Chrome is definitely the most popular web browser in the world. One of the great things about this is the wide range of apps that are available in the Chrome store. Some of these apps are just plain worthless. However, others really enhance the browsing experience. Two types of apps are essential for a great browsing experience: productivity apps and security apps. Chrome’s full of productivity apps (often linked to core Google services or Android and iOS systems). The security apps, however, seldom get the same sort of recognition as productivity apps.

Any.DO: This is a simple but effective to-do list extension that users can access directly from the apps bar. It syncs across platforms and allows users to drag and drop new items or attach notes. The app also converts gmail messages into tasks. The Android and iOS apps, allow you to really have a superb cross-platform experience.

Ginger - Grammar and Spell Checker : This app provides users with advanced spelling and grammar checking options. Now Chrome itself has a pretty decent grammar and spell checking system but Ginger comes out at top with regards to advanced editing. It also allows users to check for corrections in forms on Facebook, Gmail, Wordpress, etc.

RescueTime Chrome Productivity Meter : This simple app intelligently monitors the time spent on every website visited (if there is no activity for two minutes or more, the timer automatically pauses). All this is done in the background to prevent unnecessary distractions. Afterwards, users can view a full report of how much time they spent “productively.” Naturally spending a lot of time on social media websites like Facebook or Twitter, earns a negative score while spending time on things like email, task management, or reference websites, will earn more positive points.

Ghostery : Each time you visit a website, there are hundreds of processes working in the background, most of which you will not see and even if you did, might not understand. Here’s where Ghostery comes in to the picture. This app tells you exactly what is happening in the background and gives you the power to control such “extra features”. The app allows users to block objects, scripts, and even whole messages, to enhance privacy.

HTTPS everywhere : Few people understand the importance of “https://”. Visiting a site with https means that you are using SSL encryption, which is vital when you are talking about sensitive material or data such as e-commerce. This extension takes things further by making sure that every site visiting with an https as an option uses it, providing another valuable level of security.

Text by Navam Niles