8 Essential Utility Extensions (2026 Latest)

Are you maximizing the power of your Chrome browser with extensions? From AI tools that boost work efficiency to SEO tools for blog management and shopping apps that earn cashback, we’ve carefully selected and comprehensively analyzed the 8 most useful Chrome extensions in 2026. This guide covers everything from installation methods to core features and practical usage tips, all organized in a beginner-friendly format.

1. What Are Chrome Extensions? – Why Do You Need Them?

Chrome extensions are small software programs that add extra functionality to the Google Chrome browser. Like installing apps on your smartphone, you can add various features to your browser to boost productivity and enhance your web experience.

Benefits of Extensions

• Increased Productivity: Automate repetitive tasks, provide shortcuts, support multitasking
• Extended Functionality: Add features not available in the browser (screen capture, translation, ad blocking, etc.)
• Customized Experience: Personalize your browser environment to match your needs
• Cost Efficiency: Most are free and don’t require separate software installation

💡 Extensions vs Regular Programs

Extensions don’t require separate installation files and only work within the browser, consuming fewer system resources. Updates also happen automatically, making them easy to manage.

2026 Extension Trends

• AI Integration: Use AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini directly in your browser
• Productivity Tools: Collaboration and task management tools growing popular due to increased remote work
• Privacy Protection: Ad blocking, tracking prevention, enhanced security features
• Web3 & Blockchain: Cryptocurrency wallets and NFT management tools becoming mainstream

2. How to Install and Manage Extensions

Installation Method

1Access Chrome Web Store

Type chrome://extensions in the address bar or visit Chrome Web Store (chromewebstore.google.com) directly

2Search for Extension

Enter the desired extension name in the search box (e.g., “DeepSider AI”)

3Click Install Button

Click “Add to Chrome” button → Confirm permissions and click “Add extension”

4Verify Installation

Check installed extensions from the puzzle icon in the top-right corner of your browser

Extension Management Tips

• Pin Favorites: Click the pin (📌) in the puzzle icon to pin frequently used extensions to the toolbar
• Check Permissions: Always verify what permissions are requested before installation
• Regular Review: Disable or remove unused extensions (improves performance)
• Updates: Auto-updates occur, but you can manually check (chrome://extensions → Developer mode → Update)

⚠️ Caution

Downloading extensions from sources other than the Chrome Web Store risks malware. Only install from the official store and always check ratings and reviews.

3. DeepSider AI – All AI Models in One Place

DeepSider™ AI Sidebar

Free AI Productivity

Developer: DeepSider | Users: 300,000+

An all-in-one AI extension that provides access to the world’s best AI models including DeepSeek, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini through a browser sidebar.

Key Features

✨ Core Features

• Multi-AI Models: Simultaneous access to GPT-4o, Claude Sonnet 4.5, Gemini 2.5 Pro, DeepSeek R1, etc.
• Real-time Web Search: Search latest information alongside AI
• Image Dialogue: Upload images and ask AI for explanations
• Sidebar UI: Use AI while viewing web pages simultaneously
• Free Access: Try premium AI models for free
• PDF Analysis: Upload and summarize PDF documents

Usage Scenarios

• Research & Learning: Ask AI about complex concepts while reading papers
• Writing: Get AI assistance for blogs and reports
• Coding: Solve programming problems and get code reviews
• Translation: Compare translations from multiple AI models to choose the best

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Use and compare multiple AI models at once
• Try premium models for free (with daily limits)
• Sidebar format makes multitasking convenient
• Provides real-time web search functionality

Cons:

• Free version has usage limits
• AI response speed may be slower than native services
• Some advanced features require paid subscription

🎯 Recommended For

Researchers/Students: Compare answers from multiple AI models while learning. Content Creators: AI-powered writing and idea generation. Developers: Quick AI consultation during coding.

4. MetaMask – The Standard for Crypto Wallets

MetaMask

Free Blockchain

Developer: MetaMask (ConsenSys) | Users: 30+ million worldwide

A self-custodial cryptocurrency wallet that provides access to Ethereum and various blockchain networks, an essential tool for interacting with Web3 applications.

Key Features

✨ Core Features

• Multi-Blockchain: Supports Ethereum, Polygon, BSC, Arbitrum, Solana, Bitcoin, etc.
• Crypto Management: Buy, sell, swap, and transfer tokens
• dApp Connection: Connect with decentralized apps (DeFi, NFT marketplaces, etc.)
• Hardware Wallet: Enhanced security through Ledger and Trezor integration
• Private Key Management: Non-custodial wallet with full user control
• NFT Storage: Manage and transfer NFT collections

Security Features

• Transaction Simulation: Preview transaction details before signing
• Real-time Threat Monitoring: Protection against malicious sites and phishing
• Privacy Controls: Choose what information to share
• MEV Protection: Guard against front-running attacks

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• De facto standard wallet in the Web3 world
• Compatible with most dApps
• Supports diverse blockchain networks
• Transparency guaranteed through open source
• 24/7 customer support

Cons:

• Complex for beginners to use
• Irrecoverable if private keys are lost
• Phishing scam risks (beware of fake sites)
• Gas fees (transaction fees) charged separately

⚠️ Security Notice

Never share your recovery phrase (Seed Phrase) with anyone. The MetaMask team will never ask for your recovery phrase. Always verify URLs to avoid connecting to fake sites.

🎯 Recommended For

Crypto Investors: Use DeFi protocols and manage tokens. NFT Collectors: Use NFT marketplaces like OpenSea and Rarible. Web3 Developers: Test and develop dApps.

5. NotebookLM – Google’s AI Research Tool

NotebookLM Web Importer & Tools

Free AI Research

Developer: Third-party developers (integrates with Google NotebookLM) | Users: Researchers, Students

Extensions that integrate with Google’s AI-powered note-taking tool NotebookLM, allowing easy import of web pages, YouTube videos, and PDFs for AI summarization and analysis.

Key Features

✨ Core Features

• One-Click Import: Instantly add web pages and YouTube videos to NotebookLM
• Playlist Import: Add entire YouTube playlists to notebooks at once
• AI Chat Integration: Save ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini conversations to NotebookLM
• Sidebar UI: Manage notebooks directly while browsing
• Multi-Source: Organize information from various sources in one place

Popular Extensions

• NotebookLM Web Importer: Most popular third-party extension for web/YouTube import
• Kortex: Transfer AI chatbot conversations to NotebookLM in one click
• Notebook LinkMaster: URL management and source deletion features
• YouTube to NotebookLM: Specialized YouTube content importer

Usage Scenarios

• Paper Writing: Collect and AI-summarize multiple web resources
• Study Notes: Gather lecture videos and blog posts in one place for review
• Research: AI analyzes information from diverse sources to provide insights
• Content Curation: Systematically manage materials in your field of interest

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Leverage NotebookLM’s powerful AI analysis capabilities
• Integrate diverse sources (web, YouTube, AI conversations) in one place
• Greatly improves research and learning workflow
• Available for free

Cons:

• Third-party tools, not official Google extensions
• Requires NotebookLM account
• Some features are English-centric

💡 What is NotebookLM?

NotebookLM is Google’s AI-powered research and note-taking tool that analyzes documents, web pages, YouTube videos, etc. uploaded by users to provide summaries, answer questions, and offer related information.

6. Reviewunz N-Supporter – Essential Tool for Naver Bloggers

Reviewunz N-Supporter

Free Blog

Developer: Reviewunz | Users: Naver Bloggers

An essential extension for Naver blog operators that systematically assists blog post creation with word counting, keyword analysis, and SEO optimization features.

Key Features

✨ Core Features

• Word Counter: Real-time display of character count, with/without spaces
• Keyword Analysis: Identify Naver search keyword trends
• SEO Score: Provides search engine optimization score for blog posts
• MS Word Export: Save written posts as Word files
• Content Optimization: Guidance to increase search visibility

Usage Tips for Bloggers

• Word Count Management: Naver typically favors posts of 1,000-3,000 characters, so check appropriate length
• Keyword Density: Verify key keywords are appropriately included
• Readability Enhancement: Optimization suggestions for paragraph length and image placement
• Competitive Analysis: Analyze posts ranking high for the same keywords

Supported Browsers

Chrome, Edge, Opera, Whale, Firefox all supported

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Features specialized for Naver blogs
• Completely free to use
• Objectively evaluate post quality with SEO score
• Korean language interface

Cons:

• Cannot be used on platforms other than Naver blogs
• Advanced analysis features require Reviewunz paid service

🎯 Recommended For

Naver Bloggers: All bloggers aiming for top search rankings. AdPost Writers: Need systematic content management. SEO Learners: Practice search engine optimization.

7. ShopBack – Get Cashback While Shopping

ShopBack

Free Shopping

Developer: ShopBack | Users: 40+ million worldwide

An extension that automatically earns cashback while online shopping, allowing you to get cash back from over 300 global stores.

Key Features

✨ Core Features

• Automatic Cashback Alerts: Automatic notifications when visiting cashback-eligible sites
• One-Click Activation: Start cashback tracking by clicking the red button
• Search Results Integration: Display cashback information in Google, Naver, Yahoo searches
• Taobao Support: Check cashback rates when shopping from China
• Special Deal Alerts: Push notifications for special discounts at frequently visited stores
• Cashback Tracking: Verify cashback was properly applied at checkout

How to Use

1Install Extension

Search for “ShopBack” in Chrome Web Store and install

2Shop as Usual

Visit partner shopping sites like Coupang, AliExpress, Gmarket

3Activate Cashback

When red “Activate Cashback” button appears, click it (turns green)

4Complete Shopping

Cashback credited to ShopBack account within days after purchase completion

Major Partner Stores

• Domestic (Korea): Coupang, Gmarket, 11st, WeMakePrice, TMON
• International: AliExpress, Amazon, eBay, ASOS
• Fashion: Musinsa, 29CM, W Concept
• Beauty: Olive Young, Hwahae

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Automatically earn cash while shopping
• Save money without extra effort
• Support for over 300 diverse stores
• Earned cashback can be withdrawn as real cash

Cons:

• Not all shopping sites are partners
• Cashback rates typically 1-10% (not very high)
• Takes time to confirm cashback (usually 30-90 days)
• Minimum withdrawal amount limit exists

💡 Maximize Cashback Tips

Using both the ShopBack app and extension together can earn additional bonuses. Also, shopping during special promotions (Black Friday, Double Cashback Days, etc.) can increase cashback rates by 2x or more.

8. Glasp – Web Highlighting & Knowledge Management

Glasp Web Highlighter

Free Research Productivity

Developer: Glasp | Users: 1+ million

A social web highlighter that allows you to highlight important parts on web pages and PDFs, add notes, and build your own knowledge library.

Key Features

✨ Core Features

• Multi-Color Highlights: Emphasize text in different colors on web pages and PDFs
• YouTube Highlights: Highlight and note YouTube video subtitles
• AI Summary: AI automatically summarizes highlighted content
• Note Taking: Add personal notes to highlights
• Tags & Links: Classify and interconnect highlights with tags
• One-Click Export: Instantly export to note apps like Notion and Obsidian
• Kindle Integration: Sync with Kindle ebook highlights
• Social Features: Explore and follow other users’ highlights

Usage Scenarios

• Academic Research: Highlight and note important parts while reading papers
• Reading Notes: Collect insights from web articles and blog posts
• Content Curation: Systematically organize information on topics of interest
• Learning Management: Organize key content from online lectures (YouTube)

Supported Browsers

Chrome, Safari, Edge, Opera, Brave, and more major browsers supported

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Completely free, unlimited highlights
• Export support for various note apps
• Unique YouTube highlight feature
• Social features allow referencing others’ insights
• AI summary improves review efficiency

Cons:

• Highlighting not possible on some websites (security policies)
• Social features may feel burdensome (privacy settings available)
• Mobile app features limited

🎯 Recommended For

Researchers/Students: Systematically organize while reading papers and articles. Readers: Create online reading notes. Knowledge Workers: Efficiently manage and reuse information.

9. Listly – The Gold Standard for Web Scraping

Listly

Free/Paid Data Productivity

Developer: Listly | Users: 210,000+

An AI-powered web scraping tool that extracts data from web pages and converts it to Excel or Google Sheets without any coding.

Key Features

✨ Core Features

• One-Click Extraction: Convert web page data to Excel with just a few clicks
• Single Page Extraction: Collect tables, lists, etc. from current page
• Tab Extraction: Simultaneously collect data from multiple browser tabs
• Group Extraction: Bulk collect data by entering multiple URLs
• Automation: Auto-scroll, auto-click, schedule settings
• Excel/Google Sheets: Instantly download collected data as spreadsheets

Use Cases

• Market Research: Collect shopping mall product lists, prices, reviews
• Real Estate Info: Track property information and price changes
• News Monitoring: Collect latest articles on specific topics
• Job Listings: Bulk download job postings
• Research Data: Collect academic paper lists and citation information

Supported Browsers

Chrome, Edge, Naver Whale

Pricing

Plan	Price	Features
Free	$0	Basic extraction, 100 pages/month
Starter	$29/month	1,000 pages/month, automation
Pro	$79/month	Unlimited, advanced automation

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Usable without coding knowledge
• Free plan sufficient for basic tasks
• Automation features streamline repetitive tasks
• Used by over 210,000 professionals

Cons:

• Complex websites may be difficult to extract
• Free version has page limits
• Some sites block scraping

⚠️ Web Scraping Ethics

Web scraping is legal but must comply with site terms of service. Avoid collecting personal information, prevent excessive requests that burden servers, and respect data copyright.

10. Screenshot YouTube – Capture YouTube Moments

Screenshot YouTube

Free Productivity

Developer: Open Source Community | Users: YouTube Viewers

An extension that captures desired scenes from YouTube videos and live streams as high-quality screenshots with one click.

Key Features

✨ Core Features

• One-Click Capture: Capture current frame with one button click
• High-Quality Saving: Save at original resolution (1080p, 4K supported)
• Various Formats: Choose from JPG, PNG, WebP formats
• Remove Controls: Capture clean screen without player UI
• Live Streams: Also capture Twitch and other live broadcasts
• Open Source: No malware, source code publicly available on GitHub

Usage Scenarios

• Lecture Notes: Capture important slides from online lectures
• Reference Collection: Save design and artwork screens
• Meme Creation: Save funny moments as images
• Thumbnail Creation: Use video’s best cuts as thumbnails
• Research Materials: Store specific scenes from documentaries and educational videos

Alternative Extensions

• YouTube Screenshot Maker: Korean support, additional editing features
• Screenshot for YouTube™: Automatic filename settings
• Video Screenshot: Also supports other video sites like Netflix and Vimeo

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Completely free, no watermarks
• Save at original quality
• Very simple to use
• Security reliability through open source

Cons:

• No support for sites other than YouTube (some extensions support)
• No editing features (separate editing required)
• No batch capture function

💡 Screenshot Shortcut

You can assign a keyboard shortcut (e.g., Alt+S) in extension settings to capture quickly without mouse clicks.

11. Extensions Comparison by Category

Extension	Category	Key Features	Price	Recommended For
DeepSider AI	AI Productivity	Multi-AI model integration	Free/Paid	Researchers, Writers
MetaMask	Blockchain	Cryptocurrency wallet	Free	Web3 Users
NotebookLM	AI Research	Web/YouTube import	Free	Students, Researchers
Reviewunz N-Supporter	Blog	Naver SEO optimization	Free	Bloggers
ShopBack	Shopping	Cashback rewards	Free	Online Shoppers
Glasp	Knowledge Management	Web highlighting	Free	Readers, Learners
Listly	Data	Web scraping	Free/Paid	Marketers, Researchers
Screenshot YouTube	Media	Video capture	Free	Creators

Recommended Combinations by Use Case

Students/Researchers

DeepSider AI + NotebookLM + Glasp – Efficient learning and research

Bloggers

Reviewunz N-Supporter + Glasp + Screenshot YouTube – Content creation optimization

Marketers/Analysts

Listly + DeepSider AI – Data collection and analysis

Crypto Investors

MetaMask – Essential Web3 tool

Online Shoppers

ShopBack – Essential savings

Knowledge Workers

DeepSider AI + Glasp + NotebookLM – Maximize productivity

12. Privacy & Security Guide

Pre-Installation Checklist

• Verify Official Store: Download only from Chrome Web Store
• Developer Identity: Confirm it’s a reputable company or verified developer
• Ratings & Reviews: Minimum 4 stars, 100+ reviews
• Permission Requests: Verify it doesn’t request excessive permissions
• Update History: Check if regularly updated

Risky Permissions

⚠️ Permissions to Watch Out For

“Read data on all websites”: Allow only when necessary (can access sensitive info like passwords)

“Read tabs and browsing history”: Privacy breach risk

“Clipboard access”: Can leak copied content (passwords, etc.)

Extension Security Tips

• Regular Review: Review installed extension list every 3 months
• Delete Unused: Immediately remove unused extensions
• Minimize Permissions: Set to work only on necessary sites
• Incognito Mode: Disable extensions during sensitive tasks

Security Levels of Recommended Extensions

Extension	Security Level	Notes
DeepSider AI	High	300K users, regular updates
MetaMask	Very High	Open source, industry standard
NotebookLM Tools	Medium	Third-party tool, not Google official
Reviewunz N-Supporter	High	Widely used by Korean bloggers
ShopBack	High	40M users, publicly traded company
Glasp	High	1M users, transparent operation
Listly	High	Used by 210K professionals
Screenshot YouTube	Very High	Open source, minimal permissions

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Will installing too many extensions slow down my browser?

Yes, extensions run in the background, so installing many can increase memory usage and slow browser speed. Regularly delete unused extensions and only enable what you need. It’s recommended to keep it under 5-10 extensions.

Q2. Can extensions steal personal information?

Malicious extensions theoretically can. However, Chrome Web Store extensions undergo Google review, making them relatively safe. Before installing, check ratings, reviews, and developer information, and avoid extensions requesting excessive permissions. All extensions in this guide are verified.

Q3. Can I use Chrome extensions on smartphones?

Unfortunately, Chrome apps on Android and iOS don’t support extensions. However, some extensions offer separate mobile apps (e.g., MetaMask, ShopBack). Alternatively, you can use alternative browsers that support extensions like Kiwi Browser (Android).

Q4. Can I use Chrome extensions on other browsers like Edge and Brave?

Yes, mostly possible. Chromium-based browsers like Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi can install extensions from Chrome Web Store. The installation method is the same, and some browsers also operate their own extension stores.

Q5. How do I update extensions?

Chrome automatically updates extensions. For manual updates, go to chrome://extensions, turn on “Developer mode” at the top right, and click the “Update” button. All extensions will update to the latest version.

Q6. Can I make extensions work only on specific sites after installation?

Yes, possible. Go to chrome://extensions and click “Details” for the extension. In the “Site access” section, select “On specific sites” and enter the URL to make it work only on that site. Useful for privacy protection.

Q7. Can I use extensions in incognito mode?

They’re disabled by default. Go to chrome://extensions, enter “Details” for the desired extension, and turn on “Allow in incognito” option. However, for security reasons during sensitive tasks, it’s better to keep it off.

Q8. Is DeepSider AI really free?

Basic features are free but with daily usage limits. To use premium AI models (GPT-4, Claude Opus, etc.) unlimited, a paid subscription is required. The free version is sufficient in many cases.

Q9. When can I receive ShopBack cashback?

Cashback is credited after purchase confirmation. Usually takes 30-90 days and varies by store. Accumulated cashback can be withdrawn to your account in the ShopBack app, with a minimum withdrawal amount (usually $10 or equivalent).

Q10. Is Listly’s free version enough?

For simple data collection (under 100 pages/month), the free version is sufficient. However, if you regularly need bulk scraping or automation features, consider paid plans. You can test with a 7-day free trial first.

---

Conclusion

In 2026, Chrome extensions have evolved beyond mere add-on features to become essential tools for digital life. Writing with AI, collecting knowledge from the web, getting money back while shopping, and accessing the blockchain world—all possible with small extensions.

The 8 extensions introduced in this guide each provide unique value. You don’t need to install all of them, but we recommend selecting 3-5 that match your needs to boost productivity.

When choosing extensions, consider not just features but also security and privacy. Download only from official stores and regularly delete unused extensions to keep your browser clean.

🚀 Recommended Starter Packs

Students: DeepSider AI + NotebookLM + Glasp
Bloggers: Reviewunz N-Supporter + Screenshot YouTube
Office Workers: DeepSider AI + Glasp
Shoppers: ShopBack
Investors: MetaMask
Marketers: Listly + DeepSider AI

We hope Chrome extensions make your digital life more efficient and enjoyable!