Data breaches are becoming ever more prevalent, with the number of victims doubling year-on-year, so getting protection in place is critical – and the best Linux password manager will help you create and store strong, complex passwords to secure your online accounts. Having a dedicated password manager means you’ll be able to access secure records across devices, including on your phone.
Finding a password manager for Linux isn’t easy, though, as many popular providers don’t support most Linux distros, and some solutions aren’t compatible at all. I’ve tested and compared a wide range of providers based on our rigorous testing methodology, and in this guide, I’ll explore the best password managers for Linux, how they compare, and their features, performance, and pricing.
- Show Full Guide
RoboForm – Best Password Manager for Linux for Beginners
The Best Password Manager for Linux Users Tested by Our Experts
- NordPass – Best Linux password manager overall
- 1Password – Best password manager for Linux for security
- Total Password – Best Linux password software for browsers
- Dashlane – Best password manager for Linux for privacy
- Keeper – Best Linux password manager for storage and customization
- RoboForm – Best password manager for Linux for beginners
The Best Password Managers for Linux OS Reviewed
I thoroughly tested and compared the providers on my list to identify their key strengths and weaknesses. In this section of the guide, I’ll go into more detail about the top Linux password managers and what they can do for you.
1. NordPass – Best Linux Password Manager Overall
Starting Price | $1.49/month |
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Free Version / Trial | Free Plan, 30-Day Trial, 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Key Features | Password Health Reports, File Storage, Email Masking |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ✅ / ✅ |
Max Devices and Linux Compatibility | Unlimited – Linux App, Browser Extensions |
Why We Picked It
NordPass tops my list of the best Linux password managers as an all-around strong product. The service offers a strong combination of security, privacy, and quality-of-life features. It also boasts a dedicated Linux app and support for all major browsers.
Security and Features
Unlike competitors like 1Password and Dashlane, which use AES-256 encryption, NordPass has taken a more future-proof route with the advanced XChaCha20 algorithm. The provider adheres to a zero-trust policy and never has access to your passwords or vault, and its security claims have been independently verified by Cure53.
- Password Health – NordPass gives you a detailed overview of your passwords’ security, flagging old, weak, and reused credentials. I found the layout intuitive, and I could easily address issues by changing my passwords within the app. I also liked the use of color coding, with red pointing to critical vulnerabilities and orange indicating room for improvement in my vault’s security.
- Password Generator – NordPass can automatically generate unique passwords of up to 64 characters. While the feature isn’t unique, I appreciated how customizable it is. In testing, I could pick the password’s length plus the combination of characters I wanted to use, such as capital letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Email Masking – This feature lets you generate fake email addresses to use when signing up for online services, protecting your real information. I was happy to see this being available in the Linux app, although I recommend setting it up through the GUI rather than the terminal, as the latter requires quite a few commands.
Pricing
NordPass for Linux is very affordable, starting at $1.49/month with a two-year subscription. There’s also a limited free tier that allows you to test the service before committing. There’s also a 30-day free trial of the Premium version and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who It’s Best For
NordPass is an ideal option for security-conscious users who need a robust, affordable password manager. Its intuitive interface makes it a top choice for newbies, and the service is compatible with all major Linux distros. You also get 3GB of encrypted storage, which is considerably more than competitors like 1Password offer.
For more information, read our NordPass review.
Pros
- Strong security and privacy
- Dedicated Linux app
- Best-in-class encryption
- Affordable pricing
- Email masking feature
Cons
- Free version only works on one device
2. 1Password – Best Password Manager for Linux for Security
Starting Price | $2.99/month |
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Free Version / Trial | 14-Day Trial |
Key Features | Travel Mode, Auto-Clear Clipboard, Watchtower |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ✅ / ✅ |
Max Devices and Linux Compatibility | Unlimited – Linux App, Browser Extensions |
Why We Picked It
1Password is my go-to password manager for sensitive accounts like online banking, shopping sites, and government portals due to the provider’s strong emphasis on security. You also get both graphical and command-line Linux interfaces, plus responsive browser extensions for extra flexibility.
Security and Features
1Password uses the military-grade AES-GCM-256 cipher. The service also employs PBKDF2 key strengthening, which adds an extra layer of security and makes it highly resistant to brute force attacks.
- Watchtower – The Watchtower feature is essentially a security dashboard and automatically assesses your vaults’ security based on vulnerabilities like weak or reused passwords. I found the feature to be much more comprehensive than the equivalent with NordPass, as it alerts you if a website has been compromised and shows you which of your accounts could benefit from the use of passkeys or two-factor authentication.
- Auto-Clear Clipboard – While Linux systems are relatively well-protected against clipboard hijacking attacks, the Auto-Clear feature helps to cover all your bases. It works by automatically deleting passwords and verification codes 90 seconds after you copy them. I also liked the fact that the feature is enabled by default, so there’s no need to access the terminal or tweak the advanced settings.
- Travel Mode – You can use this feature to temporarily hide data from your vaults when crossing borders. This helps you avoid exposing your credentials and other sensitive data during security checks, and 1Password is the only app I’ve tested that has this functionality.
Pricing
1Password is a premium service, and its pricing structure reflects this. Its entry-level plan starts at $2.99/month, billed annually. There’s no free version or money-back guarantee, though there is a 14-day trial for a risk-free test drive before you commit.
Who It’s Best For
1Password is a top choice for users who need maximum security for their credentials, files, and notes. In addition, its zero-knowledge architecture ensures your privacy, and the provider has no history of data breaches or hacks.
For more information, read our 1Password review.
Pros
- Reliable Watchtower feature
- Strong independent security auditing record
- AES-GCM-256 encryption
- Supports passkeys and 2FA
- Intuitive Linux app
Cons
- No free tier
- No money-back guarantee
3. Total Password – Best Linux Password Software for Browsers
Starting Price | $1.99/month |
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Free Version / Trial | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Key Features | Breach Alerts, Remote Logouts, Ad Blocker |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ❌ / ✅ |
Max Devices and Linux Compatibility | Unlimited – Web App, Browser Extensions |
Why We Picked It
Total Password is the most convenient option if you want a simple yet reliable Linux password manager to use on your browser. The service doesn’t have a full Linux version but offers dedicated iOS and Android apps, which, together with its wide browser support, makes it a great option for cross-device syncing.
Security and Features
Total Password employs robust AES-256 encryption alongside a zero-knowledge architecture. The company has never leaked user data or been hacked, and its emphasis on security is evident from its other products like TotalAV and Total VPN. My only nitpick is that Total Password has yet to pass an independent audit.
- Secure Me – This handy feature gives you a fallback option if you’ve left your device unattended. Total Password lets you remotely log out of the password manager from another device and goes a step further by allowing you to delete your browsing history as well. The feature worked flawlessly in my tests, and it’s available for both mobile devices and Linux PCs via the provider’s browser extensions.
- Breach Alerts – Total Password checks your passwords against a database of millions of leaked credentials and notifies you if your data has been compromised. In my case, I found I had one password leaked in a 2020 Wattpad breach. The feature is part of the Security Suite, which also identified all of the weak and reused passwords in my vault and nudged me to enable 2FA on websites that support it.
- Total Adblock – Total Password is the only service on my list with an ad blocker, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it included for free with the premium package. The tool blocks ads, pop-ups, and trackers, and I found it works perfectly on YouTube, which is rarely the case even with stand-alone adblockers.
Pricing
Total Password has a single tier that costs an affordable $1.99/month, billed annually, which gives you access to its mobile apps and browser extensions for Edge, Chrome, Safari, and Opera. There’s no free plan or trial, but you benefit from a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free test.
Who It’s Best For
Total Password’s lightweight browser extensions are ideal for Linux users looking for an easy-to-use password manager available on all Linux distros. The service has excellent security features and comes with a free adblocker for safe and smooth browsing.
Pros
- Lightweight extensions for all major browsers
- Reliable remote logout feature
- Detailed security reports
- Free adblocker
Cons
- No Linux app
- Not independently audited
4. Dashlane – Best Password Manager for Linux for Privacy
Starting Price | $4.99/month |
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Free Version / Trial | Free Version, 30-Day Trial |
Key Features | VPN, Dark Web Monitoring, Digital Wallet |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ✅ / ✅ |
Max Devices and Linux Compatibility | Unlimited – Web App, Browser Extensions |
Why We Picked It
Dashlane ranks among the best Linux password managers thanks to its privacy-centered feature set. While the service doesn’t have a dedicated Linux application, I found its web app and browser extensions intuitive and responsive and a perfect fit for users who want to take a break from the terminal.
Security and Features
Dashlane keeps its security measures simple but effective, with AES-256 encryption and a zero-knowledge architecture. What sets it apart from other password managers I’ve tested, though, is its ISO 27001 certification, which proves the company’s security features are properly implemented, and its program of regular penetration tests.
- VPN – Dashlane offers a VPN in partnership with Hotspot Shield. Hotspot Shield is a reputable provider that gives you access to servers in 80+ countries and encrypts your online traffic for maximum privacy. The VPN is available on Linux via Dashlane’s browser extensions, and it was able to consistently encrypt and anonymize my personal data in over 25 DNS and IP leak tests.
- Dark Web Monitoring – Dashlane continuously scans the dark web for breached credentials and personal information and notifies you if your passwords have been compromised. What I appreciate, though, is that instead of the usual integration with platforms like Have I Been Pwned, Dashlane has an in-house database of breached credentials that’s updated by its staff.
- Digital Wallet – If you frequently shop online, you’ll love Dashlane’s wallet feature, which stores your credit card information in an encrypted vault and auto-fills it at checkout. This means you don’t need to type in your details, which prevents annoying typos and protects you from spyware, such as keyloggers.
Pricing
Dashlane is relatively pricey, starting at $4.99/month, billed annually. There’s a free Linux version, but I found this somewhat limited compared to NordPass’ offering. Nevertheless, I recommend it if you want to get a feel for the service. Testing Dashlane’s premium features is possible with its free 30-day trial, and there’s also а 30-day refund guarantee.
Who It’s Best For
Dashlane is a top option for privacy-focused Linux users who want a reliable password manager with extra features like a VPN and a highly secure digital wallet. At the same time, its zero-knowledge architecture, data breach monitoring features, and security certification record give you confidence in the security of your vault.
For more information, read our Dashlane review.
Pros
- Includes VPN functionality
- Robust dark web monitoring feature
- Reliable credit card storage
- Beginner-friendly web app
Cons
- No Linux app
- Relatively expensive
5. Keeper – Best Linux Password Manager for Storage and Customization
Starting Price | $2.92/month |
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Free Version / Trial | 30-Day Trial |
Key Features | 10GB Encrypted Storage, Encrypted Messaging, Emergency Access |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ✅ / ✅ |
Max Devices and Linux Compatibility | Unlimited – Linux App, Browser Extensions |
Why We Picked It
Keeper stood out in my tests for its generous secure storage space, great customizability, and high-quality paid add-ons that expand its functionality. I also found its Linux app sleek and clutter-free and its browser extensions responsive.
Security and Features
To secure your passwords, Keeper uses AES-256 encryption and Elliptic-Curve cryptography, which is virtually unbreakable. It also supports 2FA via biometrics, SMS codes, and authenticator apps. In addition, the service is SOC 2 Type II compliant, guaranteeing its commitment to privacy and security.
- Encrypted Storage – You can add 10GB of encrypted storage to your account for $10/year, which is much more generous than competitors like NordPass (3GB) and 1Password (1GB). Your storage benefits from the same encryption and zero-knowledge policies as Keeper’s password vaults, and you can store files, photos, videos, and notes.
- Customizable Vaults – Keeper impressed me with its customization settings. In testing, I was able to create different vaults for different use cases and could easily add custom fields to my vault items to organize my personal information. Creating folders across vaults was also easy, and sharing files and credentials with others only took a couple of clicks. I also appreciated that there’s an easy-to-use emergency access feature.
- Add-Ons – Keeper offers several add-ons to expand its functionality. My personal favorite is KeeperChat, which is an encrypted, zero-knowledge messaging app that’s perfect for secure communication between family members or within a team. BreachWatch can also come in handy if you want to keep an eye out for data leaks.
Pricing
Keeper offers good value for money with its entry-level tier, priced at $2.92/month with an annual subscription. The app’s free version is, unfortunately, only available on mobile, but on the upside, you can test the provider’s premium Linux features with a 30-day free trial.
Who It’s Best For
I recommend Keeper to Linux users who need secure storage for files, photos, and other sensitive information, such as credit cards. The product is also a good fit for those who like to customize every aspect of their software according to their needs.
For more information, read our Keeper review.
Pros
- Scalable encrypted storage options
- Great customizability
- Useful add-ons
- Dedicated Linux app
Cons
- No free tier for Linux
- Add-ons are comparatively pricey
6. RoboForm – Best Password Manager for Linux for Beginners
Starting Price | $1.66/month |
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Free Version / Trial | Free Plan, 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Key Features | Passkey Support, Password Audit, Bookmark Management |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ✅ / ✅ |
Max Devices and Linux Compatibility | Unlimited – Linux App, Browser Extensions |
Why We Picked It
RoboForm offers the most intuitive and beginner-friendly Linux app on this list. The software performs various operations automatically, making it a great choice if you’re new to password managers and the Linux terminal.
Security and Features
RoboForm’s security claims have been repeatedly tested and confirmed by third parties, and the company has been quick to address vulnerabilities. In addition, the provider has no history of breaches or hacks, and its AES-256 encryption and zero-knowledge architecture ensure your data’s safety.
- Form-Filling – RoboForm has the best form-filling feature I’ve seen, and it’s very easy to use, thanks to the various premade templates. The tool automatically fills out government forms, payment details, and even job applications and lets you create customized templates of up to nine fields. The feature worked accurately in my tests, and using it on Linux was as seamless as on any other device.
- Two-Factor Authentication – The password manager supports various forms of 2FA, including biometrics, PINs, and authenticator apps, such as Authy. If you want an equally secure but easier option, RoboForm also supports passkeys for secure, passwordless logins. A drawback, though, is that the service doesn’t let you use hardware keys for authentication.
- Bookmark Storage – If you’re juggling multiple devices, you’ll love this feature as it syncs your saved websites on any device you use RoboForm on. In testing, I could easily save Chrome bookmarks on my Linux PC and access them on my iPhone while on the go. Like other services, RoboForm will also audit your details and flag weak, reused, and compromised passwords.
Pricing
RoboForm’s plans are very affordable, starting at $1.66/month with a one-year subscription. While there’s a free plan, it’s quite limited, and there’s no free trial for its premium features unless you buy the business package. If you want to properly test the service, I recommend taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who It’s Best For
RoboForm is a go-to option for Linux users who are new to password managers. The service offers a neat app with a graphical interface, intuitive layout, and clearly labeled menus and settings.
For more information, read our RoboForm review.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Extensive form-filling capabilities
- Bookmark storage feature
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- No free trial for personal plan
- Missing some advanced features
Best Password Managers for Linux Compared
This table will help you compare the Linux best password manager picks head-to-head with their features, pricing, compatibility, and free versions listed below.
Best Password Manager Linux | NordPass | 1Password | Total Password | Dashlane | Keeper | RoboForm |
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Starting Price | $1.49/month | $2.99/month | $1.99/month | $4.99/month | $2.92/month | $1.66/month |
Max Devices | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Encryption | XChaCha20 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Password Sharing | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Key Features | Password Health Reports, File Storage, Email Masking | Travel Mode, Auto-Clear Clipboard, Watchtower | Breach Alerts, Remote Logouts, Ad Blocker | VPN, Dark Web Monitoring, Digital Wallet | 10GB Encrypted Storage, Encrypted Messaging, Emergency Access | Passkey Support, Password Audit, Bookmark Management |
Compatibility | Dedicated Linux App, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Browsers | Dedicated Linux App, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chromebook, Browsers | Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera Browser Extensions, iOS, Android | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari Browser Extensions, iOS, Android | Dedicated Linux App, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Browsers | Chrome and Firefox Browser Extensions, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 14-day trial | 30 days | 30 days | 30-day trial | 30 days |
Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
How We Tested the Best Linux Password Managers
To find the best password manager for Linux, I tested numerous providers. I also called on my experience of testing password managers and security apps across platforms and devices, always looking to highlight the best security features, value for money, and performance.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I looked for while testing password managers:
- Security – I looked for password managers with multi-factor authentication options, robust encryption, and secure password-sharing features. Other extra security features earned the providers bonus points.
- Features – The password managers had to provide traditional features, such as strong password generators and automatic form filling. I also looked for providers with cross-device syncing, access controls, and other advanced features.
- Ease of Use and Compatibility – I looked for providers with accessible and easy-to-install Linux apps. The apps had to be user-friendly, intuitive, and compatible with the most popular Linux distros and to work smoothly on the operating system.
- Customer Reviews – To complement my testing, I visited sites like Trustpilot, where long-term users have left product reviews. This research gave me new insights into the providers’ real-world performance and customer support delivery.
- Pricing – I included providers that offer the most relevant features without overpricing their services. I also factored in their free trials, free plans, and money-back guarantees.
Does Linux Have a Built-In Password Manager? Is the Linux Keyring Safe?
Although this built-in solution can work as a password vault if all you need is password storage, and it’s relatively secure, it lacks all the other features password managers provide.
For example, you won’t find automatic strong password generation, secure sharing, dark web monitoring, or other advanced features, and you won’t be able to access the password database on other devices.
The keyring is also far more vulnerable than a third-party password manager for Linux. Anyone with physical access to the device can extract all your data stored on the keyring, and its interaction with other applications exposes it to cyber threats. In comparison, a dedicated password manager will store your data in an encrypted password vault on its own secure servers, giving it far better protection.
Recent years have seen the number of data breaches spiking and the number of victims doubling year-on-year, so it’s important to get robust protection in place.
How to Choose the Best Linux Password Manager
Whether you’re looking for a Linux password manager command line-based solution or a desktop app, you should carefully consider its features before you subscribe.
Here are some factors to consider when comparing the best password managers:
Opt for a password manager that doesn’t store your master password, employs robust encryption algorithms to keep your passwords safe, and supports two-factor authentication. You might also consider open-source password manager tools like Bitwarden, which are audited by their communities.
You may also consider whether you want additional security features like web security, as offered by TotalAV, and virtual private network access, as provided by NordVPN, which respectively include Total Password and NordPass’ features with their plans.
Your future password manager should be compatible with more than just Linux distros. Look for options that offer cross-platform syncing, dedicated smartphone apps, and browser extensions to ensure you can access your passwords whenever you need. Having smooth functionality to automatically fill forms is also very useful.
If you’d like to encrypt more than credentials, look for a password manager that lets you attach PDFs, images, and videos to your vault items or that comes with dedicated secure storage.
Look for a provider that offers reliable customer support channels in case you run into problems while using the software. Having reliable customer support can be game-changing.
While you’ll naturally want a password manager that performs well on Linux, it’s worth considering if it’s compatible with your other devices, such as smartphones, and if it integrates with your browser of choice.
Having easy accessibility across your devices with a cross-platform password manager will make a Linux password keeper far more valuable.
Find a solution that suits your budget while keeping an eye on the various plans and add-ons available. For example, consider a family plan, which could save you a lot of money on a per-user basis.
How to Use Linux Keyring
If you run a desktop environment like GNOME or KDE, you’ll be able to access a dedicated app for basic password management, such as GNOME’s Passwords and Keys. You can also create a keyring on your Linux device by following this simple step-by-step guide.
Create a Keyring
To create a new keyring, you can use the “keyctl” command with the “add” option. You’ll also need to add a name for your keyring and mark its type. Here’s an example where you can label a “user secret” keyring by adding “@us” at the end:
keyctl add user my_keyring @us
Add Keys
The next step is to add keys to your keyring using the “add” command. Adding an “@s” at the end will mark the provided data as the key’s payload. For example:
keyctl add user my_key @us “my_password” @s
Retrieve Keys
You can repeat the previous step to add as many keys as necessary. When you need to retrieve a key, simply use the “search” command and specify the keyring and key you want to retrieve. Here’s an example:
keyctl search @us my_keyring user my_key
Can I Use a Free Password Manager for Linux?
You can choose between several reputable free password managers for Linux. Picks from my list for the best free password manager for Linux include NordPass, Keeper, and RoboForm.
Forgetting or losing your master password or secret key may also result in a permanent loss of stored data, as free password managers often have no emergency access features.
Instead of entrusting your sensitive data to a free password manager, I recommend opting for a free trial of a paid product. Providers like NordPass offer up to 30 days of free access for its premium features to help you decide.
Conclusion – What’s the Best Password Manager for Linux?
Getting a password manager for Linux makes it easy to securely create and store passwords and access them from all your devices. They go significantly further than Linux’s built-in tools and make it simple to securely share details and logins whenever you need them.
Based on my testing, I rate NordPass as the best Linux password software today. The provider has a highly secure architecture, is easy to use, and offers 3GB of encrypted storage to protect your notes and files alongside your passwords.
NordPass is also fully compatible with a range of Linux distros, meaning you don’t have to make any compromises, and there’s a free trial and a free plan, so you can test it with absolutely no risk.
FAQs
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References
- Cyb3R_Sm@rT!: Use a Password Manager to Create and “Remember” Strong Passwords (CISA)
- NordPass Had Undergone a Comprehensive Security Audit (NordPass)
- Security audits of 1Password (1Password)
- Keeper Enterprise Guide (Keeper)
- Has RoboForm undergone a third-party security audit? (RoboForm)
- Why Data Breaches Spiked in 2023 (Harvard Business Review)
- NordPass Business Has Undergone an Independent Security Audit (NordPass)
- RoboForm Security Review (Secfault Security)
- What Is SOC 2? Your Guide to Understanding Compliance (Keeper)
- NordPass Business Completes an Independent Security Audit and Receives ISO 27001 Certification (NordPass)
- Dashlane Becomes the First Major Credential Manager to Meet Updated 2022 ISO Standards (Dashlane)