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Vimium

An open-source extension that lets you browse the web with the keyboard.

Reviewed by Xplorekit's independent developer · Last checked · How we choose

Add to Chrome Open source · Chrome Web Store · Source on GitHub

Why it's a strong pick

Vimium gives you a full set of keyboard commands for Chrome, in the spirit of the Vim editor. It is open source under the MIT license, and its code is public on GitHub. It uses Manifest V3. Its latest tagged version is 2.4.2, and its code was last changed in July 2026.

What it does

Vimium adds short key commands to every page. You scroll, follow links, move between tabs and search your history without touching the mouse. Press a key and Vimium puts small letter hints on the links, so you type the letters to click.

Key features

  • Scroll keys. Move around a page with h, j, k and l.
  • Link hints. Press f to click a link on the current tab, or F to open it in a new tab.
  • Tab and history commands. Switch tabs, and go back or forward with H and L.
  • Quick open. Use o and b to open a site from your history or bookmarks.
  • Find mode. Search the page, with regular expressions if you want them.
  • Custom key mappings. Change the keys, and use marks, visual mode and insert mode.

Who it's for

Vimium suits people who prefer the keyboard, including people who need to avoid mouse use because of strain. It is also popular with developers. If you have never used Vim, expect a short learning curve.

Is Vimium safe, and what permissions does it ask for?

Vimium is open source under MIT, so its code can be read. Its manifest asks for access to all sites, plus tabs, bookmarks, history, storage, sessions, notifications, scripting, favicon, webNavigation and search. It needs Chrome 117 or newer. The README has no privacy policy link, and we could not read the developer's policy; read it before installing.

Why does Vimium need access to all sites?

Vimium runs on pages so it can read links and respond to your keys. Its commands also use your tabs, bookmarks and history. That is why the manifest lists access to all sites and those permissions. If that is more access than you want, think twice before installing it.

Where does Vimium not work?

Vimium does not work on Chrome Web Store pages, on chrome:// pages or on PDF files. This is listed on the project's wiki. On those pages, use Chrome's own shortcuts or the mouse. Check this list before you rely on Vimium for a task, so a missing shortcut does not catch you out at a bad moment.

FAQ

Do I need to know Vim? No. Vimium borrows ideas from Vim, but the help list shows every command.

Can I change the keys? Yes. Custom key mappings are in the options.

Does it work on every page? No. It does not work on Chrome Web Store pages, chrome:// pages or PDF files.

Good to know

Learn only f first. Link hints let you click almost anything from the keyboard, and that one key makes the rest easier to pick up. Add one new command a week, and the commands will stay with you.

Other accessibility tools to compare

Vimium is one of 6 picks in our accessibility tools guide, which compares them side by side and explains how to choose. The other picks:

This is a third-party extension, not built or maintained by Xplorekit. We link to the official Chrome Web Store listing — install and permissions are entirely between you and the extension's own publisher.