How to Choose Safe and Reliable Chrome Extensions
The Chrome Web Store has thousands of extensions, and not all of them are worth installing. Some request excessive permissions, some collect data without clear disclosure, and some have been abandoned by their developers. Here is a practical guide to evaluating Chrome extensions before you add them to your browser.
Check the Permissions
When you install a Chrome extension, it asks for specific permissions. These determine what the extension can access on your computer and in your browser. Pay attention to what is being requested and whether it makes sense for what the extension does.
For example, a password visibility toggle should not need access to all your browsing history. A weather extension needs location access, but it should not need access to read and change all your data on all websites.
Chrome now shows permission warnings during installation. Read them. If the permissions seem excessive for the extension's stated purpose, consider looking for an alternative.
Key permissions to watch for:
- "Read and change all your data on all websites" — This is a broad permission. Some extensions legitimately need it (like content scripts that modify web pages), but many do not.
- "Manage your downloads" — Unless the extension is specifically about downloads, this is unusual.
- "Read your browsing history" — Ask yourself if the extension truly needs this information.
Read the Privacy Policy
A good extension has a clear, specific privacy policy that tells you exactly what data it collects, how it uses that data, and whether it shares data with third parties.
Red flags to watch for:
- No privacy policy at all — This is the biggest red flag. Reputable extensions always have one.
- Vague language — Phrases like "we may collect certain information" without specifics.
- Third-party data sharing — Be cautious if the policy mentions sharing data with advertisers or analytics companies without clear justification.
- Overly broad data collection — If a simple utility extension claims to collect usage patterns, browsing behavior, or personal information, that is a concern.
Compare this to a well-written privacy policy that says things like "this extension does not collect any data" or "analytics data is aggregated and non-personally-identifiable." Specificity is a sign of transparency.
Look at the Update History
An actively maintained extension is generally safer and more reliable than one that has not been updated in years. Check the "Additional information" section on the Chrome Web Store listing for the last update date.
Extensions that have not been updated in over a year may have:
- Unpatched security vulnerabilities
- Compatibility issues with recent Chrome versions
- Bugs that will never be fixed
That said, a very simple extension (like a one-function utility) may not need frequent updates. Use your judgment based on the extension's complexity.
Check the User Reviews and Rating
User reviews can surface problems that are not obvious from the listing. Look for:
- Reports of unexpected behavior (redirects, pop-ups, slowdowns)
- Complaints about permissions changing after an update
- Mentions of the extension being sold to a new developer (this sometimes leads to adware injection)
A high rating with many reviews is generally a good sign, but also read the recent reviews — an extension's quality can change over time, especially after ownership changes.
Prefer Extensions from Known Developers
If a developer has multiple well-reviewed extensions, that is a positive signal. You can click the developer name on the Chrome Web Store to see their other extensions.
At extension.rocks, we publish 8 Chrome extensions with clear privacy policies for each one. Every extension is free, actively maintained, and designed with minimal permissions.
When in Doubt, Test First
If you are unsure about an extension, install it and check what it actually does before relying on it. Look at the extension's icon in the toolbar — does it show a badge or counter that suggests background activity? Open Chrome's Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to see if the extension is using unusual amounts of memory or CPU.
You can also review what an extension has access to by going to chrome://extensions/, clicking "Details" on any extension, and reviewing its permissions and site access settings.
Summary
Before installing a Chrome extension:
- Check that its permissions match its purpose
- Read the privacy policy for specifics
- Verify it has been updated recently
- Read recent user reviews
- Prefer developers with a track record
Taking a few minutes to evaluate an extension can save you from privacy issues, security risks, and a cluttered browser.