Google Chrome remains a top choice for web developers thanks to its strong built-in tools and a rich ecosystem of extensions. The right extensions can speed up debugging, improve code inspection, simplify responsive testing, and make daily workflows more efficient. The options below represent currently useful tools that most web developers can benefit from.
React Developer Tools
React Developer Tools is the official extension from Meta that adds Components and Profiler panels to Chrome DevTools. It lets developers inspect the React component tree, view props, state, and hooks in real time. The Profiler helps identify unnecessary re-renders and performance bottlenecks in React applications.
- Browse and filter the full component hierarchy
- Inspect and edit props and state live
- Profile render performance to find slow components
Wappalyzer
Wappalyzer is a technology detection extension that reveals the stack used by any website. It identifies frameworks, libraries, CMS platforms, analytics tools, CDNs, and more at a glance. Developers use it to quickly understand how other sites are built or to research competitors.
- Detects JavaScript frameworks, CMS, and server technologies
- Shows analytics, marketing, and e-commerce tools
- Allows quick export of results for further analysis
JSON Viewer
JSON Viewer (or similar formatters like JSONVue) automatically formats raw JSON responses in the browser. It turns hard-to-read single-line JSON into a clean, collapsible, syntax-highlighted tree. This makes API debugging and data inspection far faster and less error-prone.
- Formats JSON responses with proper indentation and colors
- Supports collapsible sections for large payloads
- Helps spot structure and values quickly during API work
axe DevTools
axe DevTools is an accessibility testing extension that scans pages against WCAG standards. It highlights issues such as missing alt text, color contrast problems, and incorrect ARIA usage. Each finding includes clear explanations and guidance on how to fix the problem.
- Runs automated accessibility audits on the current page
- Reports issues with severity levels and WCAG references
- Provides practical fix suggestions for developers
ModHeader / Requestly
ModHeader and Requestly let developers modify HTTP headers, redirect requests, and mock API responses. These tools are essential for testing authentication, staging environments, and edge cases. They save time compared to repeatedly editing curl commands or server configurations.
- Inject custom request and response headers easily
- Redirect or mock endpoints for controlled testing
- Simulate different authentication or environment scenarios
Web Developer
Web Developer is a classic toolbar extension that offers quick controls for CSS, forms, images, and more. It allows disabling JavaScript, outlining elements, editing CSS on the fly, and checking forms. Although many features now exist in DevTools, it still provides fast visual debugging options.
- Disable scripts, styles, or images with one click
- Outline elements and inspect layout details quickly
- Edit CSS and work with forms more efficiently
ColorZilla
ColorZilla is a color picker and analysis tool useful for front-end and design work. It lets developers sample colors from any webpage and generate CSS-ready values. Additional features include gradient generation and color history for consistent design systems.
- Pick exact colors from any element on a page
- Copy HEX, RGB, or other formats ready for CSS
- Create and export gradients for design implementation
Window Resizer
Window Resizer helps test responsive designs by quickly changing the browser viewport size. It includes presets for common devices such as phones, tablets, and desktops. Developers can also add custom sizes to verify media queries and layouts accurately.
- Switch between popular device viewport sizes instantly
- Add custom dimensions for specific testing needs
- Check how media queries behave across breakpoints
Vue.js DevTools
Vue.js DevTools is the official extension for inspecting Vue applications. It provides a component tree view, state inspection, and time-travel debugging for Vuex or Pinia. Vue developers rely on it in the same way React developers rely on React Developer Tools.
- Inspect the Vue component hierarchy and data
- Debug Vuex or Pinia state changes over time
- Track component performance and updates
Lighthouse
Lighthouse is Google’s auditing tool available as both a DevTools feature and a Chrome extension. It measures performance, accessibility, SEO, and best practices on any page. The reports give clear scores and actionable recommendations for improvement.
- Run comprehensive audits for performance and accessibility
- Receive scores and specific improvement suggestions
- Use results to guide optimization work on live or local pages
