In the world of password management, it's crucial to find a tool that is both affordable and offers comprehensive security. Recently, I tried out Proton Pass, a new free and paid password manager, and found that it not only offers an unlimited number of logins and encryption for two secure notes repositories, but also syncs account logins across multiple devices with a focus on privacy. Let's explore the features, ease of use, and customer service of this low-cost, open-source solution to see if it could be your ideal password manager.
Proton Pass offers free users a robust password management system, unlimited logins, and two secure repositories for encrypted notes. With the ability to sync across devices, the Proton Pass probably meets all your needs, especially if you've received an invitation to share your Proton repository but don't already have a paid subscription.
While many password managers have built-in cloud storage that allows users to attach files and pictures to logins and notes, Proton Pass Plus lacks this feature. Still, you can get 1GB of encrypted storage with Proton Drive for free.
Proton Unlimited bundles Pass Plus with other Proton services like premium VPN, 500GB encrypted cloud storage, a secure email client, and more for an annual fee of $120, saving $60 over buying these services separately.
There's currently no family plan, so you'll need to pay for multiple Proton Pass Plus accounts, or set up some people to share the vault with a free account to simplify household account login.
Proton also offers a business account, which starts at $24 per person per year. The Enterprise subscription is similar to the Personal plan but includes admin features.
Installing Proton Pass is very simple, starting with the browser extension on my Windows PC. It supports macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, as well as major browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi. Browser extensions have the same characteristics as desktop applications, so there's no need to install them.
The setup guide walked me through creating a free Proton account and master password, then importing the password. With all my account logins in place, I switched to my iPhone.
For mobile devices, there is the Proton Pass app. After installation, I enter the master password to unlock the repository created on my computer. The iOS app explains how to enable Proton Pass in Apple settings.
I went back to the computer again to explore possible features. I found that I needed to enter my master password more often, so I searched the support center's biometrics option. I had to turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) in my Proton account and enter the PIN verification code before enabling Windows Hello.
I tested the password manager's basic features, autofill, and cross-platform syncing. Whether I'm using Proton Pass as a launcher or accessing websites through some other means, my credentials will automatically appear so I can log in easily.
Autofill works as expected. I knew that sharing required Proton Pass Plus, but I tried it anyway. An upgrade message appears, along with a button to upgrade. I enter the activation code and continue testing.
With Proton Pass Plus, sharing is simple. I can create secure links to share individual logins, notes, cards, and aliases with others. I can limit the number of link views and set an expiration time. This is very similar to 1Password's rich sharing options.
The extension is designed to provide quick access to repositories, but I find web apps more convenient when I want to organize. There are links in the menu.
While most password managers use folders for organization, Proton Pass Plus uses repositories to separate work, hobbies, finances, and personal accounts. You can create as many as you want and share up to 10 repositories.
Shared links can be viewed by anyone, but a Proton Pass account is required to access the shared repository. Use your Proton Free account to view and edit your vault, so you can share your password collection and secure notes with family, friends, and colleagues.
Proton Pass Plus support is via email. If you need help faster, you can browse the support center or post on the official Reddit forum. For low-cost solutions, slower customer service is common, but NordPass has live agents on standby around the clock.
I sent a message about using Proton Pass on my Meta Quest 3, but it took more than a day to reply. With the web app, Proton Pass should work well in any modern browser.
Proton AG, the developer of Proton Pass, is a company. Its largest shareholder, however, is the Proton Foundation, a non-profit organization that is "legally obligated to promote the development of privacy, freedom, and democracy worldwide."
This means that Proton Pass should prioritize privacy and security over profits. Proton does not share, rent, or share your data with third-party advertisers.
Proton Sentinel combines AI and human analytics to provide round-the-clock protection and upgrades for suspicious logins. In most cases, this level of protection is unnecessary, and Sentinel is turned off by default. Like most other password managers, Proton Pass uses AES-256 end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your data can't be read by Proton employees.
Proton offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try Proton Pass Plus or Proton Unlimited risk-free. The price is reasonable and the security is strong, which makes it an excellent password manager. If you opt for the bundle, you'll also get a premium VPN and many more services.
If you prefer a bundle, Dashlane includes a fast VPN, while Norton and Bitdefender's antivirus solutions include a password manager.
The free version is equally good, offering unlimited cross-device password management for as long as you want. The only thing missing is the sharing feature, which requires a subscription. Bitwarden is also open-source, and its free version allows you to share it with another person.
Overall, Proton Pass is an excellent low-cost solution, especially if you use other Proton services. While it doesn't have as comprehensive features as the more expensive Keeper, the price is reasonable.
Post by Tom
