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10 free Chrome hacks that will change the way you browse the Internet

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 9:09PM EST
Chrome Extensions

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Google’s Chrome web browser accounted for 31.41% of global desktop browsing in November, according to Net Marketshare. That makes it the second most popular browser in the world behind Internet Explorer, which had a global market share of 50.03% in November. IE and Microsoft Edge’s combined share continues to decline each month despite continuing to ship on millions of computers. Meanwhile, Chrome has enjoyed consistent growth as more and more people abandon the alternatives.

But as good as Chrome is, there are plenty of simple ways to make it better. In this post, we’ll tell you about free 10 extension for Google’s Chrome browser that will change the way you surf the web.

Betternet

Protecting yourself while you browse the web is imperative these days. A good VPN service is the first and most important step in making sure that your privacy and anonymity are respected. There are plenty of services out there, but Betternet will protect you for free. The service makes money when users install apps from its partners — you can learn more here.

Download Betternet for free

Instapaper

Did you just come across an article you want to read but you don’t have the time right now? A simple click on the Instapaper button in Chrome will save the article for later. Then you can visit the Instapaper site whenever you want and read the article in a simplified reader layout, or you can click through to read it on the original site.

Download Instapaper for free

Sideplayer

You can stop watching YouTube for 12 seconds to browse to another page, but why should you have to? Sideplayer shrinks any YouTube video down and places it in a small box similar to picture-in-picture on a TV. The box hovers over whatever other page you’re on, so you never have to stop watching that cute cat video on loop while you browse.

Download Sideplayer for free

Sidenote

Sticking with the “side” theme for a moment, Sidenote is a simple extension for Chrome that lets you take notes in a panel on the side of your browser while you surf the web.

Download Sidenote for free

StayFocused

You will absolutely hate this Chrome extension, but you’ll thank us later. StayFocus blocks time-wasting websites like Facebook and Twitter so you can stay on task and work more efficiently.

Download StayFocused for free

1Password

Passwords are a huge pain. Using the same password on every site makes it easier to log in everywhere, but it’s insanely unsecure. Instead, 1password manages all your passwords for you. It creates nice long passwords for each site you log into, and you never have to remember any of them. With the Chrome extension, simply click the 1Password icon, enter your “one password” to unlock it, and then the app will log you into whatever site you’re on.

Download 1Password for free (full app for Mac/Windows is $50)

Infinity New Tab

Infinity New Tab creates a whole new world of possibilities when you open up a new tab. It’s customizable and beautiful, and it really is a must-have.

Download Infinity New Tab for free

Language Immersion

This is a great free Chrome extension that gives you no choice but to learn the new language you’re trying to tackle. Install the plugin, pick your language, tell the extension how well you know the new language already, and Language Immersion will sporadically replace words and phrases on the pages you browse with translated text.

Download Language Immersion for free

Grammarly

Give the spelling and grammar checker in Google’s Chrome browser a serious shot of adrenaline.

Download Grammarly for free

PriceZombie

Shop smarter, not harder. PriceZombie is a free extension that will compare prices across a number of retailers when you visit a product page on any one retailer’s site.

Download PriceZombie for free

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.