Plasmo vs CRXJS vs WXT: Which Chrome Extension Framework Should You Use in 2026?

Short summary

Three frameworks dominate Chrome extension development in 2026: WXT (best all-around with true cross-browser support and Vite speed), Plasmo (React-first with the largest tutorial ecosystem but in maintenance mode), and CRXJS (minimal Vite plugin offering best developer control). Pick WXT for new projects, Plasmo for React teams, CRXJS for power users.

• •WXT: Full framework with Vite, framework-agnostic, true cross-browser support, best-in-class DX
• •Plasmo: React-first, largest learning resource pool, Itero TestBed, but maintenance mode slowing development
• •CRXJS: Minimal Vite plugin, best content-script HMR, full control, Chromium-only, no built-in abstractions

Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.