Steganos Password Manager Review: Secure & Simple

Company Overview

Steganos Software GmbH (known simply as Steganos) is a German cybersecurity company founded in 1996 that focuses on data-protection tools for individuals, home offices, and small businesses. Their security suite approach supports privacy-focused users who want comprehensive protection of their digital privacy. They serve users across multiple countries and support several languages (including English, German, French, Spanish, and more) via desktop, mobile apps, and browser extensions—making their password manager offering suitable for everyday personal and light business use, especially for managing lots of passwords.

When it comes to their password-management service, they emphasize ease of use wrapped in strong encryption and privacy protection. They aim to give you one secure vault for all your login credentials, payment data, credit card details, and notes, accessible on PC, Android, or iOS, and syncable through your chosen cloud storage service. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you a risk-free way to try their service. They don’t sell large enterprise bundles or complex hybrid business solutions; instead, their target is individuals or small teams who want straightforward password vaulting without excessive bells and whistles.

On the features side, their password manager uses AES-256 encryption with PBKDF2 key derivation and supports import from other managers, browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), and mobile apps. Important to note: while they support cloud sync, that sync relies on third-party cloud services (Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, MagentaCLOUD) rather than a proprietary sync infrastructure. This approach gives you more control over where your encrypted data is stored—but also adds a layer of setup compared to services that handle syncing themselves. They also include unique features such as a “Pinned entries” view, encrypted note storage, a password generation assistant, and a portable version for USB use.

In terms of reputation, Steganos has a long-standing presence in the data security field, highlighting that their encryption tools remain uncracked and have received awards in national and international reviews. They do not have an active Better Business Bureau (BBB) page or profile, which means there is no BBB rating available for consumers to reference.

Features & Services

General features

• Password vault: They give you a central encrypted repository for all your login credentials, payment data, and notes, supporting personal details organization (overview of all login data)
• Autosave & autofill: They support automatic capturing of new login details and autofill of credentials in supported browsers
• Cross-device support: The service works on Windows, iOS, and Android, and includes browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge 
• Cloud sync via third-party storage: Instead of a proprietary cloud, they let you sync your encrypted vault through services like Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, and MagentaCLOUD 
• Money-Back guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee

Security and privacy features

• AES-256 encryption with PBKDF2: They use high-grade encryption standards to protect your stored credentials and defend against unauthorized access
• Browser extensions with virtual keyboard: On Windows, they include a virtual keyboard to help defeat keyloggers 
• Two-factor authentication (TOTP): They allow the use of 2FA via authentication apps such as Google Authenticator for accessing your safe/vault
• Password quality indicator & generator: They provide a strength meter while you type or generate strong passwords with customizable options (length, special characters, etc.) 

Additional features

• Import from other password managers: They support importing CSV formats or data from other popular tools to ease migration across different file format types
• Portable version / USB safe: They include a version that lets you carry your encrypted vault on a USB stick and use it on other computers
• Encrypted notes & attachments support: You can store secure notes and attach files with the same vault
• Safe / Data-vault integration: While more than a password manager, their broader suite includes encrypted “safes” for files, folders, and photos, which integrates with the password manager

Business / Team features

• Shared network safe: Within their broader suite, there are options for network-based safes where multiple users can access a vault in read/write mode

Plans & Prices

Steganos keeps its pricing structure straightforward with an annual subscription model. They offer a single primary subscription for their password-management service, listing the cost transparently on their website. It appears that they aim this approach at individual users and small teams who prefer a simple annual payment rather than multiple tiers or complicated licensing. Payments are made upfront for the year, and a 30-day money-back guarantee applies.

They offer a single annual subscription that covers up to five devices. The password manager plan was originally $39.99, but is now listed at a discounted price of $29.95. For users who need more than password protection, they also offer a package that combines the password manager with encrypted file storage tools. The Privacy Suite was originally US $129.90, and is currently available for US $39.90 after a 90% discount. They also offer an upgrade option for existing users, providing a reduced price when moving from an older version to the latest one. However, the exact rate varies depending on the version being upgraded.

Available plan examples

• Password Manager Annual Plan (US $29.95/year): Includes desktop and mobile apps, browser extensions, AES-256 encryption, password generation, import tools, and the ability to sync through your chosen cloud service. Supports up to five devices and reflects the discounted rate from the original US $39.99
• Privacy Suite Package (US $39.90/year): Bundles the password manager with their encrypted file-safe and privacy utilities. This price reflects a significant discount from the original US$129.90
• Upgrade Plan (pricing varies): Offered to existing customers transitioning from older software versions. It includes the same core features but at a reduced renewal cost

Key considerations

• Device limit: All plans cover up to five devices. Larger device needs may require contacting support directly
• Cloud sync: Syncing relies on third-party cloud providers, which may incur separate fees depending on your storage limits
• Promotional pricing: Discounted prices may change, so checking the latest listed rates before subscribing is recommended
• Access after expiry: Users can still access their stored data in read-only mode if they choose not to renew

Overall, Steganos offers accessible, predictable pricing with two clear paths for users—either the standalone password manager or the broader Privacy Suite—both supported by notable promotional discounts.

Advantages

• Strong encryption standards protect sensitive information by securing passwords and notes with AES-256 encryption and reliable key-derivation methods. This helps you feel confident that your stored data stays protected, even if someone gains access to your device or cloud account
• Flexible cloud-sync options using services you already trust: Instead of forcing you into their own cloud system, they let you choose Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or MagentaCLOUD. This gives you more control over where your encrypted data lives and lets you work within platforms you already use daily
• Simple setup designed for personal and small-team users: Their interface focuses on straightforward organization, with clear categories for logins, notes, and payment details. This makes it easier for non-technical users to get started without dealing with complicated steps or advanced settings
• Portable vaults for secure access on shared or offline computers: They include a portable version that can run from a USB drive. This feature is helpful if you work on different computers or travel often and want secure access without installing the full application
• Virtual keyboard to reduce the risk of keylogging: Their Windows version provides a virtual keyboard to enter passwords without relying on your physical keyboard. This matters for users worried about malware that records keystrokes on shared or older devices
• Encrypted notes and attachments for more than just passwords: They support saving personal notes and attaching files inside the encrypted vault. This gives you a secure space for sensitive documents like license keys, receipts, or private records you don’t want stored in plain text on your device

Disadvantages

• No proprietary cloud sync, which adds setup steps for new users: Syncing depends on third-party cloud services instead of a built-in system. This can create extra work for people who prefer a one-click setup, and it may not suit users who avoid cloud storage entirely
• Limited team and business-level features: Their focus is on individual use. They do not offer advanced multi-user administration, shared vaults with role controls, or large-scale business dashboards. This can be inconvenient if you manage a team that needs centralized password management
• Device limit that may not meet the needs of heavy users: Plans cover only five devices. Users with many laptops, tablets, and phones may hit that limit quickly, which could lead to added complexity when switching devices or trying to maintain access across a larger setup
• Read-only access after subscription expiry: If you stop renewing your subscription, the vault becomes read-only. This may disrupt your day-to-day routine because you won’t be able to add new passwords or edit existing ones until you resubscribe

Customer Experience

Customer opinions about Steganos vary across review platforms. On Trustpilot, they hold a rating of 1.6 out of 5, based on 22 reviews, which indicates mixed experiences among users. PCMag rates the product 2 out of 5, indicating a modest score from industry reviewers.

Positive feedback

Some reviewers appreciate that Steganos delivers reliable encryption and secure storage once the system is properly set up. Users who want a basic, straightforward password manager often mention that the interface is easy to navigate and that core features, such as password storage and organization, work smoothly. Others highlight the portable version as a practical solution for accessing encrypted data across multiple computers without needing to install the full application. These points suggest that the product can meet the needs of individuals seeking a simple tool for managing sensitive information.

Critical feedback

A consistent theme in customer feedback relates to transitions between older lifetime licenses and newer subscription-based models. Many users express confusion or frustration over upgrade prompts, unclear activation processes, or changes in the features included. Some also report difficulty receiving license keys or navigating customer support after making a purchase. There are mentions of inconsistent performance with features like autofill and cloud-sync, which may affect users who rely heavily on seamless integration across devices and browsers. These concerns suggest that setup, billing clarity, and support responsiveness are areas where customers believe the experience could be improved.

Based on available public review platforms, there is limited visibility into proactive responses from the company to address user concerns. Several reviews appear unanswered, and customers describe needing to follow up repeatedly to receive assistance. More consistent engagement from the provider could help address recurring issues and build trust with users who experience technical or licensing challenges.

Online reviews often reflect individual experiences that may differ depending on the version, device, or configuration. You should still do your own research by reviewing documentation, contacting the company directly, or speaking with current users to understand how the product fits your needs.

Customer Support

Support options

• Help Center / Ticket system: Users can submit a support request via the Help Center
• Knowledge base/manuals: Their Help Center includes manuals and detailed articles under sections such as “Manual” for the Password Manager
• Email support: The mobile app listing on Google Play lists support email as:  support@steganos.com
• Phone contact: According to the Microsoft Store listing, a phone number appears as +49 30 16634444 for the developer contact
• Contact form: They maintain a contact link on their website under “Customer Service” which directs to their support pages

Training materials and tutorials

• They provide step-by-step tutorials about using the Password Manager on mobile devices
• Their manual section includes detailed instructions such as “First launch of the program,” “Install and use the browser extension,” “Cloud synchronization,” etc
• The knowledge base covers licence questions, device limits, activation steps, and other support topics

Accessibility and responsiveness

• The support system is available through ticket submission, but there is no widely advertised live chat or 24/7 phone support prominently listed on the public pages
• Tutorials and manuals are well-structured and cover a wide range of topics, making self-help viable for users who are comfortable reading documentation
• Users seeking urgent phone support or live chat may need to rely on the phone number listed or wait for email responses, since real-time chat is not clearly offered

Conclusion

Steganos offers a focused set of features designed to help individuals and small teams store and protect their digital credentials. Their use of strong encryption, flexible cloud-sync options, and a portable vault appeals to users who want practical control over how and where their data is stored. These tools are ideal for individuals who prefer a straightforward password manager for everyday login organization, secure note-taking, and encrypted data access across multiple devices.

Their advantages include reliable security foundations, an easy-to-navigate interface, and added tools like a virtual keyboard and portable USB mode that enhance protection in different scenarios. These features can help users reduce login stress, organize their data, and maintain privacy even across shared devices or different work environments. At the same time, customers have reported gaps—such as limited business-level features, reliance on third-party cloud services for sync, and concerns related to licensing transitions and support responsiveness. These issues may affect users who need more comprehensive team controls or prefer direct, real-time customer assistance.

Steganos may still fit users seeking a simple, secure vault with essential password-management functions. If you want to compare them to other providers or explore a broader range of options, consider our comprehensive list of password manager reviews. You can also compare Steganos to other top services using our dedicated comparison tool. For deeper insights, best practices, and guidance on strengthening your digital security, browse our password management articles.