KeePass Password Safe review
Good points
Bad points
Could not capture logins in Chrome (using Tusk).
Many options for extension and apps can make it a bit confusing to install and get it working properly.
Editing and searching of records couldn't be done in Chrome (using Tusk).
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Recommended
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We recommend password managers that have a CHOICE Expert Rating of 75% or higher.
- No
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CHOICE Expert Rating
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The CHOICE Expert Rating, our overall score, is made up of the ease of use score (50%), password management score (40%) and sync score (10%). It represents how the program works across the board on multiple platforms – Windows/Web, Android, and iOS.
- 61%
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Ease of use score
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We look at how easy the password manager is to use by assessing: installation (20%), capture (30%), using passwords (30%), and categorisation and maintenance (20%).
- 58%
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Password management score
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How the software rates for password management overall. The desktop platform is used to judge password generators and changing of passwords, as many apps tell you to change passwords via a web browser. Password changes initiated on Android and iOS apps often take you to or tell you to use the main website, therefore we only judge password changes made through Chrome.
- 63%
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Sync score
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How well the software syncs passwords across devices. The maximum score for sync is 90%, which is given if the sync is automatic, and the score reduces depending on how many steps are required to enable sync, and how easy those steps are to follow.
- 70%
- Tester comments
- KeePass is an open source product available for free. The main database can be stored on a cloud service of your choice and shared across platforms. There are many extensions and apps compatible with KeePass; we used the Tusk extension for Chrome, the KeePass2Android app for Android, and the Strongbox app for iOS. Functions may vary depending on the app used. Plugins are available to add functions to the desktop application.
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Price
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Purchase price in Australian dollars as of July 2023 for a 12-month subscription across multiple devices (premium version), including any bank fees where applicable. US prices have been converted to Australian dollars where applicable. Some programs offer cheaper-per-unit 'family pricing' for multiple users. Some programs offer a free version that may be limited in features or limited to a single device.
- $0.00
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Free version available
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Whether the software offers a free version. Note that a free version may have reduced features.
- Yes
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Free option notes
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We list what's missing from the free version as compared to the paid version.
- N/A
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Encryption claim
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What encryption level does the program claim to run?
- AES-256
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Secure sharing of passwords
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Whether the software allows the secure sharing of passwords.
- No
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Master password reset
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The process, if any, to reset the master password if you forget it.
- Asks you to create an emergency access sheet which details the location of the database and allows you to fill in the location of backups and the master password
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Types of information stored
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What type of information the program will store for you.
- Only logins in the main desktop app, but mobile apps may allow credit cards, email, ID, notes
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Data export
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What types of export formats will it let you use?
- CSV, HTML
- Windows
- Yes
- macOS
- Yes
- Linux
- Yes
- Android
- Yes
- iOS
- Yes
- Chrome plugin
- Yes
- Firefox plugin
- Yes
- Edge plugin
- Yes
- Safari plugin
- Yes
- Opera plugin
- Yes
- Website
- keepass.info
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Family plan available
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Whether the software is available in a multi-user family plan and how many users are included.
- N/A
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Cloud sync
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Whether the software will synchronise password information to the cloud to share between logged-in devices.
- Yes
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Cloud sync notes
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The type of mechanism or service used for cloud synchronisation.
- Must be set up manually using a third-party service such as Google Drive
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Local/Wi-Fi sync
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Whether the password manager can sync your vault between devices over a local Wi-Fi network.
- Yes (if database is stored on local network)
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Portable USB version
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Whether you can run the password manager on a removable USB for added security.
- Yes
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Sync across platforms
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Whether the software will synchronise password information across different types of computing devices.
- Yes (multiple apps and extensions available on mobile platforms and in browsers)
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Multiple vaults
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Whether the software allows the use of multiple secure password vaults.
- No
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In-app browser
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Does the program/app include its own web browser that's activated from within the software?
- No
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Security warnings
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Whether the software provides any special warnings related to the security of your passwords.
- None
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Web access with no plugins
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Whether the software provides access to your vault via the web without requiring special browser plugins.
- No
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Import from browsers
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Whether the software can import existing passwords from web browsers.
- Yes (once exported)
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Password generator
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Whether the software can generate secure passwords for you.
- Yes
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Two-factor authentication
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This security feature adds a second step to the login process, such as an additional one-time password that is sent to your smartphone via text message. Also known as two-step authentication.
- Yes (via Keyfile)
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Actionable password strength report
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Whether the software provides a report on password strength facilitating security improvement.
- No
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Secure notes
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Whether the software allows for the secure storage of various kinds of general information.
- No (but notes and attachments can be added to login records)
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Digital legacy
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Whether the software provides for the sharing of information with trusted users in the event of death or disablement.
- Via Emergency Sheet if one is created and left in will or given to emergency contact