Proton Pass

{{Infobox software

| title = Proton Pass

| logo = {{#Property:P154}}

| author = Andy Yen

| developer = Proton AG

| released = April 20, 2023 (paid beta)

June 28, 2023 (full launch)

| platform = Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and web browsers Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, Safari

| language = Multilingual

| genre = Password manager

}}

Proton Pass is a freemium password manager developed by the Swiss software company Proton AG.

Overview

Proton Pass can store login credentials, email aliases, credit card data, passkeys, 2FA secret keys, and notes in virtual vaults that are encrypted using 256-bit AES-GCM.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-01 |title=The Best Password Managers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-password-managers/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Dillet |first=Romain |date=2023-06-28 |title=Proton launches its password manager Proton Pass |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/28/proton-launches-its-password-manager-proton-pass/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}

Browser extensions are available for Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, etc.) and Firefox.{{Cite web |title=android-pass/CHANGELOG.md at main · protonpass/android-pass |url=https://github.com/protonpass/android-pass/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=GitHub |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Emma |date=2024-02-29 |title=Proton Pass is now available as a Windows app. |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/29/24085958/proton-pass-is-now-available-as-a-windows-app |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=The Verge |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=ios-pass/CHANGELOG.md at main · protonpass/ios-pass |url=https://github.com/protonpass/ios-pass/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=GitHub |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=WebClients/applications/pass-extension/CHANGELOG.md at main · ProtonMail/WebClients |url=https://github.com/ProtonMail/WebClients/blob/main/applications/pass-extension/CHANGELOG.md |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=GitHub |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=WebClients/applications/pass/CHANGELOG.md at main · ProtonMail/WebClients |url=https://github.com/ProtonMail/WebClients/blob/main/applications/pass/CHANGELOG.md |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=GitHub |language=en}}

History

Following Proton's acquisition of SimpleLogin, in April 2022, engineers from both companies worked on developing a password manager to release under the Proton brand.{{Cite web |last=McDaniel |first=Allison |date=April 8, 2022 |title=ProtonMail acquires email alias startup SimpleLogin |url=https://9to5mac.com/2022/04/08/protonmail-acquires-simplelogin/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=9to5mac.com}}{{Cite web |last=Lomas |first=Natasha |date=2022-04-08 |title=Proton acquires SimpleLogin |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/08/proton-buys-simplelogin/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=April 9, 2022 |title=Email service ProtonMail acquires email alias start-up SimpleLogin |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/email-service-protonmail-acquires-email-alias-start-up-simplelogin-122040900699_1.html |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=business-standard.com}}

On April 20, 2023, Proton launched a beta version of Proton Pass to a limited audience of existing Proton customers.{{Cite web |last=Crider |first=Michael |date=April 21, 2023 |title=Proton Mail now includes an encrypted password manager |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/1794474/proton-mail-now-includes-an-encrypted-password-manager.html |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=PCWorld |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cawley |first=Conor |date=2023-04-24 |title=Proton Pass Is the New Password Manager on the Block |url=https://tech.co/news/proton-pass-new-password-manager |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Tech.co |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Maruccia |first=Alfonso |date=2023-04-21 |title=Proton Mail's new product is a secure password manager |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/98404-proton-mail-new-product-secure-password-manager.html |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=TechSpot |language=en-US}}

On 28 June 2023, Proton Pass was launched globally under a freemium model. Initially, it was available as a browser extension (Chromium-based browsers and Firefox) and as a mobile app (iPhone/iPad and Android).{{Cite web |last=Potuck |first=Michael |date=2023-06-28 |title=Proton Pass end-to-end encrypted password manager is here and free for everyone |url=https://9to5mac.com/2023/06/28/proton-pass-encrypted-password-manager-free/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=9to5Mac |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Toulas |first=Bill |date=June 29, 2023 |title=Proton launches open-source password manager with some limitations |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/proton-launches-open-source-password-manager-with-some-limitations/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=BleepingComputer |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |last=Tiwari |first=Aditya |date=June 28, 2023 |title=Proton launches its password manager Proton Pass, now available for download |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/proton-launches-its-password-manager-proton-pass-now-available-for-download/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Neowin |language=en}}

On 19 July 2023, Proton published the results of its security audit of Proton Pass mobile apps, browser extensions, and API, conducted by Cure53. At the same time, Proton released the Proton Pass clients' source code under the GNU General Public License v3.0.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-17 |title=Pentest-Report Proton Pass Browser Addon, Apps & API 05.-06.2023 |url=https://res.cloudinary.com/dbulfrlrz/images/v1707561557/wp-pme/Cure53-proton-pass-20230717/Cure53-proton-pass-20230717.pdf?_i=AA |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=res.cloudinary.com}}{{Cite web |last=Brinkmann |first=Martin |date=2023-07-19 |title=Proton Pass password manager apps released as open source - gHacks Tech News |url=https://www.ghacks.net/2023/07/19/proton-pass-password-manager-apps-released-as-open-source/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=gHacks Technology News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson |first=Sofia |date=2023-07-20 |title=Proton Pass is now an independently security audited, open source password manager |url=https://betanews.com/2023/07/20/proton-pass-is-now-an-independently-security-audited-open-source-password-manager/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=BetaNews |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=WebClients/applications/pass-extension at main · ProtonMail/WebClients |url=https://github.com/ProtonMail/WebClients/tree/main/applications/pass-extension |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=GitHub |language=en}}{{Citation |title=protonpass/ios-pass |date=2024-05-24 |url=https://github.com/protonpass/ios-pass |access-date=2024-05-27 |publisher=Proton Pass}}{{Citation |title=protonpass/android-pass |date=2024-05-26 |url=https://github.com/protonpass/android-pass |access-date=2024-05-27 |publisher=Proton Pass}}

On 25 October 2023, Proton announced the addition of a sharing feature to Proton Pass, allowing users to share passwords and other sensitive information with other Proton Pass users, via end-to-end encryption.{{Cite web |last=Castro |first=Chiara |date=2023-10-25 |title=You can now securely share all your passwords with new Proton Pass tool |url=https://www.techradar.com/computing/cyber-security/you-can-now-securely-share-all-your-passwords-with-new-proton-pass-tool |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Chris |date=2023-10-25 |title=Proton Pass is free for a full year, as Secure Password Sharing launches |url=https://bgr.com/tech/proton-pass-goes-free-for-a-full-year-just-as-secure-password-sharing-feature-launches/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=BGR |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Rixecker |first=Kim |date=2024-01-19 |title=Passwörter sicher teilen: So funktioniert's |url=https://t3n.de/news/passwoerter-sicher-teilen-ratgeber-1602353/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=t3n Magazin |language=de}}

On 25 January 2024, Proton announced that paid users would have access to the Proton Sentinel high-security program, which is designed to identify and prevent account takeover attacks.{{Cite web |last=Castro |first=Chiara |date=2023-11-30 |title=Proton Pass users now have even more ways to protect their digital privacy |url=https://www.techradar.com/computing/cyber-security/proton-pass-users-now-have-even-more-ways-to-protect-their-digital-privacy |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Vermes |first=Krystle |date=2023-11-30 |title=Latest Proton Pass enhancement could give it an edge over the competition |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/proton-pass-plus-sentinel-security-email/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Android Police |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Potuck |first=Michael |date=December 1, 2023 |title=Proton Sentinel arrives for Proton Pass Plus users, secures accounts even when credentials are stolen |url=https://9to5mac.com/2023/12/01/proton-sentinel-arrives-for-proton-pass-users/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=9to5mac.com}}

On 7 February 2024, Proton Pass for Business was launched, with 24/7 business support, increased sharing limits, unlimited vaults and a dedicated admin panel.{{Cite web |last=Maddison |first=Lewis |date=2024-02-07 |title=Proton is bringing its password manager to the business world |url=https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/proton-is-bringing-its-password-manager-to-the-business-world |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Potuck |first=Michael |date=2024-02-08 |title=Proton launches open-source, end-to-end encrypted password manager for business |url=https://9to5mac.com/2024/02/08/proton-launches-encrypted-password-manager-for-business/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=9to5Mac |language=en-US}}

On 29 February 2024, Proton announced the launch of the Proton Pass Windows app.{{Cite web |last=Ledford |first=Jerri |date=February 29, 2024 |title=Proton Pass Now Has a New Windows App |url=https://www.lifewire.com/proton-pass-windows-app-8602222 |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Lifewire |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Fagioli |first=Brian |date=2024-02-29 |title=Proton Pass password manager app for Windows launches with offline mode -- macOS and Linux versions on the way |url=https://betanews.com/2024/02/29/proton-pass-password-manager-app-windows/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=BetaNews |language=en}}

On 21 March 2024, support was added for passkeys. This feature was made available to both free and paid plans.{{Cite web |last=Maddison |first=Lewis |date=2024-03-21 |title=Proton Pass adds passkey support for all users - even those who don't pay |url=https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/proton-pass-adds-passkeys |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Chris |date=2024-03-22 | title=Proton Pass now supports passkeys on all of its plans |url=https://bgr.com/tech/proton-pass-now-supports-passkeys-on-all-of-its-plans/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=BGR |language=en-US}}

On 22 April 2024, the Proton Pass Android app became available on F-Droid.{{Cite web |title=Proton Pass: Password Manager |url=https://f-droid.org/packages/proton.android.pass.fdroid/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=f-droid.org}}

On 6 May 2024, a collection of security features, dubbed Pass Monitor, was launched, which includes dark web leaked password monitoring and password strength warnings.{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Benedict |date=2024-05-06 |title=Proton Pass launches new Pass Monitor security suite |url=https://www.techradar.com/pro/proton-pass-launches-new-pass-monitor-security-suite |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=techradar.com}}{{Cite web |last=Hawkins |first=Joshua |date=2024-05-06 |title=Proton Pass Can Now Judge Your Passwords and Find Your Info on the Dark Web |url=https://lifehacker.com/tech/proton-pass-free-password-health-check-premium-dark-web-monitoring |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=lifehacker.com}}

On 6 June 2024, the Proton Pass macOS and Linux desktop apps, and the Safari browser were launched.{{Cite web |last=Das |first=Ankush |date=2024-06-06 |title=Proton Pass Launched for Linux and macOS With a Steal Deal for its Plus Plan |url=https://news.itsfoss.com/proton-pass-linux/ | access-date=2024-11-13 |website=itsfoss.com}}{{Cite web |last=Davenport |first=Corbin |date=2024-06-06 |title=Proton Pass Arrives on Mac and Linux |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/proton-pass-arrives-on-mac-and-linux/ | access-date=2024-11-13 |website=howtogeek.com}}

On 12 July 2024, Proton Pass launched a secure sharing feature for paid plans, which allows users to share credentials and other information with non-Proton Pass users.{{Cite web |last=Irwin |first=Kate |date=2024-07-12 |title=Proton Pass Now Lets You Share Passwords With Anyone Via Secure Links |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/proton-pass-lets-you-share-passwords-with-anyone-via-secure-links | access-date=2024-11-13 |website=pcmag.com}}{{Cite web |last=LeFebvre |first=Rob |date=2024-07-12 |title=Proton Pass Launches New Secure Links for Sharing With Anyone |url=https://www.lifewire.com/proton-pass-launches-new-secure-links-for-sharing-with-anyone-8677506

| access-date=2024-11-13 |website=lifewire.com}}

On 8 August 2024, Proton Pass launched its Identities feature which allows for storing and auto-filling common data such as name, address and telephone phone number. It also introduced biometric authentication.{{Cite web |last=Fisher |first=Jon |date=2024-08-08 |title=New Proton Pass Identities Can Autofill Form Data for You |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/new-proton-pass-identities-can-autofill-form-data-for-you/ar-AA1osJRu |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=msn.com}}{{Cite web |last=Wallen |first=Jack |date=2024-08-08 |title=Proton Pass password manager adds identity data, biometric authentication |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/proton-pass-password-manager-adds-identity-data-biometric-authentication/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=zdnet.com}}

On 9 October 2024, Proton Pass launched a family plan.{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Benedict |date=2024-10-09 |title=Proton Pass launches new family plan |url=https://www.techradar.com/pro/proton-pass-launches-new-family-plan |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=techradar.com}}{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Chris |date=2024-10-09 |title=Proton Pass gets a family plan with up to six accounts and new admin tools |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/proton-pass-family-plan-six-accounts-admin-tools/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=androidpolice.com}}

Reviews

Proton Pass launched in 2023 to largely positive reviews but reviewers criticized the lack of features compared to competitors.

Privacy Journal wrote that{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Brett |date=2023-12-28 |title=Proton Pass Review 2024: Pros & Cons, Features, Value |url=https://www.privacyjournal.net/proton-pass-review/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=www.privacyjournal.net |language=en-US}} it is "a little feature barren, but the tools it offers are of high quality".

TechCrunch stated,

"Proton Pass doesn't have all the bells and whistles of 1Password, but it's a solid password manager".

PCMag wrote,{{Cite web |last=Key |first=Kim |date=January 27, 2024 |title=Proton Pass Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/proton-pass |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=PCMAG |language=en}}

"While short on frills, Proton Pass does a perfectly capable job of managing your passwords".

In January 2024, PCMag named Proton Pass "Best for no-frills" password manager.{{Cite web |last=Key |first=Kim |date=May 20, 2024 |title=The Best Password Managers for 2024 |url=https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-password-managers |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=PCMAG |language=en}}

In 2024, TechRadar named Proton Pass "Best for privacy" in their review of password managers saying,{{Cite web |last1=Collins |first1=Benedict |last2=Ballard |first2=Barclay |date=2022-09-29 |title=Best password manager of 2024 |url=https://www.techradar.com/best/password-manager |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}