Popular Chrome Extensions for Software Testers in 2024

Software testing is crucial for improving user experiences. Since Chrome is the most popular web browser these days, extensions become helpful for testing page UI, debugging, and performance optimization. Website and app users expect speedy updates and fast load times. When dealing with overwhelming requests and tight deadlines, it is impossible to keep up without the right tools.

The day-to-day operations of software testers go much smoother when they use appropriate tools. We’ve rounded up a list of the best Chrome extensions for software testing to make your life easier.

Must-Have Chrome Extensions for Software Testers in 2024

1. BrowserStack

BrowserStack is a cross-browser testing extension that allows testing engineers to test websites on real browsers of their choice instantly. The plugin is a great test automation tool with live customer support and all the features needed. It can run multiple tests in parallel, dramatically reducing the total test duration. Testers can easily debug test failures, and the user interface is intuitive. You can install the BrowserStack Chrome extension here and select the right browser and device combination to start the site testing process.

2. Page Load Time

Page Load Time is your new best friend if you are looking for a valid Chrome extension that helps with rapid website testing. It is one of the top must-have Chrome extensions for testers and is excellent for troubleshooting slow load times. QA engineers can test rendering times live across real browsers and devices. They can generate comprehensive reports in just a single click and depict page load speeds for different browser-device combinations. Testing engineers will be notified immediately if a website is running particularly slow and can perform optimization tweaks accordingly. It's also free and displays the fully loaded time for all tests. Once installed, the extension automatically reports how long it takes to load or download webpages on the top right corner of your browser.

3. TestCase Studio

TestCase Studio records actions performed on a webpage to reach the final result. It shares steps and reproduces the bugs during the testing process. Furthermore, it records screenshots and generates the XPath and Automation Code for every user action. Users can save or copy steps as recorded use cases and refer to them later for deeper analysis.

The tool is straightforward to use and automatically writes English sentences for every user action. Its more advanced features can be unlocked by purchasing the pro version.

4. Window Resizer

Window Resizer is a handy testing tool that lets developers test different website layouts across different resolutions using the power of web browser window resizing. All the resolutions are customizable; testers can add, delete, or record them.

Customizable global hotkeys are available, and you can import or export settings to other devices. You can even set the window's height, width, position, and preset icon. Developers constantly update the extension, and there is a support link feature where you can report bugs for swift resolution.

5. Page Ruler

Page Ruler is an easy-to-use ruler that measures page element sizes in pixels. It allows testers to measure distances across web pages and draw rectangle shapes. The rectangle can change its size and update all numerics automatically. Users can touch it to draw it on the page, and the add-on can be activated directly from the toolbar by clicking on the extension just once. For developers who are optimizing web designs, it is an invaluable asset.

6. LambdaTest

LambdaTest helps testers accelerate code quality assurance and enables continuous testing and deployment changes for web and mobile applications. It improves time-to-market and is a cross-browser testing cloud with unique features like debugging and design testing tools, real-time testing, and responsive design testing. Developers can ensure users enjoy a seamless experience across browsers and web apps.

UI/UX teams can improve design functionalities and acquire insights about pre-production practices. The testing automation framework comes with an AI-powered visual regression cloud, which automatically optimizes layouts' visual appearance and consistency, thus providing error-free digital experiences and robust business performance. AI-powered integrated test intelligence helps organizations make informed decisions about future development and enhances application quality. You can use it to run cross-browser tests and quickly choose custom configurations from the browser tab.

7. Check My Links

Check My Links is one of the more popular Chrome extensions for testers, as it checks for broken links in web pages. It highlights valid links and additionally helps in locating HTTP response codes. You can use it to copy broken links with just a single click. Complete URLs of broken links are published in the Console log.

8. Ghost Inspector – Automated Website Testing

Ghost Inspector allows tests to run regression tests and record actions performed on websites continuously. It automates UI testing and monitoring and can execute recorded actions on the staging server via its API. All code changes can be recorded live and automatically run at set intervals to troubleshoot potential issues. However, an account is needed to use the Ghost Inspector test automation tool.

9. Clear Cache

Testers can sometimes face caching issues during deployments, and if an application is not deployed correctly, it will fail to function effectively. Clear cache is an extension for testers to test the web pages and clear the cache. You can even customize how much of the cache you want to clear and control cache clearance to different degrees. It can delete everything from all time and quickly clear the cache with a single click without further confirmation.

10. Exploratory Testing Chrome Extension

Exploratory Testing Chrome Extension will help you capture the latest bugs, ideas, and notes while testing. It takes screenshots during the session and can automatically track website URLs. You can view testing results on the report and export sessions as HTML, JSON, and CSV files. Exploratory testing can uncover log defects and catch issues early for effective mitigation. The extension is free, open-source, and includes various additional features.

11. Accessibility Toolkit

The Accessibility Toolkit is specifically designed to identify accessibility issues across web pages. Its active scanner can test webpages and user workflows, and it is an excellent tool for analyzing advanced user interactions like keyboard navigation. It also comes with a screen reader launcher for testing websites across Windows, Mac, and Android platforms.

12. Loom – Free Screen and Cam Recorder

Loom is one of the best screen recorders for software testers and helps them stay connected. You can record content, showcase demos, share thoughts, and give feedback to the team. The Chrome extension does async video recording and lets testers share and collaborate content easily.

13. Resolution Test

Resolution Test lets you test web pages in different screen resolutions. It can define custom resolutions and browser sizes for testing different applications. You can customize the look and feel of your websites better by using this Chrome extension.

14. Color Contrast Analyzer

Color Contrast Analyzer can analyze web pages to ensure they conform to WCAG 2.0 Color Contrast requirements. This extension will help you identify color contrast issues for web pages, check text over gradients, and advanced CSS attributes. You can analyze visible tab content, entire web pages, and even individual files like images and PDFs on a PC.

15. Touch VPN – Secure and Unlimited VPN Proxy

VPN is a big part of software testing because it can check for geolocation difficulties. TouchVPN offers unlimited service and many benefits like access to more than 5900 servers, support for multiple operating systems, and easily configurable preferences. It works across 90+ countries, and you can quickly switch between GeoIPs for geolocation testing and accelerate the software testing phase. It is 100% free and features strong SSL encryption, making you fully secure and anonymous.

16. Google Tag Manager

Google Tag Manager is a valid Chrome extension used by software testers, marketers, QA engineers, developers, and web analysts. It can edit, add, and remove tags. You can modify or alter triggers and variables and test current implementations using the Preview feature.

Google Tag Manager provides access to multiple users and can reuse different parts of containers by using a wide variety of import/export functions. It also works with third-party tools; you don't need to edit the site code either.

Conclusion:

You will find developers releasing new Chrome extensions for software testing every week. It's essential to keep exploring options and determine which ones work best. There is no right or wrong answer to this. Many software testing companies use a combination of these tools to deliver the best outcomes, thus improving their product offerings and services.

If you are looking for dedicated software testing & QA services, you can contact us at Clarion Technologies. We have a team of experienced software testers who follow rigorous standards and have an eye for detail. At Clarion, we can support you with software testing and maintenance and help optimize site performance. You can rely on us to secure your digital assets, and we also provide comprehensive software support services.