I’ve talked about having strong passwords in previous articles (passwords discussed here and passkeys discussed here), but remembering them all can be a challenge. That’s where password managers come in. If you’re already using Apple or Google services, you may not need a third-party app. Each company offers a built-in password manager solution, and here’s how Apple iCloud Keychain and Google Password Manager compare.
1. Availability
- Apple iCloud Keychain: Works natively across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. There’s limited support for Windows, but no Android app. Best suited for those fully embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
- Google Password Manager: Available across Android, Chrome, and any platform with a Chrome browser—including macOS, Windows, and Linux. Strong cross-platform support makes it ideal for mixed-device users.
2. Ease of Use
- Apple: Seamless and intuitive for Apple users. Automatically fills passwords in Safari and apps, syncs with iCloud, and uses Face ID or Touch ID for authentication.
- Google: Simple and tightly integrated with Chrome and Android. Automatically saves and fills in passwords on websites and apps, with a clean interface for managing credentials.
3. Advanced Features
- Apple: Shared password groups, autofill of multi-factor authentication codes, and syncing across all Apple devices.
- Google: Works with passkeys, imports/export options, password strength alerts, and account security insights.
Final Verdict
- Choose Apple iCloud Keychain if you’re an Apple-only user and want convenience, autofill, and tight integration.
- Choose Google Password Manager if you use Chrome and Android or want a cross-platform solution with autofill and breach detection.
- Choose a third-party commercial solution for better sharing of passwords with trusted family or friends.
I’ll cover third-party commercial solutions in a future article, but the one we’ve been using for many years is Keeper Security.
