Look beyond built-in browser options like Google password manager to secure your passwords

Any password manager is better than no password manager. However, the general consensus from experts is that stand-alone password managers, such as Bitwarden, are safer than browser-based password managers like those offered by Google, Firefox, or Safari.

A dedicated password manager has several benefits: higher security, ease of use, and cross-platform availability. The first criteria is particularly critical; if there are security deficits in a password manager, everything else is essentially a moot point. And because there are always new vulnerabilities found in web browsers, why would you want to entrust your passwords to the likes of the Google password manager?

According to Security.org, 41% of users still rely on memorizing passwords over any other option. And although password manager usage did increase from 2022 to 2023 (by roughly 13%), given that it totals only 34% of Americans, there's plenty of room for improvement. In that same report, 27% of users save passwords with their browser. And with Chrome taking over 60% of the market share, you can bet the majority of those users are working with the Google password manager.

Unlike browser-based password managers, modern password managers offer several features that make the process considerably more convenient. Such features include import/export tools, hotkeys (a set of keyboard shortcuts to auto-fill login information), and password sharing (which is handled via end-to-end encryption).

It’s also far easier to employ an independent password manager across all of the devices you use. On the contrary, a browser-based password manager is limited to being used within the browser. Bitwarden, for example, works with phones, laptops, and tablets; across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android; and within most popular web browsers, like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and many more niche browsers. If you're using the Chrome password manager, you're limited to, you guessed it, Chrome. In short, a user has complete cross-platform availability.

If you do prefer the convenience of working with a browser-based password manager, Bitwarden's browser extension is just as easy. All you have to do is install the extension, log in with your Bitwarden account, and you'll then have access to your vault entries. To find out more on how to use the Bitwarden Chrome extension, check out this article in the Bitwarden help section.

The Bitwarden Chrome extension is not just about convenience. You can use the extension for auto-fill and even create custom fields for those accounts that require non-standard login key/value pairs. On top of that, you can associate multiple accounts with the same extension. With this handy extension, you'll also enjoy:

• World-class encryption.

• 3rd-party audits.

• Advanced 2FA.

• Bitwarden Send.

• Built-in password generator.

• Global translations.

After you have the Bitwarden Chrome extension installed and available, you might want to consider disabling the Chrome password manager. To do that, type chrome://password-manager/settings into the address bar and make sure Offer to Save Passwords is disabled. 

Once you've taken care of that, make certain to clear the Google browser browsing data (Ctrl + Shift + Del). You'll want to go to the Advanced tab, check Passwords and other sign-in data, and then click Delete Data.

Although any password manager is better than nothing, it's important to know that browser-based services, such as the Google password manager, aren't capable of securing your passwords as well as an independent tool. In this modern world of constant breaches and hacking, you can't afford to leave the security of your passwords in the digital hands of a web browser. Instead of hoping the Chrome password manager can keep your passwords safe, make the switch to an app dedicated to ensuring your passwords are protected with industry-leading security and features that make it just as convenient as a web browser.

Ready to get started with a password manager today? Quickly get set up with a free Bitwarden account, or sign up for a 7-day free trial of our business plans so your business and colleagues can stay protected.