Compare Sider and New Tab Notes: Which Extension is the Best?

Sider is an AI browser extension that boosts productivity in reading, writing, and more. Trusted by 6M+ users, it offers features to optimize online activities.
Transform your new tab into a distraction-free notepad with New Tab Notes. Offering rich text formatting, auto-sync, and customization, it's a handy tool for seamless note-taking.
Key Features
  • AI Writing Assistant: Generates articles and enhances writing styles quickly.
  • Webpage Reading Assistant: Summarizes content and provides accurate information.
  • AI-Powered PDF Analysis: Summarizes and translates PDF documents.
  • Image Creating & Editing Suite: Generates and edits images with AI.
  • Group AI Chat: Supports multiple AI models for diverse interactions.
  • Smart Web Access: Enhances productivity with quick access to information.
  • Rich Text Formatting: Use markdown and shortcuts for easy text styling.
  • Auto-Sync: Notes are saved and synced across devices without an account.
  • Customization: Adjust fonts, zoom, and toggle between dark/light themes.
  • Export Options: Download notes as Markdown, HTML, or plain text.
Our Rating
8.7
8.6
Total users
8,095,228
1,232
Total ratings
111,722
16
Average rating
4.9 ⭐
4.7 ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Chrome
Chrome Web Store logo
4.9
4.80
104.1K+ ratings
5.0M+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
4.4
4.62
15 ratings
1.0K+Users
Edge
Microsoft Edge Store logo
4.8
4.33
7.6K+ ratings
3.1M+Users
Microsoft Edge Store logo
5.0
5.0
1 ratings
232Users
Firefox
-
-
Safari
-
-
Features
9.5

Sider offers a comprehensive range of functions and is designed to provide a solution for every possible use of AI. From AI writing assistance to PDF analysis, for example, it covers all areas for every blogger.

Creatives also get their money's worth here, whether creating images from text or editing photos, Sider offers these functions in just one tool and integrates the functions of other providers into your one tool.

Tools

The number of integrated AI models, such as GPT-4o, Claude, or Gemini, also stands out. This ensures that users have access to the latest technology.

AI Model

In summary, Sider offers almost all of the current possibilities of AI in one tool.

8.7

New Tab Notes offers a range of functions for quickly and effectively storing information and ideas in a structured manner. Headings are generally used to achieve a clear structure of the notes so that you can return to the notes you are looking for on the note sheet, which is always updated.

Overview

The Markdown and shortcut support are particularly worth mentioning here, as they allow users to format the notes effectively and quickly. Anyone who already has experience with Notion, for example, will find it easy to use. However, new users may miss out on this function, as the markdowns are not described again in the extension itself and must be learned on the website. A small manual at the beginning should help new users to be able to use them as well. In addition to the headings, formats such as bullet lists, numbered lists, and codes can also be embedded.

Headings

Other functions such as highlighting notes or integrating links can also be very helpful. For advanced users, a few functions may still be missing here, for example, to highlight them visually using different font colors.

links

The automatic synchronization by the browser is used by the extension to synchronize data across devices. A big difference from other competitors is that the data is not stored on separate servers. Furthermore, the saved notes can be exported in various file formats so that they can be sorted and saved elsewhere later if necessary.

export

Overall, the extension offers all the essential functions for general users to create structured notes. For advanced users, however, additional organizational tools could be beneficial.

Performance
9.2

Sider generally performs well in the test with fast response times and reliable functions. The integration of multiple AI models ensures that users receive accurate and relevant information. However, there can be occasional delays, especially when using advanced features or at peak times. Continuous updates and optimizations could further improve performance.

8.8

In our tests, New Tab Notes works reliably and without any significant noticeable reduction in browser performance.
When opening a new tab, the extension loads quickly and smoothly. There may be short delays with large notes that need to be synchronized, but these are hardly noticeable.
Overall, the performance should be sufficient for most basic users without any performance problems, although there could still be room for improvement for advanced users.

Design
8.5

The design of Sider is very user-friendly, and the interface is quite clear, so it's easy to find anything. The sidebar is great because you can access features without leaving the page. However, it might feel cluttered for some people as there are so many options. A sleeker design could improve the user experience.

8.5

The design of New Tab Notes is clean and minimalistic. It creates a distraction-free environment where you can easily take structured notes without getting distracted.
Since the design is specifically meant to be distraction-free, this is good. However, there could be a few more customization options, especially when it comes to the color design, including the notes. Overall, the design fulfills its purpose, but it does not win a beauty award.

Value for Money
7.8

While Sider offers a free version with limited requirements, the premium plans can be expensive for casual users. While the feature set justifies the cost for power users, those who only need basic features may find it expensive. The availability of different pricing tiers offers flexibility, but an intermediate solution with a cheaper option could appeal to a wider audience.

8.7

As a free extension, New Tab Notes offers excellent value for money. For the basic user, the range of functions should be sufficient, considering that it is a free tool. For advanced users, there are still a few functions missing that other providers already have. If these were also added free of charge, the price-performance ratio would be unbeatable.

Ease of Use
9.0

In our tests, Sider was easy to use without having to learn how to use it. The tooltips and instructions help you get started right away. It works well in our tests with popular browsers such as Chrome and Edge, which are quick to install and use. However, if you want to delve into the advanced functions, it can take a while to get to grips with everything. Basic users might be a little overwhelmed here.

8.5

New Tab Notes was easy to install in the test and the learning curve was very fast. Even Basic users should have no problems finding and using most of the functions straight away. However, one suggestion for improvement would be a small tutorial for new users on advanced features such as markdowns and shortcuts. Everyone who installs but doesn't see the website with instructions may not know about these features.

Security & Privacy
8.0

Sider stores the data on Amazon's US servers. The data protection guidelines are transparent and users have control over their data. However, usage data is collected for analysis purposes, which not every user will find acceptable. The assurance that data is never passed on and no spam messages are sent is a positive aspect.

8.2

New Tab Notes is an extension that stores all data exclusively via the browser. This approach is ideal for the user, as it eliminates the need for an account and reduces the risk of data breaches associated with other external cloud storage. This was apparent to us in our tests, but it is not clear whether the basic user is aware of this, as we were unable to find a privacy policy from the provider either in the store or on the website.

This would be an important point of improvement to allow every user to read the extension's guidelines.

Conclusion

Sider is an AI tool that can significantly increase user productivity across multiple platforms. The high number of features, from writing assistance to image editing, makes it a versatile choice for truly anyone. Although it excels in many areas, there is still room for improvement. In particular, the sometimes high prices will put normal users off. Overall, Sider is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to combine almost all the possibilities of AI in one tool and is willing to pay for it.

With New Tab Notes, ideas, and information can be quickly and easily noted and saved directly in the browser without distractions.

Text formatting features such as headings and the accompanying markdowns and shortcuts make it quick and easy to write them down in a structured way. The design is very user-friendly, but the extension could still benefit from additional export options and possibly more advanced functions.

Overall, it is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a simple and effective solution to quickly save notes.

Our Recommendation

In our comparison between Sider and New Tab Notes, Sider came out on top, scoring 8.7.

Sider is the most widely used, with over 8 million users and 112k+ reviews—and it also delivered the strongest performance in our tests. User reviews for New Tab Notes reflect our findings, while we rate Sider lower than users do.

Notably, Sider has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.86, which is even higher than our rating of 8.7.

In the end, the differences between these extensions are minimal, so your choice may come down to personal preference or specific features.


  • Looking for the richest feature set? Sider stands out with a rating of 9.5. On the other hand, New Tab Notes lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.7.
  • Need top performance? Sider stands out with a rating of 9.2. On the other hand, New Tab Notes lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.8.
  • Both look and feel great: Sider and New Tab Notes. In the Design category, Sider has scored a very good 8.5. The design is appealing and generally effective, with a few minor areas for improvement.
  • Want to get the most for your money? New Tab Notes stands out with a rating of 8.7. On the other hand, Sider lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.8.
  • If you hate complicated tools, Sider stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, New Tab Notes lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.5.
  • With privacy and security becoming ever more important, New Tab Notes stands out with a rating of 8.2. On the other hand, Sider lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.

If you want a quick recommendation, Sider is our top pick. But as always, the best choice depends on what matters most to you.