Password Manager With a Chrome Extension—Reviewing Top Options
With a market share of close to 66%, Google Chrome is the most popular web browser in the world[1]. Its user-friendly interface, extensive features, customization options, and seamless integration with other Google services make it a top choice for billions of internet users.
Like most web browsers, Chrome has a built-in password manager that allows you to store and manage login credentials. It's not the only option for password management you have as a Chrome user—you can also opt for a standalone password manager with a Chrome extension.
This review will explore why a standalone password manager may suit you better than Chrome's password manager. We'll also show you some top options and introduce virtual cards as a complementary tool to secure payment card details online.
Disclaimer: The information in this review is accurate as of September 2024. For more up-to-date details, please visit the official website of each listed provider.
Why Use a Password Manager With a Chrome Extension?
Chrome relies on Google Password Manager as its native solution for credentials management. It offers a mix of base features, such as password storage and autofill, as well as advanced features like passkey support and family sharing.
However, dedicated password manager services may offer additional security measures and features, such as:
Top Password Managers With a Chrome Extension
If you've decided to turn off Google Password Manager and start using a different solution, here are the top three you might consider:
- NordPass
- Roboform
- Dashlane
NordPass
NordPass' Chrome extension allows users to generate strong passwords, autofill login information, and securely store sensitive information such as credit card details.
To protect user data against breaches, NordPass uses zero-knowledge architecture. The password manager encrypts data locally with the XChaCha20 encryption algorithm before syncing it with the cloud, making it virtually impossible for hackers to access.
Other security safeguards NordPass offers include:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)—Boosts security by requiring users to enter a one-time password, USB security key, or backup code before granting access to the password vault
- Password Health—Evaluates the strength of stored passwords and recommends changes for increased security
- Email masking—Generates unique email aliases for users to protect their real email address when creating new accounts
NordPass has extensions for Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Safari. It offers a free version with limited features and paid plans starting at $1.89 per month, billed annually.
RoboForm
RoboForm allows users to import passwords from other password managers, set emergency access for trusted contacts, and organize sensitive information in separate identities.
The password manager employs zero-knowledge architecture and multi-factor authentication. Supported MFA methods include email/SMS one-time passwords or temporary one-time passwords from authenticator apps.
Additional security measures RoboForm uses include:
- Strong encryption—RoboForm uses AES 256-bit encryption with PBKDF2 SHA256 to reduce the risk of dictionary, brute force, and other types of attacks.
- Breach alerts—Users receive notifications when RoboForm identifies weak, reused, or compromised passwords.
- Third-party audits—Secfault Security, an independent security firm, audits RoboForm's security measures, ensuring the platform adheres to industry best practices.
RoboForm offers teams and small businesses a centralized password management solution with additional features such as role-based permissions, group policy controls, and security audit reports. Besides a free plan, it also offers a yearly Premium plan at $2.49 per month and a Family plan at $3.98 per month.
Dashlane
Dashlane features a password generator that allows users to set password length and character use rules to fit different websites' requirements. Users can also store important files in the password manager's encrypted storage.
Dashlane's Dark Web Monitoring feature scans the internet for compromised user data and alerts users if their information has been exposed.
To increase users' security, Dashlane also offers:
- Support for passkeys—Dashlane allows users to log in with passkeys, a modern, more secure alternative to traditional passwords.
- Passwordless login—Users can also use PINs and biometrics for authentication, reducing the risk of phishing attacks or keyloggers stealing user information.
- VPN integration—Dashlane offers its Premium and Family plan users Hotspot Shield VPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi networks.
Dashlane provides real-time phishing alerts, helping users stay vigilant against potential threats. It also supports two-factor authentication for added security and is available on all major platforms, including Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. A limited free plan is available to users, with Premium plans starting at $4.99 per month (billed annually).
Looking For More Options?
The password manager market is filled with solutions that offer a Chrome extension. If you're looking for specific features or use cases not provided by the three password managers covered so far, here are some other options you can consider:
Are Password Managers With Chrome Extension Secure?
Password managers with a Chrome extension offer significant convenience by allowing you to securely store, access, and manage your login credentials from your favorite browser. Their usefulness extends to online shopping—most password managers will safely store your payment card details and facilitate faster checkouts with their autofill feature.
However, after the purchase is complete, the safety of your payment card numbers becomes subject to the vendor's data security measures. Your password manager can't secure your details if the merchant's systems are compromised.
That's why you should consider using virtual cards to protect your financial information when making online purchases. Virtual cards are random card numbers that you can use at checkout, shielding your actual card details from potential threats in case of a merchant data breach.
For robust security measures and extensive convenience options, consider an independent provider like Privacy.
Pay With Privacy Cards To Protect Financial Information
If you have a debit card or bank account, you can connect it to Privacy and generate virtual cards for online purchases with any merchant that accepts Visa® and Mastercard®payments. When you shop online with a Privacy Virtual Card, vendors only gain access to the virtual card's details. This protects you from potential card fraud as your sensitive financial details remain securely stored on Privacy's servers.
As a PCI-DSS-compliant service provider, Privacy safeguards your data using rigorous security measures similar to those employed by financial institutions. These measures include using the AES-256 encryption cipher to encrypt your data while in transit and at rest, bolstering account protection with two-factor authentication, and undergoing regular third-party security and compliance audits.
Additional protections Privacy employs to help secure your accounts and data include:
- Real-time alerts—You can enable instant transaction notifications for every successful or attempted transaction, helping you spot and respond to unusual activity.
- Fraud investigation—If you dispute any unauthorized transactions, Privacy will investigate and file a chargeback the same way a bank would.
- Adherence to OWASP guidelines—Privacy adheres to industry best practices recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) for secure coding and service development.
Privacy Card Types and Features
With Privacy, you can generate three types of virtual cards:
- Single-Use Cards—Designed for one-time purchases, these cards become invalid shortly after the initial transaction. A Single-Use Card is the ideal choice for one-off purchases on unfamiliar or untrustworthy websites.
- Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards are "tied" to the first vendor they're used with. You can use them for multiple transactions but only with that merchant. Merchant-Locked Cards are a great choice for shopping on trusted online stores and paying for favorite subscription services, such as Amazon Prime, Philo TV, or Spotify Premium.
- Category-Locked Cards—These cards "lock" to a specific merchant category rather than a single merchant. If you designate groceries as the merchant category, for example, any transaction with vendors belonging to categories like travel or entertainment will be declined. Category Cards will also decline purchases above the limit, helping you budget and organize your expenses.
You can set spending limits on Privacy Cards, and Privacy will block any transaction that exceeds the approved limit. This feature helps protect you from hidden fees or price hikes you may not have been aware of.
Privacy also allows you to pause or close your virtual cards, declining further billing attempts. This feature reduces the risk of unwelcome charges, like those that might happen during or after canceling subscription services.
Convenience Features
Privacy offers several convenience features to streamline your virtual card management:
- 1Password integration—You can create and manage your virtual cards within the password manager's browser extension.
- Mobile app—Available for iOS and Android, the Privacy App lets you create, access, and use virtual cards from Privacy on your smartphone.
- Browser extension—The Privacy Browser Extension lets you generate and autofill virtual card details directly within your browser for faster checkouts. It's available for Firefox, Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Safari for iOS.
- Card Notes—This feature allows you to add custom notes to your Privacy Cards. You can write down when and where you've made purchases with each card, which makes it easier to keep track of your online transactions.
- Shared Cards—You can share your Privacy Cards with friends and family without compromising the security of your linked funding source. You can also combine this feature with a Category Card and use it to provide your children with monthly allowances within specific categories.
How To Get Started With Privacy
To start using Privacy Virtual Cards, follow these four steps:
- Visit the Privacy website and create an account
- Verify your identity
- Add your bank account or debit card to your Privacy account
- Request and generate your first Privacy Card
Privacy has four monthly plans you can choose from:
References
[1] GlobalStats Statcounter. https://gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-share, sourced September 23, 2024
