Browser extensions are mostly bad. They slow down browser performance. Many collect substantial user data. Many duplicate functionality that browsers already have built in. Most installed extensions sit unused for months while continuing to consume resources.
Here are 7 extensions that genuinely earn their place in modern browsers.
1. uBlock Origin (free)
What it is: Comprehensive ad blocker that also blocks tracking and various unwanted content.
Why it works: Substantial improvement in browsing speed, page load times, and overall web experience. Privacy benefits in addition to ad blocking. Open source and well-maintained.
What does not: Some sites detect ad blocking and request you disable it. Most worth respecting; some can be ignored.
Bottom line: Genuinely transformative for web browsing. Should be installed on essentially every browser.
2. 1Password or Bitwarden (-4/month or free for Bitwarden)
What it is: Password manager with browser extension for password autofill and generation.
Why it works: Eliminates password reuse and weak passwords. Substantially improves both security and convenience.
What does not: Subscription cost for premium options. Some learning curve for full feature use.
Bottom line: Essential security infrastructure. The convenience benefit alone justifies use even for users not focused on security.
3. Bitwarden over Chrome Password Manager (free)
Note: actually if budget is a concern, Bitwarden is free and competitive with paid alternatives. The premium tier ($10/year) adds advanced features but free version covers essential use.
Why this matters: Browser-built-in password managers are increasingly capable but still limited compared to dedicated password managers. The dedicated tool produces better security and usability.
4. Privacy Badger (free)
What it is: EFF-developed extension that blocks tracking automatically based on observed behavior.
Why it works: Blocks tracking that uBlock Origin may miss. Different methodology produces different protection.
What does not: Some overlap with uBlock Origin. Both can be used together but produces some redundancy.
Bottom line: Worth using alongside uBlock Origin for additional privacy protection.
5. ClearURLs (free)
What it is: Removes tracking parameters from URLs automatically.
Why it works: Cleans URLs that you copy or share. Reduces tracking. Makes URLs more reasonable.
What does not: Occasional false positives that remove necessary URL parameters. Easy to disable for specific sites when needed.
Bottom line: Worth using for cleaner URLs and additional privacy. Minimal performance impact.
6. Vimium / Tridactyl (free)
What it is: Adds keyboard navigation similar to Vim text editor for browser navigation.
Why it works: Substantially faster browser navigation for users willing to invest in learning. Reduces dependence on mouse for common actions.
What does not: Substantial learning curve. Not for users who do not care about keyboard navigation.
Bottom line: Worth the learning investment for power users. Skip for casual browser users.
7. Reader View extensions or Pocket (free)
What it is: Tools for cleaner reading of articles and saving for later.
Why it works: Cleaner reading experience for long-form content. Save-for-later functionality that survives across devices.
What does not: Some browsers have built-in reader views that are sufficient. Subscription costs for premium features of dedicated tools.
Bottom line: Worth using if you read substantial long-form content online.
What I am NOT recommending
Extension categories that get hyped but typically produce more cost than benefit:
- "AI assistant" browser extensions. Most are wrappers around services you can use directly. Save the browser overhead.
- Tab management extensions beyond browser built-ins. Modern browsers handle tabs reasonably well.
- "Productivity dashboard" new tab page replacements. Often consume substantial resources for marginal benefit.
- Multiple ad blockers running simultaneously. One quality ad blocker is sufficient. Multiple produce conflicts and performance issues.
- VPN browser extensions. Generally inferior to dedicated VPN apps.
- Most "deal finder" and "coupon" extensions. Often involve substantial data collection in exchange for occasional savings.
The performance impact reality
Browser extensions have real performance costs:
- Each extension adds to memory usage
- Most extensions inject code into every page load
- Many extensions request data from external servers
- Cumulative effect of many extensions can substantially slow browser
A browser with 30 extensions performs noticeably worse than a browser with 5 well-chosen extensions. Quality of extension selection matters more than quantity.
The privacy consideration
Browser extensions have substantial access to web browsing activity. Many extensions abuse this access:
- Sell browsing history to data brokers
- Inject advertising into web pages
- Perform actions you did not authorize
- Have been acquired and converted to malware after initial development
Practical privacy advice:
- Install only extensions from trusted developers
- Review extension permissions before installation
- Periodically audit installed extensions
- Remove extensions you no longer actively use
- Be especially cautious of extensions that have been recently acquired
The minimum viable extension set
For typical users, the essential extensions:
- uBlock Origin (essential)
- Password manager (essential for security)
- Privacy Badger (recommended)
- 1-2 specialized extensions for specific personal needs
Total: 4-6 extensions for most users. More than this typically produces diminishing returns.
The audit recommendation
Quarterly extension audit:
- Review every installed extension
- Note when you last actively used each
- Check what permissions each requires
- Remove extensions you do not actively use
- Check if remaining extensions have ownership changes
Most users have 5-10 extensions they would remove if they audited. The accumulation produces both performance and privacy costs.
The takeaway
Most browser extensions are not worth installing. The 7 above genuinely earn their place; most others do not.
Audit your current extensions. Remove what you do not use. Keep the small set that genuinely improves your browser experience. Your browser performance and privacy will both substantially improve.
