| No. | Extension Name | Purpose | Price (AUD) | Free Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grammarly | Improve writing by checking for errors | $0 – $29.95/month | ProWritingAid |
| 2 | 1Password | Password manager for secure logins | $0 – $3/month | Bitwarden |
| 3 | Todoist | Task management and organization | $0 – $3/month | TickTick |
| 4 | OneTab | Reduce tab clutter and save memory | $0 | Session Buddy |
| 5 | StayFocusd | Limit time on time-wasting websites | $0 | Cold Turkey |
| 6 | Dark Reader | Enable dark mode for websites | $0 | Super Dark Mode |
| 7 | Google Keep | Simple note-taking for quick organization | $0 | Microsoft OneNote |
| 8 | Clockify Time Tracker | Track time spent on tasks and projects | $0 – $9.99/month | Toggl Track |
| 9 | Checker Plus for Gmail | Manage Gmail inbox without opening a new tab | $0 | Simple Gmail Notes |
| 10 | Zoom Scheduler | Schedule and start Zoom meetings from Google Calendar | $0 | N/A |
| 11 | Forest | Stay focused by growing virtual trees | $0 – $2.49/month | Be Focused |
| 12 | Tab Snooze | Snooze tabs to reopen later | $0 | N/A |
| 13 | Clever Clips | Save and organize text snippets | $0 | CopyQ |
| 14 | OneNote Web Clipper | Save web content directly to OneNote | $0 | Evernote Web Clipper |
| 15 | Toby | Tab management for organizing tabs | $0 – $4.99/month | Session Buddy |
| 16 | AdBlock | Block unwanted ads for a distraction-free experience | $0 | uBlock Origin |
| 17 | Momentum | New tab page dashboard with to-do list and quotes | $0 – $3.33/month | Infinity New Tab |
| 18 | Hola VPN | Access restricted websites | $0 – $9.99/month | Windscribe VPN |
| 19 | Mercury Reader | Remove ads and distractions for better readability | $0 | Reader View |
| 20 | RescueTime | Track online activities for productivity insights | $0 – $12/month | ActivityWatch |
Grammarly: Enhance Your Writing
Even as a writer, I need a little help from my friend, Grammarly. It proofreads everything I write in real time and then provides suggestions for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and even tone. If you’re willing to splurge for Premium, it can also improve your vocabulary and clarity. It saves me time proofreading for basic errors and makes me think deeper about my writing. The Grammarly Chrome extension works on everything from casual tweets to Google Docs. However, sometimes, it can get a bit too eager to help, popping up and blocking what I’m trying to click, which can be a tad frustrating when I’m in the zone (but not so frustrating that it makes me want to disable the feature).
Pros:
- Real-time proofreading.
- Suggestions for spelling, grammar, and tone.
- Works across various platforms.
Cons:
- Overeager pop-ups can be intrusive.
1Password: Secure Password Management
1Password is my digital vault, securely storing and autofilling my plethora of passwords. It extends beyond passwords, safeguarding sensitive information with multi-factor authentication. While some features are behind a subscription paywall, 1Password remains a reliable choice for simplifying and securing online credentials. The interface can be overwhelming for first-time users, but once you get the hang of it, 1Password becomes an indispensable tool for managing your digital identity.
Pros:
- Securely stores and autofills passwords.
- Multi-factor authentication.
- Secure storage for sensitive information.
Cons:
- Some may find the interface overwhelming.
Todoist: Simplify Task Management
Todoist is my go-to for wrangling tasks and projects. It’s user-friendly, letting me organize with due dates, priorities, and projects. While some advanced features are premium, Todoist remains a versatile solution for efficient task management. It helps me stay organized, whether it’s planning work projects or personal to-do lists. The learning curve for new users might be a tad steep, but once you’re familiar, Todoist becomes an invaluable tool for staying on top of your tasks.
Pros:
- User-friendly task management.
- Collaboration on shared projects.
- Integrates with various platforms.
Cons:
- Some advanced features are premium.
- Learning curve for new users.
OneTab: Streamline Browser Tabs
OneTab is my tab-saving grace, streamlining the chaos of open tabs into a single list. It’s a memory-saver, reducing clutter and making it easy to restore tabs individually or collectively. While it lacks extensive customization, OneTab is perfect for those overwhelmed by open tabs. It’s become a must-have for anyone looking to declutter their browsing experience.
Pros:
- Consolidates open tabs into a single list.
- Reduces memory usage for better performance.
- Easy restoration of tabs.
Cons:
- Limited customization options.
StayFocusd: Limit Time on Distractions
StayFocusd is my time guardian, helping me limit distractions by setting time constraints on specific websites. It’s customisable, allowing me to block sites or entire categories during work periods. With insights into my online habits, StayFocusd encourages mindful browsing, although its strict approach might not suit everyone. It’s an effective tool for boosting productivity and managing time effectively.
Pros:
- Sets time limits on distracting websites.
- Customizable for site or category blocking.
- Provides insights into online time usage.
Cons:
- Strict time limits may be inflexible.
- Can be bypassed if disabled in settings.
Dark Reader: Enable Dark Mode for Websites
Dark Reader is my saviour for late-night browsing, magically turning bright websites into eye-friendly dark mode. It’s highly customizable, allowing adjustments for brightness and contrast. While it enhances readability, some websites may not display optimally. Despite occasional compatibility hiccups, Dark Reader remains a valuable tool for reducing eye strain during extended browsing sessions.
Pros:
- Enables dark mode for websites.
- Customizable brightness and contrast.
- Improves readability in low-light conditions.
Cons:
- Some websites may not display optimally.
- May interfere with certain site functionalities.
Google Keep: Simple Note-Taking for Quick Organization
Google Keep is my digital notepad, offering quick and easy note-taking with various formatting options. It seamlessly integrates with other Google services, making it a convenient choice for capturing ideas on the go. While it lacks some advanced features found in other note-taking apps, Google Keep’s simplicity and collaboration features make it my preferred tool for capturing and organizing thoughts.
Pros:
- Quick and easy note-taking.
- Seamless integration with Google services.
- Supports collaboration on shared notes and lists.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features compared to some note-taking apps.
- Limited organization options for extensive use.
Clockify Time Tracker: Track Time Spent on Tasks and Projects
Clockify Time Tracker is my virtual timekeeper, diligently tracking the hours spent on tasks and projects. With a straightforward interface, it generates detailed reports for insights into time usage. While some advanced features are part of the paid plan, Clockify remains a reliable companion for anyone seeking to improve time management and project tracking.
Pros:
- Tracks time spent on tasks and projects.
- Generates detailed reports for insights.
- Integrates with various project management tools.
Cons:
- Some advanced features are part of the paid plan.
- Manual start and stop may be required.
Checker Plus for Gmail: Manage Gmail Inbox Without Opening a New Tab
Checker Plus for Gmail is my email sidekick, providing quick access to Gmail notifications without opening a new tab. With support for multiple accounts and customizable notification settings, it’s a time-saver for managing emails efficiently. While lacking some features of the full Gmail interface, Checker Plus for Gmail remains a convenient extension for staying on top of your inbox.
Pros:
- Provides quick access to Gmail notifications.
- Supports multiple accounts and customizable settings.
- Allows reading, archiving, and composing emails directly.
Cons:
- Some features are limited compared to the full Gmail interface.
- May not suit users preferring a separate email client.
Zoom Scheduler: Schedule and Start Zoom Meetings from Google Calendar
Zoom Scheduler seamlessly integrates Zoom scheduling into Google Calendar, offering one-click access to start or join Zoom meetings. Syncing scheduled Zoom meetings with Google Calendar events, it streamlines the meeting management process. While requiring a Zoom account for full functionality, Zoom Scheduler simplifies the process of scheduling and joining virtual meetings directly from your calendar.
Pros:
- Integrates Zoom scheduling into Google Calendar.
- Provides one-click access to start or join Zoom meetings.
- Syncs scheduled Zoom meetings with Google Calendar.
Cons:
- Requires a Zoom account for full functionality.
- Limited features compared to the full Zoom application.
Forest: Stay Focused by Growing Virtual Trees
Forest turns my productivity into a game, encouraging focus by growing virtual trees during dedicated work sessions. It effectively keeps me away from distracting websites and tracks productivity visually. While the mobile app may offer more features, the Forest Chrome extension remains a fun and effective way to stay focused on tasks at hand.
Pros:
- Gamifies productivity with virtual tree growth.
- Encourages staying away from distracting websites.
- Tracks productivity with a visual representation.
Cons:
- Mobile app may offer more features than the extension.
- Limited features for those not interested in gamification.
Tab Snooze: Snooze Tabs to Reopen Later
Tab Snooze is my snooze button for the internet, allowing me to delay the reopening of tabs until a specified time. It helps reduce tab clutter and improves focus by preventing immediate distractions. With a simple and intuitive interface, Tab Snooze is perfect for those who want to manage their tabs efficiently and stay organized during browsing sessions.
Pros:
- Delays reopening of tabs until a specified time.
- Reduces tab clutter for improved focus.
- Simple and intuitive interface for managing snoozed tabs.
Cons:
- Limited features compared to more robust tab management extensions.
- May not be necessary for users who manage tabs efficiently.
Clever Clips: Save and Organize Text Snippets
Clever Clips is my snippet sanctuary, effortlessly saving and organizing text snippets for quick access. It supports tagging and categorizing clips, making it efficient for organizing information. While lacking advanced features compared to comprehensive note-taking tools, Clever Clips’ straightforward copy-and-paste workflow makes it a valuable tool for saving and retrieving text snippets.
Pros:
- Easily saves and organizes text snippets.
- Supports tagging for efficient organization.
- Simple interface with a copy-and-paste workflow.
Cons:
- May lack advanced features compared to some note-taking tools.
- Limited formatting options for saved text snippets.
OneNote Web Clipper: Save Web Content Directly to OneNote
OneNote Web Clipper is my web content curator, allowing me to clip and save web content directly to Microsoft OneNote. It facilitates annotation and highlighting for better organization. While requiring a Microsoft account for full functionality, OneNote Web Clipper integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office and OneNote apps, making it a valuable tool for those who rely on the Microsoft ecosystem.
Pros:
- Clips and saves web content directly to OneNote.
- Supports annotation and highlighting for organization.
- Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office and OneNote.
Cons:
- Requires a Microsoft account for full functionality.
- Formatting may vary for some clipped content.
Toby: Tab Management for Organizing Tabs
Toby is my tab-taming assistant, offering a visual board for organizing and managing tabs. With synchronization across devices, it provides a streamlined tab management system for enhanced productivity. While some features are part of the paid plan, Toby caters to users looking for an efficient way to organize and access their tabs seamlessly.
Pros:
- Organizes and manages tabs with visual boards.
- Syncs across devices for seamless tab management.
- Enhances productivity with a streamlined tab organization system.
Cons:
- Some features are part of the paid plan.
- May not be suitable for users who prefer simpler tab management.
AdBlock: Block Unwanted Ads for a Distraction-Free Experience
AdBlock is my ad-free oasis in the online world, blocking unwanted ads for a smoother browsing experience. It improves page loading times by eliminating ad content and offers customizable settings for whitelisting and managing ad blocking. While some websites may request disabling the ad blocker, AdBlock remains an essential tool for creating a distraction-free online environment.
Pros:
- Blocks unwanted ads for a smoother browsing experience.
- Improves page loading times by eliminating ad content.
- Customizable settings for whitelisting and managing ad blocking.
Cons:
- Some websites may request disabling the ad blocker.
- Limited advanced features compared to other ad-blocking extensions.
Momentum: New Tab Page Dashboard with To-Do List and Quotes
Momentum transforms my new tab page into a productivity sanctuary, featuring a to-do list, inspirational quotes, and a personal focus. It enhances aesthetics and focus during internet browsing, turning each new tab into a motivational hub. While advanced features are part of the paid plan, Momentum remains a visually appealing choice for those seeking a personalized and organized new tab experience.
Pros:
- Transforms the new tab page into a productivity dashboard.
- Features a to-do list, inspirational quotes, and personal focus.
- Enhances aesthetics and focus during internet browsing.
Cons:
- Advanced features are part of the paid plan.
- Some users may prefer a simpler new tab page.
Hola VPN: Access Restricted Websites
Hola VPN is my virtual passport, allowing access to geo-restricted content on various websites. While offering a free VPN service with basic features, concerns about the security and privacy of free VPNs persist. Hola VPN’s user-friendly interface provides quick and easy access, making it suitable for users seeking a basic solution to access region-locked content.
Pros:
- Allows access to geo-restricted content on various websites.
- Offers a free VPN service with basic features.
- User-friendly interface for quick and easy use.
Cons:
- Concerns about the security and privacy of free VPN services.
- May not be as secure as dedicated VPN services.
Mercury Reader: Remove Ads and Distractions for Better Readability
Mercury Reader is my literary zen garden, removing ads and distractions for a clean reading experience. It improves readability with customizable font and background settings, enhancing the focus on the content of articles and web pages. While some websites may not display optimally after applying Mercury Reader, it remains a valuable tool for creating a serene and distraction-free reading environment.
Pros:
- Strips away ads and distractions for a clean reading experience.
- Improves readability with customizable font and background settings.
- Enhances focus on the content of articles and web pages.
Cons:
- Some websites may not display optimally after applying Mercury Reader.
- Limited additional features compared to full-featured reader apps.
RescueTime: Track Online Activities for Productivity Insights
RescueTime is my digital timekeeper, automatically tracking time spent on websites and applications. It generates detailed reports for insights into online productivity, allowing users to set goals and alerts for better time management. While some advanced features are part of the paid plan, RescueTime offers valuable insights for those seeking to optimize their online activities and improve overall productivity.
Pros:
- Automatically tracks time spent on websites and applications.
- Generates detailed reports for insights into online productivity.
- Set goals and alerts for better time management.
Cons:
- Advanced features are part of the paid plan.
- May not suit users uncomfortable with constant activity tracking.
