Tab-less

Name: Tab-less
Rating: 4.72 (50 reviews)
Author: iainbeeston

Disables tabs for tab-less browsing

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Tab-less is a lightweight Chrome extension designed to disable the default tabbed browsing experience by opening new browser windows instead of tabs. It helps users who find tabs cumbersome and prefer managing multiple browser windows simultaneously, leveraging modern operating systems' efficient window arrangement capabilities.

Unlike typical tab-managing extensions, Tab-less does not require access to your browsing history or current pages, ensuring privacy and simplicity. It automatically moves any new tabs into separate windows with default window settings, providing a seamless and unobtrusive browsing experience. Its open-source code is available for community feedback and contributions on GitHub at https://github.com/iainbeeston/tab-less.

Extension Productivity Privacy & Security Developer Tools

By:: iainbeeston
Users:: 2,000
Rating:: 4.72

(50)
Version:: 0.6.0 Last updated: 2019-04-25
Creation date:: 2019-04-25
Risk:: Very low risk impact Low risk likelihood
Size:: 20.83KB
Full description:: See detailed description
Source:: Chrome Web Store
Data ingested on:: 2025-07-14

Ranking

# 18,068 ▲ 64

Other rankings

#3741 in Workflow & Planning ▼ 8

#40 in browser tab keyword 44 ▼ 1

#65 in browsing keyword 26 ▼ 3

#75 in tab keyword 78 ▼ 10

#82 in disable keyword 32 ▼ 3

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Other platforms

Tab-less (v0.6.1resigned1)

29 5.00

(8)

User reviews

Tab-less is highly praised for eliminating tabs by opening each URL in its own browser window, improving window and attention management. It benefits users who prefer switching between windows rather than tabs, and fits well with tiling window managers. The extension is simple, effective, and performs as described. However, several users note it forces multiple windows rather than truly disabling tabs within a single window, lacks an easy toggle switch, and occasionally seizes input when activated. While well-loved by those disliking tabs, it may not suit all workflows or Chromium variants.

Pros

Helps users be more aware and intentional about their attention and browsing habits.
Improves window management by opening each URL in its own window, making it easier to find and close unused windows.
Well-suited for users who prefer window switching (Alt-Tab) over tab-based browsing, enhancing productivity especially with tiling window managers like i3.
Simple, effective, and works as advertised without unnecessary features or bugs.
Provides a browsing experience that eliminates traditional tabs, which many users dislike and find inefficient.

Cons

Forces multiple browser windows instead of disabling tabs within a same window, which some users may find cumbersome.
Lacks a simple way to toggle the extension on or off temporarily within the browser interface.
Clicking the extension icon can seize input until escape is pressed, which some users find inconvenient.
Not all users prefer managing multiple windows versus tabs, so it may not fit everyone's workflow.
Currently, some users report compatibility issues or that it does not work in Chromium browsers.

Recent reviews

Awesome! Great tool to make you more cognisant of where your attention is going.

Yu*****, 2025-01-30

love this plugin! i was spending way too much time trying to find a previously opened tab. it is much easier to find what i am looking for using a window for each url. also, i notice the clutter of windows more so i frequently close windows i am not going to use. thank you!

Ga*****, 2024-07-10

Does what it says on the tin.

Be*****, 2024-05-16

View all user reviews ›

Extension safety

Risk impact

Risk impact measures the level of extra permissions an extension has access to. A low risk impact extension cannot do much harms, whereas a high risk impact extension can do a lot of damage like stealing your password, bypassing your security settings, and accessing your personal data. High risk impact extensions are not necessarily malicious. However, if they do turn malicious, they can be very harmful.

Tab-less does not require any sensitive permissions.

Risk impact analysis details

Low This permission has no access or impact on the user's system or data, thus carrying no risk.

Risk likelihood

Risk likelihood measures the probability that a Chrome extension may turn malicious. This is determined by the publisher and the Chrome extension reputation on Chrome Web Store, the amount of time the Chrome extension has been around, and other signals about the Chrome extension. Our algorithms are not perfect, and are subject to change as we discover new ways to detect malicious extensions. We recommend that you always exercise caution when installing a Chrome extension.

Tab-less has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

Risk likelihood analysis details

High This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.
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