes be a source of frustration. Often, they fail to load properly or start playing before they are fully buffered. This can lead to poor user experience, especially on websites like Reddit or social media platforms. GIF Delayer solves this problem by stopping GIFs from playing until they are fully buffered. This extension ensures that GIFs load properly before they play, reducing lag and frustration. By preventing premature playback, GIF Delayer provides a smoother browsing experience, allowing you to enjoy content without interruptions. If you often visit websites with large amounts of GIF content, this extension will save you time and reduce frustration.

5. Honey

Everyone loves finding discounts when shopping online, and Honey is the perfect extension for that. Honey automatically finds and applies the best available coupon codes when you check out at participating online stores. It takes the guesswork out of trying to find discounts, making the process quick and seamless. The extension works with hundreds of online stores across the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and India, providing users with a hassle-free way to save money. Whether you’re shopping for clothing, electronics, or anything in between, Honey can help you save money every time you make a purchase online. If you’re someone who shops frequently, this extension can make your shopping experience more affordable and efficient.

6. timeStats

If you’ve ever wondered where all your time goes when you’re online, timeStats is the perfect tool for tracking your browsing habits. This extension monitors the amount of time you spend on each website and presents the data in easy-to-read charts and graphs. You can view the information by day, week, or month, and categorize your browsing activity. Additionally, you can exclude certain websites or days from your results, providing you with more accurate insights. If you’re looking to improve your time management or boost productivity, timeStats is a great tool to help you understand where your time is being spent. When used in conjunction with StayFocusd, timeStats can give you valuable insights into how well you’re managing your time and help you stay on track.

7. Cite This For Me

Cite This For Me is an invaluable tool for students, researchers, and anyone who needs to create accurate citations for academic or professional work. This extension generates citations in various formats, including APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard, for any website you visit. It also lets you build a bibliography and syncs with the website citethisforme.com, making the citation process even easier. Whether you’re writing a paper, creating a report, or compiling a research project, Cite This For Me saves you time and effort by automating the citation process. You simply click the extension button, and it generates the reference for you, ready to be copied into your document. This extension is a must-have for anyone who regularly works with academic writing or needs to maintain proper citations in their work.

8. Social Fixer for Facebook

If you spend a lot of time on Facebook and want to enhance your experience, Social Fixer is an excellent extension to install. It improves the Facebook interface by adding useful features, such as tabbed news feeds, advanced feed filters, comment trackers, and better quick links. These features make it easier to navigate your Facebook feed and manage notifications. Social Fixer allows you to filter out unwanted posts, making your experience on the platform more enjoyable and less cluttered. Whether you want to follow specific topics or limit the type of content you see, Social Fixer gives you more control over your Facebook usage. It’s an ideal extension for anyone looking to customize their Facebook experience and make it more efficient.

9. Instagram for Chrome

While Instagram is primarily a mobile app, many users want a more comprehensive desktop version of the service. The official desktop version of Instagram offers limited functionality, but the Instagram for Chrome extension fills this gap. This extension provides the full mobile experience right in your browser. You can view, like, comment, and share posts, as well as follow users and explore content, all from your desktop. Instagram for Chrome has gained popularity, with millions of users taking advantage of its features. If you prefer browsing Instagram on a larger screen or need to manage your account while working on your computer, this extension is a must-try. It eliminates the need for constant switching between devices, providing a seamless Instagram experience directly in your browser.

10. Refresh Monkey

If you find yourself repeatedly refreshing a page, waiting for tickets to go live or checking on a real-time event like a sports game, Refresh Monkey can make your life much easier. This extension automatically refreshes a webpage at specified intervals. You can set a timer for how often you want the page to refresh, and the extension will update it for you without requiring manual input. Refresh Monkey also alerts you to any changes on the page, so you don’t have to keep staring at the screen. This feature is particularly useful for people who need to monitor live updates without constantly checking the page. Whether you’re waiting for concert tickets or following the score of a game, Refresh Monkey helps you stay updated without the need for constant refreshing.

What Are Your Favorite Little-Known Extensions?

The ten Chrome extensions listed here are a great starting point, but there are plenty more out there that can help improve your browsing experience. Many extensions can enhance your productivity, save you time, or simply make your online activities more enjoyable. Exploring the Chrome Web Store is a great way to discover new tools that can make a big difference in your daily routine.

We’d love to hear about your favorite lesser-known Chrome extensions. If you’ve discovered any that have improved your productivity or made your online experience more fun, share them in the comments below. Your recommendations could be helpful to others looking for new ways to enhance their Chrome browser.