- Finest total: MacPass
- Finest for multiplatform help: Bitwarden
- Finest for tech-savvy Mac customers: gopass
- Finest for Unix customers: QtPass
- Finest open supply offline password supervisor: KeePassX
- Finest for team-level password administration: Passbolt
Sustaining sturdy, distinctive passwords for each on-line account is important for Mac customers in search of to boost their digital safety and privateness. Whereas proprietary password managers supply comfort, open supply alternate options present transparency by permitting public scrutiny of their code, making certain trustworthiness and powerful safety measures. Furthermore, open supply password managers grant customers full management over their information, decreasing potential privateness issues related to closed-source software program.
SEE: How Do Password Managers Work and Why Do You Want One? (TechRepublic)
This text explores the highest open supply password supervisor choices for Mac customers, with a deal with their core options, execs and cons, and pricing.
High open supply password managers for Mac: Comparability desk
The next desk compares among the high choices throughout important options like cloud sync, browser integration and cell apps.
| Software program | Cloud sync | Browser integration | Multifactor authentication | Cellular apps | Free model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacPass | Sure | Sure, with plugins | No | No | Free |
| Bitwarden | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Free for particular person use |
| KeePassX | No | Sure (browser extension) | No | No | Sure |
| QtPass | No | No | No | No | Sure |
| gopass | No | Terminal solely | No | Sure | Sure |
| Passbolt | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
6 finest open supply password managers for Mac
Here’s a complete evaluate of every resolution within the above desk, with their options, pricing, key takeaways and disadvantages.
MacPass: Finest total
MacPass is an open-source password supervisor designed particularly for macOS customers. It employs encryption strategies akin to AES and Twofish algorithms to make sure the safety of saved information.
The appliance affords a number of options, together with customizable icons, a password generator with adjustable settings and the flexibility to set expiration dates for passwords. You may reap the benefits of functionalities like auto-saving, undo/redo choices, drag-and-drop capabilities for simple group and autotype for authentication throughout numerous platforms.
MacPass additionally helps database synchronization to forestall information loss and features a historical past function to trace modifications made to entries over time. With its macOS-optimized interface and complete set of options, MacPass goals to supply a dependable and environment friendly password administration resolution for macOS customers.
Why we selected MacPass
We picked MacPass as the perfect total as a result of it’s tailor-made particularly for Mac customers in addition to boasting some superior password administration capabilities, all without cost.
Pricing
Options
- Drag and drop for simple management.
- Customizable icons for entries.
- Customizable password generator.
- Expiration date settings for passwords.
- Autofill function for handy authentication.
- Historical past monitoring to observe password modifications over time.
Execs
- It’s free.
- It may possibly auto-update.
- Robust encryption for safe password storage.
- Customizable options like icons and password technology strategies.
- Encryption utilizing two algorithms.
Cons
- Restricted integration options in comparison with another choices.
- Requires guide setup for browser integration.
Bitwarden: Finest for multiplatform help
Bitwarden is a high contender for Mac customers in search of a safe and feature-packed password supervisor. The app affords a local Mac app with a glossy, intuitive interface that blends with the macOS ecosystem.
The Safari net extension comes with the Bitwarden desktop app, which suggests you don’t must obtain it individually from the app retailer. Its cloud-based synchronization ensures your passwords and delicate information are all the time up-to-date and accessible from anyplace, making it a perfect alternative for people who steadily swap between totally different Apple gadgets or working methods.
Notable options embrace single sign-on, password autofill, vault administration and group administration, limitless password storage and system syncing.
Why we selected Bitwarden
We chosen Bitwarden for its cross-platform compatibility and cloud synchronization help.
Pricing
Bitwarden affords two most important pricing factors: Private and Enterprise. Beneath is a breakdown of the costs.
Private plans
- Free: For particular person customers and affords limitless gadgets, passkey administration and different core capabilities.
- Premium: Lower than $1 per 30 days, billed $10 yearly.
- Households: Prices $3.33 for as much as six customers, billed $40 yearly.
Enterprise plans
- Groups: Begins at $4 per consumer /month, billed yearly.
- Enterprise: Begins at $6 per consumer/month, billed yearly.
Observe: Households, Groups and Enterprise plans all include a free trial.
Options
- Auto-fill.
- Cross-platform compatibility (Mac, Home windows, Linux, iOS, Android).
- Cloud-based synchronization throughout gadgets.
- Built-in password generator and safe password sharing.
- Biometric authentication (Contact ID, Face ID) help.
- Credential generator (username and password).
Execs
- Cloud sync for simple entry throughout gadgets.
- Emergency entry for trusted people.
- Multi-platform help.
- Passkey help.
- Free model.
- Limitless gadgets.
Cons
- No password breach monitoring within the free model.
- The free model lacks 24/7 electronic mail help.
gopass: Finest for tech-savvy Mac customers
gopass is a light-weight however environment friendly open-source password supervisor designed for tech-savvy Mac customers in search of a easy but safe command-line resolution for storing and managing passwords.
One in every of its key functionalities is the flexibility to work seamlessly with current setups, supporting the initialization of a git repository within the retailer by default. This function ensures environment friendly synchronization because it mechanically pulls and pushes information when modifications are made on the app.
SEE:Â Brute Power and Dictionary Assaults: A Information for IT Leaders (TechRepublic Premium)
With gopass, you may retailer not solely passwords but in addition numerous different kinds of information as encrypted binary recordsdata throughout the password vault. The power to create a number of separate shops, or mounts, permits for organized information administration. As a safety measure, gopass prompts you to confirm recipient particulars throughout encryption to forestall unintentional information publicity.
Whereas it might lack some superior options in comparison with different password managers, its deal with simplicity and safety makes it a sensible alternative for these in search of a light-weight resolution. Though gopass is a good open-source password supervisor, its design makes it considerably unsuitable for non-technical Mac customers.
Why we selected gopass
We recognized gopass as the best resolution for tech-savvy Mac customers on account of its technical strategy to password administration by means of command-line entry.
Pricing
gopass is cost-free.
Options
- Assist for storing numerous kinds of information as binary recordsdata.
- Creation of a number of shops for higher group.
- Default verification immediate throughout encryption.
- Compatibility with different password supervisor tasks.
- Information storage is decentralized.
Execs
- It’s free.
- Auto sync with git repository.
- Compatibility with different password administration tasks.
- It may possibly run on Linux, macOS, Home windows and BSD(Unix-like working system).
- Appropriate with iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox apps.
Cons
- Solely accessible by way of the command line interface.
- Lacks key password administration options like MFA.
QtPass: Finest for Unix customers
QtPass is a cross-platform password supervisor designed to simplify password administration whereas adhering to the Unix working system. The device is understood for its compatibility with Move, a well-liked Unix password supervisor.
With QtPass, every password is saved securely in an encrypted file, named after the associated web site or service. These recordsdata could be organized into folders and simply moved between gadgets. QtPass affords multi-platform help on Linux, BSD, macOS and Home windows.
As well as, the answer affords configurable shoulder browsing safety choices, per-folder consumer choice for multi-recipient encryption, help for a number of profiles for grouping passwords based mostly on totally different repositories and GPG keys, and a simple onboarding course of with clear set up directions.
Why we selected QtPass
We recognized QtPass as the best choice for Unix customers on account of its compatibility with a Unix-based working system.
Pricing
QtPass is free.
Options
- Cross-platform compatibility with Linux, BSD, macOS and Home windows.
- Safe password storage utilizing GPG encryption.
- Multi-key and multi-recipient encryption help.
- Integration with Git.
- Clipboard integration for copying passwords.
Execs
- Free and open-source software program.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
- Safe encryption with GPG.
- Multi-key and multi-recipient encryption help.
- Integrates with current Move ecosystem.
Cons
- Depends on exterior instruments like GPG and Git for full performance.
- No built-in cloud synchronization (requires Git or WebDAV setup).
- Restricted options in comparison with some proprietary password managers.
KeePassX: Finest open supply offline password supervisor
KeePassX is an open-source password supervisor that’s appropriate with Mac, Linux and Home windows. It’s a community-developed fork of KeePass, a well-regarded password supervisor for Home windows.
The software program can handle passwords, login particulars, attachments, notes and paperwork. It features a customizable password generator, browser integration and choices to import databases. Nonetheless, it doesn’t help plug-ins, not like the unique software program.
SEE: Are Password Managers Secure to Use? (TechRepublic)
KeePassX operates offline, which could be a bonus for customers preferring to handle their passwords independently. Nonetheless, the absence of built-in password synchronization may be a downside for some customers. Moreover, some customers would possibly discover the interface outdated.
Whereas KeePassX is a safe and dependable open-source password supervisor for Mac customers, its lack of sure options and its interface may not attraction to all customers.
Why we selected KeePassX
KeePassX is our greatest offline password supervisor on account of its non-reliance on the cloud to carry out its capabilities.
Pricing
KeePassX is a free service.
Options
- Password generator.
- Search operate.
- Import and export of entries.
- Database safety.
- Offline entry.
Execs
- It’s fully free.
- Permits computerized technology of safe passwords.
- Permits import and export of entries.
- Can function offline.
- Permits sorting of entries in teams.
- KeePassX is cross-platform appropriate.
Cons
- Auto-type shouldn’t be supported on Mac.
- The interface shouldn’t be constructed to help plug-ins.
- Person-interface is someway outdated.
- Lacks built-in password synchronization.
Passbolt: Finest for team-level password administration
Based mostly in Luxembourg, Passbolt is among the open supply password managers with a deal with groups and enterprise password administration. It distinguishes itself with safety measures like end-to-end encryption, user-controlled keys and common safety evaluations by knowledgeable testers.
Its group options make it potential for customers to prepare their passwords and different information in non-public and shared folders, enhancing information administration and collaboration. Passbolt permits for the environment friendly administration of customers and teams by means of its role-based entry function. It helps two-factor authentication and multifactor authentication, including an additional layer of safety.
By way of compatibility, Passbolt can be utilized out of your browser — Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge — as an extension and on cellphones. This makes it appropriate for Mac customers, in addition to these utilizing Linux, Home windows, Android and iOS.
Why we selected Passbolt
We recognized Passbolt as the only option for group password administration on account of its sturdy safety features and emphasis on collaboration.
Pricing
Passbolt affords three pricing tiers:
- Group: Provides primary options and comes free.
- Enterprise: Priced at $49 per 10 customers per 30 days. Appropriate for companies with 10–250 members.
- Enterprise: For groups with superior safety and compliance necessities. Attain out to Passbolt for a quote.
Options
- Single sign-on with Microsoft, Google and OpenID.
- Password administration and sharing.
- Helps native and cloud deployments.
- Auditing instruments for monitoring password utilization.
- May be put in from GitHub.
Execs
- There’s a free plan.
- Person-friendly interface for simple navigation.
- Cellular app help for on-the-go entry.
- Sturdy neighborhood of maintainers.
- Single sign-on for fluid login administration.
Cons
- No desktop app.
- The free plan lacks key options like SSO and account restoration.
How do I select the perfect open supply password supervisor for my enterprise?
Selecting the right open supply password supervisor for your online business will depend on quite a lot of components. Since we’re speaking about open supply password managers, the primary consideration must be safety and maintainability. All of the password managers talked about above supply sturdy encryption strategies to make sure your information is safe, in addition to a wealthy historical past of upkeep.
Nonetheless, totally different companies have totally different wants. As an example, if your online business closely depends on group collaboration, Passbolt stands out with its consumer administration and sharing options. If your online business prioritizes a clear and intuitive consumer interface, Bitwarden and MacPass are price contemplating.
Observe that the perfect password supervisor for your online business is the one that matches your particular wants, so, when making a choose, embrace components like value, ease of use, buyer help and compatibility together with your current ecosystem. It’s additionally vital to contemplate the long run scalability of the software program as your online business grows.
Overview methodology
On this round-up of the perfect open supply password managers, my analysis was carried out based mostly on a complete evaluate of their options, usability, safety measures and buyer critiques. Whereas I had hands-on testing on Bitwarden and Passbolt on my Chrome browser, I watched video demos to grasp among the options reviewed. Throughout my testing, I centered on the usability of the interface, function efficiency and the setup course of.
As well as, I relied on the documentation supplied by every vendor to grasp the standout function of every password supervisor. Exterior critiques and consumer suggestions had been additionally analyzed to achieve insights into every product’s execs and cons.
