In the past, I kept my passwords in a plain document on my computer – a very insecure practice. It was difficult to memorize all of them for every website I used.
To keep my passwords safe, I now use a password manager. This tool can store all my passwords, banking information, notes, and other data securely using a strong encryption algorithm.
With so many Linux password managers available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. In this article, I will cover a range of Linux password managers, including standalone software, browser add-ons, and cloud-based applications, to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Best Linux Password Managers
Here is a comprehensive list of Linux Password Managers suitable for both novice and advanced users. The list is in no particular order, and I recommend that you thoroughly research any password manager before making a final decision.
1. Pass – The Standard Unix Password Manager
“Pass” is an open-source and minimalistic command-line interface (CLI) password manager specifically designed for Unix-based systems. As a CLI tool, it offers a small footprint, fast performance, and robust security. However, it may seem daunting for beginners to operate initially, as it requires familiarity with the command-line interface.
Nevertheless, there are many user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) software options available that can make it more accessible and easier to manage passwords using this Linux password manager.
2. Bitwarden
Bitwarden is an open-source password manager and is considered the best alternative to cloud-based password managers like LastPass or Dashlane. Remembering all your passwords can become tedious, and you may opt for cloud-based password managers like LastPass and 1Password for easy storage and access. However, these password managers are proprietary and closed-source.
For Linux enthusiasts who love and adore open-source software, finding the best alternative is a priority. Bitwarden is an open-source password management tool that supports all platforms, including Linux, Windows, Mac OS, and Android, and even provides a set of add-ons for all the major web browsers.
3. Passmgr
Passmgr is a highly secure and reliable password manager for Linux users. With its simple and powerful command-line interface, it makes it easy to store and manage your login credentials and notes in an encrypted file.
Passmgr uses the AES256-GCM secure mode, which is the latest encryption standard and offers robust protection against any potential security threats. With Passmgr, you can generate strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts, ensuring that your online presence stays safe and secure.
It is lightweight, portable, and easy to use, making it an ideal choice for both personal and professional use.
4. Kpcli – KeePass Command Line Interface
If you’re looking for an open source password manager for Linux, Kpcli might just be what you need. This command line interface tool combines the best features of KeePass and KeePassX, making it easy to access and manage your passwords directly from your Terminal.
With Kpcli, you can create a secure password database and add, edit, delete, and group your passwords for easier access and organization in the future. It’s a great tool for anyone who values security, privacy, and convenience.
5. ButterCup
If you’re searching for an application that can guarantee the highest level of security for storing your credentials, ButterCup is an excellent choice. This Linux password manager is both free and secure while also being simple to use. It also supports cross-platform and all major browsers. All credential archives are encrypted using the Node crypto library with AES 256-bit GCM encryption.
6. KeePass Password Manager
In today’s world, remembering different passwords for various accounts has become quite a challenge. Using the same password for all accounts can lead to a potential security threat.
KeePass is a password manager that is secure and free to use. It allows the user to store all their passwords in a single database, locked with a master key.
The database is encrypted with strong algorithms such as AES-256, ChaCha20, and Twofish. KeePass also offers features such as multiple user keys, portability, and exporting to various file formats.
It has an easy-to-use interface, supports password groups, and has a strong password generator. Additionally, KeePass is open-source and supports multiple languages.
7. Padloc: Open-source and End-to-End Encrypted Password Manager
The digital world is becoming increasingly complex, and with it comes the need to keep track of a multitude of passwords, sensitive documents, and personal information. This is where Padloc comes in – a new open-source password manager that not only helps you remember all your passwords but also securely stores credit cards, notes, documents, and more!
Padloc’s innovative approach to security and privacy is what sets it apart from other password managers on the market. The platform is built on top of end-to-end encryption, which means that only the user has access to their sensitive data. Padloc securely stores your data in the cloud, giving you full flexibility in what kind of data you want to store.
Padloc is available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and all other major platforms and browsers, making it accessible to everyone. With its easy-to-use interface, it’s simple to store all your sensitive data. And with end-to-end encryption, you can be confident that your data is safe from prying eyes.
“We believe that privacy and security are fundamental human rights, and we are proud to be part of a movement that is taking back control of our digital lives,” said a spokesperson from Padloc. “We want to give people the tools they need to protect their data and stay safe online. That’s why we’ve made Padloc open-source so that everyone can see how it works and contribute to its development.”
Padloc offers a feature that allows users to securely share and manage sensitive data with family, friends, colleagues, or other organizations. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that need to share passwords and sensitive information with their employees while maintaining security.
8. KeePassXC
KeePassXC is a password manager that securely stores your passwords and auto-fills them for you. It is free, open-source, and ad/tracker/cloud-free. Your passwords are encrypted and stored locally, so you have full control over your data.
It works seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux. KeePassXC is perfect for those who demand high levels of security for their personal data. It can store various types of information, such as usernames, passwords, URLs, and notes, in an encrypted file that can be stored anywhere.
9. Passbolt: Self-hosted Password Manager
Passbolt is an open-source password manager that allows teams to share and store passwords securely. It provides features like user management, group management, password sharing, and more.
Passbolt is designed to be self-hosted, meaning that you can install it on your own server and have full control over your data. It also offers browser extensions for easy access to your passwords and integrates with LDAP and SAML for easy user management.
10. Enpass Password Manager
Enpass is a password manager that supports all major operating systems, such as Linux, Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android, and Chromebook. It securely stores important credentials and online accounts directly on your devices. The passwords and information are encrypted using a 256-bit open-source encryption engine called SQLCipher, ensuring maximum security.
Enpass also allows you to integrate with various cloud data storage services, such as Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, and OneDrive, so you can easily sync all your data across multiple devices.
11. RoboForm Password Manager
RoboForm is a password manager that works on Linux, Windows, Android, and other platforms. It integrates with all modern browsers through add-ons and allows you to securely store your passwords on your desktop while automatically logging you into online accounts. The smart form filler feature of RoboForm saves you time while browsing the web.
12. Dashlane Universal Password Manager
Keeping track of all your passwords can be a daunting task, but with Dashlane, you can easily manage your passwords and secure your online accounts. Dashlane is a cloud-based password manager that stores your login credentials, credit card details, and personal notes in a secure vault, protected by a single master password.
What sets Dashlane apart from other password managers is its robust set of features. For instance, it can automatically fill in login information and forms, generate complex and unique passwords, and send security alerts if any of your accounts are compromised. Dashlane also supports two-factor authentication, ensuring that your accounts are protected by an extra layer of security.
13. LastPass
LastPass is a powerful cloud-based password manager that offers a plethora of features to its users. One of the most notable features of LastPass is its ability to store and manage all types of passwords and sensitive information in a secure and encrypted cloud environment.
Whether it is your online banking login details, social media account passwords, or any other confidential data, LastPass allows you to store them all in one place and manage them with ease.
The software also offers a strong password generator that creates unique and complex passwords for each of your accounts, ensuring maximum security.
Another great feature of LastPass is its cross-device compatibility. You can access your passwords and other data stored in the LastPass cloud on any device, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
The software also offers a web browser extension that seamlessly integrates with all the popular web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. This means that you can autofill your login credentials and other information with just a click, without the need to enter them every time.
Additionally, LastPass also offers multi-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to your account and protects your data from unauthorized access.
14. Keeper Password Manager
Keeper is a password manager that is simple, robust, and easy to use. It supports military-grade 256-bit AES encryption and is compatible with all major operating systems as a standalone tool, as well as with browsers through add-on integration.
What sets it apart from other Linux password managers is its unique self-destruction feature for stored databases. If you enter the master password incorrectly more than five times, it will automatically destroy all information except for the backup.
15. Google Online Password Manager
I would like to mention a Google cloud-based password manager in this content, even though it is not a standalone Linux password manager. This tool is worth considering for all users as most people have a Google account, and the company provides an excellent and user-friendly online password manager by default.
The Google password manager is well integrated into the browser system, which allows users to fill in passwords while surfing various websites easily. Additionally, users can access the Google password manager web vault to add, edit, or delete any credentials as they wish. To visit the password vault, please go to passwords.google.com.
Final Thought
We have now reached the end of our generic list of Linux password managers. I hope you found this tutorial helpful in choosing the best password manager for your needs. With such a long list, it can be overwhelming for beginners to make a choice, so here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the best password manager for you.
It is crucial for everyone to have a strong and secure password. To ensure that, the best password manager must meet certain basic criteria. Firstly, it should be supported across various platforms. Secondly, it should be capable of generating a random and secure password.
Moreover, it should offer a master password or key file, store all information in an encrypted database, and, most importantly, be able to sync over the cloud for easy access across all devices.
Have you found your favorite Linux password manager on the list above? Or did I miss an important tool? Please let me know in the comments section, and I will include it in the next revision of the article.
Additionally, if you found this tutorial helpful, please share it on your social media channels. Your support helps us continue providing useful content. Don’t forget to leave your suggestions and experiences in the comments.
Note: The features mentioned here are not all-inclusive. The features mentioned are compiled either from their respective official websites or my personal experience using them.
Great write up on PW Managers, I check out every good one I read about and you have put together the best list I ever saw!
you didnt mention if any of these are portable for linux. i need a manager that will run/activate on a removable flash drive for mint…….easy for windows but i dont know if it can work for linux. my bank acct was hacked thru a browser password manager that i left open, or maybe a keylogger read my manager password.
Since you mentioned LastPass and Dashlane, I am surprised you left out 1Password. Been using it from the beginning on my Mac, and I love it. It only recently became available to Linux through a Google Chrome interface.
Yes, you are very correct regarding 1Password. It’s one of the best cloud-based Password Manager. Soon, I will include this one also in the list. Thanks for the comment and suggestion.
I am surprised there is no mention of KeePassXC (Fork of KeePass). After searching around for a while, I chose it because so many people on various forums praised it for both its great Linux compatibility and being actively maintained with new features and bug fixes. I have been using it on Linux, Windows and Android (With the Keepass2Android app) and it works great.
Thanks for the suggestion. Soon it will be added in this list. But I have already reviewed this Password Manager KeePassXC here.