Freedom251 › Password Managers
Password Safe
What Password Safe is
Password Safe is a free, open-source password manager for Windows and Linux. It stores usernames and passwords in an encrypted database protected by a master password. Users can generate complex passwords, define their own password policies, and organize records with customizable references in one or multiple databases. Auto Type enters saved credentials into web forms. The FAQ identifies Twofish encryption with a 256-bit key, while the V3 format has received academic review and the source code has passed several security reviews. Windows and Linux editions support YubiKey authenticators, and the site also describes compatibility with OnlyKey. Previous database backups are retained by default, with controls for retention count and storage location. PasswordSafe2Go can carry the application and database on a disk-on-key for use on different PCs without installation. Independently developed Android, iOS, and Mac-compatible ports and clones are listed. There is no recovery mechanism for a lost master key. The desktop plan is listed as free.
Who it suits
It suits Windows and Linux users who want a free, open-source password database with customizable organization and password policies. Portable users may value PasswordSafe2Go and hardware-key support.
What it does well
- Free desktop plan for Windows and Linux
- Generates passwords with user-defined policies
- Supports YubiKey and OnlyKey
- Retains configurable database backups
- Portable PasswordSafe2Go option
What to know first
- No recovery without the master key
- Mobile and Mac projects are independently developed
- Desktop support listed for Windows 10 and 11
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Password Safe desktop | Windows and Linux versions are described; the desktop version is free and open source | Free |
As pwsafe.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Password Safe provides core password storage, generation, organization, and form entry without a subscription cost. Its encryption details, open source, backup controls, and hardware-key support are useful, but losing the master key cannot be recovered.
Facts from Password Safe's own pages
- Auto Type
- Auto Type can enter a username and password into a web form. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Backups
- Previous database backups are kept by default, and users can configure how many to retain and where to store them. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- The FAQ says Password Safe uses the Twofish algorithm with a 256-bit key. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · pwsafe.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Mobile and Mac versions
- The site lists independently developed Android, iOS, and Mac-compatible projects, including ports and clones. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- No recovery
- The site says there is no recovery mechanism to access passwords without the master key. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Organization
- Users can organize entries with customizable references and keep them in one database or multiple databases. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Password tools
- It can generate, store, organize, retrieve, and use complex passwords with user-controlled password policies. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Portable option
- PasswordSafe2Go can keep the password database and application on a disk-on-key so it can be used on different PCs without installing Password Safe on them. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Password Safe stores usernames and passwords in an encrypted list unlocked with a master password. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Security review
- The FAQ says the V3 format was academically reviewed and found secure, and the source code is openly available and has passed several security reviews. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site directs Windows and Linux support questions to its project contact and directs users of independently maintained Android and iOS clones to their respective support links. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows,Linux · pwsafe.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Two-factor devices
- The Windows and Linux versions support YubiKey authenticators, and the site also says Password Safe works with OnlyKey. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The FAQ says the current version is supported on Windows 10 and Windows 11. · pwsafe.org, 12 Oct 2026
Where Password Safe stands on Freedom251
- Password Managers#56 of 104