Top Alternatives to ExtPassword!: Comparison and Decision GuideChoosing the right password manager or external password solution is critical for protecting credentials, streamlining access across teams, and reducing the risk of breaches. If you’re evaluating alternatives to ExtPassword!, this guide compares top contenders, highlights key features, lays out decision criteria, and offers practical recommendations based on use cases.
Why consider an alternative to ExtPassword!?
Before jumping into options, consider why you want a replacement. Common reasons include:
- Need for stronger end-to-end encryption or audited security practices
- Better multi-platform support (Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, browser extensions)
- Improved team and role management for enterprises
- More transparent pricing or open-source codebase
- Features such as SSO, MFA enforcement, privileged access controls, or secrets management for DevOps
What to evaluate when comparing password managers
Focus on these dimensions to make an informed choice:
- Security & encryption model: client-side end-to-end encryption vs server-side; zero-knowledge architectures; encryption algorithms and key-management options.
- Authentication options: support for MFA, hardware keys (FIDO2/WebAuthn), SSO (SAML, OIDC).
- Team & Enterprise features: shared vaults, granular access controls, audit logs, provisioning (SCIM), RBAC.
- Secrets & DevOps support: vaults for API keys, integrations with CI/CD, Kubernetes, and secrets rotation.
- Usability & cross-platform support: browser extensions, desktop/mobile apps, offline access, password import/export.
- Compliance & transparency: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR readiness, open-source code or third-party audits.
- Pricing & deployment options: cloud SaaS vs self-hosted, per-user pricing, free tiers.
- Customer support & ecosystem: documentation, enterprise onboarding, third-party integrations.
Top alternatives — quick list
- 1Password
- Bitwarden
- Dashlane
- LastPass (note: evaluate recent security history)
- Keeper
- 1Password Secrets Automation / HashiCorp Vault (for DevOps-heavy needs)
- pass / KeePassXC (open-source, self-hosted options)
Below is a focused comparison of the most relevant competitors: 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, Keeper, and HashiCorp Vault.
Comparison table: 1Password vs Bitwarden vs Dashlane vs Keeper vs HashiCorp Vault
| Feature / Product | 1Password | Bitwarden | Dashlane | Keeper | HashiCorp Vault |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encryption model | End-to-end (zero-knowledge) | End-to-end (zero-knowledge) | End-to-end (zero-knowledge) | End-to-end (zero-knowledge) | Pluggable CMK, strong encryption |
| Open-source components | No (proprietary) | Yes (core server & clients open-source) | No | No | Yes |
| Self-hosting option | No (business cloud only) | Yes (self-hosted server) | No | Limited enterprise options | Yes (designed for self-hosting) |
| SSO / SAML / SCIM | Yes (enterprise) | Yes (enterprise) | Yes (enterprise) | Yes (enterprise) | Integrations via plugins/API |
| Hardware key / WebAuthn | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Depends on integration |
| Secrets management for DevOps | Limited (Secrets Automation product) | Community & integrations | Limited | Integrations & rotations | Specialized — best for DevOps |
| Password health & reporting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not core focus |
| Browser extensions & apps | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not applicable (server tool) |
Detailed product summaries
1Password
- Strengths: polished UX, strong team features, excellent cross-platform apps and browser extensions, robust enterprise controls (SCIM provisioning, RBAC), Secrets Automation for DevOps workflows.
- Trade-offs: proprietary codebase, no self-hosting for core product, pricing typically higher than open-source options.
- Best for: teams and businesses that want a polished, managed SaaS with enterprise support and user-friendly tooling.
Bitwarden
- Strengths: open-source core, affordable pricing, supports self-hosting, strong browser extensions and clients, active community, enterprise features (SSO, RBAC).
- Trade-offs: UI is functional but less polished than some competitors; cloud offering still managed by company unless self-hosted.
- Best for: organizations wanting transparency, the option to self-host, or tight budgets.
Dashlane
- Strengths: strong consumer features, password health monitoring, VPN included in some tiers, easy-to-use interface.
- Trade-offs: enterprise features are solid but less focused on DevOps secrets; historically consumer-first.
- Best for: individuals or SMBs prioritizing usability and consumer features.
Keeper
- Strengths: enterprise-ready, secure sharing, extensive compliance certifications, dedicated security-focused features (breach watch, secure file storage).
- Trade-offs: proprietary, pricing can be complex; fewer open-source transparency benefits.
- Best for: organizations seeking enterprise controls, compliance, and secure file sharing together with password management.
HashiCorp Vault
- Strengths: designed for secrets management at scale, dynamic secrets, rich API-driven integrations, strong for ephemeral credentials and infrastructure secrets.
- Trade-offs: steep learning curve, not a user-facing password manager for everyday logins, operational overhead for self-hosting.
- Best for: DevOps teams, infrastructure automation, and organizations needing granular secrets lifecycle management.
Decision guide — choose by use case
- If you need a polished, user-friendly SaaS for teams with strong enterprise controls: consider 1Password.
- If you want open-source, self-hosting capability and a low cost of entry: choose Bitwarden.
- If you’re an individual or small business focused on ease of use and additional consumer features: Dashlane is a fit.
- If compliance, secure file storage, and enterprise support are priorities: Keeper.
- If your main need is infrastructure secrets, dynamic credentials, and API-driven automation: HashiCorp Vault.
Migration and deployment tips
- Inventory: export current vaults, note shared items and team mappings.
- Pilot: run a pilot with a small team to test workflows, SSO integration, and restore/import behavior.
- MFA & SSO: enforce MFA and integrate SSO early to simplify onboarding and access controls.
- Secrets separation: use a dedicated secrets manager (Vault, 1Password Secrets Automation, or Bitwarden integrations) for API keys and infrastructure secrets rather than storing them with user passwords.
- Backup & recovery: ensure admin recovery options and clear offboarding processes so departing employees lose access cleanly.
- Auditing & logging: enable audit logs and regular reviews of shared vault permissions and access patterns.
Cost considerations
Pricing varies by product and features (SSO, advanced admin controls). For rough planning:
- Bitwarden: low-cost per-user tiers; self-hosted reduces recurring costs but adds ops overhead.
- 1Password: mid-to-high price for enterprise tiers with strong support.
- Dashlane/Keeper: comparable enterprise pricing with different bundles for consumer vs business features.
- HashiCorp Vault: open-source tier free; enterprise licenses and managed offerings increase cost but add features and support.
Final recommendation (short)
- For most teams wanting strong usability + enterprise features: 1Password.
- For transparency, self-hosting, and lower cost: Bitwarden.
- For DevOps/secrets-first environments: HashiCorp Vault.
If you tell me your team size, primary platform (Windows/macOS/Linux), and whether you need self-hosting or SSO, I’ll recommend the single best fit and an onboarding checklist.
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