5 free Chrome browser extensions we can't live without

These are the first add-ons install on any new PC

- ALAINA YEE

Browser extensions improve the experience of internet trawling. Just a handful can save you time, money, and sanity, plus protect your security and privacy.

Everyone has their favorite add-ons. And as you might expect, the PCWorld staff’s faves tend to overlap. For example, my colleague Mark Hachman’s list of top 5 Edge extensions (fave.co/462L8as) is kind of a sneak peek of my own lineup.

But while you’ll see the same themes come up, my actual picks differ. There’s a lot of choice on this planet, and that means you can tailor your experience to fit your needs and interests. Mine revolve around staying safe on the web, deal hunting, and not letting social media get the best of me. (None make my cut here, but if you need to protect your traffic from prying eyes, check out our list of the best free VPNs for Chrome [fave.co/ 3X6qDW0].)

Oh, and Edge users—you can join in on this party as well. Most of these exist as native Edge add-ons, but you can also install them from the Chrome Web Store, too.

UBLOCK ORIGIN

Ads are an unfortunate vector for internet diseases—that is, viruses, malware, and exploits. You can stay safer while on the web by installing an ad blocker, which cuts off that route for malicious activity. Combine it with direct support for sites you love, such as a subscription or a periodic donation, and everyone makes out better in the end.

Using an ad blocker also supercharges your browsing experience. Your computer may feel sluggish or slow due to how long it takes to fully load a website’s extra advertisements and scripts. Without ads, sites come up fast and also look sleek and polished.