Password manager Chrome extensions are becoming increasingly used by today’s searchers and consumers.
It’s no surprise why. Statista reports that data breaches have increased by more than 400% in the past decade, with a single breach costing as much as $165 per compromised record. As of 2022, almost 100% of these breaches were password-related, either from weak, reused, or stolen passwords.
Plus, Chrome is one of the most popular online browsers, with over 2.65 billion users. This popularity doesn’t stop with your standard searchers–it also makes it a frequent target for hackers who have seen success in the past.
Many Chrome users have turned to password managers: secure online platforms that are working hard to make sure your passwords won’t make their way into the hands of nefarious threat actors.
Of course, not all password managers are created equal. You’ll want a versatile, accessible platform with advanced security and quick risk responsiveness. Which Chrome password manager does all of that? You’ll find out soon in this overview of some of the best password manager Chrome extensions on the market today.
A password manager Chrome extension is a third-party application that seamlessly integrates with your Chrome browser to manage your passwords.
Unlike standalone password managers, these password managers operate directly within your Chrome browser, offering a user-friendly and secure interface for storing and managing all the passwords you use.
Password managers often autofill login details for you, removing the need to remember complex passwords for each site. This reduces the use of weak or repeated passwords, which are the top cause of data breaches.
Beyond their basic functionality, Chrome password managers also offer advanced features like secure password sharing and emergency access. Some even have zero-knowledge architecture, where the service provider has no knowledge of your data, providing complete online anonymity.
Password managers on Chrome create an encrypted database of your passwords within your Chrome browser, which is then stored either locally on your device or on the service provider's servers. Subsequently, when you input a password, the extension encrypts it before saving.
To access and autofill these passwords, you typically need to authenticate yourself with a master password, which is the only password you need to remember. This master password is never stored by the password manager, ensuring that even if someone accesses your stored passwords, they cannot decrypt them without the master password.
The following password managers for Chrome cover a wide range of use cases and needs, with some providing more basic password storage and others offering full-service online security and privacy protection.
Cloaked’s password manager makes it easy for users to create, save, and share passwords. Users can log in easily on the web using any of their Cloaked identities or imported passwords with the Cloaked extension. The extension also has an auto cloak feature that can batch replace old and weak usernames and passwords securely, in just a few clicks.
The Cloaked platform is more than your standard password manager: it's your covert ally, safeguarding your personal information throughout every part of your online ecosystem. The software lets users create unique proxy emails and phone numbers for any and every website they need. Combining this proxy contact information with zero knowledge architecture, the platform ensures that no website has access to your private details and contact information–including Cloaked themselves!
Cloaked also allows you to share sensitive account information via encrypted password-protected links, offers one-time passcodes for seamless and safe logins, and stores everything you need securely in your Cloaked identities.
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1Password is a cloud-based password manager that uses a 256-bit AES encryption and a PBKDF to encrypt passwords. 1Password also has a digital wallet for storing credit and debit cards and a travel mode feature that removes sensitive information from your device when you are traveling and restores the same once you arrive at your destination.
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NordPass uses XChaCha20 encryption and zero knowledge architecture for password management. This password manager also has a data breach monitoring feature that tells you whether your accounts or emails have been involved in a data breach. Nordpass has a password generation feature and supports password sharing over secured channels.
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Dashlane is a password manager with zero knowledge encryption and an inbuilt two-factor authenticator with support for mobile authentication apps. It has a security dashboard that shows weak or compromised dashboards and an alert feature that lets you know when any of your accounts are compromised. Dashboard also offers password generation, syncing, and autofill features.
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Bitwarden is an open-source password manager offering zero-knowledge encryption and passwordless sign-in with passkeys. It also stores notes, and credit card information and enables free sharing of these with other users. This password manager also has a username and password generator feature that works on unlimited devices and generates unlimited passwords.
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RoboForm offers one-click login and form-filling capabilities with passkey support for passwordless online sign-in. It scans for compromised passwords, alerting users when their passwords have been exposed in any documented data breach. Roboform also supports password generation and storage and password sharing with trusted contacts.
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Keeper is a cloud-based zero-trust password manager built on a zero-knowledge architecture. It offers user activity reporting for users to keep track of their data and online security status and biometric login for a passwordless sign-in. Keeper also offers enterprise password management with role-based access control that restricts access to passwords based on individual access level. This password manager also has a secrets management feature that eliminates secrets sprawl.
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The LastPass password manager Chrome extension offers zero-knowledge security for password management with a security dashboard that displays weak and reused passwords as well as compromised accounts or account details. It also offers dark web monitoring of email addresses and alerts users whenever any of their email addresses are compromised in any data breach.
Though a household name in password management, LastPass recently experienced several data breaches. The data breach resulted in the potential leak of over 30 million customers' credentials–and the extent of the data breach is still being uncovered.
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There are several features and functionalities that you should consider before choosing a password manager for Chrome.
The first thing to consider is the security and privacy track record of the password manager. Look for a solution that offers robust encryption standards, such as AES-256, and zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring that only you have access to your passwords.
The history of the provider in handling security breaches, if any, is also necessary, since a good track record is proof of a commitment to security and continuous improvement in safeguarding user data.
Compatibility with Chrome is essential, but consider cross-platform support as well. A versatile password manager that works seamlessly across different browsers and operating systems (like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android) enhances your experience, ensuring access to your passwords no matter the device or browser you use.
This flexibility is particularly beneficial when you want to switch between devices or work environments.
A user-friendly interface and straightforward functionality are vital. The best password manager for Chrome should integrate seamlessly with the browser, offer intuitive navigation, and simplify the process of storing, retrieving, and auto-filling passwords. This ease of use is crucial for ensuring that you consistently use the manager for all your password needs.
Reliable customer support is a significant factor. Look out for a service that provides prompt and effective support, be it through live chat, email, or phone; the more options, the better. The availability of comprehensive FAQs, tutorials, and a knowledge base can also enhance your experience, especially when dealing with common issues or learning how to use advanced features.
When evaluating a password manager's privacy policy, focus on how your data is used, including its collection, usage, and sharing practices. Ensure that your data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, and understand who can access it.
Check the company's response strategies for data breaches, including user notification procedures. Verify compliance with privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA, and look for third-party audits and certifications that validate security and privacy claims.
Compare the features offered against the cost of different plans. Consider the limitations of free versions and what additional features are included in paid subscriptions. Evaluate the flexibility of the plans, such as billing options, and their suitability for individual, family, or business use.
Look for free trials or money-back guarantees to test the service before committing financially.
Finally, consider the extra features offered by different password managers. These include password generation, secure sharing of passwords, password breach alerts, and secure storage for other sensitive information like credit card details. Some managers might also offer features like dark web monitoring or VPN services. These additional features can provide more value and make the password manager a comprehensive tool for your digital security.
Cloaked stands out with its unique additional features like uniquely generated phone numbers, emails, and usernames (Identities or Cloaks), one-time passcodes, and the upcoming Cloaked Pay. These features go beyond conventional password management, offering a comprehensive suite for digital security.
Almost every cyber security expert agrees that using a password manager is a must–for Chrome or otherwise. A password manager for Chrome not only simplifies the management of your passwords but also significantly enhances your online security.
Basically, a good Chrome password manager is the difference between having secure accounts… and offering up your credentials and private information to any dedicated hacker.
Cloaked stands out as a top choice for Android users. It offers a seamless integration with Chrome, ensuring a secure and efficient password management experience.
While Chrome does have a built-in password manager, it doesn’t offer the same level of security and features as dedicated password managers and has some troubling security vulnerabilities.
In addition to being targeted by malware, Chrome’s password manager can easily be compromised by a stolen computer or phone. It also doesn’t adhere to the “zero knowledge ethos” that’s followed by many other security and privacy tools. This means Google’s password manager could access your usernames and passwords if they chose to.
Many other password managers (like Cloaked) store this information in a heavily encrypted format that even they can’t access.
Choosing the right password manager for Chrome is essential for enhancing your online security and simplifying password management. For the most part, password managers tend to be relatively safe–but they’ve had some issues. A 2018 study found that Dashlane, LastPass, Keeper, RoboForm, and 1Password all had weaknesses that could be potentially exploited by hackers–and LastPass recently experienced several data breaches in 2022.
Fortunately, there are password managers out there that go above and beyond to secure the information of every customer. And Cloaked is at the top of that list. In addition to the platform’s advanced password manager capabilities, the platform allows you to create unique identities for every new account and connection, putting you in control of access to your data.
Cloaked’s robust encryption safeguards your personal information, while cross-platform synchronization ensures access across devices, and a user-friendly interface makes operation seamless.
Just imagine: one click for complete privacy.