Password Safe Password Manager Review 2023: Expert Rated 4.6/5

Password Safe is the kind of experience that only appeals to a limited audience, but it has some strengths. If you’re willing to work with it, there could be a diamond in the rough waiting for you to pluck it out.

Support for these offshoots comes and goes depending on the attention span of the person who released it — just because a version exists for iOS doesn’t mean it’s going to receive regular updates.

If you’re importing password data from another source, few formats are supported. It only accepts imports as plain text, XML, or (interestingly) from its most direct competitor in the field, KeePass, another free, open-source password manager.

Even when you’ve entered every password you might need, you’ll go through a multi-step process to use them. Entries are not automatically filled in when you visit a web page. To use Password Safe you’ll have to open Password Manager and unlock it. Then you’ll find the relevant entry, copy the information, switch back to your browser, and paste the login info into the text field. This is a lot of hassle just to not have to remember passwords.

Most frustratingly, this only works for login information — Password Safe’s autotype function does not currently support address forms.

This is nice, but there are other no-cost password managers which offer additional security features (such as breach detection and dark web monitoring) which are also free. Password Safe feels barebones by comparison.

Both of these products are physical USB keys that, when used, must be inserted into your device to access your password vault.

Password Safe is one of the few open-source, completely free password managers, but it’s only one fish in a much bigger pond. Competitors including Dashlane, Keeper, RoboForm, LastPass, and NordPass could be a better fit. We looked closely at each password manager, spent time using the services, and researched each one for hours. Our research provides objective information about each company so you can find the one that will be best for you.

See how Password Safe compares to other top-tier password managers that the PasswordManager.com team recommends:

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 Password Safe compared to other significant industry players through direct testing to ensure an accurate rating. I’ve also applied my experience using Password Safe to provide a user’s perspective.

The things I evaluated when testing Password Safe include:

• 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.