Panda Dome Passwords Review 2023: Expert Rated 3.8/5

Panda isn’t a standalone product, which is both good and bad. Here are the details of its pros and cons:

Panda Dome passwords is unusual in the password management space, since it is primarily a trimmed down browser extension with an app for both iOS and Android. In theory, this should make it compatible with any platform that can run one of the three supported browsers — Firefox, Chrome, or Edge. However, it’s odd that Panda has focused primarily on these three.

Chrome is the stock browser for Chromebooks, and Edge is for Windows PC. Why didn’t Panda develop a Safari extension, the stock browser for Apple computers? Then most of the popular OS versions would have been covered. And while there are versions of Chrome and Firefox compatible with Macs, how many customers will download a third-party browser just for a password manager?

This allows the UX to be incredibly unified over every system it is compatible with, though the menu may be a little too sparse and reliant on the readability of its icons. While it was fairly easy to zip around each category, some icons weren’t nearly as obvious as others, which presented a light learning curve. However, this approach has left the password manager feeling a little more barebones than competitors’ offerings.

It also auto-filled account names and passwords like a champ and even offered the option to ignore automatic filling passwords on more sensitive accounts, like bank accounts. I don’t see this option often and would love other services to take note.

Add this to that Panda is pretty cagey about its exact encryption method, making it hard to recommend it on security alone. It has a good reputation as an online security service, but saying “military-grade encryption” just feels like an empty buzzword unless it reveals the exact protocols to back that claim up.

While it’s not unusual for password managers to make use of third-party apps, it’s just another barrier if you’re required to sign up with an entirely different service just to use one security feature. 2FA is an important feature, but it should have at least released its own authenticator or enabled text or email one-time password (OTP) as an option.

Panda Dome Passwords is a strong contender for password management, but competitors including Dashlane, Keeper, RoboForm, LastPass, and NordPass could be a better fit.

See how Panda Dome Passwords 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 Panda compared to other significant industry players through direct testing to ensure an accurate rating. I’ve also applied my experience using Panda to provide a user’s perspective.

I signed up for a plan with Panda 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.