Look, I get it. You’re drowning in browser tabs, distracted by YouTube ads, or clicking through endless cookie pop-ups. It’s frustrating, and it’s killing your productivity. That’s why I’m sharing 10 underrated Chrome extensions that you’ve probably never heard of but absolutely need. These aren’t the overhyped tools everyone’s talking about – they’re hidden gems that can make your browser work for you, not against you.
I’ve tested these myself, and they’re like finding a $20 bill in your pocket – unexpected and game-changing. Whether you’re a freelancer, student, or just someone who lives online, these extensions will help you boost your browser productivity. Let’s dive in.
1. The Marvellous Suspender
What it does: Suspends unused tabs to free up memory and keep your browser running smoothly.
Why it’s underrated: Most people don’t even think about how much memory their 20+ open tabs are eating up. This extension quietly solves that problem without you lifting a finger.
How it boosts productivity: If your browser’s lagging, you’re losing time. The Marvellous Suspender (available here) pauses inactive tabs, so your computer doesn’t choke when you’re deep in research mode. It’s free, simple, and a lifesaver for tab hoarders like me.
Example: I was working on a project with 30 tabs open – articles, docs, you name it. My laptop was crawling. This extension suspended the tabs I wasn’t using, and suddenly, everything was snappy again.
2. MetaMask
What it does: Automatically handles those annoying cookie consent pop-ups on websites.
Why it’s underrated: Cookie pop-ups are a small annoyance, but they add up when you’re visiting dozens of sites a day. MetaMask (get it here) takes care of them in the background.
How it boosts productivity: It saves you from clicking “Accept” or “Customize” every time you visit a new site. That’s less mental clutter and more focus on what you’re actually doing.
Example: I was researching for this article, hopping between sites, and Consent-O-Matic saved me from dealing with pop-ups on every page. It’s like having a personal assistant for the internet.
3. SponsorBlock for YouTube
What it does: Skips sponsored segments in YouTube videos using a crowdsourced database.
Why it’s underrated: YouTube is a productivity tool for learning, but those “this video is sponsored by” segments waste time. SponsorBlock (install it here) is a niche tool that most people don’t know about.
How it boosts productivity: It cuts out the fluff, letting you focus on the content you care about. Perfect for tutorials or webinars when you’re on a tight schedule.
Example: I was watching a coding tutorial, and SponsorBlock skipped a 2-minute ad read in the middle. That’s 2 minutes I got back to actually learn something.
4. Extensity
What it does: Manages your Chrome extensions by hiding icons, grouping them, or creating custom menus.
Why it’s underrated: With so many extensions out there, your toolbar can turn into a mess. Extensity (check it out) keeps things tidy without sacrificing functionality.
How it boosts productivity: A cluttered toolbar is distracting. Extensity lets you enable or disable extensions with one click, keeping your browser clean and focused.
Example: I had 15 extension icons crowding my toolbar. Extensity let me hide the ones I didn’t need daily, making my browser feel less chaotic.
5. Noisli
What it does: Provides customizable background noise like rain, coffee shop sounds, or white noise to help you focus.
Why it’s underrated: Most people don’t think about sound as a productivity tool, but Noisli (start here) can drown out distractions and create a perfect work environment.
How it boosts productivity: It’s like having a noise-canceling headset for your brain. Great for open offices or when your neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking.
Example: I was struggling to focus in a noisy café. Noisli’s rain sound blocked out the chatter, and I got through a 2-hour writing session without breaking focus.
6. Toby
What it does: Organizes your tabs and notes into “spaces” for different projects or tasks.
Why it’s underrated: Tab management tools are often overlooked, but Toby (try it here) combines tabs and notes into one powerful package.
How it boosts productivity: It keeps your projects organized, so you don’t lose track of important tabs or ideas. You can even share spaces with teammates.
Example: I was juggling a client project and a personal blog. Toby let me create separate spaces for each, so I could switch between them without losing my place.
7. Speechify
What it does: Converts web pages, PDFs, and emails into audio for listening on the go.
Why it’s underrated: Text-to-speech isn’t just for accessibility – it’s a productivity hack. Speechify (explore it) lets you multitask by listening to content while doing other things.
How it boosts productivity: You can “read” articles while commuting or doing chores, saving time for other tasks.
Example: I had a 30-page report to review but no time to sit and read. Speechify read it to me while I cooked dinner, and I was done in half the time.
8. Publer
What it does: Schedules and manages social media posts across multiple platforms from one dashboard.
Why it’s underrated: Social media is a time sink, but Publer (start scheduling) automates the process, making it less of a chore.
How it boosts productivity: It cuts down the time spent posting and planning content, freeing you up for more important work.
Example: I used to spend hours scheduling posts for my side hustle. Publer let me batch-schedule a week’s worth of content in 20 minutes.
9. Lemlist
What it does: Automates personalized email outreach for sales and marketing campaigns.
Why it’s underrated: Email outreach tools are often seen as complex, but Lemlist (learn more) simplifies the process with a user-friendly interface.
How it boosts productivity: It saves hours by automating follow-ups and personalizing emails at scale, perfect for freelancers or small businesses.
Example: I helped a friend set up a cold email campaign. Lemlist automated 100 personalized emails in minutes, and he got a 20% response rate.
10. BlockSite
What it does: Blocks distracting websites or specific pages during set times to keep you focused.
Why it’s underrated: Distraction blockers are common, but BlockSite (block distractions) is simple and effective, with scheduling features most people don’t know about.
How it boosts productivity: It stops you from falling down the social media rabbit hole, ensuring you stay on task.
Example: I blocked X and Reddit during work hours with BlockSite. My productivity shot up because I wasn’t scrolling through memes every 10 minutes.
Why These Extensions Are Game-Changers
These underrated Chrome extensions aren’t just random tools – they solve real problems. Whether it’s saving memory, cutting distractions, or automating repetitive tasks, they’re designed to make your browser work harder for you. Here’s why they stand out:
- Free or affordable: Most are free, with paid plans (starting at $1-$12/month) for advanced features.
- Lightweight: They won’t slow down your browser, unlike some bloated extensions.
- Niche but powerful: They tackle specific pain points that mainstream tools often overlook.
How to Get Started
Installing these is a breeze. Head to the Chrome Web Store, search for the extension, and click “Add to Chrome.” Most take seconds to set up, and you’ll see the benefits immediately. If you’re worried about browser performance, use Extensity to manage them efficiently.
FAQs
Are these extensions free?
Most offer free versions with core features. Some, like Speechify or Publer, have paid plans ($4-$12/month) for extras like premium voices or advanced analytics. Check their websites for details.
How do I install these extensions?
Go to the Chrome Web Store, search for the extension, and click “Add to Chrome.” Follow any setup prompts, and you’re good to go.
Can I use these on other browsers?
Most are Chrome-specific, but some (like Noisli) have versions for Firefox or Edge. Check the extension’s website for compatibility.
Will these slow down my browser?
These extensions are lightweight and designed to improve performance, not hinder it. Just don’t install too many at once – use Extensity to keep things under control.
Final Thoughts
These 10 underrated Chrome extensions are like cheat codes for your browser. They’re not flashy, but they get the job done – whether it’s saving you from tab overload, skipping YouTube ads, or automating your social media. Productivity isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter. These tools help you do exactly that.
Want more productivity hacks? Check out daytalk.in for tips on levelling up your workflow.
