KeePass password manager review

Passwords are a necessary evil. In most cases, passwords are either too simple and, thus, not safe, or they’re too complicated to remember. Using a password manager makes it much easier to handle your passwords. This review will focus on KeePass. We’ll look at the pros and cons associated with this password manager. We’ll also share the technical specifications, the price, and the security features. Then, we’ll go over how to use KeePass and compare it to a couple of other password managers.

We’ll begin this KeePass review by exploring the advantages of using the service.

Pros and cons

The best part of KeePass is that it’s free. It also has standard password management features like two-factor authentication. On the downside, there’s no automatic password capture function. You can sync across multiple devices, but it isn’t the easiest process. There’s also no mobile support.

Another thing we like about KeePass is that you can import saved passwords from a bunch of different sources. The interface is very outdated. One of the biggest disadvantages is that there are a lot of features that require special plugins, which makes using the service a little challenging.

Technical specifications

KeePass works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. This app requires Windows Vista/Windows 7 or higher, macOS Sierra or higher, or Linux. For mobile devices, you need a port.

Is KeePass safe

The next section of this KeePass review will look at how safe this password manager is. The KeePass vault is heavily encrypted. The service is not cloud-based, which helps keep the service secure because you have control over where you store your data. You can store your data on a hard drive, USB key, or even on a third-party cloud service if you want. It also has two-factor authentication. Overall, KeePass is safe as long as you have a strong master password. The heavily encrypted vault is useless if someone gains access to your master password. Thus, you want a strong password.

How to use KeePass

Go to the KeePass website and download KeePass. The KeePass installer is very outdated but it’s still a straightforward install. When the install finishes, launch the program. You don’t have to create an online account like you would for most others. You’ll see it looks different than most other password managers as well.

It starts out basically as a blank screen – a lot is grayed out. The only toolbars you can use initially are the ones needed to create a new database. You can make one database or multiple. KeePass doesn’t readily integrate with your browser. Also, you can’t simply import passwords from your browser. It won’t automatically capture passwords either while you’re browsing.

Instead, you have to input your passwords manually. Conversely, if you have been using a different password manager, you might be able to import from a competitor. You can import from over forty password managers, including LastPass, Dashlane, and RoboForm.

You can create entries, make notes, change the background color, add tags, and more to customize the appearance and organization of the vault.

To get KeePass Android you need a port. Look for Keepass2Android, a version that has been ported from Java to Mono. You can find it in the Google Play Store.

For Chrome, look for the CKP. This will give you KeePass integration for Chrome. You can get it from the Chrome Web Store.

Pricing

KeePass is a free, open-source program. Unlike most other password managers, there is no paid version or way to upgrade the service.

KeePass comparison

KeePass works a lot differently than LastPass. KeePass doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that LastPass has. You won’t get web form filling, password sharing, password strength reports, or easy synchronization. What KeePass has going for it is that it’s completely off the cloud. Many people are wary about storing sensitive information over the cloud, even if it’s encrypted. KeePass and KeePassX are quite similar though.

KeePass vs LastPass

KeePass vs KeePassX

Overall, KeePass is a password manager that relies heavily on plugins for its functionality. You’ll get more functionality if you have KeePass Android as well. Although, it’s harder to use than many other more automated password managers. KeePass gives the user a lot of control. This helps make KeePass secure, customizable, and portable. But it also makes it more difficult to use.

The basic version lacks a lot of features, including password capture, cloud-based syncing, and mobile support. Having to rely on plugins for this is less than ideal. There are many different plugins and a lot of them serve the same function. This makes it hard to know which plugins you need.

However, if you want a free password manager that is off the cloud, customizable, and allows you to take control over security, KeePass is one of the password managers you might consider.