Useful Browser Add-ons: Ad Blockers and More

Learn about browser extensions — small tools that make your web browsing safer, faster, and less frustrating.

3 min read · 6 steps · Checked March 2026

1. Step 1. What is a browser extension?

   A browser extension (also called an add-on or plug-in) is a small program that adds features to your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari). Think of it like an app for your browser. Extensions can block adverts, remember your passwords, translate pages, check your spelling, and much more — most are free.

   Quick Tip

   Only install extensions from the official store for your browser: Chrome Web Store for Chrome, Firefox Add-ons for Firefox, Microsoft Edge Add-ons for Edge. Never install from random websites.

2. Step 2. Ad blockers — fewer adverts, faster pages

   Ad blocker extensions stop adverts, pop-ups, and auto-playing videos from loading. Pages load faster and are less distracting. The most popular free options are uBlock Origin (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and AdGuard. To install: open the Chrome Web Store (chrome.google.com/webstore), search "uBlock Origin", click "Add to Chrome", then "Add extension." The icon appears in your toolbar.

   Quick Tip

   Some news websites ask you to disable your ad blocker to read articles. You can temporarily pause uBlock Origin by clicking its icon and toggling it off for that site.

3. Step 3. Password managers

   A password manager extension remembers all your passwords and fills them in automatically. You only need to remember one master password. Bitwarden is the best free option — it's open source, trusted, and works on all devices. Install it from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons. When you log into a website, Bitwarden asks if you want to save the password — tap Yes. Next time, it fills it in for you.

   Quick Tip

   Your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) also has a built-in password manager. Check SettingsPasswords to see what's already saved.

   Warning

   Never install a password manager from a link in an email. Only download from the official browser extension store.

4. Step 4. Grammar and spelling checkers

   Grammarly is a free extension that checks your spelling and grammar as you type — in emails, Facebook posts, forms, anywhere on the web. It underlines mistakes in red (spelling) or blue (grammar) and suggests corrections when you hover over them. Install it from the Chrome Web Store. The free version covers the basics. The paid version adds style suggestions.

   Quick Tip

   Grammarly is particularly helpful for emails to banks, doctors, or employers where you want to sound professional.

5. Step 5. Translation extensions

   Google Translate is built into Chrome — if you visit a page in another language, Chrome automatically offers to translate it. Click "Translate" in the bar that appears at the top. In Firefox or Edge, install the Google Translate extension from the add-on store. This is useful for reading recipes, news, or emails from international family members.

6. Step 6. Managing and removing extensions

   To see all your installed extensions: in Chrome, click the puzzle-piece icon in the top right → "Manage Extensions." You'll see a list of all installed extensions. Toggle the switch to temporarily disable one, or click "Remove" to delete it permanently. Keep only extensions you actually use — too many can slow your browser down. If you see an extension you don't recognize, remove it.

   Warning

   Malicious extensions exist. If an extension asks for permission to "read and change all your data on all websites" — think carefully before installing. Reputable extensions like uBlock Origin need this access, but random extensions should not.