A fair comparison and direct migration path
SpeedGrid is built for people who like the visual speed-dial idea but want another layer of organization, design control, and cross-device access. You can import a Speed Dial 2 JSON export, compare both tools with your real bookmarks, and decide without rebuilding everything first.
I built SpeedGrid, so this is not an independent review. Competitor details below are limited to claims in Speed Dial 2’s official documentation, checked September 3, 2026.
SpeedGrid vs Speed Dial 2
Both products put frequently used websites on a visual new-tab page. The meaningful choice is whether you prefer Speed Dial 2’s established thumbnail-and-group workflow or SpeedGrid’s grids, folders, visual profiles, and direct web workspace.
| What matters | Speed Dial 2 | SpeedGrid |
|---|---|---|
| Core layout | Visual website thumbnails organized into groups, shown as header tabs or in a compact dropdown. | Visual cards organized into grids, with related grids grouped inside folders. |
| Desktop browsers | Official support for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave. | Extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave. |
| Finding bookmarks | Search bookmark titles and URLs across every group. A sidebar can also expose browser bookmarks and recently closed tabs. | Quick Search finds saved destinations across grids. Save for Later keeps temporary links separate from the permanent layout. |
| Visual control | Backgrounds, fonts, colors, thumbnail sizing, corner radius, shadow, spacing, columns, and compact or standard layouts. | Colors, gradients, artwork, photography, typography, spacing, card shapes, custom logos, and reusable visual profiles. |
| Multiple destinations | Each visual bookmark represents one saved website. | One card can hold two named destinations when a site and a companion page belong together. |
| Backup and sync | Manual JSON export is available to everyone. Official documentation places automatic sync and daily cloud backups in Pro. | Signed-in grids sync across devices. Manual portable backups are available, while Plus adds automatic restore points and file backups. |
| Phones and tablets | The official Pro mobile experience is a read-only progressive web app for viewing and opening bookmarks. | The signed-in SpeedGrid web app works in modern browsers on computers, tablets, and phones. |
| Distraction blocking | Includes Focus Mode for blocking selected distracting websites and scheduling blocks. | Does not include website blocking. SpeedGrid stays focused on organizing and opening destinations. |
| Moving between them | Can export bookmarks, groups, and settings as JSON. | Can directly read a Speed Dial 2 JSON export and let you choose which supported groups and bookmarks to bring over. |
Speed Dial 2 facts were checked against its official getting-started, layout, sync, mobile, browser support, and preferences documentation on September 3, 2026.
Which one fits?
Why I built a different option
A group works well when one layer is enough. SpeedGrid adds folders so Work, Home, Travel, or a client can contain several focused grids without putting every category in the same row.
A SpeedGrid profile keeps typography, spacing, colors, cards, artwork, and background choices together. You can change the feeling of the workspace without rebuilding its destinations.
The importer reads a copy of a Speed Dial 2 export, shows what it found, and lets you choose what belongs in SpeedGrid. You can compare the result before changing your everyday new tab.
Migration guide
You do not need to uninstall anything first. Keep Speed Dial 2 in place while you import, review, and arrange the new workspace.
Open Preferences → System → Export. Speed Dial 2 downloads a JSON file containing your bookmarks, groups, and settings.
Official export instructionsSign in to SpeedGrid, open Settings → Backup, and choose Import Speed Dial 2 Export. Select the JSON file you downloaded.
Add to SpeedGrid keeps your current grids and merges matching URLs. Replace current grids removes the current SpeedGrid layout, so download a SpeedGrid backup first if you choose it.
Review the group and bookmark counts, select what belongs in the new setup, and import. The current importer supports up to 500 bookmarks.
Open each imported grid, test its destinations, and adjust the organization or visual profile. Remove Speed Dial 2 only when SpeedGrid feels ready to become your new tab.
A genuinely fair answer
There is no reason to migrate simply because another product exists. Speed Dial 2 remains a capable visual new tab with mature group organization, automatic thumbnail capture, cross-browser support, search, customization, and a built-in Focus Mode.
Keep it if you prefer its exact thumbnail-and-group model, rely on its distraction blocking, or already have a setup that disappears into your routine. Try SpeedGrid when folders, reusable visual profiles, dual-destination cards, or its broader web workspace would solve a specific frustration.
Common questions
Yes. Export a JSON backup from Speed Dial 2, then use Import Speed Dial 2 Export in SpeedGrid. You can review the groups and bookmarks before importing up to 500 bookmarks.
No. Keep Speed Dial 2 installed while you import and check your SpeedGrid setup. Switch only after your grids and destinations work the way you expect.
No. SpeedGrid reads the JSON file you exported. It does not edit your Speed Dial 2 extension or the original export file.
Yes. SpeedGrid has a free plan with up to 500 bookmarks across three grids and one folder, so you can test your real destinations before deciding whether to upgrade.
SpeedGrid has extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Brave. The signed-in web app also works in Safari and other modern browsers on computers, tablets, and phones.
No. SpeedGrid is focused on visual organization, fast navigation, and a customizable workspace. If built-in website blocking is central to your workflow, Speed Dial 2 may remain the better fit.
Sources and boundaries
Speed Dial 2 is not affiliated with SpeedGrid. Competitor facts on this page were reviewed September 3, 2026 using Speed Dial 2’s official help center. Product capabilities can change, so follow the linked official pages for its latest details.
Try the difference with your own setup
SpeedGrid is free to start, and the importer lets you begin with the destinations you already depend on.
Install SpeedGrid