My Top 5 Password Managers For Linux - And My Favorite Works On Windows And Macos Too

Tatiana Maksimova/Moment via Getty Images

Follow ZDNET: Add america arsenic a preferred source connected Google.

ZDNET's cardinal takeaways

• Password managers stay captious to your security.
• Linux has plentifulness of disposable options.
• These devices are open-source and readily available.

I've been utilizing a password head for arsenic agelong arsenic I tin remember. To beryllium honest, I can't ideate not utilizing 1 astatine this point. 

If you're superior astir your security, it's clip to adopt 1 yourself. Or, if you're utilizing a password head that doesn't person a Linux client, now's nan cleanable clip to move to 1 that does. And if anyone tells you that Linux doesn't person viable options, they are simply wrong.

Also: How to prep your institution for a passwordless early - successful 5 steps

Linux offers galore password managers -- galore of which are open-source --  that should entreaty to each sorts of users.

But which password managers would I recommend? Read on.

Bitwarden

1. Bitwarden

Bitwarden has been my go-to password head for years. Not only does it connection a Linux desktop client, but you tin besides big a server lawsuit connected your section LAN for moreover much privacy.

Bitwarden besides offers all nan features you need in a password manager, including a random password/passphrase generator, 2FA support, passkey storage, sharing, folders, biometric logins, autofill logins, a browser extension, and more.

On apical of that, Bitwarden uses industry-leading end-to-end encryption, truthful you cognize your vaults are safe from prying eyes.

Also: 7 ways to get much retired of your Bitwarden password manager

I've tried galore password managers, and I couldn't ideate leaving Bitwarden. 

You tin usage Bitwarden for free aliases look into a premium plan to summation other features (such arsenic collections, an integrated authenticator, and overmuch more).

Bitwarden is disposable for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.

Buttercup

2. Buttercup

Buttercup password manager is different open-source action disposable for Linux. You tin instal Buttercup arsenic an AppImage (I propose utilizing Gear Lever for this), and it runs perfectly (even connected Wayland).

Buttercup doesn't person its ain sync server, but it tin link to a section file, WebDAV, Dropbox, aliases Google Drive. By connecting Buttercup to 1 of nan unreality options, you tin entree your vaults from anywhere. Another useful characteristic is that you tin create arsenic galore vaults arsenic you want, moreover a operation of section files and unreality vaults.

Also: 7 basal password rules to follow, according to information experts

Buttercup is besides free to use, truthful there's nary scheme aliases upselling.

Like Bitwarden, Buttercup features a user-friendly UI and includes a browser hold for moreover easier website logins.

Buttercup is disposable for Linux, MacOS, and Windows. Buttercup for Mobile is disposable for iOS and Android.

Pass

3. Pass

Pass is simply a command-line password head that stores each password successful a GPG-encrypted record named aft nan website for which nan password is used. 

Pass isn't nan easiest password head to use, and it doesn't person each nan bells and whistles of nan different options. However, if you for illustration a elemental instrumentality that tin beryllium tally from nan bid line, Pass is what you want.

Pass does see a random password generator and nan expertise to link to a Git repository; speaking of which, if you're utilized to moving pinch Git from nan bid line, you'll person nary problems moving pinch Pass. 

One use of utilizing Pass is that you won't person to interest astir anyone who doesn't person Linux aliases Git acquisition guessing your passwords. 

Pass is only disposable for Linux.

KeePassXC

4. KeePassXC

If you've ever utilized KeePassX, you'll beryllium gladsome to cognize that KeePassXC is nan organization fork of nan original KeePassX.

KeePassXC is very easy to use, but it's basal to statement that it is an offline-only solution. This tin beryllium a very bully point if you're superior astir information and do not want nan anticipation of personification intercepting information packets betwixt a desktop customer and a server (or unreality host). Yes, it requires you to ever person entree to nan instrumentality hosting KeePassXC, but for those who spot a precocious privilege connected security, this could beryllium a awesome option.

Also: Why multi-factor authentication is perfectly essential 

KeePassXC doesn't person nan best-looking UI aliases each nan bells and whistles of nan different GUI apps connected this list, but for anyone who wants to support it elemental (and doesn't request online support), KeePassXC is simply a awesome option.

KeePassXC is disposable for Linux, MacOS, and Windows.

Passbolt

5. Passbolt

Passbolt is different open-source option, but it differs slightly. If you usage nan cloud-hosted option, you'll person to salary for nan service. Alternatively, you tin opt to big Passbolt yourself for free. 

The self-hosting action allows you to bypass a third-party unreality big and support everything wrong your LAN. That's an added furniture of security, without bypassing nan expertise to entree your vaults from immoderate strategy wrong your network.

Also: How passkeys work: The complete guideline to your inevitable passwordless future

One point to support successful mind: The self-hosting action does require an knowing of really Docker containers and Linux work. If you're not acquainted pinch either of those platforms, I'd propose skipping Passbolt. Deploying nan Passbolt server is not for nan faint of heart.

Once you person your server up and running, you tin usage nan web-based UI aliases moreover from nan bid line. 

Passbolt is simply a awesome action for individuals, but it really excels for teams. 

Passbolt tin beryllium installed connected Linux servers and utilized via immoderate web browser connected your LAN.

Get nan morning's apical stories successful your inbox each time pinch our Tech Update newsletter.