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While password manager browser extensions offer a convenient way to securely save passwords and auto-fill them, we can’t overlook the potential risks and drawbacks.
I’m not completely against browser password extensions, but I have some good reasons to avoid them and use a desktop or smartphone app instead.
1Extensions Are Browser-Dependent
The biggest disadvantage of using password manager browser extensions is browser dependence. If you switch browsers, you’ll need to install and set them up from scratch. If you switch to a niche browser that doesn’t support these extensions, you’ll still have to rely on desktop apps.
If you use multiple browsers and one doesn’t support the extension, you’ll need to constantly switch between them to copy and paste passwords. Also, if you encounter a browser sync issue, it can take extra time to resolve before you’re able to use the extension again. Big browser updates can also cause extensions to malfunction, leaving you stranded.
In contrast, a password manager app only needs to be installed and set up once, so you won’t have to worry about the above issues.
2They Increase the Risk of Phishing
The most compelling reason to avoid using password manager extensions is their increased vulnerability tophishing attacks. Clicking on a malicious link in your email, a deceptive search ad, or an embedded link in an article could compromise your browser. If that happens, fraudsters can monitor your activity and potentially steal your passwords.
Sophisticated phishing attacks can also trick such an extension into auto-filling passwords on malicious websites, leaking them to scammers.
In contrast, antivirus software built into the operating system effectively detects malicious hacking attempts and will notify you if your device is compromised. Also, manually copy-pasting passwords lets you double-check the URLs before entering them, reducing the risk. Likewise, accidentally clicking on a malicious link is less likely to jeopardize your credentials.
Don’t store the secret key you receive when setting up the password manager app on your computer; this could allow anyone accessing your computer to gain access to your passwords.
3Extensions Can Impact Browser Performance
Every new extension you add to your browser increases the processing load. Since password manager extensions run in the background to monitor and autofill passwords, they constantly consume memory and CPU resources. If you already have many essential extensions and are running resource-intensive processes, this candegrade the performance of your browser.
If not managed properly, this can lead to your browser freezing or crashing, diminishing the convenience password manager extensions are supposed to provide. In contrast, desktop password manager apps only need to be opened when you need to copy or manage your passwords, rather than running continuously in the background.
4Extensions Don’t Work Offline
Password manager extensions retrieve credentials from the password manager’s cloud storage, so they need an active internet connection. If you are offline or experiencing internet connectivity issues, they may fail to retrieve stored passwords and thus cannot autofill them. Consequently, you will have to wait until your device reconnects to the internet.
In contrast, dedicated desktop or smartphone password manager apps typically store passwords locally, allowing access to stored credentials even when offline. Also, retrieving passwords from your device reduces the risk compared to cloud retrieval, where passwords could be intercepted or exposed on insecure networks.
5The User Experience Just Isn’t Great
Another reason I steer clear of using password manager browser extensions is their cluttered interface and the additional confirmation pop-ups they introduce, which can clutter the browsing experience. Also, with numerous extensions installed, you are sure to accidentally click and unintentionally open dialogues from other extensions.
Furthermore, browser extensions sometimes lack features found in desktop apps, and when these features are available, they’re often buried in additional menus, making navigation more challenging. When managing multiple accounts on the same website, browser extensions may autofill credentials for the wrong account, disrupting your workflow.
In contrast, desktop apps typically offer a cleaner interface that is easier to navigate, often providing similar or more features without intrusive pop-ups. With manual copy-pasting, you eliminate the possibility of workflow disruptions that can occur if a browser extension fails to autofill. Also, you can easily choose the correct details when managing multiple accounts.
6They’re a Privacy Nightmare
They store passwords in the cloud, so any breaches in the company’s cloud service could expose your passwords. Being browser-dependent, any security flaws in the browser could put your credentials at risk. If you leave your laptop idle in a shared space, anyone can log in to websites using auto-filled passwords from the extension.
In contrast, password manager apps work independently and don’t access your browsing history. The desktop or smartphone apps don’t auto-fill passwords and require you to confirm your identity with a password or secret key before accessing passwords, ensuring no intruder can access them if you leave your laptop unattended.
Also, as your data is stored locally, you’re safe even if the company’s cloud service gets compromised.
7Extensions Don’t Work on My Phone
Since most smartphone browsers don’t support extensions, I can’t use them on my phone.Browsers that support extensionsoften lack features found in popular browsers and do not provide an intuitive user experience. While they may support various extensions, password manager extensions are mostly only available for popular browsers.
Additionally, using dedicated password manager apps on smartphones is generally more convenient and reliable.
