A few months ago I noticed my browser was using 6GB of RAM with only five tabs open. Turns out I had accumulated 47 extensions over the years, many of which I'd forgotten about entirely. Time for some housekeeping.
Browser extensions are powerful - they can transform how you work, block annoyances, and add features the browser lacks. But they also have a dark side: performance drain, security risks, and digital clutter. Here's how to get the benefits without the downsides.
The Performance Problem
Every extension you install runs code in your browser. That code uses memory, CPU, and sometimes network resources. A single extension might seem harmless, but the cumulative effect of many extensions is noticeable.
Common symptoms of extension overload:
- Slow page loading
- High memory usage (check Task Manager)
- Browser crashes or freezes
- Pages not rendering correctly
- Delayed typing in text fields
The fix isn't necessarily removing all extensions - it's being intentional about which ones you keep and how they're configured.
Auditing Your Extensions
Open your extension manager (chrome://extensions in Chrome, about:addons in Firefox) and go through each one. For each extension, ask:
- Do I actually use this? If you haven't used it in months, remove it.
- Is this still maintained? Extensions that haven't been updated in years might have security vulnerabilities.
- Can I accomplish this another way? Some extensions duplicate browser features that have been added since you installed them.
- Do the permissions make sense? An extension asking to read all your data on all websites is a red flag if it's just a simple utility.
I removed 35 of my 47 extensions in this audit. Browser performance improved noticeably.
Extensions Worth Keeping
Rather than listing specific extension names (which change over time), here are categories of extensions that genuinely improve productivity:
Ad and Tracker Blockers
Actually improve performance by blocking resource-heavy ads. Choose one well-maintained option and configure it properly rather than stacking multiple blockers.
Password Managers
The browser extension for your password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password, etc.) is essential for security and convenience. This is a keep.
Single-Purpose Utilities
Extensions that do one thing well: screenshot tools, color pickers for designers, video speed controllers. These tend to be lightweight and useful.
Tab Management
If you're a heavy tab user, one good tab management extension can save memory by suspending inactive tabs. But you only need one.
Be cautious with: Extensions that need access to all websites, extensions from unknown developers, extensions that modify web page content extensively, and anything that promises to "enhance" your browsing without explaining how.
Site-Specific Permissions
A feature many people miss: you can restrict when extensions run. In Chrome, click the extension icon, then click the three dots to control whether it can access the current site.
For extensions you only use on specific sites (like a shopping comparison tool), set them to "On click" instead of "On all sites." This reduces their impact when you're not using them.
Browser Profiles for Different Modes
Power user tip: create separate browser profiles for different activities. I have:
- Work profile: Only work-related extensions - development tools, password manager, minimal distractions
- Personal profile: Entertainment-focused extensions, ad blocker, social media tools
- Clean profile: No extensions at all, for testing or when sites behave strangely
This way, work doesn't get bogged down by personal extensions, and you can switch contexts cleanly.
Security Considerations
Extensions are a significant attack vector. A compromised extension can steal passwords, inject ads, track your browsing, or worse. Minimize your risk:
- Only install from official stores (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons)
- Check the number of users and reviews - new extensions with no history are riskier
- Read what permissions the extension requests and why
- Periodically review what extensions you have installed
- Remove extensions from developers who have been acquired by sketchy companies
Tip: Some previously trustworthy extensions have been sold to companies that inject ads or track users. If an extension you've used for years suddenly starts behaving differently or asking for new permissions, investigate or remove it.
The Minimalist Approach
My current extension list for my main browser profile:
- Password manager
- Ad blocker
- Screenshot tool
- Tab suspender (set to aggressive mode)
That's it. Four extensions that I use regularly and that genuinely improve my browsing experience. Everything else was noise.
You might need more depending on your work - developers often need several dev tools extensions, designers need color and measurement tools. The goal isn't a specific number, it's having only extensions you actually use and trust.
Regular Maintenance
Set a calendar reminder to audit your extensions every few months. It takes five minutes and keeps your browser running well. Questions to ask during each audit:
- Have I used this in the past month?
- Has this extension been updated recently?
- Is there a better alternative now?
- Can my browser do this natively now?
Browser extensions are tools. Like any toolbox, keeping it organized and removing tools you don't use makes it easier to find what you need and keeps everything working smoothly.
