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 crucial for Mac customers in search of to reinforce their digital safety and privateness. Whereas proprietary password managers provide comfort, open supply options present transparency by permitting public scrutiny of their code, guaranteeing trustworthiness and powerful safety measures. Furthermore, open supply password managers grant customers full management over their knowledge, 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 concentrate on their core options, professionals and cons, and pricing.
1
Dashlane
Workers per Firm Dimension
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Giant (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Micro (0-49 Workers), Small (50-249 Workers), Medium (250-999 Workers), Giant (1,000-4,999 Workers), Enterprise (5,000+ Workers)
Micro, Small, Medium, Giant, Enterprise
Options
Automated Provisioning
2
ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus
Workers per Firm Dimension
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Giant (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Any Firm Dimension
Any Firm Dimension
Options
Multi-factor Authentication, Password Administration, Reporting and Analytics, and extra
Prime open supply password managers for Mac: Comparability desk
The next desk compares among the high choices throughout vital options like cloud sync, browser integration and cellular apps.
SoftwareCloud syncBrowser integrationMultifactor authenticationMobile appsFree model
MacPassYesYes, with pluginsNoNoFree
BitwardenYesYesYesYesFree for particular person use
KeePassXNoYes (browser extension)NoNoYes
QtPassNoNoNoNoYes
gopassNoTerminal onlyNoYesYes
PassboltYesYesYesYesYes
6 finest open supply password managers for Mac
Here’s a complete overview 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 corresponding to AES and Twofish algorithms to make sure the safety of saved knowledge.
The applying 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 possibly can 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 stop knowledge loss and features a historical past characteristic to trace adjustments 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.
![MacPass custom password generator](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/04/Figure-A-MacPass-custom-password-generator.jpg)
Why we selected MacPass
We picked MacPass as the very best total as a result of it’s tailor-made particularly for Mac customers in addition to boasting some superior password administration capabilities, all totally free.
Pricing
Options
Drag and drop for simple management.
Customizable icons for entries.
Customizable password generator.
Expiration date settings for passwords.
Autofill characteristic for handy authentication.
Historical past monitoring to observe password adjustments over time.
Professionals
It’s free.
It could possibly auto-update.
Sturdy 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
![The Bitwarden icon.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/04/Logo-tr040424-Bitwarden.jpg)
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 modern, intuitive interface that blends with the macOS ecosystem.
The Safari net extension comes with the Bitwarden desktop app, which implies you don’t have to obtain it individually from the app retailer. Its cloud-based synchronization ensures your passwords and delicate knowledge are at all times up-to-date and accessible from wherever, making it a perfect selection for people who continuously swap between totally different Apple units or working techniques.
Notable options embody single sign-on, password autofill, vault administration and group administration, limitless password storage and system syncing.
![Bitwarden password vaults administration.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/04/Figure-B-Bitwarden-password-vaults.jpg)
Why we selected Bitwarden
We chosen Bitwarden for its cross-platform compatibility and cloud synchronization help.
Pricing
Bitwarden affords two essential pricing factors: Private and Enterprise. Beneath is a breakdown of the costs.
Private plans
Free: For particular person customers and affords limitless units, passkey administration and different core capabilities.
Premium: Lower than $1 monthly, billed $10 yearly.
Households: Prices $3.33 for as much as six customers, billed $40 yearly.
Enterprise plans
Groups: Begins at $4 per person /month, billed yearly.
Enterprise: Begins at $6 per person/month, billed yearly.
Be aware: 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 units.
Built-in password generator and safe password sharing.
Biometric authentication (Contact ID, Face ID) help.
Credential generator (username and password).
Professionals
Cloud sync for simple entry throughout units.
Emergency entry for trusted people.
Multi-platform help.
Passkey help.
Free model.
Limitless units.
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
![The gopass icon.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/04/Logo-tr040424-gopass.jpg)
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 all its key functionalities is the flexibility to work seamlessly with present setups, supporting the initialization of a git repository within the retailer by default. This characteristic ensures environment friendly synchronization because it mechanically pulls and pushes knowledge when modifications are made on the app.
SEE:Â Brute Pressure and Dictionary Assaults: A Information for IT Leaders (TechRepublic Premium)
With gopass, you may retailer not solely passwords but in addition numerous different varieties of knowledge as encrypted binary information throughout the password vault. The power to create a number of separate shops, or mounts, permits for organized knowledge administration. As a safety measure, gopass prompts you to confirm recipient particulars throughout encryption to stop unintended knowledge publicity.
Whereas it might lack some superior options in comparison with different password managers, its concentrate on simplicity and safety makes it a sensible selection 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.
![gopass GitHub repositories](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/04/Figure-C-GoPass-Github-repositories.jpg)
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 via command-line entry.
Pricing
gopass is cost-free.
Options
Assist for storing numerous varieties of knowledge as binary information.
Creation of a number of shops for higher group.
Default verification immediate throughout encryption.
Compatibility with different password supervisor initiatives.
Information storage is decentralized.
Professionals
It’s free.
Auto sync with git repository.
Compatibility with different password administration initiatives.
It could 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
![The QtPass icon.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/04/Logo-tr040424-QtPass.jpg)
QtPass is a cross-platform password supervisor designed to simplify password administration whereas adhering to the Unix working system. The software is understood for its compatibility with Cross, 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 information could be organized into folders and simply moved between units. 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 person choice for multi-recipient encryption, help for a number of profiles for grouping passwords primarily based on totally different repositories and GPG keys, and a simple onboarding course of with clear set up directions.
![QtPass password folder](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/04/Figure-D-QtPass-password-folders.jpg)
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.
Professionals
Free and open-source software program.
Cross-platform compatibility.
Safe encryption with GPG.
Multi-key and multi-recipient encryption help.
Integrates with present Cross 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
![The KeePassX icon.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/04/Logo-tr040424-KeePassX.jpg)
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, in contrast to the unique software program.
SEE: Are Password Managers Protected 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 is perhaps a disadvantage 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 enchantment to all customers.
![KeePassX offline database.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/04/Figure-E-KeePassX-local-database.jpg)
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.
Professionals
It’s utterly free.
Permits automated 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 is just not supported on Mac.
The interface is just not constructed to help plug-ins.
Person-interface is one way or the other outdated.
Lacks built-in password synchronization.
Passbolt: Finest for team-level password administration
![The Passbolt icon.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/04/Logo-tr040424-Passbolt.jpg)
Primarily based in Luxembourg, Passbolt is without doubt one of the open supply password managers with a concentrate on groups and enterprise password administration. It distinguishes itself with safety measures like end-to-end encryption, user-controlled keys and common safety evaluations by skilled testers.
Its crew options make it doable for customers to arrange their passwords and different knowledge in non-public and shared folders, enhancing knowledge administration and collaboration. Passbolt permits for the environment friendly administration of customers and teams via its role-based entry characteristic. 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 cell phones. This makes it appropriate for Mac customers, in addition to these utilizing Linux, Home windows, Android and iOS.
![Passbolt password folders](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/04/Figure-F-Passbolt-password-folder.jpg)
Why we selected Passbolt
We recognized Passbolt as the only option for crew password administration on account of its sturdy safety features and emphasis on collaboration.
Pricing
Passbolt affords three pricing tiers:
Neighborhood: Gives primary options and comes free.
Enterprise: Priced at $49 per 10 customers monthly. 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.
Might be put in from GitHub.
Professionals
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.
Extra cloud safety protection
How do I select the very best open supply password supervisor for my enterprise?
Selecting the right open supply password supervisor for your enterprise will depend on a wide range 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 provide sturdy encryption strategies to make sure your knowledge is safe, in addition to a wealthy historical past of upkeep.
Nonetheless, totally different companies have totally different wants. As an example, if your enterprise closely depends on crew collaboration, Passbolt stands out with its person administration and sharing options. If your enterprise prioritizes a clear and intuitive person interface, Bitwarden and MacPass are value contemplating.
Be aware that the very best password supervisor for your enterprise is the one that matches your particular wants, so, when making a decide, embody components like price, ease of use, buyer help and compatibility along with your present ecosystem. It’s additionally essential to think about the long run scalability of the software program as your enterprise grows.
Evaluate methodology
On this round-up of the very best open supply password managers, my analysis was carried out primarily based on a complete overview of their options, usability, safety measures and buyer evaluations. 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 targeted on the usability of the interface, characteristic efficiency and the setup course of.
As well as, I relied on the documentation supplied by every vendor to grasp the standout characteristic of every password supervisor. Exterior evaluations and person suggestions have been additionally analyzed to realize insights into every product’s professionals and cons.