This is my top pick out of the most widely used AI extensions that I tested on Chrome
AI doesn’t just interact with us through the cloud or local installation. Another “smart” alternative we can try is AI extensions for Chrome. After testing the four most popular extensions I found while browsing the web, there was one app in particular that convinced me and I can consider it the winner of this comparison.
To evaluate them as objectively as possible, I measured their ability to answer more complex questions or their integration with the rest of Chrome’s tools, among other aspects. Some pleasantly surprised me with their speed and accuracy, but they may leave something to be desired in terms of creative prowess. Let’s see why one stands out from the rest and how it can work to your advantage.
- Perplexity AI
Perplexity is powered by information research and aggregation. It provides detailed and reliable sources for your research, so it can help you get academic and honest information. It features real-time access to different websites and detailed responses based on the information gathered.
However, if you overuse it, it can sometimes respond slowly. If your role involves gathering and sampling accurate information, then Perplexity is the one I recommend for that area.
- ChatGPT Sidebar
This option offers us a sidebar compatible with any browser and gives us access to ChatGPT in real time. It can summarize articles, find useful pages for your tasks, and help you outline information. In addition, it allows you to translate texts into any language.
On the other hand, users with older ranges might have trouble getting it to work. This means that its use might be limited within the Chrome interface.
- DeepSeek R1
The popular and controversial AI extension from the Chinese state also has a Chrome browser extension. Its uniqueness lies in several factors: its open source, which makes all its functions free, and its ability to help us with programming tasks.
On the other hand, its parent platform has been controversial several times regarding the privacy of our data, which can pose a risk to our personal information. Its extension consumes fewer resources than the original chat program, so that is another big advantage.
- Claude 3 Haiku
Although it does not provide a native add-on, we can run it as an add-on through Sider. This AI is highly distinguished by the creativity and thinking ability that it can offer us.
As with other AI tools, Claude 3 may also have biases that haven’t been eliminated through its training. This means we may encounter some social biases or stereotypes in its responses.
- Winning AI: ChatGPT Sidebar
After trying all four extensions, I found ChatGPT Sidebar to be the most comprehensive option. I liked its ability to adapt to any browser and its speed in providing quick and updated responses. Additionally, its functionality is great, as you can display articles in a concise manner and in other languages.
With its versatility, accessibility, ease of use, and integration with available search engines, ChatGPT Sidebar is the one that takes the personal crown for me.