Why You Shouldn’t Use Your Web Browser’s Password Manager

If you use the password manager within a browser, you’ll have to use the same browser to access your accounts. This can be a problem for anyone operating different browsers on multiple devices.

For example, you have Chrome on your desktop at home, but you use Safari at school or work. You’ll have to keep a separate list of passwords on each one and remember to update any changes for both browsers. That will inevitably lead to difficulty keeping track of all of your passwords.

You might access most of your accounts online, but there are probably some other accounts you access through a desktop or mobile app. In that case, a browser-based password manager won’t be able to help you keep your information straight.

A good password manager will automatically enter your passwords across every website, app, and device you use. It should even be able to enter other details, such as your credit card number and driver’s license information.

A browser-based password manager will always be limited to that specific browser; cross-compatibility is not yet a feature amongst popular browsers. For example, you can store your passwords in the cloud if you save them through Opera, but Opera won’t be able to autofill them in other browsers or apps.

Browser-based password managers are also missing some of the features that typically come with independent password managers. You may not notice these omissions if you’re used to a browser, but they will still make a big difference when it comes to the user experience.

For example, most browser password managers don’t give you the option to share data with other users. They also don’t come with storage space, password generation, or dark web monitoring. These are critical tools for anyone who wants to keep sensitive information safe.

With the right password manager, you’ll be able to give someone access to your accounts without exposing any information or making those accounts any less secure. On the other hand, you’ll probably have to send passwords through a channel like SMS or email if you save them in your browser. This also means that you’ll have to send them updates every time you change a password.

If you run into issues with a browser-based password manager, chances are you’ll end up having to wait for help. Another key benefit of dedicated providers is their superior customer support, with many even offering 24/7 availability.

Additionally, many of the top password managers support other types of entries like credit cards and personal notes. With a browser-based password manager, you’ll usually be limited to passwords and other login credentials. In short, dedicated password managers simply offer much more functionality than you’ll get from a typical web browser.

Finally, password managers generally support two-factor authentication (2FA), which secures your account by requiring approval for new login attempts. Most browser tools don’t offer this feature, so you won’t be able to achieve the same degree of account security.

Instead of using a built-in browser tool, we recommend using an independent password manager. Password managers offer password sharing, convenient access across devices, and other helpful features that aren’t usually available with browser-based services.

While some password managers cost money, you can find decent software for free if you’re looking for basic password management tools. These are just a few of the best password managers available in 2023.

1Password is a great all-around option with dedicated plans for individuals, families, small businesses, and even larger companies. Subscriptions start at $2.99 per month billed annually for personal use and $4.99 per month billed annually for families of up to five people. However, you can start with a 14-day free trial before deciding whether to pay for a subscription.

Furthermore, 1Password supports Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android, and there’s also a web extension for the Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, and Brave browsers. Each plan comes with 1 GB of document storage plus additional features like autofill, 24/7 support, and two-factor authentication.

One potential issue with 1Password is that it has received some mixed reviews, particularly from Android users. Its average rating is just 3.9 out of 5 on the Google Play Store, with many reviewers have trouble with the user interface as well as unexpected technical issues.

Dashlane is a password manager and cybersecurity service that stands out for its solid free tier. Free users are limited to a total of 50 passwords and a single device, but they can still generate passwords, autofill login information, and use other basic features.

Premium plans are slightly more expensive than 1Password at $6.49 per month, or $4.99 per month paid annually. However, Dashlane also compensates for that extra cost with additional tools. On top of 1 GB of encrypted storage, paying subscribers can also access the proprietary Dashlane VPN to keep their internet activity safe.

Family subscriptions run $8.99 per month or $7.49 per month billed annually. They basically work like individual plans, but users can share family accounts between a total of six users. Like 1Password, Dashlane also offers team plans for businesses and organizations. The Dashlane provides an even longer free trial at 30 days.

Dashlane has much stronger feedback than we saw from 1Password, with an average score of 4.8 on iOS and 4.6 on Android. Some people still encounter issues with various aspects of the app, but those problems appear to be much less common — especially for Android users.

Keeper is an even more robust platform that offers comprehensive cybersecurity services for personal and business members. Users can access Keeper on iOS and Android as well as Mac, Linux, and Windows plus Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer, and Edge.

The free Keeper plan is limited to access on a single device. Fortunately, paid subscriptions are relatively affordable at $2.91 per month billed annually. Premium users can sync passwords across all their devices and access 24/7 customer support. The same subscription costs $6.25 per month, billed annually for a group of up to five people.

Alternatively, you can get the Keeper Plus Bundle for $4.87 per month billed annually (individual) or $8.62 per month billed annually (family). The bundle includes the password manager as well as secure file storage and dark web monitoring to ensure that your information hasn’t been compromised.

At this point, you’re ready to secure your sensitive information using a reliable password manager. The right password manager for you depends on a number of factors including your budget, the devices you use, and the features you’re looking for.

You can’t go wrong with any of the three platforms mentioned above, but there are many other good options in 2023. Check out our list of the best password managers for more information about the top providers.