Chrome, Firefox and Safari all include a built-in password manager. So why do people still pay for Bitwarden or 1Password? Here is when each option is enough — and when it is not.
Browser-built
- ✅ Free, zero setup, syncs with your browser profile
- ✅ Good at generating and auto-filling passwords
- ✅ Encrypted at rest
- ❌ Locked to one browser ecosystem
- ❌ No secure sharing with family or team
- ❌ Breach alerts limited, no secrets vault (SSH keys, docs)
Dedicated manager
- ✅ Works everywhere (browsers, mobile apps, CLI)
- ✅ Secure sharing and family / team vaults
- ✅ Stores notes, TOTP codes, SSH keys, files
- ✅ Breach monitoring and password health reports
- ❌ Requires onboarding and a master passphrase
- ❌ Paid plans for advanced features
Who should use what?
A casual user who lives in one browser is fine with the built-in manager. Anyone who juggles multiple devices and operating systems, shares credentials with a partner, or stores anything sensitive beyond passwords, should jump to a dedicated manager. For a business, the dedicated option is non-negotiable: team vaults and audit logs do not exist in browsers.
TL;DR — Browser vaults defeat 80% of attacks at zero cost. A dedicated manager covers the remaining 20% and unlocks secure sharing.
FAQ
Is Chrome's password manager encrypted?
Yes, passwords are encrypted with your OS login or a separate passphrase. The protection is only as strong as that secret.
Which dedicated manager should I pick?
Bitwarden (open-source, free tier), 1Password (polished UX), KeePassXC (offline, local file). All three are reputable.
What about passkeys?
Both browser-built and dedicated managers now store passkeys. Use whichever you already use for passwords.