Browser-based vs. third-party password managers: Which are better?

It matters which password manager you use

Let's say you’ve just decided to protect your online accounts with a password manager. What should your next move be? Choosing the right tool, of course. Now, that might sound easy, but as soon as you start comparing options, you'll realize that not all password managers are created equal.

So, you might be tempted to go with the free, built-in password managers that come with browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. After all, they're right there, integrated into your web viewing application. Convenient, right?

But then a thought might hit you: If these browser-based tools are so handy and free, why do other companies even bother making their own standalone password managers? The answer is simple – because they are different in terms of security and functionality.

What's the difference between browser-based and third-party password managers?

It might seem like the only distinction between browser-dependent and third-party standalone password managers is that the former are built into your browser, while the latter are separate programs that you need to either install or add as browser extensions. But that’s just scratching the surface.

The real difference lies in the level of security and overall user experience each group offers. Browser password managers seem more convenient because they’re built into popular browsers. However, they might not match the security features or capabilities of third-party options. In fact, some standalone password managers offer a broader range of features and better security than their browser-based counterparts. Let us prove it to you.

How do they compare feature-wise?

When it comes to password management tools, there are a few key themes that show up across the board. So, to really compare browser-based tools with third-party ones, it makes sense to examine them through the lens of each theme individually. Let’s discuss what’s likely the most important aspect first, and that is…

Security

While both browser-based and third-party password managers are designed to keep your credentials safe, they approach security in different ways.

Let's start with encryption, which is about making your data unreadable to anyone who shouldn't have access to it. Most browsers, like Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, use encryption protocols such as AES-256 to protect your saved credentials. This is generally solid security, however, third-party managers like NordPass often go a step further, using more advanced encryption algorithms like XChaCha20, providing end-to-end encryption. This ensures that only you, the user, can decrypt and access your data.

When it comes to privacy, there are ongoing concerns about how companies like Google might use your data, especially for targeted advertising. Also, most browser password managers don't adhere to the zero-knowledge principles, which means that, in theory, the provider could gain access to your passwords. Conversely, third-party vendors like NordPass prioritize your privacy by ensuring that even they can't access your passwords.

Lastly, let's talk about security risks. Since browser password managers are integrated directly into the browsers themselves, they can be more susceptible to threats like phishing or malware that target browsers specifically. As you can imagine, with third-party solutions, you’re generally less exposed to browser-specific attacks.

Cross-platform compatibility

Unsurprisingly, browser password managers are designed to work smoothly within specific web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. In other words, these password managers are often limited to the browsers they are built for. So, while they might work across different operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, they often lack full compatibility with mobile devices or other apps outside of the browser.

In contrast, third-party password managers, such as NordPass, offer dedicated apps for all your go-to platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. They also often provide extensions for all major browsers like Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox. This is all to say that third-party password managers are designed to offer a consistent experience, no matter the device and the browser you're using.

Backup and sync options

Browser password managers are pretty convenient because they sync your passwords across all devices where you use the same browser. So, for example, if you're using Google Chrome's password manager, it will sync your passwords automatically on any device where you're logged in to Chrome. The catch? You're stuck with just that one browser! Plus, the backup options are pretty basic, relying on the browser’s sync system, which often doesn’t offer any advanced encryption or recovery features.

On the flip side, third-party password managers like NordPass are much more flexible. They work with all major browsers and operating systems, so syncing your passwords across devices is a breeze. They also provide better backup options, like encrypted cloud storage or local encryption. Not to mention that some come with features like emergency access, which can be a real lifesaver if you ever get locked out of your account.

Additional features

While browser-based password managers, such as the built-in solutions from Google and Safari, are great for basic password management, their features tend to be somewhat limited since each one is, technically, a feature of a product called the browser. So, for instance, Safari does offer some nice extras like a password generator and passkey support, but it generally sticks to the core task of managing passwords.

That's where third-party password managers like NordPass really stand out—they act more like comprehensive cybersecurity tools. NordPass includes a Data Breach Scanner to check if your credentials have been compromised, a Password Health feature to evaluate the strength of your passwords, and Email Masking to create temporary email addresses for signing up without revealing your personal info. These additional features add significant value and enhance overall digital security, setting third-party solutions apart from the more basic browser-based options.

What about the price?

It’s true that most browser password managers are free, which is definitely appealing to a lot of users. But as we’ve touched on before, free doesn’t always mean secure, easy to use, or packed with additional features. These built-in tools might work fine for basic password management needs, but they often fall short in terms of security and functionality.

When it comes to third-party password managers, some do offer free plans, but these are also usually quite limiting. Therefore, if you’re serious about online security and want a tool that does more than just store your passwords, you’ll likely need to invest in a paid plan.

But don’t worry—it’s not a big expense. Most third-party password managers are surprisingly affordable. You can get most of the features you need for just a few dollars a month. This means that whether you're an individual looking to enhance your security or a business aiming to protect your team, you can do so without breaking the bank.

How to switch from a browser-based password manager to a third-party one?

Making a transition from using a browser password manager to a third-party one is much easier than you might expect. In fact, in most cases, it might take only a few minutes. Let us prove it to you by taking NordPass as an example.

First, you need to purchase and install NordPass (obviously). So, head over to our website, choose a plan, and download the app. For added convenience, you can also grab the browser extension for Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox while you’re at it.

Once you have NordPass set up, it will automatically recognize browsers like Chrome and Firefox that have your passwords stored and help you transfer them with just a few clicks. If this doesn’t work for some reason, you will need to export your passwords from your current browser-based manager (usually to a CSV file) and then import them into NordPass (check out our help center article for detailed instructions on this process).

If something, like a bug, stops you from doing that, you may need to transfer your passwords manually. This means finding your passwords in your Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox browser and then entering them into NordPass yourself. It's not the most convenient option, but it works.

Most people find the switch pretty smooth, but if you run into any issues, please reach out to our customer support team for help.