3 must-have Chrome extensions for Android

While Chrome extensions are very handy on the desktop, Chrome for Android does not support the feature. Whatever Google’s reasoning, this is a missed opportunity. Thankfully, you don’t need to rely on Google Chrome to access Chrome extensions as the Kiwi browser is a great alternative that supports these extensions. Kiwi browser is based on Chromium – an open-source browser project on which Chrome is based – and supports several advanced features like real-time translations, an integrated dark mode, and access to developer tools. 

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Another browser, Yandex, also supports Chrome extensions on Android, but the selection on Yandex is very limited so we wouldn’t recommend it to power users. We’d recommend sticking with Kiwi. However, it is important to note that both these browsers are safe and official ways of using Chrome extensions on your smartphones. With that, here are some of our favourite Chrome extension on Android: 

1. Pocket

Pocket is a reimagining of the digital space in which you store information you found on the web. Think of it as a sort of advanced note-taking app that’s built around a distraction-free UI to help you focus. You can highlight key passages, shortlist relevant stories, or even use Pocket’s recommendation engine to discover new content. This engine of course learns from the stories you save. This Chrome extension gives you quick access to Pocket and the ability to save content directly to Pocket. 

2. Evernote

Another great note-taking app, Evernote is designed for storing notes digitally in a sort of private note cloud. It’s a powerful tool with deep integration into a variety of services, and availability on most popular platforms. As a focused note-taking app, Evernote boasts of some powerful features for organising notes and information, and is a great tool for managing projects and ideas. 

3. Dark Reader

Dark mode is a must-have on any phone these days, and it’s a feature that most UIs, including many website UIs, do support. However, there are still tonnes of websites out there that don’t support a dark mode. Rather than get blinded by the light, install Dark Reader and let it take the reins when you encounter a stubbornly white webpage. 

These are just a small selection from the vast array of Chrome extensions available to everyone. It’s a shame that Google Chrome doesn’t natively support extensions on Android, but thanks to the open-source community, there are several great alternatives that ultimately achieve the same goal.