Updated on: November 28, 2024
Short on time? Here’s the best password manager for Linux in 2024:
- 🥇 1Password : Premium Linux password manager with top-notch security, secure storage, and nice quality-of-life features. Comes with developer-oriented tools, a desktop app, and system authentication for Linux users.
I tested all of the top password managers on the market to find the best ones for Linux. Unfortunately, I found that most options lack vital features like zero-knowledge architecture and top-notch encryption, meaning they’re simply not secure. Others lack developer tools and other features that appeal to Linux users.
Luckily, I was able to find a handful of options that provide essential security and integrate well with Linux. Whether you’re working in a development team or just need something to meet your private needs, the password managers on this list will provide additional convenience and security.
Every password manager on this list provides top-notch security and great features. Each is built on top of zero-knowledge architecture and protects user data with 256-bit AES encryption, advanced two-factor authentication (2FA), and password auditing. Beyond that, they all have convenient auto-save/auto-fill functions that make managing passwords, secrets, server credentials, PGP keys, and everything else under the sun a breeze. On top of that, they all have some combination of additional features like secure password sharing, cloud storage, command-line tools, and developer integration.
Below you’ll find the best password managers for Linux in 2024. Whether you’re running servers, developing on your own or in a team, or just sticking to the basics, these products make the process of authentication simple and secure. 1Password is my personal favorite, but every option is good for Linux users.
Quick Summary of the Best Password Managers for Linux
🥇1. 1Password — Overall Best Password Manager for Linux
1Password is my favorite password manager for Linux in 2024. It offers 256-bit AES encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, a desktop app for Linux, and password breach monitoring. All of that is pretty standard, though. What makes 1Password stand out for me are its streamlined design and powerful developer tools. It’s easy to organize and share credentials of all sorts.
1Password’s extra tools and features include:
- 2FA (TOTP, biometric, USB token).
- Seamless auto-save/auto-fill.
- Passkey support.
- IDE extension.
- SSH key and access token manager.
- Vault auditing.
- Data breach monitoring.
- Travel Mode.
- Email masking (via Fastmail).
- Privacy Cards (US only).
- Command-line tool.
First off, 1Password has a Linux app with a great GUI as well as a CLI that’s available on all plans. I’ve used a lot of password managers, and 1Password is the best when it comes to organizing sensitive data into different secure vaults. It’s easy to securely share information in a particular vault with your team or friends. You can even use biometrics to secure your code and infrastructure. Using the CLI, you can generate and store SSH keys and sign Git Commits. All in all, it’s a great tool for eliminating plaintext secrets and organizing sensitive information in a secure environment.
If you’re looking for a password manager to integrate into your development process, 1Password is a great option. On top of the features outlined above, subscribers to 1Password’s business plans get an additional set of developer tools, which can be used to integrate 1Password with a variety of infrastructure tools, so you can deploy secrets securely and efficiently. You can get access to these tools on the cheap thanks to the Small Teams plan.
Development tools aside, 1Password does the basics exceptionally well. The password generator is customizable, and there are several options for authentication including biometrics, several options for 2FA (including Yubikeys), and system authentication for Linux users. It also supports passkeys and complex form-filling. I never had any issues with auto-fill, even on forms with over a dozen items. Other notable features include Travel Mode (which allows you to hide certain vaults while crossing borders) and an email masking tool (available as a paid add-on).
Watchtower, 1Password’s auditing tool, does a great job of alerting you to weak, reused, and compromised passwords. You’ll see your overall password health score and be alerted to IDs and credit cards that are expiring soon. Though Watchtower does monitor for breaches, it’s not quite as good as Dashlane at identifying credentials leaked on the dark web. Still, developers will appreciate how well it works in a team environment.
1Password Individual ($2.99 / month) includes all of the features mentioned above for 1 user. 1Password Families ($4.99 / month) adds coverage for 5 users (plus 5 guest accounts and the option to add more licenses), and includes shared vaults, permission controls, and account recovery options (it’s my favorite password manager for families). While 1Password doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, you can try it for free with a 14-day trial.
Bottom Line:
1Password is the best password manager for Linux users in 2024. It’s a secure, intuitive password manager with great security features and excellent developer tools. It provides multiple 2FA options and even a CLI for advanced Linux users. You can try any 1Password plan for free with its 14-day free trial.
Read our full 1Password review
🥈2. Dashlane — Excellent Security With Development Integrations & a VPN
Dashlane pairs a great set of additional features with useful development tools. Whether you’re a developer, just looking to manage your mess of accounts, or want to tighten up server security, it’s a great choice. There isn’t a Linux app or even one for Windows or macOS; you use Dashlane through the web dashboard and browser extension (available for all major browsers).
Dashlane includes:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Password security auditing.
- Passkey support.
- Secure recovery methods.
- Password sharing.
- Developer integrations (CLI, GitHub, IDE, and more).
- Hardware authentication for Linux.
- Live dark web monitoring.
- Secure data storage.
- Virtual private network (VPN).
Dashlane has lots of features to streamline development and make the whole process more secure. The company has emphasized integrating Dashlane with various development tools. There are extensions for all major IDEs and a tool for injecting occluded secrets into GitHub and other repositories. I found the CLI pretty easy to set up and use. Once done, I was able to manage personal passwords with ease. In a team environment, you can also use it track activity, manage secrets, and more.
Linux users not engaged in development can find lots to like, too. It comes with a Password Health Checker that works as expected, and password sharing makes it easy to securely grant access to your accounts or servers without recpients seeing what the password actually is. Linux users can authenticate with biometrics, a master password, or a hardware key. In terms of 2FA, it supports Yubikeys and all major TOTP services.
My favorite feature is the integrated dark web monitoring. It beats out 1Password in this area because Dashlane doesn’t simply rely on Have I Been Pwned? to identify credentials involved in a breach. Instead, it has its own database which is constantly updated by employees.
In addition, Dashlane’s premium plan provides Linux users with access to Hotspot Shield VPN — a CLI-based VPN app for Linux that provides secure encryption, fast speeds, and servers in 80+ Dashlane is the only password manager to offer an unlimited-data VPN on its premium plans.
Dashlane Premium provides all of Dashlane’s features for $4.99 / month. Dashlane Friends & Family has all the features of Premium, but it extends coverage to 10 different user accounts for just $7.49 / month — however, the VPN is only available to 1 user (the plan admin). Dashlane also has a free plan that allows you to store 25 passwords on a single device.
Bottom Line:
Dashlane is a highly secure password manager with a wide range of features and great integrations for developers. It offers unique extras like live dark web monitoring, hardware authentication for Linux users, and a VPN, and it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. You can try Dashlane’s premium features for Linux with a 30-day free trial.
🥉 3. RoboForm — Best Budget Password Manager + Excellent Form-Filling
RoboForm provides the most convenient form-filling tool out of all the password managers I’ve tested — and it’s cheaper than most competitors. Linux users will have to rely on the online dashboard and browser extensions (unlike 1Password, RoboForm doesn’t have a desktop app for Linux), but both the dashboard and extension are really comprehensive and work with all major browsers.
With RoboForm, you get:
- 2FA (TOTP, SMS, biometric).
- Passkey support.
- Form-filling tool with identities.
- Secure password and note sharing.
- Vault auditing.
- Secure bookmark storage.
In my testing, I was really impressed by RoboForm’s form-filling tool — it has 7 templates for things like addresses, passport information, and vehicle registration, and it was able to fill out dozens of fields accurately in all my tests (which is way more reliable than similar form-filling tools from Keeper and Bitwarden). Blank forms like addresses and phone numbers will automatically adapt to match the country you’re in, which is a nice touch.
I really like RoboForm’s bookmark storage, too — it’s a simple way to save your bookmarks across every device that has RoboForm installed. This is a great time saver if you use different browsers across your different devices, dual-boot Linux and Windows, or simply have a lot of devices.
The credential-sharing tools are secure and easy to use. You can create folders with items that you want to share with associates and adjust the permissions of each user. On the one hand, you can make it so a user can use the credentials without seeing what they actually are, and on the other extreme, you can give someone free rein to edit a folder and adjust permissions. This has lots of applications, from granting friends restricted access to a server you host to managing sensitive information in a team or family. There’s also a sensible and secure method for recovering your account or granting a trusted contact full access.
RoboForm’s Security Center alerts you to weak, compromised, and reused passwords. However, while RoboForm can identify a password that has been compromised, it doesn’t provide you with any details about the breach.
RoboForm Premium is an excellent value — providing all of RoboForm’s features for only $0.99 / month. RoboForm Family provides all these features across 5 user accounts for $1.59 / month. There’s also a free plan that provides password strength auditing and secure bookmarks storage, but it’s limited to 1 device.
Bottom Line:
RoboForm is a very affordable password manager that includes strong security features and a super convenient form-filling tool. While it doesn’t have a Linux-compatible desktop app, its web dashboard and browser extensions should prove sufficient for most users. RoboForm offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with all of its plans.
4. NordPass — Simple to Use + Streamlined Dashboard
NordPass provides an easy-to-use interface and a fully functional Linux app. It’s supported by zero-knowledge architecture and has passed multiple independent audits. NordPass comes with a good range of security and quality-of-life features, including:
- Auto-save and auto-fill functionality.
- Password generator.
- Secure file storage.
- Email masking.
- Password health checker.
- Data breach monitor.
- Email masking.
- Secure password sharing.
- Passkey support.
NordPass’s auto-saving and auto-filling performed well in my tests. Whenever I visited a website and made a new account, l just had to click on the Save button on the pop-up NordPass issued. It also works on the desktop app, meaning Linux users can save credentials for encrypted documents, programs, and more. You can also save personal details like your credit card and phone number. However, I found auto-filling these wasn’t as intuitive or effective as it was on RoboForm.
The password health checker works well, but my favorite feature is probably the email masking tool (included in all premium plans). You can use it to hide your real email address as a means to shut down spam and increase privacy. It worked great on my self-hosted server and is compatible with all email domains. My only real complaint about NordPass is the lack of anything like the development tools 1Password offers. That said, it’s great for Linux users who don’t need a password manager for development reasons.
NordPass comes with a free version and a Premium plan (which costs $1.29 / month). There’s also a Family plan (which costs $2.79 / month). The free version provides unlimited password storage, but you can only be logged into one device at a time. The Premium plan adds the password health checker, data breach scanner, 3 GB of secure file storage, email masking, and emergency access for an unlimited number of devices, and the Family plan includes the same features as the Premium plan for 6 users.
Bottom Line:
NordPass provides a straightforward password manager with a desktop app that works on all major Linux distros. It comes with a good range of features, including a decent password health checker and dark web monitor, and it’s available for a pretty low cost. You can try NordPass on a 30-day free trial and with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Keeper — Good Security, Advanced 2FA & Decent Developer Tools
Keeper offers high-security features like advanced 2FA, data breach monitoring, and secure file storage. Its Linux desktop app is easy to use and works on all major distros. Keeper is notable for having a highly customizable storage system — you can add fields to any entry, so in addition to passwords and account names, you can store addresses, PGP keys, and pretty much anything else.
The 2FA options are pretty impressive — you can log in with an authenticator app, biometric login, or even with a variety of USB tokens like FIDO, Duo, or YubiKey (1Password is the only other password manager on my list with such a good range of 2FA features).
Keeper allows you to share passwords and other types of information with other users in a secure environment. You can share information without the user being able to actually see the content if you so choose. There’s even a one-time sharing option you can use for friends without a Keeper account and an excellent secure messaging tool.
Though they don’t measure up to what you get with Dashlane, Keeper has tools for developers. Keeper Commander (the command-line and SDK interface) works great on Linux. You can use it to do pretty much every task you can in the desktop app and more. Unfortunately, while Commander is available to all customers, the more advanced tools included with Keeper Secrets Manager are only available if you have an enterprise plan.
Keeper’s Linux app also provides:
- Custom fields.
- Password vault auditing.
- Passkey support.
- Record history.
- Dark web monitoring.
- Emergency access.
- Offline mode.
- Secure messaging.
- Encrypted file storage (up to 100 GB).
- And more…
The free plan is pretty limited, so I recommend upgrading to Keeper’s Unlimited plan ($2.92 / month). It provides access to all features save for Keeper Secrets Manager. Keeper Family adds multi-device sharing, shared vault management tools, and more encrypted storage for just $6.25 / month.
Bottom Line:
Keeper provides a feature-rich app that comes with tons of extras like dark web monitoring and secure file storage. It has user-friendly apps for major Linux distros, but it doesn’t provide the same value as 1Password or Dashlane, which include all of their features in one plan. Keeper doesn’t have a money-back guarantee, but you can get a 30-day free trial of Keeper Unlimited.
Bonus. Bitwarden — Best Open-Source Password Manager for Linux
Bitwarden is a secure, open-source, and low-cost password manager. It uses top-notch encryption and has other great security features. In addition to a fully functional open-source Linux app, the biggest selling point for me is that, unlike the other options on this list, Bitwarden allows you to host your data locally or on your own server (and Bitwarden makes this quite easy to do thanks to extensive documentation).
Bitwarden provides an easy-to-use GUI app for Linux as well as a CLI. There are also some development tools, but beyond the CLI itself, most of these are reserved for enterprise customers, unfortunately.
Bitwarden’s Linux app comes with:
- 2FA authentication with TOTP, email, biometrics, and USB keys like YubiKey and Duo.
- Vault auditing (flags weak, reused, and breached logins).
- Encrypted storage.
- Passkey support.
- Secure password sharing.
- Breach monitoring.
- Local hosting.
I really appreciate that Bitwarden gives you the option to self-host your password vault on your own system or server. This lets Linux users limit their dependence on third-party providers for their login security. For some, this might make up for the fact that Bitwarden is way less intuitive than the likes of 1Password. On that note, Bitwarden can be quite tricky. This might not be a huge problem for experienced users, but it’s undoubtedly a downside. Still, Linux users can benefit from extensive Linux-centered documentation.
Bitwarden’s 2FA options are excellent too — like 1Password, it supports USB security keys, and it also works with apps like Google Authenticator and Authy. What’s more, if you opt for the Premium plan, you get Bitwarden’s integrated TOTP authenticator, which means you can use Bitwarden as an authenticator for your 2FA-compatible accounts. Bitwarden also supports passkeys, which is great.
Bitwarden Free generously provides unlimited password storage on unlimited devices, password sharing with 1 user of your choice, basic 2FA, and local data storage. Bitwarden Premium is very affordable and provides all the features in the free plan, plus vault auditing, USB 2FA, and 1 GB encrypted storage — for only $1.00 / month. Bitwarden Families costs $3.33 / month and extends coverage to 6 users.
Bottom Line:
Bitwarden is the best open-source password manager I’ve used for Linux — it’s very secure, provides comprehensive vault audit reports, and supports local data storage and self-hosted servers. It’s not the best for ease of use overall, but it’s still better than other open-source password managers. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for all premium plans.
Read our full Bitwarden review
Quick Comparison Table
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To identify the best password managers for Linux in 2024, I followed our comprehensive testing methodology, evaluating each product based on several key criteria. Here are the testing criteria I used to determine which products to include on my list and where each one is ranked:
- I checked for robust encryption standards. A crucial aspect of a Linux password manager is its ability to offer strong encryption, preferably 256-bit AES or higher. I tested each product to ensure they provide the highest level of security to protect your data.
- I verified the implementation of zero-knowledge architecture. Maintaining privacy and security is essential, so I ensured each password manager adheres to a zero-knowledge protocol, meaning only you have access to your data.
- I looked for developer tools and customization options. Ensuring that a password manager allows for the customization of security settings is crucial. Some of these products, like Dashlane and 1Password, provide extensive developer tools, but all are customizable and securely store and input all types of data, from PGP keys and server passwords to credit cards and driver’s license numbers.
- I tested for cross-platform compatibility. It’s important that a password manager works seamlessly with your Linux distro. I checked for compatibility with popular distributions like Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, and Arch Linux, ensuring a smooth experience regardless of the platform. Bitwarden is compatible with an extensive number of distros, but every item on this list has a browser extension that works on Linux devices.
- I looked for user-friendly interfaces. The ease of use is important, especially for beginners. I evaluated each password manager for its simplicity in navigation and the availability of user-friendly apps that work across different platforms. I also considered the presence of browser extensions for accurate form-filling. For example, 1Password offers both GUI and CLI apps for Linux, providing flexibility in managing your vaults.
- I evaluated additional features. Top-tier password managers offer more than just password storage and autofill functions. For example, Dashlane provides a suite of features that extend beyond standard password management, enhancing overall security and convenience.
- I evaluated customer service and Linux documentation. Reliable customer support is essential for resolving any issues that may arise. I assessed the availability and responsiveness of each password manager’s customer service team and searched through their knowledge bases and forums to check for Linux-related materials. Every product on this list has helpful information for Linux users.
- I assessed the value for money. A good password manager should offer a balance between cost and features without compromising security. I looked for products that provide a solid set of features at an affordable price, along with options for money-back guarantees or free trials to test the service risk-free.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- KeePass. While KeePass is a secure password manager compatible with Linux, it has an outdated interface and requires plugins to support essential password management functionalities like form filling and data synchronization. Compared to intuitive options like 1Password and Dashlane that have a wealth of features, KeePass lacks a compelling reason to be favored.
- pass. pass is a minimalist password manager that uses a robust security framework, but it may not be suited for the average user. Its command-line interface (CLI) has a number of peculiarities that could be off-putting for some users. While it doesn’t offer built-in sync functionality, it can be configured using Git version control, which may add to its complexity for non-technical users.
- LogMeOnce. Despite offering a wide array of features, LogMeOnce suffers from a poorly designed application interface. Its main dashboard dedicates over half of the screen to branding, and the overall design choices make for a less than optimal user experience.
- Passwarden. Passwarden comes with all the standard security and quality-of-life features you’d expect, and it mostly works well on Linux, but I found the auto-fill function to be very inconsistent when I tested it on Ubuntu.
- LastPass. LastPass works with most browsers and even has a universal Linux installer, but it isn’t one of my top choices for Linux users. I’d like to see the company improve the password importation process, for example.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which password manager is most secure for Linux?
1Password is the most secure password manager for Linux. It secures data using 256-bit AES encryption and comes with extra features like advanced 2FA, password vault auditing, and data breach alerts.
What is the best free password manager for Linux?
I don’t recommend completely free password managers — they lack adequate security features to keep your information safe. However, I think the best free password manager for Linux is Bitwarden. You get all core Bitwarden features for free, but there are some limitations. For example, you don’t get advanced 2FA options like USB keys, emergency access features, Bitwarden’s built-in authenticator, vault auditing tools, and more — all of which are included in Bitwarden’s premium version.
Does LastPass work on Linux?
LastPass can still be accessed on Linux systems via the browser app and browser extension. Unfortunately, LastPass doesn’t provide native desktop support for Linux distros like 1Password and Keeper do — they both provide compatibility for Debian and RPM-based distros like Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, and many more.
Does Dashlane work on Linux?
Yes, Dashlane is a completely web-based password manager that works on Linux and all other major platforms. However, if you’re looking for a desktop-compatible app that you can use offline or use to fill in app passwords, you should try 1Password, which offers a Linux app that is compatible with the majority of Debian and RPM-based distros.
What’s the best open-source password manager for Linux?
Bitwarden is my favorite open-source password manager for Linux. I think it’s the best open-source password manager for every OS, in fact. It’s great for technical users and works with all browsers and Linux distros. It has a zero-knowledge policy and great 2FA options as well. Unlike 1Password, it isn’t super intuitive, but advanced Linux users keen on the transparency of open-source software should definitely consider it.
Does Linux have a password manager?
Not by default. Linux systems can use keyrings to store passwords with enhanced security, but the default keyrings are pretty basic and limited. That said, there are plenty of password managers that work great on systems running Linux.
Many password managers today (including Dashlane) are browser-only. This means that they can work on anything that can handle browser extensions — so your operating system isn’t that much of a factor. However, if you prefer the idea of a password manager that uses a standalone app, I recommend 1Password, as it has dedicated Linux apps.
In short, Linux uses keyrings to manage tokens and other credentials, but there isn’t an in-built tool you can use to manage all of your logins, so you’re better off with a third-party password manager.
What’s the best Linux password manager for developers?
Password managers are basically essential for development nowadays as a means to eliminate plaintext secrets and streamline workflow. 1Password is my top pick for developers, but Dashlane has a great set of special tools as well. They both have optional CLIs and heaps of tools for managing tokens, IDE integrations, and more. Some tools are only available to enterprise subscribers, but even solo developers or small teams get useful tools.
How does Linux store user passwords?
Outside of keyrings, Linux stores user credentials in the etc/passwd configuration file (/etc/shadow if the password is hashed). But it’s important to note that Linux only stores passwords needed to get into the system; it doesn’t have a native tool that you can use to manage passwords for websites and other applications. For that reason, I recommend you get a secure password manager instead.
