First, the function is only available on Apple devices. That means, if you plan to migrate to Android or Windows, there is no way to move the password data with you. Setting up a new database in another password manager can be a head-scratcher. And second, similar to other Apple services like Apple Reminder and Apple Mail’s rivals, the iCloud Keychain alternatives from the App Store are better in terms of functions and overall implementation. That, coupled with Apple’s openness to allow third-party password managers as default auto-fill option, makes the experience better than ever. The Apple App Store is filled with various third-party password managers. We have hand-picked five best options among them. In this post, we are going to talk about their features, cross-platform availability, price, security, and more. Let’s get started.
1. Enpass
Enpass password manager became a well-known alternative to the most rivals there. The software’s biggest strength is security. Unlike other password managers, it won’t store the user data on their servers. It allows the user the save the data offline or on their choice of cloud storage. After signing up, the app will take you to the default home, which lets you create entries for Login, Credit Card, Notes, Bank Account, Insurance Policy, and more. From the Group tab, you can add categories and tags to each entry. My favorite function is the built-in audit. Enpass identifies and gives you a detailed report on the weak, identical, repeated, and old passwords in the vault. The app supports the iOS 13 dark theme, and one can set it as a default auto-fill option from the Settings. Apart from that, Enpass also features TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password), Apple Watch support, multiple vaults function, built-in browser, and more. Enpass used to be a one-time purchase, but the company recently moved to the subscription model. It now costs $1 per month to use across all devices. The supported platforms are Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and even Linux. Download Enpass for iOS
2. LastPass
LastPass is one of the most popular password managers out there. The popularity took a hit with a couple of data breaches in the last few years. But even then, the app remains the default choice for the majority out there. The biggest selling point of LastPass is unlimited data entries with syncing support on multiple platforms for free (something that the rivals charge for). The premium version is required when you aim to create multiple vaults to share, want priority support, and an added security layer. Most features are included in the free version. The list of functions includes the ability to create multiple vaults, security challenges to check password strength and warn about repeated passwords. LastPass also supports a strong password generator and auto-fill login on iOS. LastPass stores all the data on their servers, which makes them vulnerable to potential hacks and thefts. Let’s hope that OneDrive/Google Drive integration happens soon. The service is available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and on all popular browsers. The Premium version costs $3 per month. Download LastPass for iOS
3. 1Password
1Password offers tons of features out of the box. That has made the service popular among consumers as well as in the enterprise sector. Apple recently deployed 1Password among its 123,000 employees. The app features one of the best UI out there. I like the white/blue theme with a neat iconography and dark theme support. With 1Password, one can create multiple vaults, share vaults with family members, generate OTP from the default authenticator, attach a file in an entry, supports the Apple Watch, and most importantly, it’s available on all platforms and supports major browsers through extensions. In terms of security, you can use biometric authentication, opt for a built-in browser for safe login, and the service offers AES-GCM-256 authenticated encryption. 1Password costs $3 per month for personal use. You can jump to $5/month for a family plan, which lets you share the service with up to five members, bringing the cost down to $1/month per user. Download 1Password for iOS
4. SafeInCloud
SafeInCloud follows a similar route as the Enpass. It lets you store the data offline or on the cloud provider of your choice. The biggest benefit of SafeInCloud is its pricing policy. Pay once and use it for the lifetime. With that, one also gets a desktop app for free. No subscription required here. SafeInCloud features tags to sort out the entries in no time. You can also generate strong passwords, autofill them on iOS and Android, and use the default browser for a secure login experience. My only problem with SafeInCloud is its user interface. It looks dated compared to its rivals. The service is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. The pro version is priced at $10. Download SafeInCloud for iOS
5. Firefox Lockwise
Firefox has been adding useful add-ons such as Firefox Send and Firefox Lockwise on top of its browser offering. Firefox Send lets you send up to 2.5GB of file while Lockwise is a cross-platform password manager integrated with the browser. The process is straightforward. Whenever you add a website login info in the Firefox browser, the service adds the data entry in the Lockwise manager. It is free and syncs seamlessly with the Firefox account. The service makes perfect sense for those looking for a secure and free iCloud Keychain alternative. Firefox did a solid job with mobile apps. Now, it won’t have all the bells and whistles of LastPass or Enpass, but the app gets the job done with biometric security, auto-fill login, and built-in browser. Download Firefox Lockwise for iOS
Time to Move on From iCloud Keychain
All the options are capable alternatives to the iCloud keychain on the iPhone. Enpass is feature-rich, LastPass and 1Password offer more flexibility with family plans, SafeInCloud is cheaper, while Firefox Lockwise is the perfect choice for the Firefox users. Which one would you choose? Share your comments and experiences in the comments section below. Next up: Getting confused between the Enpass and SafeInCloud? Read the comparison below to make the better choice.
