Password managers are a handy way to use many different Internet credentials but only have to remember one combination. Stiftung Warentest tested 16 solutions. Many of these are good, the only free, open-source safe isn’t one of them.
For each online service to which they register, users should use their own secure password for access. It is also advisable not to always use the same email address. However, the reality is often very different, many people always type in the same access data or only have a few variants at hand. Many are also careless when it comes to the complexity of the passwords required for security. Among other things, personal data such as birthday and name are popular, mnemonics are also very popular.
The reasons for this are usually laziness and recklessness, as well as problems with remembering a large number of complicated passwords. But this is not necessary if you use a password manager. This is a program that keeps all combinations encrypted in a virtual vault and users only have to remember the password for the software, which can usually be used and synchronized across different devices. Stiftung Warentest viewed 16 solutions.
Two programs were able to secure overall victory with an overall grade of 2.2. 1Password costs 38 euros per year, Dashlane Premium 53 euros. When it comes to security features, Dashlane is slightly ahead with a sub-grade of 1.5, but 1Password is hardly weaker with a good 1.8 and is even a bit easier to handle. Both solutions offer good versatility (2.0).
Because the password managers also send some unnecessary information to the providers, the data protection of both programs was rated as just satisfactory (3.5). “Clear” deficiencies in the data protection declaration led to the devaluation of both test winners. On the other hand, there was only a reprimand for “very clear deficiencies” in the terms of use/terms and conditions.
If you want to spend significantly less money, you will also find a good (2.5) solution with the open source software Bitwarden for 9.20 euros per year. The safe is particularly versatile (1.0), its handling (2.0) and security function (2.5) are good. As far as the fine print is concerned, the value for money champion has the same shortcomings as the test winners.
The free, open-source password manager KeepassXC landed in one of the last places with a quality rating of 4.1. Although it is easy to use, it is very versatile and does not cause any data protection problems. However, Stiftung Warentest only rated the security functions as sufficient (4.4), since KeepassXC allowed master passwords with fewer than five characters in the test. According to the product test, users who use a longer, strong combination can “use the free safe without hesitation.”