Browser Extensions Worth Installing
Most browser extensions overpromise and underdeliver. These seven have been in our browsers for months. They're here because we actually use them, not because they look impressive in a list.
uBlock Origin
The most effective ad and tracker blocker available. Free, open source, and actively maintained. It also makes most pages load faster by blocking the tracking scripts that slow them down. There is no good reason not to have this installed. If you're on Firefox, the extension has more capability than the Chrome version due to Manifest V3 restrictions — worth knowing.
Dark Reader
Applies a consistent dark mode to websites that don't have one built in. The algorithm handles most sites well. You can configure brightness and contrast per site for any that look off. Works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Free and maintained by an active community.
Raindrop.io
A proper bookmark manager that replaces the chaotic default browser bookmark bar. Saves pages as visual cards with tags and search, accessible from any device. The free tier is enough for most people. Install it, spend 20 minutes moving your most-used bookmarks across, and the toolbar immediately becomes less overwhelming.
1Password
The best password manager we've tested, with reliable browser extension integration for filling passwords and two-factor authentication codes. Costs around £3/month. If you have more than 20 online accounts (you almost certainly do), the time saved on password friction is worth the monthly cost. Bitwarden is a free alternative that's also good.
Vimium
Keyboard shortcuts for everything in your browser. Navigate links, scroll pages, open new tabs, and search without touching your mouse. Steep learning curve for the first few days. After that, people who use it find it hard to browse without it. Not for everyone — but if you spend serious time in the browser and want to reduce mouse usage, it's worth a week's trial.
Video Speed Controller
A Chrome extension that adds a keyboard shortcut to control video playback speed on any website — not just YouTube. 1.5x and 2x speed watching for lectures, tutorials, and recorded talks is a genuine time saver. Free, simple, does exactly what it says.
Tabliss
Replaces the new tab page with a clean, minimal layout — customisable background, clock, and bookmarks. Sounds trivial, but opening a new tab to a blank, calm page rather than a busy news feed has a measurable effect on focus. Free. Highly configurable if you want to customise it.