How to Check Which Chrome Extensions Use the Most Memory

Google Chrome is one of the most widely used web browsers, known for its speed, convenience, and extensive library of extensions. However, while extensions can enhance usability, they also consume memory in the background. Over time, having too many or poorly optimized extensions can slow down your browser and eat up valuable system resources. This guide will show you how to check which Chrome extensions are using the most memory, so you can take control and ensure your browsing experience stays smooth and efficient.

TL;DR: To check memory usage of Chrome extensions, open Chrome’s built-in Task Manager by pressing Shift + Esc. Sort the columns by memory footprint to identify the most resource-intensive extensions. Disable or remove extensions with consistently high memory usage that you don’t frequently use. Using Chrome’s built-in memory diagnostics and third-party tools can also help pinpoint memory-hogging plugins.

Why Chrome Extensions Consume Memory

Chrome extensions run as separate processes inside the browser, which contributes to security and stability. However, each of these processes uses memory to carry out its functions, and the more complex or poorly optimized an extension is, the more memory it will consume. This can become problematic when:

• You have too many extensions running simultaneously
• Some extensions are always active, even when not in use
• Extensions conflict with one another or with websites

Even if you don’t notice a slowdown, these memory-hungry extensions can drain your system resources and reduce your device’s battery life. Regularly checking their resource consumption is vital for efficient computing.

Step-by-Step: How to Check Extension Memory Usage in Chrome

1. Open Chrome’s Built-in Task Manager

Chrome has a built-in Task Manager, similar to your operating system’s Task Manager, that lets you see memory consumption on a per-tab and per-extension basis.

To open Chrome’s Task Manager:

• On Windows or Linux: Press Shift + Esc
• On Mac: Click the three-dot menu on the top-right corner > More Tools > Task Manager

Once open, you’ll see a list of all active Chrome processes: tabs, extensions, subframes, and background pages.

2. Sort by Memory Footprint

One useful column in Chrome’s Task Manager is “Memory footprint.” Click on this column header to sort from highest to lowest memory usage. This helps you instantly identify which extensions (marked under the “Type” column as Extension) are using the most RAM.

Keep in mind that some memory usage may be from websites and tabs, so be sure to differentiate between extensions and page content. If an extension consistently ranks near the top, it’s a candidate for further review.

3. Evaluate What Each Extension Does

Now that you’ve identified your memory-heavy extensions, it’s time to evaluate whether you really need them:

• Do you use the extension daily?
• Is there a lighter alternative with similar functionality?
• Can the extension be replaced with a bookmarklet or native browser feature?

Some extensions are heavy by nature due to their functions—for example, screenshot tools or grammar checkers—but if the cost outweighs the benefit, consider disabling or removing them.

Other Tools to Diagnose Memory Use

1. chrome://memory-internals

Visit chrome://memory-internals in your Chrome browser to get more technical insights about how Chrome allocates memory. Although it’s more detailed and less user-friendly than Chrome Task Manager, this diagnostic tool breaks down memory usage by process in great detail.

2. Use the Chrome Performance Tab

For advanced users, Chrome DevTools offers a “Performance” tab that can help figure out how extensions impact page load speed and CPU usage timeframe by timeframe.

• Open DevTools by pressing F12 or Ctrl + Shift + I
• Go to the Performance tab
• Record a session while browsing to detect any significant slowdowns caused by extensions

The Performance profiler won’t directly show memory use by extension, but it can give clues when pages behave unusually because of background scripts injected by extensions.

How to Disable or Remove Unnecessary Extensions

If you’ve detected a few problematic extensions, you can disable or remove them directly from Chrome’s extension page.

To access your extension settings:

• Click the three-dot menu > Extensions > Manage Extensions
• Or type chrome://extensions into the address bar

From here, you have two options:

• Disable – Temporarily turn off the extension without removing it
• Remove – Uninstall the extension permanently

Disabling is a great way to test whether removing an extension improves performance before completely getting rid of it.

Best Practices for Managing Extensions Efficiently

Keeping Chrome fast isn’t about avoiding extensions altogether—it’s about using them responsibly. Here are some tips for optimal extension hygiene:

• Perform regular audits – Every month or so, review your extensions
• Use only what you need – Ask whether each extension truly adds value
• Avoid duplicate functionality – Don’t install multiple tools that do the same thing
• Look at reviews and update history – A well-maintained extension is more likely to run efficiently
• Install from trusted sources only – Shady extensions may consume excessive resources or pose security risks

Extra Tip: Create Separate Chrome Profiles

If you rely on certain extensions only for work or very specific uses, consider using Chrome Profiles. Each profile can have its own set of extensions, bookmarks, and settings, so you’re not burdening your primary profile with memory-heavy tools you rarely use.

• Click your profile icon in the top right
• Select Add and follow the prompts for creating a new user
• Customize that profile with only necessary extensions

Switching profiles is fast and easy, and it allows you to compartmentalize usage and minimize unnecessary memory overhead in each session.

Final Thoughts

Chrome is a powerful browser, and its extension ecosystem is one of its biggest strengths. But with great power comes great memory usage. By regularly monitoring your extensions through Chrome’s Task Manager and other tools, you can find the balance between functionality and performance.

Ultimately, reviewing extension memory usage should become part of your browser hygiene routine. An optimized browser leads to better productivity, faster browsing, and fewer slowdowns. Knowledge is power—and understanding how your extensions behave gives you control over your digital environment.

So the next time Chrome starts feeling a little sluggish, don’t just blame your Wi-Fi. Open up the Task Manager, check those extensions, and reclaim your browser’s performance.