TL;DR:
- Chrome remains the go-to browser for developers due to its powerful extension ecosystem.
- Extensions enhance productivity, debugging, UI design, testing, and code quality.
- Must-have tools include Prettier, Web Developer, ColorZilla, LambdaTest, and Session Buddy.
- Choose extensions based on your role (e.g., front-end, QA, design) and workflow needs.
- Only install from trusted sources; regularly review for security and performance.
- Want to build your own Chrome dev tool? Explore Chrome Extension Development Services.
Introduction
Google Chrome continues to dominate as the #1 browser for developers worldwide and not just because of its speed and compatibility. A huge part of its popularity stems from the powerful ecosystem of Chrome extensions that supercharge everything from coding and debugging to design, testing, and productivity.
Whether you’re a front-end developer, backend engineer, or UI/UX designer, Chrome extensions can automate tasks, boost workflows, and improve accuracy. As Chrome extensions development grows in popularity, many developers are even building their own tools. But with thousands of options available, which ones are worth using?
This guide lists the 20 best Chrome extensions for developers, with features, use cases, and benefits for each.
What Are Chrome Extensions & Why Developers Use
Chrome extensions are lightweight tools built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to enhance browser functionality. Developers use them to improve productivity and streamline workflows. For those building their own, following key tips for Chrome extension development like using minimal permissions and optimizing performance can ensure better results.
Popular tools like React Developer Tools, JSON Viewer, and Lighthouse help inspect code, improve performance, and simplify UI tasks. Extensions like ColorZilla or WhatFont assist with front-end design, while others like BrowserStack Live support responsive testing.
By automating repetitive tasks and customizing the browser environment, Chrome extensions have become essential for front-end developers, backend engineers, QA testers, and UI/UX designers.
Read More: How to Monetize Chrome Extensions?
Top 20 Chrome Extensions for Developers
1. Web Developer
A powerful all-in-one toolbar that adds various web developer tools to Chrome. Inspect CSS, disable scripts, edit forms, and much more without diving into DevTools manually.
Key Features:
- CSS/JavaScript toggles
- Cookie and form inspection
- Image and outline overlays
2. Prettier
Prettier is an opinionated code formatter that supports multiple languages and enforces consistent styling rules. Helps avoid code formatting disputes during collaboration.
Key Features:
- Auto-formats on save
- Supports JS, HTML, CSS, etc.
- Integrates with VS Code & CI tools
3. Code Runner
Run code snippets in various languages directly from your browser. Perfect for testing algorithms or logic without setting up a development environment.
Key Features:
- Multi-language support
- Syntax highlighting
- Instant execution in the browser
4. LT Debug
LambdaTest’s LT Debug helps you inspect and debug issues on live sites. Monitor requests, cookies, and console logs in real-time to find and fix problems faster.
Key Features:
- Real-time page inspection
- Request and cookie tracker
- JavaScript error logging
5. Checkbot
Checkbot analyzes your site for SEO, security, and performance best practices. Audit up to 250 pages in one go to ensure your site is optimized and secure.
Key Features:
- SEO/security audits
- Bulk URL scanning
- Suggestions for improvement
6. EditThisCookie
Advanced cookie manager for developers. You can create, delete, edit, block, and export cookies — useful for testing authentication or personalization.
Key Features:
- Edit/delete/add cookies
- Export/import cookie sets
- Block specific cookies
7. ColorZilla
Grab color values from any part of your screen. It includes a color picker, gradient generator, and palette viewer, making it essential for design consistency.
Key Features:
- Eyedropper tool
- Color history log
- Gradient generator
8. ColorPick Eyedropper
Pick any pixel’s color from the screen and get its HEX or RGB values instantly. Great for UI designers refining visual details or replicating color schemes.
Key Features:
- Precise pixel selection
- Zoomed color view
- Easy HEX/RGB copy
9. CSS Viewer
Instantly view the complete CSS properties of any element by simply hovering over it. Ideal for fast CSS debugging and style-checking without opening DevTools.
Key Features:
- Live hover-based viewer
- Displays all style info
- Lightweight and fast
10. Font Face Ninja
Identify, inspect, and try fonts used on any website. It also lets you bookmark and try fonts without needing access to the source code.
Key Features:
- Font identification
- Try fonts live
- Download or bookmark fonts
Read More: Best AI Chrome Extensions for Entrepreneurs and Startups
11. Site Palette
Extract full color palettes from any website for reuse in your projects. Export palettes to multiple formats or integrate with tools like coolors.co.
Key Features:
- Full-page palette extraction
- Format exports (PDF, SCSS)
- Google Art & color integration
12. VisBug
Edit and tweak design components visually without touching code. Perfect for front-end debugging, prototyping, and explaining design fixes to dev teams.
Key Features:
- Inline visual editing
- Box model inspector
- Grid/flex layout tools
13. Page Ruler
Draw and move a ruler across your screen to measure element dimensions and alignments. Great for achieving pixel-perfect front-end layouts.
Key Features:
- Pixel ruler overlay
- Resize and drag freely
- Easy measurement readout
14. Dimensions
Measures the space between elements on any web page using your cursor. Helps front-end developers verify spacing in UI mockups and live pages.
Key Features:
- Live distance measure
- Accurate pixel readout
- Works on images and text
15. LambdaTest
Cross-browser testing tool that lets you test websites across 5000+ real browser/device combinations. Capture screenshots and schedule tests in one click.
Key Features:
- Cloud browser testing
- Screenshot capture
- Mobile and desktop simulation
16. Accessibility DevTools
Ensure your app is accessible to everyone by running automated and manual audits for WCAG and ADA compliance. Fix issues early during development.
Key Features:
- WCAG/ADA checks
- Highlighting of issues
- Color contrast testing
17. Window Resizer
Resize your browser window to standard screen sizes to simulate different devices. A must-have for testing responsive designs during front-end development.
Key Features:
- Preset screen sizes
- Custom size profiles
- One-click viewport switching
18. Clear Cache
Clears your cache, cookies, and local storage instantly without confirmation popups. Perfect for testing changes without manually opening Chrome settings.
Key Features:
- One-click cache clearing
- Optional data selection
- Auto-refresh support
19. Ghostery
Blocks trackers, speeds up loading, and enhances privacy. Also helpful for developers to check which third-party scripts and cookies are active on a page.
Key Features:
- Tracker blocking
- Site performance boost
- Privacy insights
20. Session Buddy
Organize and save sets of tabs for different tasks or projects. Restore entire sessions easily and avoid losing research or open workspaces.
Key Features:
- Save/restore sessions
- Tab grouping and search
- Crash recovery
Benefits of Chrome Extensions for Developers
- Boost Productivity
Extensions automate routine tasks like formatting code, checking syntax, or managing tabs—saving developers hours every week. - Enhance Debugging
Tools like React Developer Tools or Web Developer provide real-time insights into code, DOM structure, and performance issues. - Improve Code Quality
Extensions like Prettier and ESLint help enforce consistent code styling and catch errors early in the development process. - Streamline Testing
With tools like Lighthouse and BrowserStack, developers can test responsiveness, performance, and cross-browser compatibility directly from Chrome. - Support UI/UX Design
Design-focused extensions like ColorZilla or WhatFont make it easy to inspect design elements, pick colors, and maintain design consistency.
Conclusion
Chrome extensions are essential for developers, offering tools that streamline coding, debugging, UI design, and testing. From Prettier and ColorZilla to LambdaTest and Session Buddy, the right extensions boost productivity and improve code quality.
Focus on trusted, updated tools that match your workflow, and regularly review your extension list for performance and security. Want to build your own Chrome extension to automate tasks or enhance development?
We offer expert Chrome extension development services tailored for developers, startups, and teams. Let us help bring your browser-based idea to life.
FAQs
What are Chrome extensions and what are their relevance for developers?
Chrome extensions are browser add-ons that enhance Chrome’s functionality. Developers use them for faster coding, debugging, testing, and design improvements.
Are Chrome extensions safe to use?
Yes, as long as they are downloaded from trusted sources like the Chrome Web Store and you review their permissions.
Can Chrome extensions affect browser performance?
Yes, too many extensions can slow down your browser. Stick to the essentials and monitor their impact.
What types of extensions do developers need the most?
Coding tools, debugging assistants, design/UI inspectors, testing platforms, and productivity managers.
How do Chrome extensions improve debugging and testing?
They help visualize code behavior, inspect elements, simulate devices, check accessibility, and streamline testing across browsers.