If you use the Firebox browser and follow Internet security best practices, you may already be using the Firebox password manager. However, the “built-in” password manager for Firefox has limited capabilities and, in some circumstances, can expose your passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive data to bad actors. So, what are the alternatives to the default Firefox password browser, and which is best?
The Firefox password manager is an effective free tool for storing login credentials, credit card details, and other confidential data. When you visit a web site via the Firefox browser which requires login details, if you have previously saved your details in the password manager, your username and password is automatically filled in. Furthermore, if you have to pay for something or complete an address form, the password manager can auto-complete your credit card details and address.
However, as good as it is, the Firefox password manager has limitations. It can only sync saved data with other devices using a Firefox browser. So, if you use Firefox on your PC and Chrome on your smartphone, you have to use two browser-based password managers to access all your log-in credentials. Furthermore, Firefox doesn´t log you out when you finish a browsing session, so anybody with access to your PC or mobile can get hold of your passwords and credit card details.
Vault-Based Password Managers for Firefox
Vault-based password managers are Internet-based solutions that secure passwords, credit cards, and other confidential data in a vault – usually online, but as you will see below, that´s not always the case. The benefit of vault-based password managers is that they can be accessed from any device via the Internet or via apps and browser extensions. Consequently, using a vault-based password manager means you only have one password manager, rather than one for each browser.
Vault-based password managers have cross-platform synchronization. This means users can access passwords, credit cards details, and other confidential information at any time from any device by entering the master password to their vault. In addition, vault-based password managers can be configured to “timeout” after a period of inactivity, and it is possible to share passwords securely from the password manager rather than sending an email, SMS, or chat message.
The Best Firefox Password Managers
Not all vault-based password managers have the same capabilities, and the features of each can vary depending on whether you opt for a free plan, a premium plan, or a family plan. Consequently, we´ve looked at the three Firefox password managers as recommended by Firefox to compare their capabilities and their cost if opting for a premium of family plan. Here´s what we found:
RoboForm
RoboForm offers a choice of two personal plans and a family plan. The “Free” plan is extremely feature limited. It doesn´t sync passwords across devices, it doesn´t support two factor authentication, and if you lose your master password, you´re stuck, because there is no emergency access option unless you subscribe to the premium “Everywhere” Plan.
The Everywhere plan is fairly pricey at $23.88 per year (RRP), but in addition to the features missing from the free plan there are several cool features including shared folders. Importantly, the Everywhere plan also comes with 24/7 support. If you want to encourage your family to follow Internet security best practices, the family plan for 5 users costs $47.75 per year (RRP).
MYKI
MYKI is a little different from a standard vault-based password manager as data is stored on your devices rather than the cloud. To use the MYKI password manager for Firefox, you have to download and install an app on every device you use. Credentials are then synced between devices via MYKI´s servers using encrypted channels.
Although the process seems complicated, the payback is that MYKI is free for personal users. Furthermore, the free plan includes secure offline storage, secure password sharing, and auto-filled 2FA. You only pay if you want to subscribe to a team plan which cost $4.99 per user per month (minimum five users), or $3.99 per user per month if you pay annually in advance.
Bitwarden
Of all Firefox´s recommended password managers, Bitwarden is the most popular – and it´s not difficult to see why. Bitwarden´s free personal plan (for up to two users!) gives you full synchronization across all device types, operating systems, and browsers without the need to download any apps (although apps and browser extensions are available if you want them).
You also get a secure password generator, secure send, and two-step login in the free plan. If you want to upgrade to a premium plan in order to get 1GB of storage, health reports on vault items, emergency access, and priority support it costs $10 per year for individual accounts and $40 per year for a family account with up to six users. Cheaper than RoboForm, and easier to use than MYKI.
Conclusion
While it looks apparent that Bitwarden is the best Firefox password manager, all three solutions mentioned above have (and many other vault-based password managers) offer free plans for you to try before upgrading to a premium service. This gives you an opportunity to get familiar with the software, identify any issues, and make the best choice for following Internet best practices securely.
