By: Gunnar KallstromHead of Information Systems and Cybersecurity Research
Password managers can help you generate and remember strong passwords, fill out online forms, and secure information. But most commercial options are built for cloud rather than offline storage, despite that offline password managers offer some significant advantages.
Even though cloud-based password managers are generally safe, it’s impossible to beat the security of keeping sensitive information in one place. Since your data will never go elsewhere, the only way for someone to gain access is by taking your physical device. Many password managers can be used offline. Here are some of the best overall options.
Best password manager with offline features for Mac
(3.8)
While mSecure offers excellent security features at a low cost, it doesn’t work across all platforms, and the UX can be clumsy. However, it’s one of the only options compatible with Mac which can be used completely offline, so it may be worth working through some of its eccentricities.
| Starting price 4.5/5 | Platform compatibility 3.0/5 | User experience (UX) 3.0/5 | Form filling 3.0/5 | Security 5.0/5 | Two-factor authentication (2FA) 4.5/5 | Top features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.99 per month | Only fully functional on Mac. | Visually appealing, but with a bit of a learning curve. | Works well if you’re using Chrome or Firefox on a Mac computer. | Uses industry standard 256-bit AES encryption, giving you control over where your data is stored. | 2FA is available through email, third-party authenticator apps (such as Authy or Google Authenticator), and texting the user a one-time password. |
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If mSecure had been fully compatible with more platforms, it would have easily been on the top of my list of recommendations. As it stands, however, I can only recommend it to Mac users. This is good news because mSecure is an ideal option for those looking for an excellent suite of security tools for a great rate.
What makes mSecure stand out over other password managers, which can be used offline is a feature that isn’t common enough in the space — the ability to choose how to sync your data.
Enpass and KeePass default to local storage, and Enpass allows you to set up cloud syncing. But mSecure is the only password manager I’ve ever used which allows you a choice right out of the gate, with helpful explanations of why you might want to choose any of the four options. It’s a level of control that’s rare to see.
It’s a shame PC users can’t fully utilize mSecure to its full capability. While the website says it’s compatible with Android and Windows, the functionality of these versions leaves a lot on the table, including autofill and automatic login.
You’ll have a secure place to store your sensitive information. Yet a lot of the convenience of a password manager is lost as you’ll have to look for your account information and then copy and paste it into your browser. Still, if you’re a Mac user looking for a password manager which can work offline, mSecure is a great option.
Who is mSecure best for?
mSecure is best if you use a Mac — while there are versions available for PC users and browsers, the most complete version can only work with Macs.
Recent upgrades to mSecure:
The last update for mSecure dropped in April of 2023. The team has a great track record of regular updates, with the most recent addition of more syncing options, user interface (UI) enhancements, and small bug fixes.
mSecure pricing:
There are two main plans for mSecure — Essentials and Premium. The lowest-priced plan offers a similar amount of features as Enpass’s entry-level plan. However, mSecure doesn’t offer any free version, which both Enpass and KeePass have. Still, mSecure offers a lot of value in both of its plans, with great security features at an (almost) unbeatable price.
Pros and cons of Enpass
Best overall password manager with offline features
(3.8)
Enpass is the most user-friendly option for password managers which can be used offline. It also offers excellent support and is available on more platforms than our other recommendations. It’s a great, inexpensive password manager.
| Starting price 5.0/5 | Platform compatibility 4.5/5 | User experience (UX) 3.0/5 | Form filling 3.0/5 | Security 4.7/5 | Two-factor authentication (2FA) 3.0/5 | Top features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.99 per month | Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, Edge, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, Vivaldi | Enpass’s user experience (UX) is functional but not as accessible as major competitors. | This was something of a struggle for Enpass. | Enpass uses the industry standard 256-bit AES encryption and other cipher systems to protect your data. It also uses a zero-knowledge system and includes breach detection. | 2FA is only available in the mobile version, though desktop support is coming soon. |
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Unlike most other offline capable password management options, Enpass has been designed to be a more user-friendly platform from the bottom up. Providers like KeePass are the norm here — open-source projects made to be functional, not pretty.
Enpass has a much cleaner and better-designed UX, with modern security options such as breach detection and an actual support department to help you with any issues. This is in a password manager, which stores and encrypts your data locally and can be used fully offline.
While local storage and encryption are the default, it offers cloud storage options through third-party storage services such as Google Drive or DropBox. This can make using your saved information on multiple devices much easier. You’re looking for a password manager which can be used offline rather than this feature — but it’s still nice this option is included.
Some features may still need a little work (such as form filling and 2FA), but if you seek a fully featured, relatively easy-to-use password manager, Enpass may fit the bill.
Who is Enpass best for?
I’d recommend Enpass to most people looking for a password manager that can be used offline, as the UX is easier and more appealing to most users. However, mSecure is probably a better fit for Mac users. And KeePass is great for those who don’t mind tinkering with their programs to get them running just right.
Recent upgrades to Enpass:
Enpass has recently added the ability to import saved data from rival password managers MYKI and 1Password. Additionally, its built-in password generator now checks if a website has specific password requirements before creating suggestions.
Enpass’s pricing:
Enpass is the only option in this list that is a commercial product — an individual plan will run you $23.99 a year. The free version is obscured by the website, which doesn’t even advertise it as an option. And the no-cost version limits your vault items to only 25 entries so it’s probably better to think of it as a free trial more than anything else.
Pros and cons of Enpass
Best free option of password managers with offline features
(3.6)
KeePass is a powerful free suite of security tools for managing your passwords. It includes top-notch security protocols and is updated constantly. Also, it has a dedicated community to help you iron out any wrinkles and runs entirely on your local device, making all features usable offline. But KeePass can be counterintuitive to set up and navigate, which can be a huge barrier to entry if you’re looking for a simple solution.
| Starting price 5.0/5 | Platform compatibility 3.0/5 | User experience (UX) 3.0/5 | Form filling 3.0/5 | Security 5.0/5 | Two-factor authentication (2FA) 3.0/5 | Top features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Windows and Linux, though there are unofficial ports to other platforms. | KeePass looks like it was created to run on Windows XP and hasn’t bothered to update its look — but it gets the job done. | Not technically automatic form filling, the powerful tool Auto Type performs a similar function, though it was difficult to set up. | By using AES 256 standard in addition to 256-bit ChaCha20, KeePass is as secure as many paid alternatives. | KeePass’s implementation of 2FA may be a little clunky but available. |
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As a free and open-source project, KeePass doesn’t have the resources to run a consumer data server so your data and passwords aren’t going anywhere. Encryption and storage happen right on your device and are only decrypted by your master password. You won’t lose access to any features because you’ve lost your internet connection. KeePass doesn’t need to be installed on your computer — it can run directly from a USB drive.
KeePass stands out over the others on this list because it is completely free. Enpass has a free version, but it’s so limited it’s basically a demo of the complete software experience. Meanwhile, mSecure only offers a 30-day trial.
While KeePass may lack some of the polish and convenience of the previous two options, it will never limit your use or require you to sign up for a plan. You can donate to the developer, but you have to find that option and it never guilts you into anything.
If you’re particularly picky about security, KeePass has you covered — no data gets out unless you want it to.
Who is KeePass best for?
Much like mSecure, KeePass is best for those who don’t mind doing a little work to get something running. Becoming familiar with the help documentation is a must for this particular piece of software.
Recent upgrades to KeePass:
KeePass has recently added support for importing account information from 1Password, Steganos, Bitwarden, Sticky Password, and Key Folder. It also has implemented a number of bug fixes recently.
KeePass pricing:
KeePass is a free, open-source project. While other services offer a limited free version with subscriptions to their premium version, KeePass is unlocked from the start with no need ever to pay its creator a dime. The same is true for mSecure, though Enpass has a yearly subscription free for the unlimited version.
Pros and cons of KeePass
While I chose Enpass as the best option for those looking for a password manager which can be used offline, the competition is close. mSecure and KeePass are both excellent options you may prefer, especially if you use a Mac or want an entirely free service.
While there are a lot of great password managers, most rely on cloud storage and other internet services to keep track of your passwords and account information. Our three picks here keep things local, never sending any information outside of your device and not requiring an internet connection to create magic.
That said, none of these options are exactly easy to use — though Enpass is designed the best, I still had hiccups and issues that felt seamless on other password managers. mSecure is great but comes with a huge caveat of only being fully usable for Mac users. KeePass looks like software from the Windows 98 era — if you weren’t around for the 90s, it won’t be intuitive.
If you’re not completely committed to the idea of offline useability, I’d recommend looking into the following:
See how the best password managers compare to other top-tier options:
| Password manager | Details | Best features |
|---|---|---|
| mSecure Overall rating: (3.8) Read our full mSecure review. | Starting price: $1.99 per month Platform compatibility: Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, Apple Watch Security: AES 256-bit |
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| Enpass Overall rating: (3.8) Read our full Enpass review. | Starting price: $1.99 per month Platform compatibility: Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, Edge, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, Vivaldi Security: 256-bit AES with 100,000 rounds of PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512 using the open-source encryption engine SQLCipher |
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| KeePass Overall rating: (3.6) Read our full KeePass review. | Starting price: Free Platform compatibility: Linux, Windows Security: Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-256, ChaCha20, and Twofish |
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| 1Password Overall rating: (4.8) Read our full 1Password review. Consider 1Password if: You want unlimited passwords and password sharing. | Starting price: $2.99 per month Platform compatibility: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Web (Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari), Windows Security: AES 256-bit encryption, 2FA |
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| Dashlane Overall rating: (4.7) Read our full Dashlane review. Consider Dashlane if: You’re only interested in a personal plan. | Starting price: Free Platform compatibility: Android, iOS, Mac, Web (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari), Windows Security: AES 256-bit encryption, 2FA |
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| Keeper Overall rating: (4.6) Read our full Keeper review. Consider Keeper if: You want to enjoy the feature of secure biometric logins. | Starting price: $3.75 per user Platform compatibility: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and iPad. Browser extensions for Safari, Opera, Firefox, Edge, Chrome Security: AES 256-bit encryption, PBKDF2 |
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| RoboForm Overall rating: (4.5) Read our full RoboForm review. Consider RoboForm if: You want to sync your passwords through multiple platforms and won’t mind its compatibility with fewer platforms than 1Password. | Starting price: $24 per year Platform compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android support for their respective major browsers, including Microsoft Edge Security: AES 256-bit encryption, 2FA |
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| LastPass Overall rating: (4.4) Read our full LastPass review. Consider LastPass if: You want to get additional features and are willing to pay a high price for it. | Starting price: $3 per month Platform compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile platform Security: Zero-knowledge security model |
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| NordPass Overall rating: (4.3) Read our full NordPass review. Consider NordPass if: You don’t want different packages for your family and business. | Starting price: $2.49 per month Platform compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and popular browsers, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Safari Security: XChaCha20 encryption algorithm and a zero-knowledge policy |
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It may initially seem odd to want a password manager to be functional offline — its primary purpose is to store online account information and passwords. Yet password managers are also used to store and encrypt sensitive information such as bank account information or health data — things they might need to access even without an internet connection.
Security and peace of mind are probably the main reasons. While 256-bit AES encryption is widely regarded to be impossible to decrypt, it’s still concerning many online security businesses have experienced high-profile data breaches within the last few years. If you don’t want your data to be part of a breach, keeping it local instead of on a public server is good practice.
Ease of use — most home users have more than one device they want to use a password manager on. If your information is stored online, it’s easily transferred from one personal device to another.
A few. First, transferring and syncing your data across devices is harder if it’s only stored locally on one device. Second, if you experience hardware failure, you will likely lose your password manager data and have to start from scratch.
No — trustworthy password managers use a zero-knowledge protocol, encrypting your information before it is stored on servers, and no one can read it. Another option is to use a password manager that offers local data storage so your passwords never leave your local network.
As with any software program, password managers can get hacked. There have been data breaches and vulnerabilities in the software. But using a secure password manager still provides significant protection because of the security protocols in place. Also, because password managers stake their reputations on providing customer security, they quickly resolve weaknesses.
On the surface, all password managers essentially fulfill the same functions — they generate and store passwords. In creating our list of recommendations for the best password manager which can be used offline, we dug deeper to find great options which feature this key trait.
I signed up for a plan with each provider to test:
Learn more about our review methodology.
About The Password Manager, Gunnar Kallstrom:
Kallstrom, The Password Manager, is a Cyber Team Lead for a Department of Defense (DOD) contracting company in Huntsville, Alabama, and has worked as a Computer Network Defense (CND) Cyber Analyst. An author and content creator for a cybersecurity academy, Kallstrom spent nearly 15 years in the Army as a musician before entering the cybersecurity field.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Thomas Edison State University and a master’s in organizational development and leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Kallstrom has completed several CompTIA courses, including Security+, Network+, A+ Core 1, and A+ Core 2. He earned a Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Security+ Certification. Additionally, he has completed the Cyber Warrior Academy program with more than 800 hours of hands-on, intensive, and lab-driven technical training in cybersecurity methods and procedures.
Passionate about all things cyber, Kallstrom was a speaker on a panel at the 2022 InfoSec World conference, giving a talk entitled “Hacking into a Cyber Career – True Stories.” Kallstrom is also a mentor to entry-level cybersecurity candidates seeking to break into the field. When he’s not working, he still enjoys playing guitar and fishing (not phishing).