When Google Chrome launched nearly a decade ago, people flocked to it for speed and simplicity. Now, Chrome is the #1 web browser worldwide on desktop and mobile. While speed and ease of use are still important to users, browser extensions are becoming a significant part of what sets Chrome apart from Safari and Firefox.
Much like “apps” on your smartphone, extensions empower users to do amazing things, such as browsing hidden Netflix categories, encrypting personal info, and saving loads of money with automatic coupons. Here are 15 free chrome extensions to win the Internet.
Piggy
With Piggy, you never overpay online. Piggy gets coupons and cash-back offers from across the Internet and automatically applies them to your shopping cart at checkout with just one click. You always get the best deal without wasting time. This Google Chrome hack is literally free money.
Download Piggy here:
Writer
When it comes to getting thoughts out of your head and into a document, the key is simplicity. Writer features a blank black screen with no editing, formatting, or images to contend with, helping you to create all types of content. All you need to do is come up with the incredible content and type rather than relying on a software program like Microsoft Word.
Get Writer here:
Netflix Categories
Browsing and searching for something to watch on Netflix can be downright painful, especially when they only give you certain categories that you have already binge-watched or have no interest in watching. Netflix Categories helps you unlock thousands of hidden categories, so you can find something cool to watch and get back to improving the fine art of being a couch potato.
Get Netflix Categories here:
The Great Suspender
Like any good multi-tasker, you most likely have a row of tabs open on your computer right now. Did you know that those two-dozen or so tabs are making your computer run slow? Every open tab constantly sends and receives data, but you can only actually use one at a time. The Great Suspender puts all your unused tabs to sleep and wakes one up when you need it.
Get The Great Suspender here:
LastPass
Passwords are a necessary evil on the Web and they aren’t going away anytime soon. Using non-obvious and unique passwords is important for protecting your personal info and privacy but can be challenging to remember. LastPass solves the password memory game by reducing the total number of passwords you’ll ever need to remember down to just one.
Get LastPass here:
Grammerly
It makes no difference that everyone makes typos because these obvious grammar mistakes still make you look bad. We all like to think we have a firm grip on the English language, but it’s all too easy to hit send on a long email to a lot of important people and then realize you made some very silly errors. Grammarly is the world’s most advanced spellchecker and grammar corrector. It checks and suggests edits while you write anywhere on the web, including Gmail apps and Facebook.
Get Grammarly here:
Black Menu
Google make so much useful stuff that it’s actually hard to track everything. Black Menu gives you instant access to a menu of Google’s services right from the browser, including everything from Gmail to Maps to Search. It’s like having Google for Google!
Get Black Menu here:
Bitly
The Internet is all about links. Some of them are very long and more unruly than others. Long URLs can be darn near embarrassing to share on chat or email. “Check out this awesome kitten video” - (insert 659 character long URL here) = FAIL. Bitly takes long URLs and simplifies them so they are perfect for sharing.
Get Bitly here:
HTTPS Everywhere
The Internet can be awesome but a little scary sometimes because hackers are lurking. It turns out there is a simple tool you can use to keep yourself safe by using encryption, which hackers cannot break. HTTPS defaults a site to encrypted, whenever possible. It’s made to keep you as safe as possible from the prying eyes of hackers and government agents alike.
Get HTTPS Everywhere here:
Pinterest a pretty great place to be because it’s full of inspiration -- from DIY projects, hot fashion finds and delicious (looking) food to everything in-between. Keep your boards fresh by one quick click pinning from anywhere on the Web.
Get Your Pinterest Button here:
Duolingo
Learning a foreign language is rewarding, but hard even if you are just brushing up on the basics. The difference between knowing a few common words and phrases and being absolutely clueless is vast. If you’re ready to take a crack at learning a new language, Duolingo is the best extension (and website) to use. Duolingo is actually fun to use and with no fees or hidden costs to pay.
Get Duolingo here:
Awesome Screenshot
Imagine doing more with that screenshot to really make it stand out. Now you can with Awesome Screenshot that lets you add shapes, arrows, and even comments. You can also upload images to their website for storage to share at a later date with anyone.
Get Awesome Screenshot here:
Send to Kindle
It’s a real challenge to work across multiple devices and want to share things to that one treasured device you like to use later when the workday is done or while you are traveling on a plane. Many people love their Kindle devices, so Klip.me offers a way to share all types of online content to your Kindle so you can enjoy it later.
Get Send to Kindle here:
Chrome Remote Desktop
When you feel the need to control someone else’s desktop because it’s too hard to explain to them how to fix or do a task, here’s your answer. Chrome Remote Desktop gives you the power to remotely work on someone else’s desktop – with their permission, of course!
Get Chrome Remote Desktop here:
QuickDrop
If you already use Dropbox, you know it can be time-consuming to toggle between programs. However, QuickDrop simplifies the process by adding a menu to your Chrome browser so you can upload or download files from Dropbox at a much faster rate. It will have your productivity soaring!
Get QuickDrop here: