Codebook Review 2023: Expert Rated 3.9/5

Codebook isn’t for everyone — just like with everything else, there are benefits and drawbacks to going with Codebook. Here are its pros and cons:

It’s nice to see Codebook mostly covered its bases, being compatible with most major platforms (with the notable exception of Linux). By design, it eschews the need for a browser extension to function, so it doesn’t lose points that would have otherwise been deducted.  However, a lack of Linux support knocks its score down a peg.

This results in something that is mostly intuitive, but with some odd speed bumps along the way.  For example, I never did figure out how to correctly format my .csv file to import my saved passwords from my browser, and figuring out how to add data manually for accounts was a bit cumbersome. It works, but it’s never as easy as you’d like it to be.

While this worked as intended, this is way too many steps to go through just to input passwords. Built-in website recognition and preset keystroke functions would have worked much better, especially since you have to input most of these commands individually anyway.

That said, there aren’t many additional security features. This isn’t surprising for a piece of software that you pay for once and isn’t an always-on service, but even in the narrow field of low-cost open-source password managers, there are more feature-rich options.

While this is not the traditional form of 2FA I’ve come to expect, it’s still an interesting take on the process that works fairly well.

Codebook is a competent contender for password management, but competitors including Dashlane, Keeper, RoboForm, LastPass, and NordPass could be a better fit.

See how Codebook compares to other top-tier password managers:

Our rating process involves a thorough and detailed study of the various features stacked against the competition. I looked at the multiple facets and features provided by Codebook compared to other significant industry players through direct testing to ensure an accurate rating. I’ve also applied my experience using Codebook to provide a user’s perspective.

I signed up for a plan with Codebook to test:

• Plan value: Most password managers offer various subscription plans from free to around $20 per month. While free plans may be sufficient for some, those that need more functionality may prefer paid plans.
• Platform compatibility: You likely access your online accounts from multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, as well as through different web browsers. Your password manager should be compatible with various devices, operating systems and browsers, and sync seamlessly between them all.
• UX: This is how you interface with all the features and functions of your new password manager — if it’s bad, you’ll be less likely to use the service. While this is a highly subjective category and some will disagree, it’s important to provide an overview based on my experience.
• Form filling: A password manager doesn’t have to include form-filling, but it’s somewhat standard and the ease with which it performs that function can be the deciding factor in which password manager you ultimately choose.
• Security: Since a password manager is first and foremost a security tool, it should come with all of the most up-to-date standard security features. This includes the highest level of available encryption (256-bit AES with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512); 2FA, such as biometric logins or multi-factor authentication, and a password generator.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Used all over the internet to protect your accounts, this is quickly becoming a standard security practice. 2FA is a great way to secure more sensitive accounts to ensure they’re not breached.

Learn more about our review methodology.