Google Password Manager’s fast facts

• Pricing: Free for all Google users.
• Key features:
  1. Password generator.
  2. Password autofill.
  3. Password checkup and alerts.
  4. Password import and export.
  5. On-device encryption.

     If you mostly use the Google ecosystem, you might be considering the safety of Google Password Manager as your primary password manager in 2024.

     Google Password Manager simplifies password management by providing essential features like password storage, generation, autofill, and security alerts. However, the main question is about the tool’s safety in today’s cyber-threat landscape.

     In this review, we explore how Google Password Manager works, its features, benefits, and drawbacks. We aim to help you determine if it meets your security needs and recommend alternatives if necessary.

     What is the Google Password Manager?
     

     Google Password Manager is a tool offered by Google for managing, storing, and autofilling passwords across websites and Google apps. It integrates with Google’s ecosystem, including Chrome browser, Android OS, and Google Drive, allowing password synchronization to a Google Account. The tool can also be used on iPhone, iPad, and computers by signing in to Chrome with a Google account. For browsers like Safari, Edge, and Firefox, a passkey is required for signing in.

     How does Google Password Manager work?
     

     Google Password Manager is specific to Google and works best with the Chrome browser on Android devices. While accessible on iOS devices, logging in to a Google account is necessary for functionality.

     SEE: Are Password Managers Safe to Use?

     In my experience with an Android device, Google Password Manager can perform the following functions:

     Password generation
     

     Google Password Manager can create secure passwords for new websites or apps. Simply click on the password text box and select "Suggest Strong Password" for options. The tool will remind you that the password will be saved.

     Password autofill
     

     This feature automatically fills saved passwords or usernames when visiting websites or apps linked to your Google account.

     Password checkups and alerts
     

     Google’s Password Checkup feature scans saved passwords for security breaches and alerts you to weak or reused passwords. Recommendations for creating strong passwords are also provided.

     Password import and export
     

     You can import or export passwords to Google Password Manager in Chrome. Imported passwords must be in .csv format and are limited to 3,000 passwords. Additional passwords require splitting into multiple .csv files for import.

     On-device encryption
     

     Google uses on-device encryption to secure passwords before storing them in Google Password Manager. Caution is advised as losing the encryption key can result in losing access to passwords.

     How to access Google Password Manager on Chrome
     

     To access the tool on Chrome:

  6. Sign in to Chrome with your Google account.
  7. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
  8. Go to Settings and click Google Password Manager.

     From the Password Manager tab, you can view saved passwords, perform health checkups, and manage settings for password export and import.

     What are the downsides of Google Password Manager?
     

     While Google Password Manager offers secure password generation and checkup features, it may not match the capabilities of dedicated password managers. Some drawbacks include:

     Unclear security encryption
     

     Details about Google Password Manager’s encryption methods are limited, raising concerns about data security.

     Works well with only Chrome
     

     The tool is optimized for Chrome and Android apps, making it less compatible with other browsers.

     SEE: 5 Best Free Password Managers for 2024

     Weak two-factor authentication
     

     Google’s 2FA is not required before accessing saved passwords, posing a security risk if account details are compromised.

     Lacks advanced features
     

     Features like built-in 2FA, hide-my-email aliases, encrypted vault functionality, and secure password sharing are absent compared to other password managers.

     What Reddit users say about Google Password Manager
     

     Reddit users have mixed opinions about Google Password Manager. Some believe it is better than no password manager, while others express concerns about data safety and potential vulnerabilities.

     SEE: 5 Best Password Managers for Android in 2024

     Google Password Manager alternatives
     

     If Google Password Manager does not meet your needs, consider these alternatives:

     | Features | Google Password Manager | 1Password | NordPass | Keeper |
     |————————|———————————————-|——————————————–|——————————————–|——————————————–|
     | Biometric login | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
     | Platform compatibility | Android, Chrome, (iOS via Chrome). Firefox, Edge, and Safari with Passkey | macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Safari | Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, Safari, Vivaldi, and Brave | Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Brave, IE, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
     | Encryption | Encryption of an unspecified type | AES-GCM-256 authenticated encryption | XChaCha20 encryption algorithm | AES 256-bit encryption |
     | Two-factor authentication | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
     | Password sharing | Yes, but only those in your Family Group | Yes | Yes | Yes |
     | Password generation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
     | Password auditing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
     | Free version | Free for all Google account owners | Free to try for 14 days | Yes | Yes |
     | Starting price | Completely free | $2.99 per month | $1.59 per month | $2.92 per month |

• Visit 1Password
• Visit NordPass
• Visit Keeper Security
  

  NordPass: Best password manager alternative to Google Password Manager
  

  NordPass offers robust password security with features like xChaCha20 encryption and email masking, enhancing account protection. Unlike Google Password Manager, NordPass provides more transparency in security practices.

  1Password: Best alternative to Google Password Manager for cross-platform compatibility
  

  1Password is a secure password manager with cross-platform compatibility, secure sharing options, and unique features like expiring links for sharing. It outperforms Google Password Manager in browser support and sharing capabilities.

  Keeper: Best Google Password Manager alternative for enterprise usage
  

  Keeper provides stringent security features suitable for enterprise use, including real-time security risk monitoring and reporting. It has undergone independent security audits, ensuring data security. In contrast, Google Password Manager lacks visibility and auditability due to its closed-source nature.

  Is a dedicated password manager worth it in 2024?
  

  While Google Password Manager offers basic features, dedicated password managers excel in advanced security features like zero-knowledge encryption, cross-platform compatibility, and secure sharing options. Larger enterprises benefit from customization and robust support provided by dedicated password managers.

  Consider your online security needs when choosing a password manager. For large enterprises, dedicated password managers are recommended, while Google Password Manager serves well for individual basic protection due to its free nature.

  FAQs
  

  Can Google password manager be trusted?

  While better than no password manager, Google Password Manager’s security leaves much to be desired. Concerns arise from its closed-source nature and lack of zero-knowledge encryption.

  Is Google password checkup safe?

  Yes, Google password checkup is safe and provides details on breached passwords and weak password indicators in Google Password Manager.

roosho Senior Engineer (Technical Services)

I am Rakib Raihan RooSho, Jack of all IT Trades. You got it right. Good for nothing. I try a lot of things and fail more than that. That's how I learn. Whenever I succeed, I note that in my cookbook. Eventually, that became my blog. 

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