Top 6 Best Chrome Extensions You MUST Use to Boost Productivity

Do you ever find yourself staring at your computer screen, lost in a sea of tabs and tasks, wondering where all your time went? We’ve all been there — juggling a multitude of responsibilities and struggling to stay on top of it all. But don’t worry, because there are tools designed to make your life easier and more productive. With the help of the right Chrome extensions, you can reclaim your time, streamline your workflow, and boost productivity like never before.

In this article, I’ll be sharing some really top-notch Chrome extensions that have the potential to revolutionize the way you approach work. Some of these can help you manage projects and track time. Others are equipped with features to limit the use of certain sites and enhance team collaboration.

Whether you’re striving for academic excellence, managing a bustling workload, or simply aiming to make the most out of your online endeavors, these extensions are poised to be your productivity allies.

Let’s dive into this collection and uncover the ways you can supercharge your productivity and emerge as a true achiever in the digital age!

Top 6 Best Chrome Extensions to Boost Productivity

The Definitive List

1. Jibble

Jibble’s Chrome Time Tracking Extension makes it a breeze to transform your virtual workspace into a seamless productivity hub.

Jibble’s time tracking feature lets you log your work hours directly from your browser, wherever your work takes you across the web. No more manual entries or endless spreadsheets – just accurate timekeeping. With precise time data, you can identify bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and maximize your efficiency.

The Chrome extension also seamlessly integrates with MS Teams and Slack, providing a unified platform for clocking in and out, making it feel as natural as a high-five. With Jibble’s activity tracking, team-wide tracking, and seamless integrations, it’s definitely an extension you’ll want to have on your browser.

Oh, and did I mention? You can experience the power of Jibble’s capabilities without cost barriers, because Jibble offers a generous 100% free plan for unlimited users.

Jibble is undoubtedly a great Chrome extension to boost productivity but you don’t have to take my word for it. When you look across trusted platforms such as Google Play Store, Capterra, and GetApp, Jibble is the highest-rated work management and  time tracking software out there.

Key Features

  • Activity tracking
  • Timesheets
  • Integrations with MS Teams and Slack
  • Seamless project segmentation
  • Real-time insights
  • User-friendly interface
  • Enhanced efficiency
  • Mobile accessibility
  • Customizable task management
  • Collaboration-friendly
  • Personalized insights for growth
  • Location and time-based reminders
  • Integration capabilities

What Users Like

  • Free
  • Easy to use
  • Mobile app convenience
  • Seamless integration with Slack and other platforms
  • Automated reports

What Users Don’t Like

  • You tell us! We’d love to hear how we can improve

How to Install Jibble’s Chrome Time Tracking Extension?

  1. Go to Jibble on Chrome Web Store.
  2. Alternatively, go to Integrations on the left navigation menu, look for Chrome Extension, and click on Go to Chrome Web Store.
  3. Click Add to Chrome next to the extension option.
  4. Once the installation is complete, click the puzzle piece on the top right of your Chrome toolbar to open the extension window.
  5. Click the little pin icon next to Jibble’s Chrome Extension to pin the extension to your browser for easy access.

2. Trello

Trello’s Chrome extension shines with its visual task board, an interface that’s both intuitive and engaging. The ability to create lists, populate them with tasks, and move them seamlessly through various stages is undeniably satisfying. This feature resonates strongly with users who prefer a more tactile and visually oriented approach to managing their tasks.

Moreover, the extension’s collaboration features are where Trello truly excels. The ability to assign tasks, add comments, and attach files makes team collaboration a breeze. The real-time updates ensure that everyone stays on the same page, fostering efficient teamwork even in remote work scenarios.

Furthermore, the simplicity of the Chrome Extension is a commendable factor. There’s no steep learning curve here – you can dive right in and start organizing your tasks immediately. This user-friendly approach aligns well with the extension’s goal of enhancing productivity by reducing friction.

Key Features

  • Visual boards and cards for task organization
  • Collaborative task assignment and progress tracking
  • Due dates and task reminders for efficient scheduling
  • File attachments and comments for better context
  • Mobile accessibility
  • Cross-board connectivity
  • Real-time updates

What Users Like

  • Intuitive and visually appealing task boards
  • Real-time collaboration and updates
  • Search ability is superb
  • Ease of use
  • Non-blocking interface
  • Auto-synced with devices
  • Simplified task management
  • Efficient priority management

What Users Don’t Like

  • Needs something like JQL for the exact search
  • Can’t see archived tasks on the calendar as an option
  • Accidental “drag/move/delete” actions are scary, as users may inadvertently move a card when trying to scroll, leading to issues

How to Install Trello’s Chrome Extension?

  1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for Trello Extended or Add to Trello.
  2. Click on the Add to Chrome button and confirm the installation.
  3. Once the installation is complete, click the puzzle piece on the top right of your Chrome toolbar to open the extension window.
  4. Click the little pin icon next to Trello’s Chrome Extension to pin the extension to your browser for easy access.

3. StayFocusd

Let’s face it—distractions are the arch-nemesis of productivity. Fortunately, StayFocusd is here to save the day, as it empowers you to set limits on the websites that eat away at your time.

Upon navigating the Chrome extension, I can say that the customizable settings are a standout feature. The ability to set time limits on specific websites is a game-changer, helping users allocate their online time wisely. This feature is especially valuable for those of us prone to falling down the social media rabbit hole or getting lost in the depths of entertainment sites. The reinforcement of self-discipline through StayFocusd’s restrictions is an appealing way to ensure we focus on what truly matters.

Moreover, the extension’s challenge mode adds a playful twist to the journey of curbing distractions. It encourages users to actively beat their own browsing records, injecting an element of competition into the quest for enhanced concentration. This innovative approach to self-improvement can be motivating, especially for individuals who respond well to gamification.

However, like any tool, StayFocusd isn’t immune to certain limitations. Currently, the extension offers daily limits, but incorporating more flexible options – such as varying limits on different days – could provide users with greater customization.

Key Features

  • Customizable time limits
  • Selective blocking
  • Nuclear option
  • Active hours
  • Challenge mode
  • Time tracker

What Users Like

  • 100% free
  • Works perfectly
  • Easy to use

What Users Don’t Like

  • It is only Chrome-based
  • Doesn’t block standalone games and apps
  • You can’t really customize its appearance

How to Install StayFocusd’s Chrome Extension?

  1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for StayFocusd.
  2. Click on the Add to Chrome button and confirm the installation.
  3. Once the installation is complete, click the puzzle piece on the top right of your Chrome toolbar to open the extension window.
  4. Click the little pin icon next to StayFocusd’s Chrome Extension to pin the extension to your browser for easy access.

4. Diigo

As someone who understands the ins and outs of productivity tools, I can’t help but appreciate the niche that Diigo’s Chrome Extension occupies. Designed to cater to students, researchers, and curious minds, this tool aims to revolutionize the way we approach online research.

Diigo’s core feature – the ability to highlight, annotate, and save web pages – is a game-changer for anyone who frequently engages in online research. The extension’s seamless integration allows you to capture crucial information from the vast expanse of the internet, right within your browser. This feature-rich annotation system is particularly valuable for students who want to distill important insights from articles, research papers, and study materials.

Moreover, the digital library Diigo creates is a personal oasis of organized knowledge. Say goodbye to the chaos of endless bookmarks or disarrayed folders. Diigo’s neatly categorized collection ensures that every resource you save is easily accessible, promoting efficiency and ensuring that the valuable time you’d otherwise spend searching is now invested in learning and analysis.

However, while Diigo shines in many aspects, it’s essential to consider some areas for potential improvement. Some users have expressed a desire for more advanced organization features within the digital library. Options such as custom folders, tags, and search filters could elevate the extension’s usability, especially for those who have a significant collection of resources.

Key Features

  • Highlight and annotate
  • Save for later
  • Organized digital library
  • Collaboration capabilities
  • Browser integration
  • Offline access

What Users Like

  • Collects and highlights articles for you
  • Ability to attach as a browser extension, making it easier to bookmark things
  • Ability to highlight specific parts of the texts or websites
  • Ability to tag the highlights and bookmarks
  • The outliner, “live” annotation, and capturing tool
  • Convenience of saving snip-its of information from various websites all in one place
  • Ability to share the bookmark with other people

What Users Don’t Like

  • Organization of the different topics could be improved, for example through a folder structure
  • Limited usage of the software including a limit on how many words you can highlight and bookmarks
  • Use of PDFs is limited, especially on mobile phones, since you can not store the PDFs offline in the Diigo app
  • The outline only allows for lists and you cannot freely write like in a notebook
  • Premium versions are a little pricey

How to Install Diigo’s Chrome Extension?

  1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for Diigo.
  2. Click on the Add to Chrome button and confirm the installation.
  3. Once the installation is complete, click the puzzle piece on the top right of your Chrome toolbar to open the extension window.
  4. Click the little pin icon next to Diigo’s Chrome Extension to pin the extension to your browser for easy access.

5. Grammarly

Whether you’re crafting an important email or working on a lengthy report, impeccable writing is non-negotiable. Grammarly, the writing assistant extension, acts as your proofreader, catching grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and even suggesting style improvements. As a professional who values effective communication, I’ve explored Grammarly’s extension to understand its impact on productivity and its role in refining the written word.

Grammarly’s core function lies in its ability to identify grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and style inconsistencies. The real-time nature of this proofreading process is a standout feature. As someone who juggles a multitude of emails, reports, and documents, having an automated tool that serves as a vigilant second set of eyes is a significant advantage. The extension’s ability to provide suggestions for style improvements is particularly valuable, ensuring that the tone and message of your writing align with your intended communication.

Another highlight is Grammarly’s compatibility with various online platforms. Whether you’re composing emails, crafting social media posts, or editing documents in Google Docs, Grammarly’s assistance seamlessly integrates, ensuring that your writing remains error-free across different contexts.

Key Features

  • Real-time proofreading
  • Style improvement suggestions
  • Platform compatibility
  • Vocabulary enhancement
  • Customizable notifications
  • Personal dictionary

What Users Like

  • Integration with the browser and many applications
  • Ease of use and innovative user interface
  • Grammar suggestions and impressions about the whole paragraph
  • Corrects errors on sequence with just a click

What Users Don’t Like

  • Pricing is a bit high for the premium versions
  • Sometimes, the widget is simply greyed out, and you cannot use it for a few hours, leaving you to do proofreading and spell-check on your own which takes quite some time.
  • Not all suggestions are accurate to the letter
  • Excludes offline editing

How to Install Grammarly’s Chrome Extension?

  1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for Grammarly.
  2. Click on the Add to Chrome button and confirm the installation.
  3. Once the installation is complete, click the puzzle piece on the top right of your Chrome toolbar to open the extension window.
  4. Click the little pin icon next to Grammarly’s Chrome Extension to pin the extension to your browser for easy access.

6. Clockify

In the relentless pursuit of productivity, the question “Where does my time go?” often lingers. Clockify’s Chrome Extension emerges as a time-tracking maestro, offering insights that demystify your time usage. As someone who values efficient time management, I’ve delved into Clockify’s capabilities to learn about its impact on productivity and how it empowers users to master the art of time allocation.

Clockify’s core feature – time tracking – is a great tool for anyone striving to maximize their efficiency. The extension’s ability to monitor online activities provides a comprehensive view of how time is allocated to various tasks. This level of awareness is invaluable for pinpointing productivity pitfalls, identifying areas for improvement, and ultimately refining your approach to time management.

The visual representation of time usage is another commendable aspect. Clockify’s intuitive graphs and reports transform raw data into a visual narrative, enabling users to quickly identify patterns and trends. This feature fosters a sense of accountability and motivation to optimize the use of each minute.

However, while Clockify shines in many areas, there’s potential for enhancement in certain aspects. The extension primarily focuses on online activities, which may not fully capture offline tasks or activities conducted on different devices. Expanding the extension’s scope to encompass a broader range of activities could provide users with a more comprehensive view of their time usage.

Key Features

  • Simple and user-friendly time tracking interface
  • Project and task management for efficient workflow
  • Comprehensive reports and insights for data analysis
  • Integrates with popular project management and productivity tools

What Users Like

  • Simplicity and ease of use in time tracking
  • Project and task management capabilities for efficient workflows
  • Comprehensive reports for analyzing productivity

What Users Don’t Like

  • Some users found the user interface to be less intuitive and cluttered
  • Limited project management features compared to other tools
  • Certain features were only available in paid plans, restricting functionality in the free version
  • Integration issues with specific third-party applications
  • Some users experienced difficulties with data synchronization between devices
  • Inability to customize or generate more complex reports

How to Install Clockify’s Chrome Extension?

  1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for Clockify.
  2. Click on the Add to Chrome button and confirm the installation.
  3. Once the installation is complete, click the puzzle piece on the top right of your Chrome toolbar to open the extension window.
  4. Click the little pin icon next to Clockify’s Chrome Extension to pin the extension to your browser for easy access.