Ditch the Paywalls: Open-Source Password Managers That Put You in Control

How many passwords do you have floating around in your head right now? Is it 5, 10, maybe 20? Chances are, if you're not using a password manager, you're either reusing passwords (dangerous!), relying on weak ones (very dangerous!), or just feeling the constant struggle of trying to remember them all (exhausting!). ????

In the modern world, securing your digital identity is no longer optional—it’s mandatory. With more of our lives online, passwords are like the keys to the castle. But here's the thing: if you're using weak, reused passwords, you’re essentially leaving your castle gates wide open. That’s where password managers come in, and if you’re like me—who’s passionate about open-source and security—you’re going to love the FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) options out there. Let me take you through my favorite password managers, why FOSS is the gold standard, and how you can install them right from the terminal.

Why FOSS Password Managers? ???

I’ll be real with you—proprietary password managers get the job done, but there’s something incredibly empowering about using FOSS tools. With open-source, the code is available for anyone to review, meaning no hidden backdoors or privacy invasions. These tools are transparent, community-driven, and most importantly, they offer security on your terms.

Say goodbye to the paywalls and subscriptions. Let’s dive into four of the best FOSS (or partly FOSS) password managers.

1. ProtonPass (Part of Proton Family) ??

If you’ve been around in the privacy world, you already know the folks at Proton—the people behind ProtonMail and ProtonVPN. Well, say hello to ProtonPass, their latest venture into secure password management. Built with the same end-to-end encryption that made ProtonMail famous, ProtonPass is a privacy-first password manager that helps you store your passwords, notes, and other sensitive information securely.

Key Features:

• End-to-end encryption for all your passwords.
• Zero-access encryption, meaning not even Proton can access your passwords.
• Easy sync across devices.
• Ties in with the Proton ecosystem for email, VPN, and storage.

While not entirely FOSS, ProtonPass is built by a company that prioritizes privacy and security, making it a trusted option.

How to Install ProtonPass:

• You can download it directly from their site, but sadly, there’s no native Linux app yet. However, it integrates perfectly into browsers like Firefox and Chrome through extensions.

Check out ProtonPass here.

2. Bitwarden ??

If you’re looking for an entirely open-source, community-driven solution, look no further than Bitwarden. Bitwarden has taken the password manager world by storm, offering complete transparency, cross-platform syncing, and the ability to even self-host your vault if you’re a control freak like me. ??

Key Features:

• Fully FOSS.
• End-to-end encryption.
• Cross-platform, syncing across devices (from Linux to mobile).
• Self-hosting option for complete control over your data.
• Browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and more.

How to Install Bitwarden in the Terminal (Linux):

sudo apt install bitwarden        

sudo snap install bitwarden

Or using Flatpak:

snap install bitwarden        

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flatpak install flathub com.bitwarden.desktop

For manual installation, check out Bitwarden’s GitHub page.

You can also set up Bitwarden using their web extension, desktop app, or mobile app, giving you access to your vault anywhere, anytime.

Bitwarden is one of my favorites because it’s truly cross-platform and has no limitations on its free version.

3. KeePassXC ???

For those who want absolute offline control over their passwords, KeePassXC is the go-to. KeePassXC is a community fork of the popular KeePass, offering enhanced features and a modern UI. Unlike cloud-based managers, KeePassXC stores your passwords locally on your device, but it can sync across devices with a little setup.

Key Features:

• Fully open-source and offline.
• Local storage of passwords (no cloud needed).
• Supports YubiKey and two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux).

How to Install KeePassXC in the Terminal (Linux): On Ubuntu and other Debian-based distros:

sudo apt install keepassxc        

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sudo apt install keepassxc

Or using Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub org.keepassxc.KeePassXC        

KeePassXC is perfect if you’re the type who values ultimate control. You can even pair it with cloud services like Nextcloud or Dropbox to sync your encrypted vault across devices if you need that flexibility.

Check out KeePassXC’s official page here.

4. 1Password ??

While 1Password isn’t fully open-source, its browser extensions and some elements are FOSS, and it’s known for its industry-leading features. This makes it a top choice for teams, families, and professionals who need to share password vaults securely. It offers smooth UX, advanced encryption, and tons of integrations, but it comes at a price (literally) after the free trial ends. However, if you’re looking for convenience with some open-source underpinnings, 1Password is a strong contender.

Key Features:

• End-to-end encryption.
• Cross-platform syncing and browser extensions.
• Family and team sharing options.
• Password breach monitoring.
• Easy integration with other tools.

How to Install 1Password in the Terminal (Linux):

curl -sS https://downloads.1password.com/linux/keys/1password.asc | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/1password-archive-keyring.gpg > /dev/null echo 'deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/1password-archive-keyring.gpg] https://downloads.1password.com/linux/debian stable main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/1password.list sudo apt update && sudo apt install 1password        

For a hybrid approach of convenience and solid security, 1Password is worth checking out. However, keep in mind that it’s not entirely free.

Explore 1Password here.

Your Digital Safety Starts with Password Management

In a world where data breaches are becoming way too common, it’s no longer enough to rely on memory for your passwords. Strong, unique passwords for every site are non-negotiable, and the best way to manage that is with a password manager. But not just any password manager—one that’s FOSS, transparent, and built with your privacy in mind.

Switching to a FOSS password manager like Bitwarden or KeePassXC isn’t just about saving money (though, let’s be real, avoiding another subscription is always a win). It’s about owning your data, having peace of mind, and securing your online life in the best way possible. With easy installations and constant community-driven improvements, these tools are more powerful than ever—and they're just a terminal command away.

What’s Next? (Part 2 Teaser)

Now that you’ve got your passwords under control, what’s next in the world of FOSS security? In Part 2, I’ll dive into FOSS multi-factor authentication (MFA) tools and how to layer up your security with these powerful, free options.

Stay tuned. Your online safety is only getting stronger.

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This article engages readers by focusing on why FOSS tools are better for password management, while also providing easy installation methods. It’s designed to resonate with both tech enthusiasts and security-conscious individuals!