Best Tools to Generate and Manage Passwords
Best Tools for Password Generation and Management
Using passwords is an excellent approach to protecting your accounts and critical data from unauthorized access. However, this security strategy is difficult to manage because you have to remember many passwords for various accounts, create complex combinations, and even change them occasionally.
Of course, you can't just place all your passwords on your fridge as sticky notes (that would be disastrous). However, you can use tools for managing and creating passwords. And this is the main topic of this article.
These 20 desktop applications can be used to create and manage passwords. These solutions offer a variety of options to take advantage of, from "one password for all accounts" to the ability to generate hundreds of passwords in a matter of seconds. Check out the complete list below.
Password Managers
1. Psono
To help protect your data, Psono is an open-source, independently hosted password manager.
Only you have access to your data, and it stores your credentials in encrypted form. Your team can have shared, encrypted access. Pocono is an open-source password manager that offers a number of features that make it easier than ever to store your data and access your passwords.
- Platform(s): Any OS, on the browser client
- Price: Free, or €2 for Enterprise Edition
- Browser Extension: Yes
- Mobile App: Yes
2. 1Password
The Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS operating systems all support 1Password. Additionally, you may sync data between devices and access it online. Contrary to the above options, it is not free; a subscription plan is required. Contrary to others, it does not offer two-factor authentication, but on iOS and Android devices, you can use the fingerprint authentication option.
One of its "Travel Mode" capabilities, which enables you to wipe a device of sensitive data while traveling and restore all data when you return, is one of my favorite features. Its "1Password Watchtower" also provides security updates for the websites and services you use. Not least among its other features are offline access and a choice to restore deleted items.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows
- Price: $2.99/year
- Browser Extension: Yes
- Mobile App: Yes
3. Zoho Vault
Unlike other solutions, Zoho Vault works with mobile platforms like Android, iOS, and Windows Phone as well as desktop operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Except for Microsoft Edge, it also includes browser add-ons for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
The offline access function of Zoho Vault, which enables you to download an encrypted file and access the passwords locally without a network connection, intrigues me.
Furthermore, it offers two-factor authentication to boost security, synchronization across all of your devices, and limitless password generation and storage — all for free. Passwords from other password managers can also be imported, but not those from browsers.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows, Linux
- Price: Free
- Browser Extension: Yes
- Mobile App: Yes
A typical internet user today has numerous accounts on multiple websites, apps, and services, and there are frequently different passwords for each login. You can use password manager programs instead of managing passwords manually, which requires a lot of time and effort (believe me, it's a nuisance), and you can read about some of the best ones in the following.
4. LastPass
LastPass assists in permanently eradicating passwords. If you use LastPass, you only need to remember the password for that particular service.
To strengthen the security of your stored passwords, this software lets you configure fingerprint authentication as well as multi-factor authentication. The ability to share passwords and notes securely with others is provided via a sharing option as well as a password generator for making strong passwords. However, you must choose one of its premium plans if you want additional features like advanced sharing, emergency access, an admin dashboard, user management, etc.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows, Linux
- Price: Free
- Browser support: Yes
- Mobile App: Yes
5. Dashlane
On a variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, Dashlane can be used. It is also available as a browser extension, however, unlike LastPass, its free plan does not permit using it on multiple devices. You may securely create and store passwords as well as record notes and other important information using Dashlane.
Two-factor authentication, which includes fingerprint authentication, is supported by Dashlane. Additionally, you may securely exchange passwords and notes with anyone. However, this feature, along with others like secure backups, Yubikey compatibility, admin panel, etc., is only available as a premium option.
6. RoboForm
On computers running Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web browsers, RoboForm can be used. Password syncing is possible, but only in the premium edition, similar to Dashlane. To my surprise, this program can adapt to and function well with online services that use two-page login forms, such as Google's and Yahoos.
The program enables the creation of strong login passwords as well as safe password exchange. Additionally, it offers extra features in its subscription plans, like web access, multi-device syncing, a secure shared folder, digital password inheritance, two-factor authentication, group sharing, access authorization, comprehensive reporting, and many others.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS
- Price: Free
- Browser support: Yes
- Mobile App: Yes
7. Sticky Password
Sticky Password is a convenient password manager that has several features and can be used on a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Data syncing and cloud backup are only available on the company's premium plan, though.
What I found fascinating is that, although it is not included in its free plan, you can sync passwords between devices using your home WiFi as well. To secure your passwords, this software offers fingerprint security and two-factor authentication. All of its users can access these security measures as well as its convenient password generator.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows
- Price: Free
- Browser support: Yes
- Mobile App: Yes
8. KeePass
The majority of password managers on this list may be replaced for free with KeePass. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD desktop operating systems. Although KeePass does not have a native mobile app, there are various third-party, ported apps like "KeePassDroid" for Android and "KeePass Touch" for iOS. Contrary to others, it does not have browser add-ons.
The login information from other password managers, such as Password Keeper, can be imported into KeePass. It has the ability to handle application passwords, create and preserve passwords, and function as a portable program. Additionally, it offers data encryption that lasts forever, even in the memory. Contrary to the apps mentioned above, this one does not offer cloud services like backup and sync.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows, Linux
- Price: Free
- Browser support: No
- Mobile App: No
9. LogMeOnce
Web browsers and desktop and mobile operating systems like PC, Mac, Android, and iOS devices are all compatible with LogMeOnce. A fascinating function it gives is called "Mugshot." This function keeps track of failed login attempts and even snaps a photo of the intruder and logs his IP address. You can report unsuccessful login attempts as well.
Another intriguing feature is "PhotoLogin," which takes a picture of the person login in and sends it to you so you may give him access. You may import passwords from other password managers and create strong passwords for new logins with LogMeOnce. In addition, it supports secure sharing and provides two-factor and fingerprint authentication, among other features.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows
- Price: $2/user/month
- Browser Extension: No
- Mobile App: Yes
10. True Key
Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS are just a few of the prominent operating systems on which True Key by Intel Security can be utilized. Additionally, it offers browser extensions for well-known browsers; regrettably, Apple Safari is not included in this list. It provides cloud sync and other necessary features for password management, but its free plan only allows for the storage of 15 passwords.
True Key also provides capabilities for multi-factor authentication, such as support for facial and fingerprint recognition. Additional information, like payment card numbers, personal information, etc., can be safely saved. It claims of encrypting local password data on your device and includes a password generator like the other password managers on this list.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows
- Price: Free
- Browser Extension: Yes
- Mobile App: Yes
11. Enpass
Free password managers for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone include Enpass. On the other hand, the free edition's mobile app can only save 20 passwords. All popular browsers, including Opera, support Enpass.
What I find remarkable is the opportunity to sync your passwords using external cloud services like Dropbox, iCloud, and Google Drive, which are not available in other services. Passwords from other password managers can be imported, and fingerprint authentication is a feature as well. Additionally, it provides a password generator for making complicated passwords.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows, Linux
- Price: Free
- Browser Extension: Yes
- Mobile App: Yes
12. Icecream Password Manager
Only Windows-based computers can run Icecream Password Manager. It does provide browser add-ons for Chrome and Firefox that make it simple to save and fill in passwords. Additionally, it permits the storage of vital data like bank accounts and credit card numbers.
Additionally, it automatically creates a local backup of the password information and offers the option to sync and save the information in Dropbox. Unexpectedly, many users can log into the same app using their respective login information. Last but not least, it has the ability to save and safeguard important items, including documents and photographs, for storage using encryption standards.
- Platform(s): Windows
- Price: Free
- Browser Extension: Yes
- Mobile App: No
13. SplashID
Although SplashID can be used for free on a single device, its commercial version supports a wide range of operating systems and gadgets, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. As you might anticipate from a simple password manager, the free edition is also devoid of sync and backup features. It does, of course, provide all of these in its pain edition.
Using its cloud or your Wi-Fi network, SplashID can sync data between all of your devices. The password information can also be kept locally and shared in a secure manner. In contrast to its rivals, it does not generate passwords.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows
- Price: Free
- Browser Extension: No
- Mobile App: Yes
14. Buttercup
A cross-platform password manager that is free and open-source is called Buttercup. It functions on mobile operating systems like Android and iOS as well as desktop operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. Although it is newer than the aforementioned tools, it nevertheless offers all essential functions and is compatible with widely used browsers. Its interface is sleek and simple and lacks any fancy features.
Buttercup works practically out of the box on every platform and enables the grouping of password data for simple management. The encrypted password archive can be locally saved on your computer or synced to a cloud service like Dropbox. With the latter choice, you may sync it with other gadgets so that you can access your passwords anywhere.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows, Linux
- Price: Free
- Browser Extension: Yes
- Mobile App: Yes
15. Keeper
Keeper is compatible with all major browsers, including Microsoft Edge, and all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. Along with passwords, Keepers can also store important files and documents. To further security, it includes two-factor authentication, and through its cloud service, it can sync with many devices. However, Keeper does not provide a free plan, similar to 1Password.
With this tool, you can add and safeguard information such as bank accounts and credit card numbers. Surprisingly, it supports public hardware-based keys like the YubiKey and multi-factor authentication for greater protection. There are many further things you may do, including sharing records with others, granting emergency access to others, importing data from other tools, tracking past activity, creating strong passwords, etc.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows, Linux
- Price: $29.99/user/year
- Browser Extension: Yes
- Mobile App: Yes
16. mSecure
On Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms, mSecure is available for usage. Additionally, you can save private data and photo attachments in its vault and sync the information throughout all of these devices. Additionally, mobile devices provide fingerprint authentication. However, mSecure is not a cost-free tool, exactly like 1Password and Keeper.
This utility has a powerful backup and restoration feature that automatically backs up your data and even lets you manually save and restore data as needed. Its batch editing mode, which enables you to modify numerous objects at once, is yet another intriguing feature. Additionally, you may create passwords and restore deleted files.
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows
- Price: Free
- Browser Extension: No
- Mobile App: Yes
Generators of passwords
Generating strong password combinations isn't as easy as managing passwords. It may be simple to use your pet dog's name or your date of birth as a password, but doing so puts your data at risk of theft (since such a password won't be particularly difficult to guess).
Consequently, a password-generating program is required. Check out the list of password generators below to see which one best suits your needs.
1. PWGen
The most reliable choice is unquestionably an open-source password generator, and PWGen is one of the most complete options available. On the client side, it generates strong passwords using cryptography. Aside from creating various passwords and ones that are easy to pronounce, you may also change the password strength.
Microsoft Windows
2. IObit random password generator
a user-friendly password generator provided by IObit, a well-known PC software provider. With customizable options, the Random Password Generator makes it simple to create up to 100 passwords. Strong passwords can be up to 64 characters long.
Microsoft Windows
3. SecureSafe pro password generator
Despite being quite functional, this SecureSafe Pro product is simple to use. In addition to the standard customization choices, you can add your own characters, remove questionable characters, and make pronounceable passwords. To make sure your password is strong, there is also a built-in password strength checker.
Microsoft Windows
4. Gaijin password generator
Gaijin Password Generator is a highly adjustable password generator with two parts for making both simple and complex passwords. You can design templates for various uses and specify which characters should be included or excluded. Additionally, you may assess your password strength using the built-in password strength checker (a reliable one I must say).
Platform(s): Linux, Mac, and Windows
5. Secure password generator
This programme is for you if you're seeking for a straightforward password generator that just works. Secure Password Generator generates a single password for you once you select the password's length and content. The password is reliable and powerful.
Microsoft Windows
6. Awesome password generator
To meet your demands for password generation, Awesome Password Generator offers several sections. You can build phrase-based, strong letters-based, regular strong passwords, WiFi passwords, bulk passwords, and passwords with phrases.
Microsoft Windows
7. PowerCryptor password generator
PowerCryptor is a very quick password-generation program that has all the necessary parameters and is simple to use. The password's contents can be changed, and you can also say which letters or other symbols should be included. I was able to generate over 10,000 passwords using the program, and the results were displayed in less than a second.
Microsoft Windows
8. WiFi password key generator
This is the finest tool if you want to create a secure password for your WiFi network. It provides options for generating ASCII and HEX keys for WiFi security protocols WEP, WPA, and WPA2. For WEP and WEP2 security, you can receive keys with up to 256 bits or 504 bits.
Microsoft Windows
9. Random password generator
This is actually a Windows tool that integrates with other Windows tools to enable you to create passwords rapidly. It allows you to configure password data and the precise length of the password in its little interface. Undoubtedly a wonderful option if you frequently need to generate passwords.
10. SoftFuse password generator
SoftFuse Password Generator provides the possibility to modify your password, just like the other apps on this list. It goes a step further, though, by allowing you to add or remove characters as necessary. Letters, case, numerals, and characters can all be changed.
Microsoft Windows
Bonus: Password Generation Without Tools
Linux password generation
The majority of Linux distributions come with a built-in password generator to easily create secure passwords at random. Alternatively, you can use a short terminal command to rapidly install a password generator tool and begin generating random passwords.
MacOS password generation
Additionally, macOS has a built-in password assistant that can generate random passwords using a variety of criteria. To discover how to utilize the Password Assistant, visit this Apple support page.