Google Password Manager Review: Features, App & Alternatives

Google Password Manager simplifies password management and enhances online security, making it ideal for everyday internet users.

While it lacks advanced features found in competitors, our Google Password Manager offers a comprehensive analysis, guiding you through its strengths and limitations to determine if it’s the right choice for you.

SMB Guide’s Verdict for Google Password Manager

We give Google Password Manager a 6.5 out of 10 because it lacks the ability to generate and use one-time passwords, and password sharing is not currently available.

When it becomes available, it is limited only to other Google accounts within your Google family. Because it lacks advanced features and is limited only to Chrome and Android users, it fails to compete well against other options on the market today for businesses.

Factor	Rating (out of 10)
Pricing & Plans	10
Multi-factor Security & Authentication	9.5
One-time Passwords	1
Password Capture & Generation	9.5
Password Sharing	3
User Interface and User Experience	8
Integrations and Compatibility	3
Customer Support	7
SMB Guide Rating	6.5

In this Google Password Manager review, I’ve followed SMB Guide’s detailed criteria for evaluating password managers.

Pricing & Plans

Google Password Manager has one plan available to all Google users at no cost.

Multi-factor Security & Authentication

To access the Google Password Manager, all you have to do is log in to your Google account. On the computer, this was as simple as signing in with my saved password.

On my cell phone, it did the same thing – but because of my phone’s security settings, I had to use my fingerprint. 

If I were logging in from a device I’d not been logged into before, I would likely have to use 2FA to get a code delivered to my phone or tap a number on my smartphone to prove my ID first.

One-time Passwords

In testing Google Password Manager, I was not able to find any one-time password options. It appears that this feature is not included.

Password Capture and Generation

Google Password Manager offers streamlined and efficient functionalities for password capture, storage, and generation within its native environments – the Chrome browser and the Android app. 

You’ll easily be able to capture passwords as you log into sites on Google Chrome. It will prompt you to save login credentials automatically. It’s not possible to easily import passwords directly from other web browsers because you must first be able to export them into a format that can be imported into Chrome.

The process for importing passwords involves exporting the passwords from the original manager and importing them into Chrome. The process varies in complexity depending on which software you’re using, based on the exporting manager’s interface and export options.

The built-in password generator creates strong, random passwords when you sign up for new accounts or change existing passwords on websites. It generates passwords that are a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, adhering to recommended practices for password strength.

When you generate passwords, you can see it and if you want to, adjust the password before you save it. But, the level of customization, such as specifying the exact length or focusing it to include or exclude certain character types is more limited compared to standalone password managers.

The generator aims to balance strength and memorability, which sometimes generates slightly shorter passwords that still comply with security standards.

Password Sharing

As of an article published on Android Police on February 6, 2024, Google Password Manager has officially announced password sharing amongst other accounts in your Google Family.

It is not currently live and is not an option to share with just anyone.

User Interface and User Experience

To get directly to the Google Password Manager, you must navigate to passwords.google.com. If you’re not already signed into your Google account, you’re prompted to do so.

From there, you can see a list of the passwords you’ve saved to the account, or go through the security checkup. 

Adding passwords is as simple as logging into your account and saving it to your Google account when prompted. It’s pretty easy to use because it doesn’t have a lot of features.

Integrations and Compatibility

Google Password Manager integrates with the Google ecosystem and can cross-sync between your computer and Android device as long as they both use the Chrome browser.

Outside of this, there are no integrations. If you download Chrome on your iOS device, you can use it there, too.

Customer Support

The customer support available for Google Password Manager is limited to Google customer support. There are help centers available for many of the products, but you can find the Google Password Manager help within the general Google Account help.

There’s also the option to get help from other Google users in the community with the help community. Outside of that, reaching Google by email or phone is difficult.

Google Password Manager — Unique Features

Google offers the Security Checkup feature, which evaluates your saved passwords for potential vulnerabilities. It alerts you to reused passwords and passwords exposed in breaches and provides recommendations for strengthening account security.

For Android users, Google Password Manager encrypts passwords separately on the device for an additional layer of security.

This means that if someone gains unauthorized access to your Google account, they wouldn’t automatically have access to your passwords without also having access to your device.

Google also allows users to opt into the Advanced Protection Program, designed for those at higher risk of targeted online attacks who can benefit from the added security measures applied to the password manager.

It includes stricter verification processes for accessing saved passwords and other sensitive information. It applies to your entire Google account – not just the password manager.

It requires you to purchase two security keys, either a Titan Security Key directly from the Google Store or register any two FIDO-compliant security keys. You have two options to choose from, one priced at $30 (USB-A) and the other priced at $35 (USB-C).

What the Experts Say About Google Password Manager

At the time of this writing, Google Workspace (including Password Manager) had the following reviews:

• G2 rating: 4.6/5 (40K+ ratings) 
• Capterra rating: 4.7/5 (15K+ ratings)
• Trustpilot rating: 1.8/5 (15+ ratings)

Google Workspace has been an amazing asset to my business. The apps are user-friendly and the collaboration tools are top-notch. I love the ability to easily share files and communicate with my team members. The pricing is also very affordable. The business apps integration is also a great feature – you can easily access your email, calendar, and contacts from within the workspace. Overall, I’ve found Google Workspace to be a great tool for business collaboration.

Enaan F., Digital Marketing Specialist – Verified Capterra review

If you’re a small business then it’s a no brainer: one low monthly fee and you get enterprise-level email, cloud storage and collaboration tools. I use it for my own business, and I recommend it to any of the small to medium-sized businesses we work it.

Paul D., Director – Verified Capterra review

Google Password Manager Alternatives

Not sure Google Password Manager will suit your business needs? Take a look at the other options.

LastPass

LastPass offers a more feature-rich experience, including secure password sharing, emergency access, and security challenges to assess password strength across accounts.

It supports a wide range of browsers and platforms beyond just Google’s, making it a versatile choice for individuals or businesses looking for comprehensive password management solutions. Paid plans start at $3/month, billed annually.

Get started with LastPass for free

1Password

1Password provides a more robust set of features, including a secure vault for documents, travel mode for added security while abroad, and family plans that facilitate sharing passwords and sensitive information.

Its interface is designed to cater to individual users and businesses prioritizing comprehensive security features and cross-platform compatibility beyond the Google Suite.

Give 1Password a try for free today!

Dashlane

Dashlane is a more comprehensive password management and online security solution. It includes features like a built-in VPN for safer internet access, dark web monitoring to alert users of potential identity theft, and the ability to change multiple passwords with a single click.

Dashlane’s focus on additional security measures and user-friendly interface make it a compelling option for individuals and businesses seeking a more robust security framework for their online activities.

Other options: Best Google Password Manager alternatives

Getting Started with Google Password Manager

Google Password Manager is the ideal choice for people seeking simplicity and seamless integration for Google users at no cost. It lacks advanced features found in alternatives but can be an effective option for some.

Evaluate your password management needs, consider the level of security and convenience you require, and choose the tool that best aligns with your digital lifestyle.

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