As I was considering creating a Chrome extension for my desktop app Ghostnote, bronchi I started wondering how many chrome extensions where actually profitable or at least generating some sort of revenue. I started doing some research asking around in forums.
As expected it wasn’t exactly an overwhelming amount making any money or even charging users, emergency but I did manage to collect a list of apps that are doing fairly ok. Some of them even seemed a little dodgy. It’s interesting to note that the primary success is to be found in relation to Gmail extensions.
Anyway. I thought I would share my little research project with anyone who might be looking for this info themselves. If you know any other extensions that are doing well tell me in the comment and I will add them to the list.
The Chrome Extension List:
Streak CRM
CRM in your inbox. Freemium model, charges user per month ranging from $19-$119.
Adblock Plus
Adblock uses an interesting model to make money called Acceptable Ads. Basically it’s free to use but some ads, deemed acceptable by the 300million users are allowed in for a fee.
Postman
Postman sells a license for their standalone chrome app. The Chrome extension is necessary for some of the features to be useful.
Yesware
Email tracker. Freemium model, charges from $12 – $40 per user per month.
Boomerang
Email reminder. Freemium model, charges from $4.99 – $45.99 per month.
Bananatag
Email tracker and scheduler. Freemium model, charget $5 – Enterprise Plan.
RightInbox
Email scheduler. Freemium model. Charges $5 – $10 per user per month.
Grammarly
Spell and grammar checker. Freemium model charges from $11.66 – $29.95 per month.
CirrusInsight
Email CRM. Free trial. Charges $19 – $28 per user per month.
Zenmate
One click VPN. Freemium. Charges €6.49 – €8.99 per user per month.
Honey
The automatic coupon-finding. Free for the user but they make revenue through commission when someone buys through their site.
Occupy The Bookstore
Textbook price-comparison extension. Generated 5-figures during the January back-to-school rush. Commission based.
LastPass
Remembers your passwords. Charges $12 a year.
The Camelizer
Amazon Price Tracker – Commission based.
Hola VPN
Community powered VPN. Has an interesting revenue model. Free if you contribute otherwise $5 premium per month.
Invisible Hand
Price comparison. Commission based.
JSTorrent
JavaScript Torrent Tracker. Cost 2.99.
SideKick
Email tracker and profiler by HubSpot. Quota based. Free until a certain amount of emails then $10 per month per user.
Thats it. I hope this might save you some time doing the research yourself. And as I said if you know of other extensions/plugins that are doing well, please feel free to submit it via the comments.
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