The primary reason to use a password manager is so you can create varied, unique passwords which make it hard for cyber-criminals to to crack. Password Managers also securely store and assist in managing these passwords and allow access to your personal information no matter where you are. There are many to choose from and it can be overwhelming when shopping for a password manager. This review breaks down the features, pros and cons of Keeper, a top 5 password manager.
Keeper: A Quick Summary
Keeper Security Password Manager is a great option for keeping your passwords safe. It has a variety of features including the ability to generate strong passwords, sync passwords and data across devices, and share passwords securely. It also has multi-factor authentication support as well as robust auditing tools. If you are looking for a password manager, Keeper is a great option to consider.
There is a free option but it has limitations. The paid plans start at $24.49 and are excellent value. The Family Plan for 5 members is particularly cost-effective. This has been my choice for our family for several years now.
Keeper’s Stand-out Features Include:
- Industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and zero-knowledge security
- The wide range of Multi-factor authentication options across devices (including SMS, Authentication services, Face ID, Fingerprint, Windows Hello)
- The expandable 10GB of secure cloud storage
- The simple and reliable auto-fill features in both web extensions and local apps
- Intuitive secure sharing options for passwords
- 24/7 dark web monitoring for breaches in passwords
- Folders and structure for organizing your passwords and sensitive information
- Encrypted end-to-end messaging app
- Excellent value in the Family Plan in particular offers excellent value for 5 users.
- Plans with advanced tools to meet the complex demands of businesses and IT services, which are likely to filter down to personal and family plans.
Keeper’s Security Features
When researching which password manager to purchase, it is important to consider the level of security that the software offers. Keeper Security uses 256-bit AES encryption, the same level of encryption used by the military, banks and governments. This makes your information practically unbreakable. Additionally, Keeper encrypts and decrypts your information at the device level. This means that if the data that is being sent or received is intercepted as it travels, that data would be unreadable by the hacker.
Another feature of Keeper that sets it apart is its zero-knowledge policy. This means that Keeper’s employees are unable to access any information in customers’ accounts. Below you will find a more in depth review of Keeper Password manager and it’s features, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
Stay in Control with Keeper’s Password Management
Keeper’s password manager comes with unlimited password storage and is simple to use. It’s easy to get started entering new records. You can name the record, add a username, password, website address, and there’s options for additional user-specified fields and a notes section. You can even add files including photos to your password records. These are secured within Keeper and so this is a handy feature to keep things like photo-IDs accessible. Another valuable feature is the ability to see all previous password versions and files.
When entering a record it’s also easy to integrate two-factor authentication (2FA) for any services that might require it. This makes it easy to access your 2FA codes right from within Keeper.
If you are migrating from another password manager, Keeper makes it really easy with one of the most straightforward workflows. The import can be done from your browser as well, if that’s where you save passwords currently. Or, if you have passwords stored in a spreadsheet or text file, you can take the passwords and import them as a csv file.
Keeper allows sharing passwords and files, and it’s easy to do: just select a record, and choose “Sharing” from the options menu. Add someone to the list using an email address, and that person will then see that record in their Keeper app. The record you share can be shared as “read only” (which is the default), “edit” which allows your friend to change the record. You can also make the other person the owner. Unfortunately there is no option to share the record and keep it’s password hidden, a nice feature which LastPass offers.
Keeper’s offering of password management features is very impressive and yet it is still easy to use.
Convenience of Keeper’s Browser Extensions
With Keeper you can quickly save and auto-fill passwords, payment details, and other data into numerous online forms using Keeper’s browser extension. It is also really simple to locate passwords that are stored in your Keeper vault.
Every time you log into a website for the first time using your Keeper account, the extension shows a pop-up window asking if you want to store your account details. I use Keeper’s Chrome, Firefox extensions daily. Both are simple to set up and made saving account passwords a breeze.
The configuration of the browser extension was easy; definitely more intuitive than that of other password manager browser add-ons. It’s also easy to turn the auto-logout function on/off directly within Keeper’s extension, unlike some other password managers.
The Keeper browser extension is very reliable. It accurately auto-fills passwords and web forms making it very simple to sign in to online accounts and prompting to fill username/email and password combinations on any site with saved credentials. It is also quick to add information to Keeper for new sites you visit and sign up to, right within the extension. Compared to other password manager’s Keeper’s extension is reliable and secure.
Speed Up Transactions with Keeper’s Identity & Payment Details
One of the most vulnerable aspects of online activity is when we transact and make purchases. It can be annoying to have to pull out cards, enter credit card numbers, dates, and billing addresses. But it it’s not just annoying- it puts this information at risk too. That’s where Keeper’s ability to store identity and credit card details is incredibly helpful, making online shopping much quicker and safer.
You can include your whole name, address, home and mobile phone numbers, and email address when creating an identity record in Keeper. Certain identity documents might require that you add some custom fields, but it is possible to enter a passport with it’s details. It would be nice if Keeper had some basic templates for identity documents like passports, driver’s license and social security or national insurance numbers. At present Roboform performs better in this area allowing multiple different types of identity records along with templates to guide their creation, whereas Keeper is limited to one identity and requires custom fields to be created. It’s not a deal-breaker but does require some creativity and while not allowing you to auto fill from them, Keeper lows you to save ID documents in Keeper’s vault should you need to submit them or refer to them, and this is a helpful feature.
Although Keeper is basic in it’s management of identity and payment details, it does work well. It’s especially helpful that you can add addresses in the records so these can be accessed right there and auto-filled or copy and pasted right from within Keeper.
Keeper’s BreachWatch: Keep an Eye on the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not accessible through search engines. It can only be accessed through special software like Tor. The dark web is often used for illegal activities like buying drugs or weapons and there is a lot of selling and sharing of passwords and other sensitive information that have been stolen.
Several Password Managers have responded in recent years by offering services that alert their users of any threats to their passwords on the dark web.
BreachWatch is Keeper’s dark web monitoring feature. It’s unfortunate that it’s an add-on feature because it is a very helpful resource. However, if you do purchase a Keeper bundle package it is likely to be included. Keeper’s BreachWatch monitors the dark web for stolen passwords and other sensitive information. If Keeper detects a breach, it will send an email notification to the user.
BreachWatch does an excellent job at both monitoring for threats and also alerting you with relevant information and action steps. For example, Keeper will monitor your email addresses for usage on the dark web. It will alert you if an online account using that email has been breached. Very often you might not find out about the breach until much later, either through news items or delayed responses from the service provider. Keeper will then advise you to change your password and consider two-factor authentication in order to resolve the threat.
BreachWatch is a valuable feature because it helps keep users safe from identity theft and other cyber crimes. Keeper is constantly monitoring the dark web on your behalf, working 24/7.
However, it’s also important to note that BreachWatch is not a replacement for anti-virus software. Anti-virus software should still be used to protect users from malware and other online threats.
Added Security Layers with Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is the process of adding another layer of security to your account by requiring that you provide something extra in order to access it. Multi-factor authentication options provided by Keep include:
- Compatibility with two-factor authentication (2FA) applications
- Biometric logins (such as Touch ID or Face ID).
- One-time password (OTP) in the form of SMS confirmation codes.
- Smartwatch compatibility (Apple and Android).
- Windows Hello (which allows PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint access).
- Enhanced business security options (DUO Security and RSA SecurID).
It is quick and simple to set up 2FA using an authenticator app like Google’s Authenticator. Make sure you have Authenticator on your phone, and add a new record by simply scanning the QR code provided by Keeper using your phone’s camera. Then just enter the code provided by Authenticator into Keeper and that’s it- 2FA is enabled.
There are more MFA options with Keeper than most other password managers. So, there is something to suit your security workflows and preferences.
Check Your Password Strength with Keeper’s Security Audit
The security audit feature in Keeper is very useful. It tracks the strength of your passwords.
Keeper will give your passwords a security score as a percentage based on their uniqueness, complexity, reuse and whether they have been compromised.
The security audit idea is present in other password managers. Keeper does a decent job at informing you whether you are at risk but other password managers do have extra details that can help ensure passwords remain strong and updated regularly.
KeeperChat: Secure End-to-End Messaging
KeeperChat is a secure messaging application within Keeper. It’s unique to Keeper and no other password manager currently offers this kind of function.
KeeperChat is highly secure. Just like Keeper’s password manager, KeeperChat uses end-to-end 256-bit AES encryption so all messages are protected. And also, just like their password manager, there is zero-knowledge policy with KeeperChat so no Keeper employee can access your messages.
The service is easy to install and use. Of course, you will have to chat with others who have the app installed too. You can invite friends to use KeeperChat pretty easily and the experience of messaging is similar to other messaging services like Signal or WhatsApp, allowing one-to-one and group chats. KeeperChat does have a couple of nice added features: message deletion so that messages can be retracted, and self-destruct where a timer (1min-24hrs) can be set in which the recipient reads the message before it is permanently deleted.
There is a load of storage included too: 50Gb for starters but with the option to purchase up to 1TB. This means tons of photos, videos and other files can be stored in what KeeperChat calls it’s “Gallery”.
While it works really well and has some nice little add-ones (self-destruct), and boasts top-notch security, a messaging app is only as good as the number of your contacts that actively use it. With plenty of competition in the space, like WhatsApp and Signal that already have a huge market share, the application of KeeperChat could be limited.
Keeper Plans and Pricing
Keeper has several plans for different users. The basic password manager only plans are good value. The extra features like BreachWatch and secure storage are available as paid add-ones.
There is a free version of Keeper but it has limited functionality. The real strengths of Keeper are available only under the paid plans. For example, the free edition will not allow syncing across devices or auto-filling of passwords on web forms. But basic manual record keeping of passwords, identity and payment information is available.
With their additional features and exemplary security, all paid plans represent represent great value, including the most basic of Keeper’s paid plans. Below is a list of those current paid plans from Keeper with summaries of the features included.
Keeper Unlimited — The Basic Password Manager Plan
This is the entry-level plan. It is good value at $24.49 / year and offers a nice feature set, including:
- Unlimited password storage.
- Identity and payment card storage.
- Unlimited syncing between devices.
- Multi-factor authentication.
- Secure sharing.
- Emergency access.
Keeper Family — A Great Package & Price for Families
Keeper’s Family plan costs $74.99 if billed annually. It includes the same features as Keeper Unlimited, but Keeper Family allows 5 separate password vaults. In other words, you can have 5 separate users with their own vault.
The Family Plan includes 10 GB of secure file storage. This is encrypted cloud for photos, videos and files. This is a generous and useful bonus feature. The storage capacity can be upgraded to 50GB or 100GB for extra cost.
The Keeper Family Plan is great value. Other brands do offer similar pricing but a couple do include some added features that Keeper does not (e.g. Dashlane’s 6 users integrated VPN and dark web monitoring comes as basic).
The Family Plus Bundle is $8.62 per month ($103.48 billed annually. It includes all features of the Family Plan but with the addition of BreachWatch across all users accounts, and at a savings compared with purchasing it as a standalone add-on.
I started with the Unlimited version many years ago and was happy with the service. So when my kids had to start tracking and securing their own passwords and needed share family passwords, I upgraded to the Keeper Family Plan and have been very pleased.
Keeper Business — Flexible for Small Business Security
Keeper Business starts at $45 per year. It can accommodate 100 users (for bigger teams, you’ll need to reach out to Keeper’s sales team). In addition to the features from Unlimited and Family, the Business bundle provides activity reporting and enforcement rules (to ensure employees don’t erase records either accidentally or maliciously).
Another notable feature added on this plan is Keeper Secrets Manager. This is a fully managed cloud-based service that is again secured by military-grade security and zero-knowledge trust (employees will never access your data) to store and manage credentials that are necessary in IT applications. This is primarily suited to IT companies and developers. The data that is secured and managed can include API keys, passwords and keys for databases,as well as security certificates and all kinds of other confidential data. This is a great option for tech-companies since privileged credentials like those in IT applications are among the highest value targets for cyber-criminals.
Keeper Enterprise — Tons of Advanced Features to Meet Business Risks
Keeper Enterprise is an excellent option for larger businesses. It includes all that Business plan offers plus some advanced tools that assist teams to keep passwords, identities secure. These advanced tools include:
- Single Sign-On (SAML 2.0) authentication
- Automated Team Management
- Advanced Two-Factor Authentication (DUO & RSA)
- Active Directory and LDAP sync
- SCIM and Azure AD provisioning
- Email auto-provisioning
- Command line provisioning
- Developer APIs for password rotation and backend integration
- Added industry compliance with NIST, PCI DSS, SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, DPA, FINRA and GDPR
Enterprise comes with special training for team members and 24/7 expert support. You will need to contact Keeper to discuss pricing of their Enterprise Plans.
Unique Features of Keeper
This review of Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault has described a number of Keeper’s most important features. Keeper does most of these really well such as dark web monitoring, auto-filling, and password audits, and in some of these it is top of the class. For instance, in overall security, Keeper shines the brightest. But there are a couple of unique features that also make Keeper stand out from it’s competitors.
One of these is Keeper’s secure storage vault, which provides 10Gb of storage as standard on their most basic subscription. This is a great feature for users who want to store large files such as photos, videos or music securely.
Keeper also offers the largest number of options for multi-factor authentication so no matter your device or application, you can add extra layers of security to your passwords and sensitive data stored in Keeper’s vault.
Keeper’s also offers a secure messaging service with military-grade encryption. In addition Keeper also has an easy-to-use interface and more cloud storage than any competitor. And there are several subscription plans to suit different needs. The Family Plus plan is one of the most, feature-rich plans and is great value for families or across multiple users.
Keeper: The Final Score
Keeper is an excellent password manager, offering perhaps the best military-grade security among it’s competitors. If you’re looking for a free password manager there are other better options with extra features, but all paid plans of Keeper offer a depth of features. Some of the stand out features are:
- Industry-leading security
- The wide range of Multi-factor authentication options,
- The expandable 10GB of secure cloud storage,
- The simple and reliable auto-fill features in both web extensions and local apps,
- Intuitive sharing options.
- 24/7 dark web monitoring for breaches in passwords
- Excellent value in the Family Plan in particular offers excellent value for 5 users.
- Plans with advanced tools to meet the complex demands of businesses and IT services.