Best YouTube Transcript Chrome Extensions [2026]

Chrome extensions can streamline YouTube transcript extraction by adding features directly to the YouTube interface. After testing 10+ extensions, we've ranked the best options based on functionality, ease of use, privacy, and reliability in 2026.

Why Use a Chrome Extension for Transcripts?

Chrome extensions offer several advantages over manual methods:

However, extensions also have considerations:

• Privacy: They access your browsing data
• Updates: May break when YouTube changes
• Permissions: Require careful review

Top YouTube Transcript Chrome Extensions (2026)

1. YouTube Transcript (by xxx)

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

The most popular transcript extension with 500,000+ users.

Features:

• One-click transcript extraction
• Copy with or without timestamps
• Multiple export formats (TXT, SRT)
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Dark mode support

Pros:

• Very fast and reliable
• Clean, simple interface
• Regular updates
• No account required

Cons:

• Limited language options
• No AI summarization
• Basic formatting only

2. Video Transcript & Summary

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)

Combines transcript extraction with AI summarization.

Features:

• Full transcript with timestamps
• AI-powered summaries
• Chapter extraction
• Export to Notion, Docs
• Multiple languages

Pros:

• AI summary feature
• Good app integrations
• Professional formatting
• Batch processing

Cons:

• Requires free account
• AI features need API key
• Occasional slow loading

3. Transcript Buddy

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)

Lightweight extension focused on speed.

Features:

• Instant transcript loading
• Keyboard-only navigation
• Minimal UI footprint
• Search within transcript
• Quick copy function

Pros:

• Extremely fast
• Minimal resource usage
• Privacy-focused
• No account needed

Cons:

• Basic features only
• No export options
• Limited customization

4. Glasp - YouTube Transcript

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)

Social highlighting tool with transcript features.

Features:

• Transcript extraction
• Highlight and annotate
• Share to social platforms
• AI summarization
• Community features

Pros:

• Highlighting feature
• Social sharing
• AI summaries
• Good for researchers

Cons:

• Account required
• Social features may be unnecessary
• Privacy considerations

5. Tactiq - YouTube Transcripts

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)

Meeting-focused tool that also handles YouTube.

Features:

• Live transcription
• YouTube transcript extraction
• Export to multiple formats
• Team collaboration
• AI insights

Pros:

• Professional features
• Team capabilities
• Meeting + YouTube combo
• Good accuracy

Cons:

• Free tier limited
• Meeting features may be overkill
• Higher resource usage

Extension Comparison Table

*Free with limitations

How to Choose the Right Extension

Choose YouTube Transcript if:

• You want the most popular, reliable option
• You need simple copy/download functionality
• Privacy is a priority

Choose Video Transcript & Summary if:

• You need AI summarization
• You integrate with Notion or Google Docs
• You process many videos regularly

Choose Transcript Buddy if:

• You want the fastest, lightest option
• You only need basic transcript viewing
• You're privacy-conscious

Choose Glasp if:

• You want to highlight and annotate
• You share content socially
• You're building a research library

Choose Tactiq if:

• You also need meeting transcriptions
• You work in a team environment
• You need professional features

How to Install a Chrome Extension

Managing Extension Permissions

To review what extensions can access:

1. 1.Click puzzle icon in Chrome toolbar
2. 2.Click three dots next to extension
3. 3.Select "Manage extension"
4. 4.Review "Site access" and "Permissions"

Recommended settings:

• "On specific sites" → youtube.com only
• Disable unnecessary permissions

Extension Security Best Practices

Red Flags to Watch For

⚠️ Avoid extensions that:

• Request excessive permissions
• Have few reviews or downloads
• Haven't been updated recently
• Come from unknown developers
• Ask for payment information upfront

Safe Extension Indicators

✅ Trust extensions that:

• Have 10,000+ users
• Show recent update dates
• Have verified publisher badge
• Request minimal permissions
• Have many positive reviews

Permission Guidelines

Alternative: Web-Based Tools

If you prefer not to install extensions, web-based tools offer similar functionality.

NoteLM.ai Advantages Over Extensions

When to use web tools instead:

• Using shared computers
• Privacy-conscious users
• Need cross-browser support
• Prefer no installation

Troubleshooting Extension Issues

Extension Not Working

Solutions:

1. 1.Refresh YouTube page
2. 2.Disable/re-enable extension
3. 3.Clear browser cache
4. 4.Check for extension updates
5. 5.Reinstall extension

Transcript Button Missing

Causes:

• YouTube interface changed
• Extension conflict
• Video has no captions

Solutions:

• Update extension
• Disable other extensions temporarily
• Report to extension developer

Slow Performance

Solutions:

• Disable unused extensions
• Clear extension cache
• Use lighter alternative
• Try web-based tool instead

Our Testing Methodology

We evaluated extensions based on:

Test details:

• 50 videos of varying lengths
• Multiple caption types (auto/manual)
• Different languages
• Various YouTube account states

Our recommendation:

1. 1.For most users: YouTube Transcript extension
2. 2.For AI summaries: Video Transcript & Summary
3. 3.For privacy: Transcript Buddy or NoteLM.ai (web)
4. 4.For research: Glasp

Whatever you choose, always review permissions and keep extensions updated for the best experience.