To encrypt and decrypt user data, Password Safe first uses a master password to generate an encryption key. A secure hashing algorithm is used to generate the key, making it impossible to deduce the password. Following encryption, the data is saved in a file that can be backed up or synced between devices. Only the user is aware of the master password, so this method offers a high level of security.
To encrypt and decrypt user data, KeePass makes use of a user-generated master key. Each password in the database is encrypted with its own key generated with this key. One of the best ways to keep sensitive information secure is to generate your own master key and use that.
In general, when it comes to protecting sensitive information, both Password Safe and KeePass deliver. KeePass gives the user control over the master key, while Password Safe uses a predetermined master password.
It’s possible that one is a better option for you than the other, given your unique set of circumstances and preferences. Both password managers have a large and active community of developers and users, which makes it more likely that any flaws or security holes will be found and fixed promptly.
Password Safe vs KeePass Pricing
Password Safe’s flagship product is free software that is supported by user contributions. In other words, users won’t have to pay anything to download and use the tool on their desktops or laptops, but they may be asked to make a one-time payment to help cover the cost of further development.
KeePass’s flagship release is free and open source. When compared to Password Safe, KeePass’s free version has access to a wider variety of open source plugins, extensions, and ports. KeePass, like Password Safe, encourages users to make a donation if they find the free version to be useful.
KeePass’ disk-on-key authentication features are available for free while Password Safe charges $9.99. PasswordSafe2Go, the disk-on-key version of Password Safe, is available for a one-time charge and guarantees that the software will be delivered in its entirety on a key device that can be plugged into any computer. PasswordSafe2Go is available for free, with unlimited updates for up to a year, a variety of open-source ports, and a wide range of paid add-ons and extensions.
Password Safe vs KeePass: Comparison Table
| Feature | Password Safe | KeePass |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | Uses a master password to generate a key for encryption | Uses a user-generated master key for encryption |
| Cloud Syncing | No | Yes, with the use of third-party syncing services |
| Browser Extensions | No | Available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and more |
| Mobile Apps | No | Available for iOS and Android, as well as Windows |
| Download Links | Visit Website | Visit Website |
Password Safe vs KeePass Usability & Ease of Use
With Password Safe, users can store all of their passwords in one or more databases, or “safes,” using a straightforward organization and storage system. There are many different kinds of safes designed for various purposes. Users have the option of importing their passwords, entering them manually, and arranging them into any hierarchy within the safe. Password Safe’s AutoType feature automatically fills in login credentials into forms, while the app’s copy-and-paste functionality makes it easy to generate new, secure passwords quickly.
For most login pages, the default AutoType setting will suffice, but for more complex sites, users will need to create a customized formula. In addition, every time a user needs to access a different online service, they must first go to Password Safe to retrieve the necessary credentials.
The initial KeePass configuration is comparable to that of Password Safe. First, after downloading and installing the software, a composite key must be generated. The user is then presented with a blank vault into which they can enter their login information and other data manually or populate using an existing password manager, browser, or CSV file.
Users can quickly and easily generate new, secure passwords by clicking the “generate password” button and selecting their preferred settings from the “password generation options” menu. Like Password Safe, KeePass has an auto-type feature that allows users to quickly enter their login information into a website. Users also have the option of using a hotkey that, when pressed, automatically loads the correct login information for a given website and initiates auto-type.
Password Safe vs KeePass Features
Password Safe is cross-platform and has a handy Auto-Type browser integration. As a result, it can work with any major operating system and mobile platform, including Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile.
Only Chrome, Safari, Opera, and Firefox are supported for official integration with KeePass, and even then, auto-type is not available. GNU/Linux, Mac OS X, Android, and Windows all support it.
Password Safe uses Yubikey for stronger two-factor authentication than KeePass does, making it the superior choice for business settings. Both of these password managers can be used without an internet connection because they don’t store their data in encrypted form in the cloud.
Password Safe vs KeePass Password sharing
The ability to share passwords is a great convenience offered by many password managers. And without a doubt, Keeper takes first place in this group. Password and file sharing is a breeze with Keeper. You can send someone else’s login information quickly and easily through email, airdrop, SMS, or a share access to link. The default setting for sharing is “View Only,” but this can be changed in the preferences.
It also has a One-Time Share feature that can come in handy, especially if you need to give someone access to your passwords but they don’t have a Keeper account. However, KeePass has some drawbacks when it comes to collaborating on passwords. Sending an email or uploading a file to a server are both viable options for disseminating a sizable database. However, there is no in-built secure messaging system, which means that sharing individual passwords or databases is difficult and insecure.
Password Safe vs KeePass Security & Encryption
Since Password Safe is open source, anyone is free to review its code and see if it still provides a safe and secure environment for storing and sharing passwords. To begin, the Twofish algorithm is used to encrypt Password Safe databases with robust 256-bit keys. Password Safe’s extra layer of security is the user-generated master password. Users are responsible for remembering their Master Password as it is not stored in the database.
Password Safe users who also want two-factor authentication can do so by connecting the app to a USB-connected Yubikey authenticator. Keepass is also open source, which means that its source code can be viewed by the general public. This makes it more likely that any bugs will be fixed quickly and that it will be updated regularly to include the most up-to-date security measures.
KeePass, like LastPass, encrypts its data, but it uses one of three robust algorithms to do so. The master password, key file, and Windows user key or plugin key make up the user’s individual composite master key. Each component of the composite key is encrypted and compressed to thwart password-guessing hackers. In addition to being installed on a user’s device or system, KeePass can be loaded onto a portable USB stick that does not store any data.
Password Safe: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Protecting user information with robust encryption
- A straightforward and simple user interface
- No online storage means more safety.
Cons
- Nothing to add to your browser or download on your phone
- When compared to competing password managers, its features fall short.
- Some users may find it inconvenient that there is no cloud syncing.
KeePass: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Protecting user information with robust encryption
- Modifiable via add-ons and plugins
- Password-saving browser add-ons are available.
- A master key generated by the user grants greater encryption control.
Cons
- Syncing to the cloud is not possible without the use of additional services.
- New users will face a steep learning curve.
- Windows Phone users can’t get their hands on an app.
Which one should you consider?
When deciding between KeePass and LastPass, we recommend LastPass to the vast majority of our customers. LastPass is an excellent solution for safeguarding and managing your login information for your online accounts due to its ease of use, variety of built-in features, and affordable pricing plans.
When compared to other password managers, KeePass’s level of security is hard to beat, and the fact that it’s always free is a huge plus. The main drawback of KeePass is that it does not have a lot of pre-installed features and requires a high level of technical expertise to personalize. For the technically savvy, KeePass might be the best option, but for everyone else, LastPass is the way to go.
FAQs
Is Password Safe really secure?
This is preferred by some because, unlike AES, it has no ties to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). To protect the data itself, Password Safe employs the cryptographic algorithm Twofish-256. An algorithm similar to PBKDF2 is used to generate keys; it involves 2048 iterations and SHA-256 authentication.
Why not to use KeePass?
KeePass is vulnerable to “various kinds of attacks” if the user has installed it as a regular program and the attackers have write access. Attackers can also compromise the portable version of KeePass by replacing the executable with malware.
