# Password managers for Mac

> Cross-platform and open-source alternatives to Apple Passwords.

From dockpicks (https://dockpicks.com/), a hand-picked, independent directory of Mac apps. Web page: https://dockpicks.com/password-managers/

Group: Essentials. 5 apps, listed best first. Prices are the vendor's wording, checked October 2026, and can change.

Built into macOS: Passwords. macOS includes the Passwords app, which stores passwords, passkeys and two-factor verification codes, syncs them through iCloud Keychain, flags weak or compromised passwords and lets you share logins with a group. If you only use Apple devices, it is enough. A third-party manager makes sense if you also use Android or Linux, share a vault with family on mixed devices, or want a local, open-source vault you control.

## 1. 1Password

Polished, cross-platform password manager for people and families

- Price: $3.99/month billed yearly (promo $2.99)
- Pricing model: Subscription. A recurring payment for real use.
- Usable without paying: No
- Open source: No
- Website: https://1password.com/
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/password-managers/#1password

A subscription password manager with apps for Mac and other platforms. Plans cover one person or a family of up to 5.

Our take: The easiest paid option to recommend to non-technical family members on mixed devices. It is subscription-only and costs more than Bitwarden or Proton Pass.

## 2. Bitwarden

Open-source password manager with a generous free plan

- Price: Free; Premium $19.80/year
- Pricing model: Free tier. A usable free version, with a paid upgrade for more.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: Yes, GPL-3.0 (https://github.com/bitwarden/clients)
- Developer: Bitwarden Inc
- Website: https://bitwarden.com/
- Mac App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bitwarden/id1352778147
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/password-managers/#bitwarden

An open-source password manager with native apps for macOS, Windows and Linux plus mobile and browser extensions. The free plan includes unlimited passwords, devices and passkeys.

Our take: The best free choice if you need your passwords on every platform. Premium is cheap and adds an authenticator, file attachments and vault health reports. The apps are less polished than 1Password.

## 3. Proton Pass

Privacy-focused password manager with email aliases

- Price: Free; Plus $35.88/year
- Pricing model: Free tier. A usable free version, with a paid upgrade for more.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: Yes, GPL-3.0 (https://github.com/ProtonMail/WebClients)
- Developer: Proton AG
- Website: https://proton.me/pass
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/password-managers/#proton-pass

An open-source password manager from Proton with apps for macOS, mobile and browsers. The free plan includes unlimited logins and devices, passkeys and 10 hide-my-email aliases.

Our take: A good free alternative to Bitwarden, especially if you already use Proton Mail or want email aliases to hide your real address. Paid plans are pricier than Bitwarden Premium.

## 4. KeePassXC

Free, offline, open-source password vault in a local file

- Price: Free
- Pricing model: Free. No payment needed for the full app.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: Yes, GPL-2.0 or GPL-3.0 (https://github.com/keepassxreboot/keepassxc)
- Website: https://keepassxc.org/
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/password-managers/#keepassxc

A cross-platform, open-source password manager for macOS, Windows and Linux that keeps your passwords in an encrypted file you store wherever you like. There are no KeePassXC servers.

Our take: For people who want full control and no account or subscription. You handle syncing yourself, for example via a cloud folder, and there is no official iPhone app, so pair it with a KeePass-compatible mobile app such as Strongbox.

## 5. Strongbox

Native KeePass-compatible password manager for Mac and iPhone

- Price: Free; Pro $24.99/year or $124.99 lifetime
- Pricing model: Free tier. A usable free version, with a paid upgrade for more.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: Yes, AGPL-3.0 (https://github.com/strongbox-password-safe/Strongbox)
- Developer: Phoebe Code Limited
- Website: https://strongboxsafe.com/
- Mac App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/strongbox-password-manager/id897283731
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/password-managers/#strongbox

A native password manager for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch that works with KeePass databases, stored in cloud services or your own server via WebDAV or SFTP.

Our take: The best way to use a KeePass vault on Apple devices with a native feel, and it can share the same file with KeePassXC on other computers. Free use is non-commercial only and lacks some convenience features.