The default new tab page in Google Chrome browser is there for a purpose. It gives you quick access to your most visited sites, installed apps and recently closed tabs from your computer or other devices like on your mobile device or other computers (Chrome sign-in is required).
However, you don’t have to stick to the default new tab page when there are a selection of other third-party new tab page to choose from.
If you’re looking for something different, you are at the right place as we’ve compiled a list of five alternatives to Google Chrome’s default new tab page. Check them out. You might find one that of your interest. 🙂
1. Awesome New Tab Page
Give your Chrome browser a Windows 8 Metro UI inspired’s new tab page with Awesome New Tab Page extension.
The new tab page that looks much like the Start Screen on Windows 8, houses apps, shortcuts and dynamic custom widgets, which are shown as metro tiles. You can access the settings page for the extension, apps and widgets from the left sidebar. Also, you can check out the list of recently closed tabs from the sidebar.
Install Awesome New Tab Page for Chrome
2. Currently
Want a clean and minimalist look on Chrome’s new tab page? Try Currently.
The extension replace the default new tab page with current time, four-day weather information and forecast in a clean and minimal interface. To get back to the default new tab page, simply click on the button at the bottom right of the Currently page (next to the Settings button).
Install Currently for Chrome
3. Home – New Tab Page
Home – New Tab Page extension replaces the new tab page on Chrome with a wooden texture as the background alongside with a selection of items like notifications, apps, shortcuts, recently closed tabs, quick notes as well as date and time. The list of most visited sites are no longer there.
Right-clicking on each app or shortcut will reveal a context menu with options to launch the app/shortcut, access the settings, hide or remove the app/shortcut. You can rearrange the apps and shortcuts to your liking.
Moreover, apps like Gmail, Google Reader, Yahoo! Mail, Hotmail, Facebook and Google Plus come with unread count.
Install Home – New Tab Page for Chrome
4. X New Tab Page
X New Tab Page extension adds a selection of sites in the dialbox (or speed dials) and gives you the ability to add installed apps to the Mac-like dock at the bottom of the page. From the top right menu, you can access bookmarks, history, downloads, extensions and configure the options.
Also, you can put background to the new tab page. There’re a selection of beautiful background images to choose from, or you can add your own background from the computer. This is for fans of The Walking Dead.
Install X New Tab Page for Chrome
5. New Tab Plus
New Tab Plus looks pretty much similar to X New Tab Page. Both extensions offer exactly the same features with just minor difference in the design (Now, who is the original developer here?).
New Tab Plus provides a selection of websites, apps and extensions in the dialbox. At the bottom of the page, there are buttons to access recently closed tabs, bookmarks, settings as well as the ability to set background to the page.
Install New Tab Plus for Chrome
If we are to choose one, we pick X New Tab Page as our favorite new tab page. How’s about you?
