Browsers are the apps we use most. They show web pages, run web apps, and store passwords, bookmarks and history. Browser extensions are small add-ons that make your browser smarter. In 2025, extensions are more powerful than ever — many now include AI features, but that power also brings new risks. This blog explains the best free browser extensions you should try, why they’re useful, and how to stay safe while using them. (blog.google)
What changed in 2025
This year the biggest trend is AI inside extensions. Companies and independent developers built tools that summarize pages, rewrite text, help with emails and even study videos. Big players like Google highlighted AI-powered extensions as favorites for 2025, which shows how central AI has become in everyday browsing. At the same time, security researchers found large campaigns that turned some popular extensions malicious after long periods of normal behavior. That means extensions can be both super-helpful and risky — so you should choose carefully. (blog.google)
How I picked the "best free" extensions
I focused on extensions that are free (no upfront cost), widely used, and helpful for normal tasks: privacy, writing, reading comfort, passwords, and productivity. I looked for recommendations from reputable technology sites and security write-ups from 2025, and then chose tools that are stable, open-source where possible, or have strong reputations. Sources used include curated lists and security reporting from established outlets. (Android Authority)
Top free extensions you should try
Below are strong picks that cover most needs. I write each tool’s main benefit and a plain-language reason you might want it.
Privacy and ad blocking — uBlock Origin
If you want fewer ads, faster pages, and fewer trackers, uBlock Origin is the go-to free option. It is open source, light on memory, and blocks ads and trackers across many sites. Because it is community-maintained and transparent, it’s a safer bet than unknown ad tools. Many guides and lists still recommend content blockers as a first step to safer, cleaner browsing. (All About Cookies)
Password management — Bitwarden
Passwords are a core safety requirement. Bitwarden offers a free plan with password storage, autofill, and cross-device sync (for basic use). It’s open-source and has earned trust from security-minded users. Using a password manager stops you from reusing weak passwords and makes logins much faster. (Android Authority)
Writing help — Grammarly (or similar AI proofers)
For emails, posts, or school work, a writing assistant helps catch grammar mistakes and improve tone. In 2025 these tools often include AI rewriting options that give quick alternate phrasings. Many technology guides still list Grammarly as a top choice, though there are growing numbers of privacy-focused alternatives if you prefer less cloud processing of your text. (Android Authority)
Readability and comfort — Dark Reader
Dark Reader applies a dark theme to websites that don’t support one. It reduces eye strain during night reading and is highly customizable. For anyone who spends long hours reading articles, a dark mode extension is simple but effective. (Android Authority)
Save and read later — Pocket / Read-It-Later tools
Pocket and similar tools let you save articles for later reading across devices. They strip clutter from pages and make long reads easier. Use them to build a reading list or to save research while you browse. (Creole Studios)
Tab and session managers — OneTab
If you get tab overload, OneTab converts your open tabs into a single list to reduce memory use. It’s a simple trick to keep your browser fast and your work organized, especially when you jump between projects. (Android Authority)
Privacy helpers — Ghostery / Privacy Badger
Extensions that block trackers and show what’s collecting data on a page are useful to understand and reduce online tracking. They won’t stop everything, but they make tracking visible and give you control. (All About Cookies)
Screenshot & research tools — Web clippers and highlighters
For students and researchers, web clippers (OneNote, Evernote, Diigo) and highlighters let you capture important snippets and keep notes attached to web pages. These save time when collecting sources or studying articles. (Medium)
How to use extensions safely
Extensions can do powerful things because browsers intentionally give them wide access. That same access is how some extensions turned malicious in recent campaigns. Here are practical safety steps to follow:
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Install only from official stores (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, Microsoft Edge Add-ons) and check the developer’s name and website. Official stores still host extensions, but you should treat listings with care. (Chrome Web Store)
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Check reviews and recent updates. If an extension has many installs but suddenly changes ownership or gets a suspicious update, it could be a warning sign. Security teams have found campaigns that quietly transformed formerly normal extensions into spyware by using updates. (Tom's Guide)
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Prefer open-source or widely audited tools when possible. Open code doesn’t guarantee safety, but it allows independent experts to inspect behavior. uBlock Origin and Bitwarden are examples of projects with strong community oversight. (Android Authority)
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Limit the number of extensions you use. Each extension increases your browser’s attack surface. Keep only what you actively use and remove the rest.
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Regularly review the permissions an extension requests. Avoid those that ask for full access to all websites unless that access is essential for the extension’s function.
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Keep your browser and extensions updated. Vendors patch security issues in updates, so staying current reduces risk. However, watch for sudden major changes in an extension’s behavior or publisher. (Tom's Guide)
What about AI extensions — should you trust them?
AI inside extensions is powerful: it can summarize pages, suggest drafts, or pull quick facts. Google and other groups highlighted AI extensions among their favorites in 2025, showing their popularity. However, AI tools sometimes send page content to cloud services to run models, which can be a privacy concern if you’re viewing private or sensitive pages. For public browsing and drafting, AI extensions are a great productivity boost. For anything sensitive, either avoid sending the text, or choose tools with strong privacy policies and on-device processing. (blog.google)
A simple setup for a safer, productive browser (example)
If you want a clean, helpful start, consider this mix: a content blocker (uBlock Origin), a password manager (Bitwarden), a writing assistant (Grammarly or a privacy-first alternative), a dark-reader for comfort, and a note/saving tool (Pocket or OneNote Web Clipper). This combination covers safety, speed, writing, comfort, and research without piling on dozens of extra tools. Remember to keep the number small and audit permissions. (Android Authority)
Quick troubleshooting: remove a bad extension
If your browser acts weird after installing an extension — slow pages, new search engines, strange popups — remove the newest extension first. Reset browser settings if you suspect serious changes, and change passwords if you think credentials may have been exposed. Security researchers recommend resetting accounts and running antivirus checks if you detect malicious behavior from an extension. (Tom's Guide)
Final thoughts
Browser extensions in 2025 are more useful than ever, especially with AI added to the mix. They can save time, improve writing, block trackers, and make reading easier. But the power of extensions means you must be thoughtful: choose well-known or open-source tools, check permissions, and remove anything you don’t use. With a small set of trusted extensions, your browser becomes a faster, safer, and smarter workspace.