Top 14 Chrome Extensions for Productivity and Development in 2024

As a web developer or someone looking to enhance their productivity, the right Chrome extensions can make a significant difference in your workflow. With over 200,000 extensions available in the Chrome Web Store, choosing the best ones can be overwhelming. Here are the top 14 Chrome extensions that you should consider in 2024 to boost your productivity and development efficiency.

Productivity Powerhouses

Productivity is key to getting more done in less time. Here are some extensions that can help you stay focused and manage your tasks more effectively.

Todoist for Chrome

Todoist is a favorite among many for task management. With over 30 million users, it offers a seamless way to manage your to-do lists, set deadlines, and receive reminders. Its integration with your browser makes it easy to add tasks without leaving your workflow.
Key Features:

Quick Add: Turn any webpage into a task with just a few clicks.
Project Organization: Categorize tasks into projects for better structure.
Due Dates and Reminders: Set deadlines and receive timely notifications.
Priority Levels: Assign importance to tasks with color-coded priority flags.
Collaboration: Share projects and assign tasks to team members.
Cross-Platform Sync: Access your tasks on any device, from desktop to mobile.

Productivity Boosters:

Natural Language Processing: Add tasks using everyday language (e.g., “Submit report every Friday at 3 pm”)
Recurring Tasks: Set up repeating tasks for habits and routines.
Integrations: Works with over 60 popular apps like Google Calendar and Slack.
Karma Points: Stay motivated with a gamified productivity tracking system.

Browser-Specific Features:

Right-Click to Add: Easily save web content as tasks by right-clicking on any page.
Compact View: Access your Todoist without leaving your current tab.
Quick Add Shortcut: Use keyboard shortcuts to add tasks instantly while browsing.

Todoist for Chrome transforms your browser into a productivity hub, allowing you to capture ideas, plan projects, and stay organized without disrupting your workflow.

For a guide on using Todoist, check out the video by Tech Tips. They provided a walkthrough on installation and features that can help you manage your tasks effectively.

StayFocusd

StayFocusd helps you avoid distractions by limiting your access to non-essential websites. You can set time limits for these sites, ensuring you stay focused on your work.

Key Features:

Website Blocking: Block entire sites, specific subdomains, or even particular pages and in-page elements (like videos or forms) to minimize distractions.
Customizable Block Lists: Create tailored lists of websites to restrict based on your personal productivity needs.
Time Limits: Set daily time limits for distracting sites. Once the limit is reached, StayFocusd will block access for the remainder of the day.
Nuclear Option: A powerful feature that allows you to block all distracting websites for a specified duration. Once activated, it cannot be undone until the timer expires, ensuring you remain focused during critical work periods.

Productivity Enhancements:

Active Days/Hours: Customize which days and hours StayFocusd will enforce restrictions, allowing flexibility for weekends or after-hours work.
Usage Analytics: Track your website usage history to identify patterns and adjust your blocking strategy accordingly.
Require Challenge: To change any settings, complete a challenging task (like solving a puzzle), reducing the temptation to disable the extension.
In-App Blocking for YouTube: Hide distracting features on YouTube, such as comments and recommended videos, to maintain focus while using the platform.

User Experience:

Intuitive Interface: The extension is easy to navigate, making it simple to set up and modify your blocking preferences.
Privacy Protection: StayFocusd does not collect personal data from the websites you visit, ensuring user privacy while enhancing productivity.

StayFocusd transforms your browsing experience by minimizing distractions and helping you maintain focus on your tasks. Whether you’re working on a project or studying, this extension can significantly boost your productivity by keeping you accountable. For more information, visit the StayFocusd Chrome Web Store page. I also recommend checking out this insightful video by Adam from Formats Productions. In the video, Adam introduces StayFocusd. He walks you through the installation process and demonstrates how to set up the extension effectively. If you’re looking to take control of your browsing habits and boost your focus, this video is a must-watch!

Momentum

Momentum transforms every new tab into a personalized dashboard with the time, weather updates, beautiful backgrounds, a to-do list, and a motivational quote. It helps you stay motivated and focused on your daily goals.

Key Features:

Personalized Dashboard: Replace the standard new tab page with a serene interface that showcases beautiful nature backgrounds and your current location’s weather.
To-Do List: Easily add tasks and track your daily priorities. The simple structure allows you to categorize tasks as “Today,” “Inbox,” or “Done,” making it easy to stay organized.
Motivational Quotes: Each day features a new inspirational quote to uplift your spirits and encourage productivity. Hovering over the quote reveals the author’s name for added context.
Customizable Backgrounds: Choose from a selection of stunning images or upload your own to create a workspace that inspires you.

Additional Features:

Focus Mode: Activate this feature to eliminate distractions while working on tasks. It allows you to concentrate on one task at a time without interruptions.
Weather Updates: Get real-time local weather information displayed prominently on your dashboard, helping you plan your day effectively.
Shortcuts to Favorite Websites: Quickly access frequently visited sites directly from your dashboard, streamlining your workflow.
Cross-Platform Synchronization: Your settings and to-do lists sync across devices, ensuring you have access to your tasks wherever you are.

Premium Features:

Enhanced Customization: The premium version offers additional customization options such as multiple to-do lists, personalized quotes, and unique background images.
Integrations: Seamlessly connect with popular task management tools like Todoist, Asana, and Trello for a more integrated productivity experience.
Metrics Tracking: Monitor your habits and productivity levels with built-in analytics features.

Momentum is not just about aesthetics; it’s designed to create a calm yet productive environment that enhances focus and motivation. With over 3 million users, this extension has proven to be an invaluable tool for anyone looking to improve their workflow. For more details, visit the Momentum Chrome Web Store page or check out user reviews and tutorials on platforms like YouTube

Development Essentials

For web developers, the right tools can significantly enhance the development process. Here are some of the best Chrome extensions for development in 2024.

JSON Formatter

JSON Formatter is a must-have for anyone working with JSON data. It beautifies and structures JSON data, making it easier to read and work with. Features include syntax highlighting, sorting by keys, and line numbers.

Key Features:

Automatic Formatting: Instantly beautifies JSON data when you load it in a browser tab, no manual intervention required.
Syntax Highlighting: Enhances readability with color-coded elements, making it easier to distinguish between keys, values, and data types.
Collapsible Trees: Navigate large JSON files effortlessly with expandable and collapsible sections, complete with indent guides.
Dark Mode: Reduce eye strain with an optional dark theme, perfect for long coding sessions.

Advanced Functionality:

Multiple Viewing Modes: Switch between Parsed, Formatted Raw, and Raw modes using keyboard shortcuts (P, Shift+R, and R respectively).
Clickable URLs: Automatically detects and makes URLs within JSON data clickable for easy access.
Key Sorting: Option to sort object keys alphabetically for improved organization.
Line Numbers: Display line numbers for precise reference and debugging.

User Experience Enhancements:

Fast Performance: Optimized to handle even very long JSON files quickly and efficiently.
Customizable Themes: Choose from over 60 themes to personalize your JSON viewing experience.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Streamline your workflow with convenient shortcuts for common actions.
Cross-Browser Compatibility: Available for Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers.

Developer-Friendly Features:

Console Integration: Parsed JSON is exported as a global variable ‘json’ for easy inspection in the browser console (Note: This feature may be limited in newer versions due to Manifest V3 restrictions).
Open Source: Contribute to or modify the extension to suit your needs, with source code available on GitHub.

JSON Formatter transforms the way you interact with JSON data in your browser, making it an essential tool for efficient development and data analysis. Whether you’re debugging an API response or exploring complex data structures, this extension simplifies the process and enhances productivity.

I recommend watching this insightful video by Dom. In the video, he provides a comprehensive guide on viewing JSON in the browser, focusing on how to make it more readable and manageable. Dom covers important topics such as:

The significance of response headers, particularly the Content-Type header.
How to format JSON responses using a Chrome extension.
A comparison of JSON handling in Chrome and Firefox.

With practical examples and clear explanations, this video is a valuable resource for developers looking to improve their skills in API development and data handling. Be sure to check it out!

Lighthouse

Lighthouse provides comprehensive web performance audits, including SEO, accessibility, and best practices. It generates a detailed report to help you identify and improve weak spots in your web pages.

Key Features:

Multiple Audit Categories: Performs in-depth analysis across five crucial areas: Performance, Accessibility, Best Practices, SEO, and Progressive Web Apps.
Detailed Reports: Generates comprehensive reports with scores, metrics, and specific recommendations for improvement.
Cross-Platform Availability: Run Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools, from the command line, or as a Node module for integration into CI/CD pipelines.
Mobile and Desktop Simulations: Conduct audits simulating both mobile and desktop environments to ensure optimal performance across devices.

Audit Categories:

Performance: Analyzes loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability of web pages.
Accessibility: Checks for issues that may prevent users with disabilities from accessing your content.
Best Practices: Evaluates adherence to web development best practices and security standards.
SEO: Assesses on-page SEO factors that affect search engine rankings.
Progressive Web Apps: Verifies if your web application meets PWA criteria for enhanced user experience.

Advanced Functionality:

Lighthouse CI: Integrate Lighthouse into your continuous integration workflow to prevent regressions.
Custom Audits: Develop and run your own custom audits tailored to your specific needs.
Programmatic Usage: Utilize Lighthouse as a Node module for automated testing and reporting.
Multiple Report Formats: Generate reports in various formats including HTML, JSON, and CSV.

User Experience Enhancements:

Visual Timelines: View a visual representation of your page’s load performance.
Opportunity Sizing: Estimates the potential time savings for each improvement suggestion.
Third-Party Analysis: Identifies the impact of third-party code on page performance.
Stack Packs: Provides technology-specific advice based on your site’s tech stack.

Lighthouse transforms the way developers approach web optimization by providing actionable insights across multiple dimensions of web quality. Whether you’re fine-tuning performance, enhancing accessibility, or improving SEO, Lighthouse offers the tools and guidance needed to create exceptional web experiences. For more information and to start using Lighthouse, visit the official Lighthouse documentation or access it directly through Chrome DevTools

React Developer Tools

React Developer Tools offer a powerful way to inspect and debug React components. You can visualize your component hierarchy, inspect props and state, and profile performance to optimize your React applications.

Key Features:

Component Hierarchy Visualization: Easily navigate and understand your React component tree structure.
Props and State Inspection: Examine and modify component props and state in real-time.
Performance Profiling: Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks in your React applications.

Core Functionality:

Components Tab: Displays a tree view of the React components rendered on the page.
- Inspect component props, state, and hooks
- Edit props and state values on-the-fly
- Search and filter components
Profiler Tab: Record and analyze React component rendering performance.
- Identify components causing performance issues
- Visualize render durations and reasons for re-renders
- Compare multiple recordings to track optimization progress

Advanced Features:

Component Highlighting: Hover over components in the tree to highlight them in the page.
Break on Component Updates: Set breakpoints to pause execution when specific components update.
Component Source Code: Jump directly to a component’s source code in your editor.
Context and Error Boundaries: Inspect React Context providers and consumers, and view error boundary information.

Developer Experience Enhancements:

Dark Mode: Switch between light and dark themes for comfortable debugging in any environment.
Persistent Settings: Your preferences and filters are saved between sessions.
Component Filtering: Hide specific components or entire subtrees for a cleaner view.
Strict Mode Highlighting: Easily identify components running in React’s Strict Mode.

Integration and Compatibility:

React Native Support: Debug React Native applications using the standalone electron app.
Production Build Debugging: Works with minified production builds when source maps are available.
Browser Support: Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, with a standalone version for other browsers.

React Developer Tools transforms the way developers interact with and debug React applications. Whether you’re troubleshooting complex component interactions, optimizing performance, or simply exploring your application’s structure, this extension provides invaluable insights and capabilities. For installation and detailed usage instructions, visit the React Developer Tools Chrome Web Store page or check out the official React documentation on DevTools.

BrowserStack Live

BrowserStack Live allows you to test your web applications across various browsers and devices directly from your Chrome browser. It’s ideal for ensuring cross-browser compatibility and identifying issues early in the development cycle.

Key Features:

Cross-Browser Testing: Instantly access 2000+ real browsers across multiple versions and operating systems.
Real Device Testing: Test on actual mobile devices, not just emulators, for accurate results.
Live Interactive Testing: Debug in real-time with native developer tools and browser console access.

Core Functionality:

One-Click Access: Launch tests on any browser-OS combination with a single click.
Local Testing: Test locally hosted or development sites securely using BrowserStack Local.
Responsive Design Testing: Verify your site’s responsiveness across various screen sizes and resolutions.
Geolocation Testing: Test your application’s behavior in different geographic locations.

Advanced Features:

Screenshot Generation: Capture full-page screenshots across multiple browsers simultaneously.
Issue Logging: Directly create and assign issues with annotated screenshots.
Collaboration Tools: Share test sessions with team members for collaborative debugging.
Network Throttling: Simulate various network conditions to test performance under different scenarios.

Developer Experience Enhancements:

Browser Dev Tools: Access native browser developer tools for in-depth debugging.
Extensions Support: Test with popular browser extensions installed.
Keyboard and Mouse Events: Simulate various user interactions across devices.
Custom Network Profiles: Create and save custom network profiles for consistent testing.

Integration and Compatibility:

CI/CD Integration: Seamlessly integrate with popular CI/CD tools for automated testing.
REST API: Automate test session creation and management programmatically.
Project Management Tools: Integrate with JIRA, Trello, and other project management platforms.
Browser Support: Compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera.

BrowserStack Live transforms the way teams approach cross-browser and multi-device testing, offering a comprehensive solution that combines ease of use with powerful features. Whether you’re conducting exploratory tests, verifying bug fixes, or ensuring consistent user experiences across platforms, this extension provides the tools and insights needed for efficient and thorough testing. For more information and to start using BrowserStack Live, visit the BrowserStack Live Chrome Web Store page or check out the official BrowserStack documentation.

Security and Performance Enhancers

Beyond productivity and development, some extensions focus on enhancing security and performance.

uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is a content blocker that removes ads, malicious URLs, and tracking scripts from your browsing sessions. It helps you focus on your work by eliminating distractions and protecting your privacy.

Key Features:

Ad Blocking: Effectively blocks unwanted advertisements across all websites, including social media platforms and video streaming services.
Malicious URL Blocking: Protects users from phishing attempts and harmful sites by blocking known malicious URLs.
Tracking Script Blocking: Prevents tracking scripts from collecting your data, enhancing your privacy while browsing.

Core Functionality:

Dynamic Filtering: Allows users to create custom rules for blocking specific elements on a webpage, providing granular control over what is displayed.
EasyList and EasyPrivacy Integration: Comes pre-loaded with popular filter lists like EasyList (for ads) and EasyPrivacy (for trackers), ensuring comprehensive coverage against unwanted content.
Element Hiding: Users can manually hide specific webpage elements, further tailoring their browsing experience.

Advanced Features:

Resource Efficiency: Known for its low CPU and memory usage compared to other ad blockers, making it ideal for users who prioritize performance.
Custom Filter Lists: Users can import additional filter lists or create their own to enhance blocking capabilities based on personal preferences.
Logging and Statistics: Provides detailed logs of blocked requests, enabling users to understand what content is being filtered out.

User Experience Enhancements:

Intuitive Interface: The user-friendly interface makes it easy to enable or disable blocking features on a site-by-site basis.
Site-Specific Settings: Customize blocking rules for individual websites, allowing support for sites that may require ads or tracking for functionality.
Accessibility Features: Includes options to assist users with color vision deficiencies and other accessibility needs.

Integration and Compatibility:

Cross-Browser Support: Available on multiple browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera, ensuring consistent protection across platforms.
Open Source Development: Actively maintained by its creator Raymond Hill, uBlock Origin benefits from community contributions and regular updates.

uBlock Origin stands out as a robust solution for anyone looking to enhance their online privacy and reduce distractions from ads. With over 37 million active users on Chrome alone, it has become a staple for those seeking an efficient browsing experience without the clutter of unwanted content.For more information or to download uBlock Origin, visit the uBlock Origin Chrome Web Store page or explore the official uBlock Origin website.

The Marvellous Suspender

The Marvellous Suspender improves browser performance by suspending idle tabs, saving computer memory and reducing resource usage. It resumes tabs quickly and easily when needed.

Key Features:

Tab Suspension: Automatically suspends tabs that are not in use, freeing up system resources and improving overall browser speed.
Memory Saving: Reduces memory consumption by unloading inactive tabs, allowing your computer to run more efficiently.
Quick Tab Resumption: Easily restore suspended tabs with a single click, ensuring you can pick up right where you left off.

Core Functionality:

Automatic Suspension Settings: Customize how long a tab must be idle before it gets suspended, tailoring the experience to your workflow.
Session Management: Keep track of all open tabs and windows, with the ability to save and restore sessions as needed.
Visual Indicators: Suspended tabs are clearly marked, making it easy to identify which ones can be quickly resumed.

Advanced Features:

Whitelist/Blacklist Options: Create lists of sites that should never be suspended or always be suspended, giving you full control over your browsing experience.
Customizable Interface: Adjust settings and appearance to suit your preferences, including themes and notification styles.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize keyboard shortcuts for faster tab suspension and resumption, streamlining your workflow.

User Experience Enhancements:

Performance Monitoring: View statistics on memory usage and performance improvements after suspending tabs.
Seamless Integration: Works smoothly with other extensions and Chrome features, enhancing overall functionality without conflicts.
Open Source Development: Actively maintained by its community, ensuring regular updates and improvements based on user feedback.

Integration and Compatibility:

Cross-Browser Support: Designed specifically for Chrome but can be adapted for use in other Chromium-based browsers.
Manifest V3 Compliance: While transitioning to the latest Chrome extension framework, the developer is committed to maintaining functionality and user experience.

The Marvellous Suspender is a vital tool for anyone looking to optimize their browsing experience by managing multiple tabs effectively. With its intuitive design and powerful features, it allows users to focus on their work without the distraction of inactive tabs consuming valuable resources. For more information or to download The Marvellous Suspender, visit the Chrome Web Store page or check out user reviews.

Chrome Extensions for Performance

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Additional Tools for Efficiency

Here are a few more extensions that can further enhance your productivity and development workflow.

Session Buddy

Session Buddy allows you to manage your tabs by saving open tabs as collections and restoring them later. It also helps recover changes after a browser crash.

Key Features:

Tab Management: Organize and manage all open tabs in one convenient interface, reducing clutter and improving focus.
Tab Saving and Restoring: Save your current tabs as collections that can be easily restored later, perfect for maintaining workflows across different projects.
Crash Recovery: Automatically recover your open tabs after a browser crash, ensuring you don’t lose important work or information.

Core Functionality:

Session Collections: Group tabs into named collections for easy access and organization, allowing you to switch between different tasks effortlessly.
Search Functionality: Quickly find specific tabs or collections using the built-in search feature, streamlining navigation through numerous open tabs.
History Management: Access a history of saved sessions to restore previous tab configurations as needed.

Advanced Features:

Customizable Settings: Tailor the extension’s behavior to suit your preferences, including auto-saving intervals and tab suspension options.
Import/Export Options: Easily back up your session data or transfer it to another device with simple import/export functionality.
Visual Tab Overview: Get a clear visual representation of all open tabs and their corresponding URLs, making it easier to manage your browsing sessions.

User Experience Enhancements:

Intuitive Interface: A user-friendly design that simplifies tab management, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation and management of sessions, enhancing productivity.
Notifications: Receive alerts when sessions are saved or restored, keeping you informed about your tab management activities.

Integration and Compatibility:

Cross-Browser Support: While primarily designed for Chrome, Session Buddy can also be used in other Chromium-based browsers.
Regular Updates: Actively maintained with frequent updates to improve functionality and address user feedback.

Session Buddy is an essential tool for anyone looking to optimize their tab management and enhance productivity while browsing. With its powerful features for saving, restoring, and recovering sessions, it allows users to maintain focus on their work without the stress of losing important information. For more information or to download Session Buddy, visit the Session Buddy Chrome Web Store page or check out the official Session Buddy website.

VisBug

VisBug turns any web page into an interactive artboard, allowing you to brainstorm new UI ideas, create pixel-perfect mockups, and edit elements directly on the page.

Key Features:

Interactive Artboard: Convert any web page into a canvas for design experimentation and iteration.
UI Design Brainstorming: Rapidly prototype and test new UI concepts directly in the browser environment.
Pixel-Perfect Mockups: Create precise design adjustments and layouts without leaving the browser.

Core Functionality:

Visual Editing: Manipulate elements, styles, and layouts using intuitive point-and-click interactions.
Real-Time Preview: See changes instantly, allowing for quick iterations and decision-making.
Multi-Select and Bulk Editing: Select multiple elements simultaneously for efficient design updates.
Responsive Design Testing: Easily adjust and test designs across various screen sizes and devices.

Advanced Features:

Accessibility Inspection: Evaluate and improve the accessibility of designs with built-in a11y tools.
CSS Inspection and Modification: View and edit CSS properties directly on the page.
Image Replacement: Swap out images to quickly visualize different visual assets.
Text Editing: Modify text content on-the-fly to refine copy and typography.

User Experience Enhancements:

Keyboard Shortcuts: Streamline workflow with a comprehensive set of keyboard commands for common actions.
Customizable Guides and Grids: Overlay alignment guides and grids to ensure precise element positioning.
Color Picker and Palette Management: Easily select, modify, and apply colors across the design.
Export Options: Save design changes or export modified CSS for implementation.

Integration and Compatibility:

Cross-Browser Support: While primarily for Chrome, VisBug is compatible with other Chromium-based browsers.
Design Tool Integration: Complement existing design workflows by bridging the gap between design tools and the browser.
Version Control Friendly: Facilitate easier communication of design changes to development teams.

VisBug revolutionizes the way designers and developers collaborate on web projects by providing a powerful set of tools for in-browser design manipulation. Whether you’re refining existing layouts, prototyping new ideas, or conducting design reviews, VisBug offers an intuitive and efficient platform for bringing your creative visions to life directly within the web environment. For more information or to download VisBug, visit the VisBug Chrome Web Store page or explore the official VisBug GitHub repository for the latest updates and community contributions.

Requestly

Requestly is a powerful tool for modifying HTTP headers, redirecting URLs, and delaying network requests. It’s useful for frontend development and QA testing.

Key Features:

HTTP Header Modification: Easily add, modify, or remove HTTP headers for both requests and responses.
URL Redirection: Redirect URLs to different destinations, facilitating local development and testing of production sites.
Network Request Delay: Simulate various network conditions by adding customizable delays to specific requests.

Core Functionality:

Rule-Based Modifications: Create and manage rules for different types of modifications, allowing for complex scenarios and workflows.
Request Interception: Intercept and modify API requests and responses in real-time.
Mock API Responses: Create mock responses for APIs, enabling frontend development without a fully functional backend.

Advanced Features:

Script Injection: Insert custom JavaScript or CSS into web pages for on-the-fly modifications.
Request Blocking: Selectively block specific requests to simulate various scenarios or improve page load times.
GraphQL Support: Intercept and modify GraphQL queries and mutations.
Team Collaboration: Share rules and configurations with team members for consistent testing environments.

User Experience Enhancements:

Intuitive Interface: User-friendly dashboard for managing rules and viewing real-time request logs.
Chrome DevTools Integration: Seamlessly works alongside Chrome’s built-in developer tools.
Rule Templates: Pre-built templates for common scenarios to get started quickly.
Export/Import Functionality: Easily backup, share, or transfer your rules across different machines or team members.

Integration and Compatibility:

Cross-Browser Support: While primarily a Chrome extension, Requestly is also available for Firefox and Edge.
Desktop App: A standalone desktop application for system-wide request modification, not limited to just browsers.
API Integration: Programmatically create and manage rules through Requestly’s API.

Requestly transforms the way developers and testers interact with web applications by providing granular control over HTTP traffic. Whether you’re debugging complex API interactions, testing different network scenarios, or streamlining your development workflow, Requestly offers a comprehensive solution to enhance your productivity and efficiency. For more information or to download Requestly, visit the Requestly Chrome Web Store page or explore the official Requestly website for detailed documentation and additional resources.

These Chrome extensions can significantly enhance your productivity and development workflow. Whether you’re looking to manage tasks more efficiently, improve web performance, or enhance security, there’s an extension out there for you.

So, which of these extensions will you be adding to your Chrome browser? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your colleagues and friends who could benefit from these tools.