New Tab Widgets vs Momentum: Which New Tab Extension is Right for You?
Compare New Tab Widgets and Momentum: one’s a customizable dashboard, the other a calming focus tool. Find out which is best for your daily workflow.
Your browser’s new tab page is prime real estate. It’s what you see dozens of times a day. So why not make it work for you?
Two popular Chrome extensions, New Tab Widgets and Momentum, offer completely different takes on what a new tab experience should be. One is a flexible productivity dashboard with widgets and customization at its core, the other is a serene, inspirational space to focus your day.
Let’s break down the key differences and help you decide which one’s the better fit.
🧰 Customization & Widgets
New Tab Widgets lives up to its name by offering a modular dashboard where you can add, resize, and arrange a growing collection of widgets. Some highlights include:
- Sticky Notes and to-do lists
- Spotify & Philips Hue controls
- Weather, World Clock, and Google Calendar
- Iframe widgets to embed anything (like GitHub issues or custom dashboards)
- Custom pages and layouts (including freeform placement)
You’re essentially building your own productivity cockpit.
Momentum, on the other hand, takes a more minimalist approach. It focuses on a single daily goal, a beautiful background, a motivational quote, and optionally a to-do list and weather.
✅ Verdict:
If you want full control over what shows up on your new tab, New Tab Widgets wins hands down. If you prefer simplicity and focus, Momentum might suit you better.
🎨 Aesthetic & Vibe
Momentum is known for its calming imagery and clean interface. Each tab greets you with a stunning landscape photo and a quote—designed to create a moment of calm and clarity.
New Tab Widgets is more functional by default but supports full theming, custom wallpapers (per page), and layout freedom. You can make it minimal, vibrant, or utilitarian—whatever suits your style.
✅ Verdict:
Momentum is the better choice if visual inspiration is your priority. New Tab Widgets offers more flexibility if you want both vibe and function.
🔒 Features & Paywalls
Both offer free tiers, but the upsell experience is different.
New Tab Widgets:
- Most widgets are usable in the free version, with advanced features gated under “Pro”
- One-time lifetime purchase option available
- Transparent about what’s free vs Pro
Momentum:
- Offers a Pro subscription with integrations (like Trello, Todoist), countdowns, and metrics
- Some basic features like notes and todos are free, but many useful tools require an upgrade
✅ Verdict:
New Tab Widgets gives more away for free and has a clearer freemium model. Momentum leans more into gated upgrades.
🧠 Productivity Approach
Momentum is all about mindfulness. It encourages you to focus on one main task each day and offers a clean, uncluttered interface.
New Tab Widgets embraces power user productivity. You can track multiple things, manage info across pages, and create a dashboard that adapts to your needs.
✅ Verdict:
Choose Momentum for calm focus. Choose New Tab Widgets if you want a command center.
⚙️ Ideal For…
| Use Case | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Minimal, distraction-free UX | Momentum |
| Custom dashboard builds | New Tab Widgets |
| Managing multiple tasks/tools | New Tab Widgets |
| Focus on one daily intention | Momentum |
| Power users & developers | New Tab Widgets |
Final Thoughts
There’s no wrong choice here—just different philosophies.
- If you want a peaceful new tab with daily inspiration and minimal features, Momentum is still a solid pick.
- If you're looking for real utility, deep customization, and widgets that actually do stuff, New Tab Widgets is the better tool.
No matter which one you pick, your new tab will transform into a space that feels uniquely yours.
👉 Try it yourself: