Best Chrome Extensions to Boost Productivity This Year
- Simon Wilson

- Jun 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Let’s be honest, most of us spend a large chunk of our day inside a web browser. Whether you're working remotely, managing projects, or studying online, your browser has likely become your office, diary, and filing cabinet all rolled into one. But are you making the most of it?

Google Chrome, the most widely used browser today, supports thousands of extensions designed to supercharge your workflow, reduce distractions, and help you get more done in less time. The problem? There are too many to choose from.
That’s why I’ve done the legwork to compile a practical list of the best Chrome extensions to boost productivity in 2025 whether you're a student, freelancer, busy professional, or just someone looking to streamline their digital life.
1. Toby for Tabs: Organise Your Browser Chaos
Best for: Tab management and decluttering your workspace Link: Toby for Tabs
If you’re someone who keeps dozens of tabs open “just in case”, Toby is about to become your best mate. Instead of having endless tabs cluttering your screen, Toby lets you save tab collections into visual, organised groups.
You can create folders for different projects, clients, or topics and return to them at any time. It essentially turns your new tab page into a clean, drag and drop dashboard.
Tech Tip: Use Toby to group tabs by task so you can batch work without distractions.
2. Grammarly: Write with Confidence
Best for: Clear, mistake free writing across the web Link: Grammarly
Even if you’re not writing novels or blog posts, Grammarly is a must have. This extension checks your spelling, grammar, and tone in real time as you type in Gmail, Google Docs, LinkedIn, and more.
It’s more than just a spell checker it offers stylistic suggestions, helps you stay concise, and even spots tone mismatches in your emails. Perfect for professionals, students, and customer support teams alike.
Pro Tip: The free version covers the basics, but upgrading unlocks clarity focused rewrites and tone enhancements.
3. Clockify: Track Your Time Wisely
Best for: Time tracking and boosting accountability Link: Clockify
Clockify is a clean, no fuss time tracking extension that lets you log how you spend your time on tasks and projects. It integrates with tools like Trello, Asana, and Notion, so you can start timers right from your workflow.
You can break your day into time blocks, see detailed reports, and even set reminders to take breaks ideal for freelancers, remote teams, and anyone trying to reclaim wasted hours.
Helpful Tip: Use the Pomodoro technique with Clockify: 25 minutes focused work, 5 minute break.
4. Notion Web Clipper: Save and Organise Everything
Best for: Capturing content and organising research Link: Notion Web Clipper
If you're a Notion user, the Web Clipper extension is essential. It lets you save articles, websites, and snippets directly into your Notion workspace.
Whether you’re doing research, planning travel, or curating inspiration for a project, everything stays neatly stored and searchable.
Organisational Tip: Create a “Reading List” or “Inspiration” page in Notion to save what you find online.
5. Forest: Beat Procrastination, One Tree at a Time
Best for: Staying focused and off distracting sites Link: Forest Extension
If social media or YouTube are draining your productivity, Forest offers a creative fix. When you want to focus, you "plant a tree", which grows as long as you stay away from blacklisted websites. Leave early, and your tree dies.
It turns productivity into a game, and over time you can grow a lush virtual forest which is surprisingly motivating!
Mindful Tip: Combine Forest with mobile app blockers for a full digital detox.
6. Loom: Screen Recording Made Simple
Best for: Quick screen recordings and tutorials Link: Loom
Instead of spending 15 minutes typing out instructions, why not record a quick screen share video in 2? Loom makes it incredibly easy to capture your screen and voice, then share a link instantly.
It’s brilliant for remote teams, customer support, teaching, or even leaving visual notes for yourself.
Practical Tip: Use Loom for project handovers it’s faster than typing and more personal.
7. StayFocusd: Lock Down Time Wasting Sites
Best for: Eliminating digital distractions Link: StayFocusd
StayFocusd is the no nonsense productivity coach you didn’t know you needed. It allows you to block specific websites or limit your time on them each day.
Once your daily time limit is up, you’re locked out until the next day. There’s even a "nuclear option" that blocks everything for serious focus sprints.
Focus Tip: Start small block your worst distraction for just 30 minutes a day, then build from there.
8. Momentum: A Mindful New Tab Page
Best for: Setting daily intentions and staying inspired Link: Momentum
Momentum transforms your new tab page into a calm, distraction free dashboard featuring a beautiful background, an inspiring quote, and your main focus for the day.
It sounds simple, but starting each session with a clear intention really helps to reset your mindset.
Productivity Hack: Use Momentum’s built in to do list to keep daily goals top of mind.
9. LastPass: Never Forget a Password Again
Best for: Password management and login automation Link: LastPass
Nothing kills productivity faster than resetting passwords every week. LastPass stores all your logins securely and autofills them wherever needed.
It’s a real time saver especially if you use two factor authentication and it keeps your digital life more secure.
Security Tip: Don’t use the same password for multiple sites. Let LastPass handle the hard work.
10. Scribe: Auto Create Step by Step Guides
Best for: Creating tutorials, SOPs, and how to documents Link: Scribe
Need to show someone how to do something online? Scribe records your clicks and keystrokes, then instantly creates a step by step guide with screenshots. It’s brilliant for training teams, onboarding staff, or documenting your own processes.
Efficiency Tip: Create internal guides once with Scribe, then reuse them forever.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of tools claiming to help you “work smarter, not harder,” but the key is finding what works for you.
Start small install one or two extensions that target your biggest productivity blockers. Then build up your digital toolkit over time. Whether it’s cutting distractions, managing time, or improving communication, there’s a Chrome extension to help you do it better.
In the end, it’s not about working more. It’s about working better.
— Simon Wilson, Tech Tips & How-To Guides | The Tech Advisor



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