We talked about the importance of using strong and unique passwords for your frequently used websites. We also talked about storing those passwords securely using the two main services – LastPass and KeePass – because in this day and age, remembering all those passwords on your own is not an easy task. viable option.
We know that LastPass and KeePass are the two biggest players in this space. But which is better? And more importantly, which one is more suitable for you?
Let’s find out together.
Basic difference
LastPass is a company with a proprietary password-saving technology. A browser extension that allows you to generate unique passwords for websites and store them securely on their servers. LastPass will even autofill usernames and passwords and automatically log you into websites if you allow it.
LastPass is a no-nonsense “just works” solution. You’re easy to use, but you lose control.
On the other hand, KeePass is an open source technology and it comes with all the greatness and dangers of open source technology. It is supported by a passionate community of developers and has a wide range of plugins and applications for every browser and operating system available. But the KeePass experience is extremely fragmentary.
Start from the database files. You have a KeePass 1.x file that only supports native Windows and a 2.x file that supports all major platforms.
All good apps and extensions are built by different developers and studios, and no app works the same way. KeePassX, the recommended KeePass client for Mac doesn’t even support 2.x files.
KeePass relies on a single database file that you are in charge of. It is your responsibility to update the database file with the new password and ensure that the updated file ends up on all your devices (you can do that via Dropbox).
Battle of free services
If you want to access passwords or autofill logins on Android, you must sign up for a LastPass premium membership. It doesn’t cost much, it’s $12 per year. But that’s $12 a year more than you’d pay for KeePass.
Previously, I showed you how to access the KeePass database and autofill login information on Android. Yes, it is not an easy process and can be a problem for those who are not tech-savvy. But it works.
Experience on Desktop Browser
LastPass is simple and lives in your browser.
Just enter a strong master key, start saving your passwords to the vault, and LastPass will keep up. The next time you visit the website, LastPass will be happy to enter the enticing details for you.
KeePass is a desktop application and saves your passwords in a database file.
You can protect it with a master key password or a key file. That’s the only way to open the database. KeePass is secure and it is local. You can save the database file anywhere – on your PC, on a USB stick, on Dropbox and securely save your passwords.
If you want to get password from desktop app you need to open database, enter master password and open site details and copy from there.
If you don’t want to do all that and want something similar to LastPass, the helpful KeePass community has developed an extension called chromeIPass. It will access your database file, generate and autofill passwords. Since KeePass is heavily protected (which is a good thing), this extension needs another extension called KeePassHttp installed on your computer to be able to communicate with KeePass’s database .
If this sounds like too much to autofill passwords, that’s because it is.
If autofill and an easy to work system are what you’re looking for, go for LastPass. If you want to save your passwords locally and refer to them only when needed, KeePass will work just as well.
On Android – Free or Paid?
On Android, you can’t really compare LastPass and KeePass directly. KeePass (screenshot below) does it all for free, and LastPass asks for $12 a year.
It’s true that LastPass’s implementation of autofill in the browser is much better, and it even lets you do it in apps (check out the video below to see how it works). KeePass is cumbersome but free.
It depends on you but…
Like many other services, the final decision depends on your needs. However, here are my test notes. They will help you make an informed decision.
- If you just want something to securely store passwords and you really need to access them on a mobile device, but can do without autofill, use KeePass.
- Don’t like your password being saved on someone else’s server? Go with KeePass.
- If you want your tool to work without having to tinker and customize it constantly, use LastPass.
- If you can’t live without tinkering with your technology, KeePass will help.
- Just want password access on your own desktop/laptop and want a simple solution? LastPass that is.
- Oh, you want the same simple solution on mobile as well. And wouldn’t you mind paying $12 for a worthy service? Sign up for LastPass then.
Let us know which one you’ve decided to use (or if you’ve used one and our post changed your mind).
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
