5 Best Password Managers for Linux (2026): GUI and CLI Picks Tested

• Written by Sayb Saad Former Writer
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Managing passwords on Linux can feel tricky when you want both strong security and an easy flow. Linux is secure by design, but it doesn’t cover the daily grind of logging into sites, apps, and servers. That’s where a good password manager steps in.

We tested a range of tools on Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, and openSUSE to see which ones work well. The best Linux password managers blend strong encryption with Linux-first features like CLI use, quick installs, and hardware key support.

Dashlane came out on top because it balances ease with security for Linux users. It runs smoothly in Firefox and Chromium, and its web app is polished and fast. Plus, its zero-knowledge design makes it super secure. You can try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Use Dashlane on Linux

Quick Guide: 2026’s Best Password Managers for Linux

1. Dashlane — AI phishing alerts keep your logins safe in real time. Dashlane warns you the second you hit a fake page, scans the dark web for leaks, and has a built-in VPN.
2. 1Password — Native Linux app with CLI tools for power users with an SSH key manager, and a robust CLI, though it lacks Dashlane’s real-time phishing alerts.
3. Bitwarden — Open-source allows self-hosting freedom. It has a script-friendly CLI and the option to host your own server, but the interface feels plain.
4. Proton Pass — You can mask your address with disposable aliases and enjoy a solid Linux desktop app, though team controls are limited.
5. NordPass — XChaCha20 encryption is light and keeps your vault fast and secure with modern crypto and email masking, but skips a Linux CLI for deeper automation.

Best Password Managers for Linux — Full Analysis (2026)

1.Dashlane — AI Phishing Alerts That Keep Linux Browsing Safe

Key Features:

• AES-256 encryption with zero-knowledge architecture for maximum security
• Advanced dark web monitoring scans over 20 billion records for data breaches
• Secure password sharing with granular permissions and access controls
• Compatible with all major Linux distributions through browser extensions
• 30-day money-back guarantee for new subscribers

Dashlane does more than store passwords — it guards you while you surf. Its AI phishing alerts pop up the second you land on a fake login page , saving you from typing credentials into a trap. On Linux, this runs right in Firefox or Chromium, so you get real-time protection where you spend most of your time. That’s a safety net you won’t find in most managers.

The dark web scans add a deeper layer of defense. Instead of vague alerts, Dashlane shows you which services are compromised and when . That detail makes it easy to spot weak points and fix them fast.

Pair that with Dashlane’s strong generator, and you’ll replace bad logins with rock-solid ones in minutes. In addition, it has:

• Granular password sharing — lets you share a login or API key with teammates while keeping full control over who can view or edit it.
• Built-in VPN — powered by Hotspot Shield on the paid plans, protects your logins on public WiFi. While it’s not as good as top standalone VPNs , it’s a decent bonus to have.
• Encrypted storage — store sensitive files like SSH keys, config files, or contracts in your vault, locked with the same strong encryption as your passwords.
• Secure sharing — keep private text like server commands, recovery codes, or license keys safe and easy to find, instead of scattering them across files.

On Linux distros like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch, the browser extension feels polished and easy. Autofill is quick and accurate, even on clunky sites with multi-step logins. You won’t waste time fixing misfires or retyping details. If your workday is browser-heavy, Dashlane blends in so naturally that it feels like part of your system.

Dashlane skips a Linux desktop client, but the browser-first design is no weak spot. You still get phishing alerts, breach scans, and a smooth dashboard without jumping through hoops. Add the bundled VPN and emergency vault access, and you’ve got a manager that mixes security, ease, and speed better than any other premium pick for Linux.

2026 special offer ! Protect your passwords with Dashlane for as low as $ 2.00 per month with an annual subscription (save up to 60 %)!! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it’s too late. See more information on this offer here .

2.1Password — Native Linux App With Powerful CLI Tools

Key Features:

• Native Linux application with full desktop integration and system tray support
• Comprehensive CLI tool for terminal-based password management and automation
• SSH key management with secure storage and agent integration
• Works on Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, openSUSE Leap, and all major browsers
• 14-day free trial with all premium features included

If you want a password manager that feels truly built for Linux, 1Password is it. The native desktop app runs fast, respects your system theme, and fits right into GNOME, KDE, or any other setup. You get tray icon support, global shortcuts, and no Wine or workarounds needed. It’s one of the smoothest desktop experiences of a Linux-based manager.

The built-in SSH key manager is a huge win if you log into servers often. You can create, store, and use SSH keys directly from 1Password; no need to touch ‘~/.ssh/’ or manage agents by hand. Once set up, 1Password can auto-auth your sessions securely. It’s excellent if you juggle keys across multiple machines or cloud accounts. You also get:

• SSH key risk scanning in Watchtower — checks SSH keys stored locally for weaknesses, then prompts you to import them into 1Password for safer handling.
• Import encrypted SSH keys in PKCS#8 format — you can lift old, securely-encrypted server keys directly into your vault without converting them manually.
• Expiring shared item links — lets you generate time-limited web links for any vault item (like a secret or password) and set it to auto-expire.
• Custom vault policies for teams — so you can set custom policies (like password length, 2FA, and vault access) to enforce security rules across Linux-using groups.

If you live in the terminal, 1Password’s CLI gives you full control from the command line. You can pull credentials, pipe them into scripts, and even fetch OTPs — all without hardcoding anything. Whether you’re building automation or just working on a headless server, it makes secure access part of your workflow.

The only reason it’s a close second to Dashlane is that 1Password lacks its real-time phishing alerts that warn you the moment you hit a fake page. That said, its strict domain-matching autofill still blocks your credentials from going into spoofed sites — that’s why it’s one of our top-rated password managers . You can try 1Password risk-free with its 14-day free trial.

2026 special offer ! Protect your passwords with 1Password for as low as $ 2.39 per month with an annual subscription!! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it’s too late. See more information on this offer here .

3.Bitwarden — Open-Source Transparency With Self-Hosting Freedom

Key Features:

• Fully open-source with community-audited code and transparent security practices
• Self-hosting option through Vaultwarden for complete data control
• Comprehensive CLI tools with script integration and automated workflows
• Cross-platform synchronization across unlimited devices on the free plan
• Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Bitwarden’s biggest advantage is that it’s open source. Unlike closed-source rivals, its entire codebase is open for review on GitHub, so you can see how it works under the hood. Pair that transparency with the ability to self-host a Vaultwarden server, and you can own both the software and the storage. Alongside this, Bitwarden has:

• Unlimited devices on the free plan — sync your vault across all your machines and phones without a paywall stopping you mid-setup
• Biometric unlock on Linux — use system authentication (like a fingerprint, where supported) to unlock faster without typing your master password each time.
• CLI built for scripts — the ‘bw’ tool outputs JSON and slots into shell pipelines, so you can fetch creds and OTPs cleanly inside automation.
• Passkey support — store and use passkeys, and even log in to the Bitwarden web app with a passkey when your browser supports it.

If privacy is your hill to die on, self-hosting seals the deal. The official Docker deploy gets you a full Bitwarden stack on a Linux box. Vaultwarden gives you a tighter, Rust-based option that sips resources on a Pi or micro-VM. Either way, you hold the keys and the server, which makes audits and compliance easier to defend.

The browser extensions are lean and dependable across Firefox, Chrome/Chromium, Brave, and more on Linux. Autofill is accurate on standard and oddball forms alike , and you can add custom fields for those “why is this login different?” edge cases. It feels quick because it is quick — the extension stays out of your way until you need it.

A small drawback is Bitwarden’s polish. Its UI is more utilitarian, so it takes a touch more tweaking before it feels “slick.” If you value open code, scriptable power, and the freedom to self-host at near-zero cost, that trade-off is well worth it — especially with unlimited devices on the free plan. And you can test it out risk-free for 30 days before committing.

2026 special offer ! Protect your passwords with Bitwarden for as low as $ 1 per month with an annual subscription! See more information on this offer here .

4.Proton Pass — Built-In SimpleLogin Aliases to Shield Your Email

Key Features:

• Zero-knowledge encryption with end-to-end security and Swiss privacy protection
• Integrated 2FA authenticator eliminates the need for separate TOTP applications
• Built-in identity monitoring scans the dark web for compromised personal information
• Compatible with all major Linux distros and browsers
• Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee

If you hate spam and leaks, Proton Pass gives you a clean fix. You can create a fresh hide-my-email alias for each site , so shops and forums never see your real address. If one alias starts to get junk mail, you flip it off and move on. It’s simple, fast, and built right into your Linux setup.

You also get a built-in 2FA authenticator, so your six-digit codes show up right where you log in. There’s no hassle of app-switching and copy-pasting — Proton Pass can display and autofill TOTP codes for saved sites . If you prefer separate apps, Proton’s own Authenticator exists, but Pass alone covers daily 2FA well. In addition, it provides:

• Proton Sentinel protection — an opt-in, high-security program that uses AI plus human review to stop account takeovers.
• Pass Monitor security suite — gives you dark-web alerts, weak-password checks, and “inactive 2FA” warnings, with clear steps to fix issues.
• Flexible, secure sharing — share single items via end-to-end encrypted links or grant vault access with expiries and revocation.

On Linux, you can install a native desktop app instead of living only in the browser. It feels quick, supports offline access for those no-signal moments, and syncs cleanly when you’re back online. Setup is a breeze with .deb/.rpm and extensions for Firefox, Chromium, and more. You get a smooth desktop flow without hacks.

The weak spot is team features. You won’t find the deep role controls or custom vault rules that bigger managers pack in. But for daily Linux use, Proton Pass nails what matters — privacy, aliases, and quick logins without clutter . You can give it a spin worry-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

5.NordPass — Cutting-Edge XChaCha20 Encryption for Faster, Safer Logins

Key Features:

• Zero-knowledge encryption with end-to-end security and Swiss privacy protection
• Has an integrated 2FA authenticator
• Built-in identity monitoring scans the dark web for compromised personal data
• Compatible with all major Linux distros and browsers
• Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee

NordPass’s edge is XChaCha20, a modern and light algorithm that stays light on your CPU while keeping your vault sealed tight, which you’ll feel on older Linux laptops. Pair that with Argon2 for key hardening, and you get snappy unlocks without trading away security. It’s a smart fit if you want speed and safety in one package.

• Passkeys — save and use passkeys through the Linux desktop app, web vault, or Chromium/Firefox extensions.
• Breach monitoring — checks your logins against fresh dumps and shows you exactly which passwords to fix.
• Secure sharing — hand off a login or WiFi key with view/edit control and pull it back instantly when you’re done

Installing on Linux is painless. Just grab the Snap package, log in, and link it with the extension. The desktop app itself doesn’t autofill, but the extension does. Together they’re reliable on everything from Firefox ESR to Brave. Autofill gets multi-page forms right on the first try, and the password generator adapts to finicky sites that need odd character rules.

A small drawback is that NordPass doesn’t have a CLI for Linux , so you can’t weave it into scripts or terminal workflows. The tradeoff is a polished GUI and browser extension combo that stays fast, reliable, and simple for everyday use. You can test it yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee without any risk.

Quick Comparison Table: Linux Password Manager Features

How We Test Password Managers for Linux

Linux users don’t just need strong security — they need tools that actually fit into their daily workflows. That’s why we test password managers the same way you’d use them, on real distros, in real environments, under real pressure.

• Distribution compatibility — We installed and tested on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Fedora 39, Arch, and openSUSE Leap 15.5 to see how each manager handles packages, themes, and system shortcuts.
• Usability and performance — Measured speed, stability, and resource use on Linux desktops, plus how well the UI adapts to GNOME, KDE, and other environments.
• Security checks — We verified encryption, authentication, and 2FA handling, and reviewed open-source audits where available to confirm that claims match reality.
• Integration with Linux workflows — We tested browser extensions, CLI tools, and automation hooks to measure how smoothly they slot into daily dev and sysadmin tasks.
• Cross-platform sync — We checked how fast and reliably vault changes sync across Linux, mobile, and other OS devices, including sharing and emergency access.

Linux Password Manager Setup Guide

Getting Dashlane running on Linux is simple once you know the right path. You’ll mostly rely on the browser extension and web app, but setup is quick and works cleanly across distros. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Install the browser extension — Open Firefox, Chromium, or Brave on your Linux system and head to the extension store. Search for “Dashlane” and add it to your browser.
2. Sign in and unlock your vault — Once the extension is installed, sign in with your Dashlane account or create a new one if you’re starting fresh. Enter your master password to unlock and sync your data.
3. Use the web app for full features — Dashlane’s web app acts as your desktop dashboard on Linux. Open it in your browser to manage items, check dark web alerts, and tweak security settings.
4. Try the CLI tool (optional) — If you prefer terminal workflows, Dashlane also offers a CLI package. Install it from their official GitHub repo, then authenticate using Dashlane login. You can pull logins, generate passwords, and work right from the command line.
5. Keep it updated across distros — On Ubuntu or Debian, browser extensions auto-update through the store. Fedora and Arch users can do the same, or pull the CLI updates via their package tools.

Secure Your Linux Passwords with the Right Tool

Linux users have no patience for clunky tools, and password managers are no exception. You need something that installs clean, plays nice with your distro, and doesn’t trip you up when you’re deep in the terminal. The right manager should feel like part of your system, not an extra chore you drag around.

We tested many password managers for weeks, and Dashlane came out on top despite not having a Linux native app. It’s phishing alerts fire the instant you hit a fake page, and its browser extensions work flawlessly on every major distro we tried. You can try Dashlane risk-free and test it out for yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Summary — Best Password Managers for Linux in 2026