Managing passwords across multiple devices can be a hassle. While built-in browser and operating system password managers suffice, third-party solutions offer seamless synchronization and enhanced convenience. Privacy is paramount when entrusting your credentials to a digital vault, and Proton Pass, a new open-source password manager, aims to deliver on this front. Available in both free and paid versions, Proton Pass, from the creators of Proton VPN and Proton Mail, promises a secure and private solution. This review explores its features, usability, and customer support to determine if it’s the right password manager for you.
Pricing and Plans
Proton Pass comes in a free and paid version, or in a bundle of services.Proton Pass offers flexible pricing plans to suit different needs.
Proton Pass offers a compelling free version with unlimited logins and secure notes stored within two vaults. With cross-device synchronization, the free tier may be sufficient for many users. It’s also a convenient entry point for those invited to a shared Proton vault without a paid subscription.
For advanced features like password sharing and enhanced organization, Proton Pass Plus is available for $24 per year. This premium tier unlocks up to 10 vaults, link and vault sharing, two-factor authentication (2FA), and dark web monitoring. While a $5 monthly plan exists, the annual subscription offers significant savings.
Unlike some competitors, Proton Pass Plus doesn’t include cloud storage for attaching files to logins. However, users gain access to 1GB of free encrypted storage with Proton Drive.
The Proton Unlimited bundle combines Pass Plus with other Proton services, including a premium VPN, 500GB of encrypted cloud storage, a secure email client with 15 accounts, and more. Priced at $120 annually, the bundle represents a substantial discount compared to purchasing services individually.
Currently, no family plan is available, requiring separate Proton Pass Plus accounts or strategic use of shared vaults with free accounts for household password management. Business accounts are also offered, starting at $24 per user annually, with similar features to personal plans plus administrative controls.
Design and User Experience
Proton Free allows unlimited cross-platform sync but no sharing.Proton Pass supports a wide range of platforms and browsers.
Installing Proton Pass proved straightforward, beginning with the browser extension on a Windows PC. The password manager supports a wide range of operating systems, including macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and integrates with major browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi. Browser extension functionality mirrors the desktop app, eliminating the need for both.
Setup involved creating a free Proton account and setting a master password before importing existing passwords. Transitioning to an iPhone required installing the dedicated Proton Pass mobile app and entering the master password to unlock the previously created vault. The iOS app provided clear instructions for enabling Proton Pass within Apple Settings.
I didnEnabling biometric login adds an extra layer of security.
Frequent master password prompts led to exploring biometric login options. Enabling Windows Hello required activating two-factor authentication (2FA) within the Proton account and entering a PIN verification code.
Features and Functionality
Proton Pass Plus autofilled one and showed a menu of my saved credentials when logging in.Autofill functionality simplifies logins across different websites.
Core password manager functionalities, such as autofill and cross-platform synchronization, performed reliably. Credentials appeared automatically, whether launching Proton Pass directly or navigating to websites independently, streamlining the login process.
While sharing is a Proton Pass Plus feature, attempting to share with the free version prompted an upgrade message with a convenient upgrade button. After entering the activation code, sharing functioned as expected.
Proton Pass Plus let me set sharing permissions and a link expiration time.Securely share individual logins and notes with customizable permissions.
Proton Pass Plus simplifies sharing through secure links for individual logins, notes, cards, and aliases. Granular control over link views and expiration periods enhances security, similar to 1Password’s robust sharing options.
While the extension prioritizes quick vault access, the web app provides a more convenient interface for organization.
Proton Pass PlusOrganize your credentials with dedicated vaults.
Instead of folders, Proton Pass Plus utilizes vaults to categorize accounts for work, hobbies, finances, and personal use. Users can create and share up to 10 vaults, with shared links accessible by anyone. However, accessing a shared vault requires a Proton Pass account, even a free one, enabling secure collaboration with family, friends, and colleagues.
Customer Support
If you canProton Pass offers email support and a comprehensive support center.
Proton Pass Plus support is primarily email-based. The support center and official Reddit forum offer resources for quicker solutions. While slower support is typical for budget-friendly services, competitors like NordPass provide 24/7 live chat support. A test email regarding Meta Quest 3 compatibility took over a day for a response. The web app should theoretically support Proton Pass on any modern browser.
Privacy and Security
Developed by Proton AG, whose largest shareholder is the non-profit Proton Foundation, Proton Pass prioritizes privacy and security. The Foundation’s mission is to advance privacy, freedom, and democracy globally, suggesting a commitment to user data protection. Proton assures users that data is not sold, rented, or shared with third-party advertisers.
Proton Sentinel, combining AI and human analysis, offers 24/7 monitoring and escalation of suspicious logins. This feature is disabled by default and may be unnecessary for most users. Proton Pass employs industry-standard AES-256 end-to-end encryption, ensuring data remains unreadable even by Proton employees. No reported security breaches further reinforce Proton’s commitment to data security.
Conclusion: Is Proton Pass the Right Choice?
With a 30-day money-back guarantee, Proton Pass Plus and Proton Unlimited offer risk-free trials. Competitive pricing and robust security make Proton Pass a solid choice, especially the bundle offering a premium VPN and other services. Alternatives like Dashlane also include VPNs, while Norton and Bitdefender integrate password managers into their antivirus suites.
The free version of Proton Pass is exceptionally generous, providing unlimited cross-device password management without sharing capabilities. Bitwarden, another open-source option, allows limited sharing in its free tier.
Overall, Proton Pass is a cost-effective solution, particularly for users already invested in the Proton ecosystem. While lacking some features of premium competitors like Keeper, its value proposition is undeniable.
