Whether you’re building modern web apps or optimizing existing sites, Chrome extensions can save you hours and offer deep insights into what’s really happening under the hood. From performance analysis to debugging tools, these browser companions have become essential in a developer’s workflow.
Here are the top 10 Chrome extensions that can supercharge your web development game
1. React Developer Tools
If you’re building React apps, this is non-negotiable. React Developer Tools lets you inspect the React component tree, props, and state directly in the Chrome DevTools panel.
🔍 Best for: Debugging component hierarchies and props/state issues in React apps.
2. Redux DevTools
Working with Redux? This tool lets you monitor actions and state changes in real time with time-travel debugging, making it a go-to for debugging complex state flows.
🧠Best for: Inspecting and debugging Redux state transitions.
đź”— Redux DevTools
3. Load Time
Load Time offers an instant view of page load duration directly in your toolbar, plus a visual timeline of key navigation events. It’s especially helpful for web performance auditing and benchmarking.
🧠Best for: Visualizing Critical Rendering Path insights.
đź”— Load Time
4. Wappalyzer
Wondering what stack a website is using? Wappalyzer tells you the frameworks, CMS, analytics, and more that power any site.
đź’ˇ Best for: Tech stack discovery and competitor analysis.
đź”— Wappalyzer
5. Lighthouse
Though built into Chrome DevTools, this extension gives one-click access to full audits. Lighthouse evaluates performance, accessibility, SEO, and best practices.
đź’ˇ Best for: Running automated audits for performance and quality.
đź”— Lighthouse
6. VisBug
Edit and inspect styles visually right on the page — no need to dive into DevTools. VisBug lets you nudge layouts, tweak padding, and test designs with a designer-friendly UI.
🎨 Best for: Visual style tweaking and layout debugging.
đź”— VisBug
7. ColorZilla
Eyedrop any color from a webpage, generate gradients, and explore advanced color tools.
🎯 Best for: Picking, copying, and managing colors across the web.
đź”— ColorZilla
8. WhatFont
Hover over any text to find out what font is being used — simple and effective.
đź–‹ Best for: Typography exploration and font debugging.
đź”— WhatFont
9. JSON Viewer
Make raw JSON responses readable in the browser with collapsible trees and color syntax highlighting.
📦 Best for: Reading and navigating API responses with ease.
đź”— JSON Viewer
10. ModHeader
Edit request headers (and responses too). Test APIs, simulate conditions, or debug CORS issues with ease.
📦 Best for: Simulating HTTP requests with custom headers.
đź”— ModHeader
The right Chrome extensions can turn your browser into a full-fledged web development environment. Whether you’re debugging rendering performance or tweaking visuals on the fly, these tools offer speed, clarity, and precision.
💬 Got a favorite that didn’t make the list? Share it in the comments — we’re always hunting for great tools.
Top comments (7)
wappalyzer and load time are my favorites.
I would also recommend: CSS Peeper - Easy and intuitive to inspect website styles in seconds.
Thanks for adding @javascriptwizzard !
tbh i use like half these every day, solid list - but i keep wondering, you think good tools really beat building skills the old way or should it just be both
Thanks @nevodavid . Glad to hear you’re already using some of these!
I’d say it’s a balance. Good tools can seriously speed things up and expose you to smarter workflows, but building skills the "old way" gives you a deeper understanding of what’s happening under the hood.
Ideally, the tools amplify the skills—not replace them. :)
Must have extensions list! Thanks for compiling this.
Nice roundup! I always keep Tab Resize handy when juggling responsive layouts, has saved me so much time testing side by side. What's one extension you can't live without?
Thanks @dotallio . One I cant live without - React Dev Tools as I am working on react :)
If I can add a couple more,
ModHeader - For simulating HTTP requests
Load Time - To visualize the critical rendering path.