Content
Recent Posts
Google Password Manager, Is It Worth it?
Content
As we all know, your passwords must contain at least one uppercase character, one number, one symbol, no less than eight characters, and each password should be unique. When you have different passwords for all your accounts, you are bound to forget some or forget which password goes on which account.
This common problem we all share has a great solution; Password managers. The most common password manager is the one provided by Google. So the question today is if the Google Password Manager is worth it?
Let us start with what we know about the google password manager. It is easily accompanied by the google chrome browser, which is installed by default on most computers nowadays, so no extra installations steps will be required to use it.
Your google account password becomes your master password, which means Google will prompt you to enter it when you want to access your other saved passwords.
Once your passwords are saved with Google, their autofill feature swiftly places them for you without having to think twice. The same goes for their form capture feature, which simultaneously places your personal and payment details in their corresponding boxes.
Last but not least, Google’s Password Manager has no device restrictions as its availability goes hand in hand with the google chrome browser that is available on all devices.
What Do We Know but Do Not like?
To begin with, the Google Password Manager needs online connectivity to be accessed; unlike other password managers, it cannot be accessed offline.
The biggest drawback to the Google Password Manager is perhaps the absence of any encryption types, such as PBKDF2 or AES 256-bit encryption. This leaves your passwords unprotected against hackers and your only protection is dependent on your device’s own security.
Speaking of security, as we mentioned earlier, your google account password is your master password. Therefore, if anyone gets access to it or simply uses your browser, they can access your passwords. Unfortunately, Google Password Manager doesn’t offer two-factor authentication or any level of extra security, as it is a free feature with no upgrade options.
Google Password Manager also does not tell you how strong your passwords are nor does it generate one for you like other third-party password managers.
What is missing from Google Password Manager?
- Two-factor authentication
- Device sync ability
- Password sharing
- Password strength
- Digital Wallet
As you may notice, google’s password manager misses out on basic features and security measures that other password managers have.
In today’s world, having two-factor authentication is a must to ensure safety from potential attacks. And not to mention, users need to be warned whether their passwords are weak or too predictable; Google’s password manager fails to do so.
When it comes down to whether we recommend the Google Password Manager or not, we do not, unless you do not need the high-end security and functionalities. So which Password Managers should you use, you might ask? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of our best Password Managers, thoroughly tested and reviewed by our team of experts.
1. 1Password
1Password is our top-rated Password Manager. It is easy to use with its friendly interface, and it provides you with a bundle of features to keep your passwords safe and sound.
One of 1Password’s strongest features is its Watchtower and Standalone Vaults. The Watchtower will alert you when you access unsafe websites and will also warn you about vulnerable passwords so you can take direct action and keep yourself and your passwords protected at all times.
The Standalone Vaults lets you save passwords that only you can control; not even 1Password themselves can access them. Furthermore, you can choose not to sync them to other devices.
1Password is compatible with most platforms and operating systems and supports all the best browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera.
1Password offers you several subscription plans:
Personal Plan: The starting price is $2.99 per month ($35.88 per year)
Families Plan: The starting price is $4.99 per month ($59.88 per year)
Business Plan: The starting price is $7.99 per month ($95.88 per year)
Enterprise Plan: The price of this plan is custom, depending on the features you would like to select.
Teams Starter Pack: The starting price is $19.95 per month ($239.4 per year)
2. NordPass
NordPass is a uniquely convenient password manager. Its free version provides you with many features that other password managers would make you pay for. For the more advanced features, you can get a free 7-day trial to test them out yourself. In addition, NordPass’ 30-day money-back guarantee policy is there for you if you decide NordPass does not suit your needs.
NordPass has some eye-catching features that give the Google Password Manager a run for its money, some of which are:
Data breach scanner: this feature scans and alerts users whenever an outsider uses their databases, preventing unauthorized logins.
Additional data: It is not limited to passwords; you can also save secure notes, credit card data, and personal information.
Password saving and autofill: whenever you need to log into any of your accounts, you don’t have to enter the password every time, as with all password managers. NordPass will require you to enter your password only the first time and then just auto-fills it for you later on.
NordPass offers four different for you to choose from; find their summary below:
| Plan | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Free plan | Free |
| Premium | $1.49 per month ($17.88 per year) |
| Family premium | $3.99 per month ($47.88 per year) |
| Business plan | $3.59 per month ($43.08 per year) |
3. Dashlane
Dashlane is yet another advanced password manager that is secure and keeps hold of your passwords for you. It is packed with features and is extremely easy to use. For example, it lets its users save unlimited passwords and warns them about any weak ones.
Dashlane also packs a dark web and inbox scanner, in addition to a nifty travel mode that deletes your data for you while you are traveling and brings it back when you return home.
Aside from their free version, Dashlane offers various plans to choose from, depending on your needs. They include:
An essentials plan: $2.49 per month ($29.88 per year)
A premium plan: $3.99 per month ($47.88 per year) or save with yearly billing &39.96 per year
A family plan: $5.99 per month ($71.88 per year) or save with yearly billing of $59.88 per year
A business plan: $8 per month ($96 per year)
A team plan: $5 per month ($60 per year)