1. Bitwarden
In its free version, Bitwarden offers the fundamentals for what individual users would need — cross device password syncing, unlimited vault items, password generator (up to 128 characters), self-hosting, and even biometric login. However, the cost of Bitwarden’s premium plan, $10 per year, is so minimal that it is worth considering. Bitwarden uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is commonly used among banking institutions and governmental agencies across the globe. Likewise, no person within Bitwarden can access your passwords because it is a zero-knowledge password manager. Once you construct your master password, no one else would be able to access your Bitwarden vault. This also means there is no way to recover it if you forget it. While it doesn’t have the sleekest interface, Bitwarden is straightforward and easy to use and has every option at your disposal within a few clicks, including exporting and importing data from other password managers. When it comes to free, open-source password managers, Bitwarden has definitely positioned itself among the top candidates.
2. KeePass
An old-school password manager that looks frozen in time from its Windows XP interface, KeePass nonetheless offers a wide range of free and open-source password management features. However, this means users not accustomed to old interfaces laden with options will find it difficult to use. Effectively, the modern user interface and intuitive user experience was not even an afterthought in its design. Those willing to explore its ample suite of options will find its 256-bit encryption and 2FA powerful. Be warned, though: KeePass relies on installing plugins instead of ready-to-go features. For example, both password auto-importing and backup and recovery rely on plugins. Furthermore, it saves all data locally on your device, so you have to sync it to other devices on your own if you plan to access it on multiple devices. With all that said, KeePass offers a formidable set of encryption protocols – Twofish and AES – as well SHA-256 encryption of the entire database, from password fields to all other data. Most tellingly, KeePass is aggressive in its role as a password manager, running memory protection during its activity. This makes it impossible to retrieve passwords through backdoor memory dumps by the operating system. Put bluntly, the reason why KeePass comes recommended so often is its technical prowess, not its user-friendliness. Be prepared to go through tutorials if you want to take full advantage of it.
3. Dashlane
On the other end of the user-experience spectrum from KeePass lies Dashlane. Employing the latest software design practices, it is as sleek as its name suggests. Dashlane’s free set of features gives both form and payment autofilling, up to 50 passwords, sharing of five accounts, 2FA, and even a free premium 30-day trial to make sure it is worthy before you commit to its $40 premium annual subscription. The premium benefit will be enticing for many, as it includes an unlimited VPN service, which neutralizes the annoying geo-restricting of countless websites and video streaming services. Most importantly for the majority of users, all of its features are intuitively accessible. Not falling behind in security either, Dashlane employs all the best password management practices: 256-bit AES encryption, zero-knowledge, 2FA, TOTP, and support for security USB keys from Yubico and other biometric solutions. Dashlane’s most useful feature, autofill, remains unlimited no matter whether you are logging into web forms or payment processors. Lastly, Dashlane is set apart from its competitors with its Password Changer feature: it automatically transforms all of your existing weak passwords into strong ones!
4. MYKI
The only one to require a phone number authentication when you create an account, MYKI is even more sleek than Dashlane. Syncing your passwords across all devices, it stores the data locally, either on your laptop, desktop, or smartphone. The only information MYKY stores is your encrypted phone number and metadata on user usage unrelated to any personal info. Certified by Cyber Essentials and ready for the EU’s GDPR requirement, MYKY’s AES-256 encryption can not only be employed across all devices, but across browser extensions for any OS as well. It can even serve to supplant Google Authenticator. Definitely among the top choices for a smooth and secure online experience!
Honorable Mention: Using Your Browser’s Password Manager
Perhaps the most overlooked alternative to Lastpass is just using your browser’s built-in manager. Most (if not all) browsers already support password synchronization. Some (Chrome and Safari) even supply tools to generate secure passwords as well. Take Firefox, for example: All you need is a sync account, and your passwords will be managed across multiple platforms, mobile and otherwise. The same goes for Google Chrome, Safari and so on. No browser extension can even come close to the usability and ease of use that built-in password managers supply. If you’re all about ease of use, look no further. The browser option is the way to go. It takes out the middleman and allows you to easily gain control of your passwords.
Users Have Multiple Choices
It is fortunate that there is such a healthy competition between password managers. It results in all of them using top security and encryption protocols. This leaves the end-user to pick the one that can be best integrated into their Internet flow with the most streamlined experience. If you are using Android, do check out some of the best password managers for Android.
