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Proton Pass review 2025

Price: From $1.99/month
Free version: Yes, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee
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Managing passwords can be frustrating, especially with the growing number of online accounts that need protection. Weak passwords put your data at risk. Built-in password managers often lack proper security, leaving sensitive information exposed.

Many password managers claim to offer security, but not all prioritize privacy. Some store data on centralized servers that are vulnerable to breaches. Others lock essential security features behind expensive plans, limiting protection for free users.

Proton Pass, an open-source password manager, aims to solve these issues. It offers strong encryption, open-source transparency, and innovative security features like hide-my-email aliases and Proton Sentinel. With a free plan and premium upgrades, it’s quickly gaining recognition as a strong contender in the password manager market.

In this Proton Pass review, I test its features, security, and usability to see if it’s the right choice for protecting your credentials.

kamile-bagdonaite Ieva Jociūtė author sarunas karbauskas Author's picture
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Our in-house research team thoroughly analyzes password managers, and our team of experts uses the gathered insights and hands-on experience to evaluate each provider accordingly. Find out how we assess password managers.

19
Password Managers Tested
6
Month Testing Cycle
2,400+
Hours of Extensive Testing
Recent update
In the February 2025 update, I reviewed Proton Pass again to ensure all information is up to date. I adjusted the article’s structure for better clarity and updated it with the latest pricing plans and new features.

Proton Pass review – key takeaways

Based purely on functionality and features, Proton Pass is on the way to becoming one of the leading password managers. But while its security is uncompromised and it offers some very innovative features, there are still some areas of improvement. Here’s a quick overview of the Proton Pass password manager:

  • Password safety. Proton Pass has numerous features to ensure password storage security. Most notably, the generated limited-time password sharing link, 2FA, email aliases, password health checker, and 24/7 account safety monitoring features.
  • Ease of use. I found Proton Pass apps and browser extensions easy to navigate and straightforward to use. The app interfaces, in particular, are very user-friendly, with clearly laid-out features and saved passwords.
  • Features. While having mostly the same features as other premium password managers, Proton Pass' stand-out feature is Proton Sentinel, a combination of AI and human efforts to maximize account security. However, this feature, as well as multiple others, is not available on the free version.
  • Plans and pricing. Proton Pass offers 4 subscription plans, three premium and one free, with paid plans also including a 30-day money-back guarantee. Proton Free is entirely free and can be used for unlimited time. The Pass Plus plan costs just $1.99/month for a 1-year subscription. The Proton Family plan is designed for up to 6 users and costs $4.99/month for a 1-year subscription. Proton Unlimited is the priciest and most feature-rich plan, costing $6.49/month for one year.

Proton Pass plans and pricing

Proton Pass offers a flexible pricing structure with one free plan and three premium options. Whether you're looking for a basic password manager or a feature-rich solution for multiple users, there’s a plan to fit your needs.

Proton Pass for individuals and families


Proton FreePass PlusPass FamilyProton Unlimited
Price
$0.00/month
$1.99/month$4.99/month$9.99/month
User accounts 1161
Unlimited passwords ✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Password generator✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Sync across devices✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Pass Monitor✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Securely share vaults✅ Yes (2 others)✅ Yes (10 others)✅ Yes,(10 others (per user account))✅ Yes (10 others)
Hide-my-email aliases✅ Yes(10 aliases)✅ Yes (unlimited)✅ Yes (unlimited)✅ Yes (unlimited)
Integrated 2FA❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Dark Web Monitoring❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Proton Sentinel❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Secure notes❌ No❌ No❌ No❌ No
Emergency access❌ No❌ No❌ No❌ No
Current dealGet Proton PassGet ProtonPass, now up to 60% OFF!Get Proton PassGet Proton Pass

Proton Free

Proton Free offers essential features, including unlimited passwords, syncing across devices, and a password generator. It also provides 10 hide-my-email aliases. However, it lacks features like Emergency Access and Secure Notes, both available in NordPass Free.

Proton Free offers strong core functionality, which is ideal for basic use. However, premium features like Dark Web Monitoring, Proton Sentinel, and vault sharing with more than two recipients are only available on paid plans.

Pass Plus

Pass Plus costs $1.99/month and offers a good balance of advanced features at an affordable price. It includes unlimited hide-my-email aliases, Dark Web Monitoring, Proton Sentinel for added security, and the ability to securely share your vault with up to 10 recipients. You also get integrated 2FA and unlimited credit card storage.

I recommend Pass Plus to users who need more security and convenience than the free version offers. It’s perfect for individuals who want access to advanced protection features like Dark Web Monitoring and Proton Sentinel without jumping to the higher-tier Proton Unlimited plan.

Pass Family

The Pass Family plan costs $4.99/month and supports up to 6 users. It includes unlimited hide-my-email aliases, Dark Web Monitoring, Proton Sentinel, and secure vault sharing with up to 10 recipients. Each user also gets access to password storage and 2FA.

However, NordPass Family costs $2.68/month and offers similar user management for up to 6 users at a lower price. While Pass Family offers advanced security features like Dark Web Monitoring and Proton Sentinel, NordPass Family provides additional tools like Emergency Access and Secure Notes, which Proton Pass lacks.

Proton Unlimited

The Proton Unlimited plan costs $9.99/month and is more than just a password manager – it's a full security suite that includes access to other Proton services, such as Proton Mail, Proton VPN, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar.

I think this plan is ideal for users who want an all-in-one privacy solution rather than just a password manager. If you're already using Proton services or want secure email, cloud storage, and a VPN alongside password protection, Proton Unlimited is a great choice.

Proton Pass business plans

Proton offers four business plans tailored to different needs. Small teams can choose Mail Essentials or Mail Professional for secure email and cloud storage, while Proton Business Suite includes a full security suite with VPN and password management. For large organizations, the Enterprise plan provides a customizable solution with a dedicated account manager and full access to Proton services.

Pass EssentialsPass ProfessionalProton Business SuiteEnterprise
PriceFrom $1.99 /user/monthFrom $2.99/user/monthFrom $12.99/user/monthCustom pricing
User accounts101520Up to 5000 user accounts
Core features15GB storage, 3 custom domains, secure calendar, cloud storage, Proton Scribe50GB storage, 10 custom domains, secure calendar, cloud storage, advanced account protection, Proton Scribe1TB storage, 15 custom domains, secure calendar, cloud storage, advanced account protection, VPN for 10 devices, password managerAll Proton services, dedicated account manager, tailored security solutions
Admin panel✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
24/7 support✅ Yes (no live chat)✅ Yes (no live chat)✅ Yes (no live chat)✅ Yes (no live chat)
Current dealGet Proton PassGet Proton PassGet Proton PassGet Proton Pass

Pass Essentials

The Pass Essentials plan is Proton's entry-level offering for businesses looking for secure email and calendar services. At $1.99 per user per month, each user gets 15GB of storage, support for three custom email domains, and up to 10 email addresses. Additionally, it provides access to Proton Calendar for secure scheduling and basic VPN protection on one device per user.

Pass Essentials plan is best suited for small businesses or teams that need a privacy-focused email solution without advanced security features. It ensures professional communication with custom domains and secure email services.

Pass Professional

Pass Professional costs $2.99 per user per month and is designed for teams that need enhanced security. It includes unlimited logins, notes, and credit cards, unlimited hide-my-email aliases, enforced 2FA authentication, advanced account protection, and a VPN connection for one device per user.

This plan is ideal for businesses managing multiple accounts that require stronger security controls. Pass Professional provides better access management and protection against unauthorized logins, making it a great fit for teams handling sensitive information.

Proton Business Suite

Proton Business Suite costs $12.99 per user per month and offers a comprehensive security suite for companies. It includes Proton Pass, Mail, Calendar, VPN, and Drive, providing an all-in-one privacy-focused solution. Users get 1TB of storage per user, 15 custom email domains, secure calendar access, and advanced account protection. It also allows VPN connections on up to 10 devices per user.

Proton Business Suite plan is best suited for businesses that need secure communication, password management, and cloud storage in one package.

Enterprise

Proton Enterprise is a customizable solution designed for large teams, public sector organizations, and nonprofits that require advanced security and tailored features. Unlike the other business plans, pricing is not fixed companies must contact sales to get a personalized quote based on their needs.

Enterprise plan includes all Proton services, including Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, and Pass, along with dedicated account management for enhanced support. Organizations can customize their security policies, storage needs, and access controls, making it ideal for those handling sensitive data or requiring strict compliance measures.

Subscription process and refund policy

Proton offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to request a refund if they cancel their subscription within this period. To qualify, users must contact support via the provided form and ensure both the cancellation and refund requests are submitted within 30 days.

Refunds are not available for cash or bank transfer payments and can only be requested once per user. Additionally, this policy only applies to subscriptions purchased directly through Proton’s official channels. Users who subscribe via third-party platforms (such as app stores) must refer to the respective provider’s refund policy instead.

Is Proton Pass safe?

Yes, Proton Pass is considered a safe password manager. It uses AES-256 encryption, a zero-knowledge architecture, and end-to-end encryption to keep your vault secure and inaccessible to anyone but you. It has undergone independent audits by Cure53, confirming its strong security standards.

Additionally, Proton Pass offers security features like Proton Sentinel, Pass Monitor, Passkeys, and Secure Sharing, enhancing protection against threats. In this section, I’ll explore these security measures in more detail and explain why Proton Pass is a reliable choice for safeguarding your passwords and personal data.

Encryption

Proton Pass uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard for securing sensitive data. With this encryption, your passwords are stored securely and can only be decrypted by you.

In addition, Proton Pass employs end-to-end encryption, meaning that all your data is encrypted on your device before it is sent. Only you, with your secret password, can decrypt and access it. Even Proton cannot access your vault, ensuring your data remains private and protected from unauthorized access.

Proton Pass’s encryption standards align with those of other Proton services, ensuring your data remains private and protected from third-party access.

Independent audits

In 2023, Proton Pass launched an open-source version and underwent a third-party security audit by the German firm Cure53. The audit, conducted in May and June 2023, confirmed Proton Pass’s commitment to maintaining strong security practices. Cure53’s report noted that while there were some minor findings, the overall security of Proton Pass was commendable.

Zero-knowledge architecture

Proton Pass operates on a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning only you have access to your data. All encryption and decryption happen on your device, and Proton cannot access your vault or encryption keys. This ensures that your passwords and sensitive information remain private and secure. Even if Proton’s servers were breached, your data would remain secure and could only be accessed with your private password.

Proton Pass security features

Proton Pass offers a variety of robust security features to help protect your sensitive information. These features work together to ensure your passwords, personal data, and online activities stay secure. Here’s a quick overview of the key security features Proton Pass provides.

FeatureWhat it does
Password generatorLets you generate memorable or random passwords, 1-10 words or 4-64 characters, for enhanced security
2FAGenerates TOTP codes for secure login, removing the need for a third-party app
Pass MonitorAlerts you if any of your passwords are compromised in a data breach
Proton SentinelCombines AI and human oversight for advanced security, including login challenges and 24/7 monitoring
PasskeysEnables passwordless login for supported sites, with automatic passkey use on future visits
Dark Web MonitoringScans the dark web for exposed personal data, like emails or passwords, and notifies you of potential breaches
Hide-my-email aliasesCreates disposable email addresses to protect your real email from spam and leaks
Secure password sharingLets you securely share passwords or entire vaults with recipients with customizable access controls
AutofillAutomatically fills in personal and payment details securely while browsing

Password generator, Autofill, passkeys, and Password sharing

Proton Pass offers a comprehensive suite of features to make managing your passwords easier and more secure. These features work together to provide a smooth and safe experience.

First, the password generator allows you to create both memorable passwords (1-10 words) and random ones (4-64 characters). It gives you the flexibility to choose password complexity, ensuring strong security without compromising usability. This feature worked flawlessly, and I appreciated the option to tailor the password length and type according to my needs.

Proton Pass password generator on Mac
Proton Pass password generator

Next, the autofill feature streamlines your login process. Once enabled, Proton Pass automatically suggests saved login details when you visit a website or open an app. While it worked smoothly with pre-saved passwords, it occasionally missed the chance to offer saving new credentials, but overall, it made accessing my accounts faster and easier.

Passkeys add another layer of security by offering passwordless logins. I tested this with Proton Pass’s browser extension and mobile apps, and it worked seamlessly. On supported sites, passkeys can be saved and automatically offered on future visits, making it a secure and convenient way to log in. However, it’s worth noting that passkey support on Firefox for iOS is still limited.

Lastly, Password sharing is a great tool for sharing login credentials. You can generate a secure link for a single item, set expiration dates, limit views, or share an entire vault by simply entering the recipient’s email address. Changes made to shared items are automatically updated for everyone, and access can be easily revoked. I found this feature incredibly useful for sharing streaming logins or collaborating on accounts with family and colleagues.

proton-pass-password-share
Proton Pass password sharing option

Together, these features make Proton Pass a versatile and user-friendly tool for password management, offering strong security and convenience.

2FA authenticator, Proton Sentinel, and Pass Monitor

Proton Pass offers a suite of advanced features to protect your accounts and sensitive information, starting with the 2FA authenticator. This feature integrates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) directly within Proton Pass, eliminating the need for third-party apps.

For each saved login, Proton Pass can generate secure TOTP codes, providing an extra layer of security when logging in. I found this feature incredibly convenient, as it keeps everything in one place, simplifying two-factor authentication without switching between apps.

Moving on to Proton Sentinel, this is an innovative security feature that combines AI and human oversight. It adds a heightened level of protection by challenging suspicious logins, allowing only legitimate account owners to pass the security tests. Additionally, Proton Sentinel offers 24/7 monitoring by security analysts and provides greater visibility into account changes and logins.

While it’s an excellent feature for individual accounts, I did find that accounts with multiple users might face challenges, as a lack of 2FA could lead to frequent login verification steps. Despite this, it significantly enhances account security by actively protecting against unauthorized access.

The Pass Monitor is another vital tool that helps you maintain strong account security. It checks your passwords for weaknesses, including reused or weak passwords, and alerts you if any of your logins lack 2FA protection.

Proton Pass dark web monitoring
Proton Pass has Pass Monitor feature

This tool is easy to navigate, and I appreciate how it directs me to the specific accounts that need attention. If a password is flagged for being weak or reused, I can quickly address the issue with just a click, streamlining the process to keep my accounts safe.

Dark Web Monitoring and hide-my-email aliases

Proton Pass takes privacy seriously, offering powerful tools to safeguard your personal information. The Dark Web Monitoring feature alerts you if your personal data is found on the dark web, typically due to a third-party breach. It scans various data sources, including threat intelligence data enriched by Constella Intelligence, to track breaches involving ProtonMail addresses or Proton Pass aliases.

When personal information such as your email, passwords, or credit card numbers are found, you’re notified, and the breach is prioritized by severity. I appreciated how the system marked high-risk breaches with red indicators, urging immediate action, while purple indicators signaled breaches with encrypted or hashed data.

Additionally, hide-my-email aliases offer another layer of privacy. When filling out forms online, you can use a randomly generated alias instead of your real email address, protecting you from spam and unwanted exposure. If an alias is ever compromised, you can simply deactivate it. Free accounts get 10 aliases, while paid accounts enjoy unlimited aliases. I found this feature particularly useful when signing up for services, keeping my main email address safe from unwanted attention.

Proton Pass setup and compatibility

For testing, I used a variety of devices including iPhone (iOS), MacBook (macOS), Samsung phone (Android), and a Windows PC. I tested Proton Pass on macOS both from the App Store and Proton’s website, and I didn’t encounter any issues. Although the App Store version was likely designed for iPad, it worked just fine on macOS.

Overall, I found Proton Pass to be very user-friendly and intuitive across all devices. The app offers a smooth experience whether on mobile or desktop, making it easy to navigate and manage passwords seamlessly.

Proton Pass setup

Setting up Proton Pass was quick and easy. First, I downloaded the app from the app store or directly from Proton’s website. After the installation, I created an account (or you can log in with existing Proton credentials). Once logged in, I was able to immediately start using all the password manager features.

proton-pass-setup-first
You can install Proton Pass on Windows, macOS, and Linux

To add a new password, I clicked the Create item button, filled in the required details, and saved it securely in the vault. All my saved passwords were then ready for use when logging into my accounts.

proton-pass-setup-second
Create a Proton account or log in

The entire setup process was seamless and user-friendly. Proton Pass made it easy for me to get started without any technical hassle. The app was intuitive, and within just a few minutes, I had my vault organized and ready to go.

proton-pass-setup-third
Create a login in Proton Pass

Before I go into detail about the different Proton Pass apps, here’s a brief overview of its compatibility:

Desktop apps
Proton Pass desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux are easy to navigate. The simple interface makes it straightforward to manage and secure your passwords.
Mobile apps
Proton Pass mobile apps for Android and iOS are intuitive and easy to use. They offer the same secure features as the desktop app, optimized for mobile devices.
Browser extension
The Proton Pass browser extension works with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Brave. It provides easy access to your vault and password autofill, along with password importing/exporting via the extension.

Proton Pass desktop apps

I found Proton Pass’s desktop apps for Windows and Mac very similar, with no noticeable differences. The interface is clean and straightforward, with a menu bar on the left for easy navigation. All your saved account logins appear on the main page, making accessing and managing your passwords simple.

To edit login details or copy them manually, you can click on any item and select Edit. I liked the vulnerability display next to passwords, which shows when a password needs to be updated.

Setting up the Proton Pass desktop app was easy, and I had no trouble installing it. The app’s design is consistent on both Windows and Mac, which I found to be helpful for maintaining a cohesive experience. The password generator was initially hard to find, but I later realized it appears when creating a new entry.

Overall, Proton Pass’s desktop app is functional and user-friendly, though it took me a bit of time to get used to the layout.

Proton Pass mobile apps

I didn’t find any noticeable differences between iPad/iPhone and Android apps. As for desktops, the only difference between PC and mobile versions is that password importing/exporting is allowed only through browser extensions, web apps, and desktop apps. Interfaces also differ; however, both are equally intuitive. Mobile apps, perhaps to declutter an already small screen space, also seem to have less busy interfaces than desktop apps.

Proton Pass mobile app interface
Proton Pass Android mobile app interface

One thing I found is that password importing and exporting are available through the desktop app, web app, and browser extension but not directly within the mobile apps.

Overall, the Proton Pass mobile apps are easy to use. I appreciated the clean, streamlined design and smooth navigation, making them a great option for managing passwords on the go.

Proton Pass browser extension

I found the Proton Pass browser extension easy to set up, especially with the free version, which took just a few simple steps. The interface is similar to the desktop app but smaller. Navigating it was simple, and I could easily scroll through my vault and copy credentials with a single click.

Proton Pass browser extension interface
Proton Pass Chrome extension

Proton Pass allows importing and exporting passwords using the desktop app, web app, and browser extension. I could import passwords from popular providers using formats like JSON, CSV, ZIP, or XML. For exporting, Proton Pass recommends using PGP-encrypted JSON, but regular JSON and CSV formats also work.

Overall, the Proton Pass browser extension gave me a smooth and user-friendly experience. I had easy access to my saved passwords and key features, all while keeping everything secure.

Proton Pass customer support

OptionAvailability
24/7 live chat❌ No
Email support✅ Yes
Knowledge base✅ Yes
How-to guides✅ Yes
Phone support❌ No

Proton Pass does not have live chat support, but you can access customer support 24/7 via email or Zendesk. As Proton Pass is an open-source password manager, it has a strong knowledge base, where expert users can suggest improvements.

I personally contacted Proton Pass support via email and got a pretty fast response. The first time, I had an issue with password importing, and the advice I got helped me resolve the problem and relay the advice given in this article. The second time, I investigated the refund process. Both times, the customer support was very helpful and professional, so despite not having live chat support, Proton Pass staff were still able to assist me in a timely manner.

Proton Pass in-app customer support
Proton Pass in-app customer support

Additionally, you can get help from Proton’s own subreddit at r/ProtonVPN. This way, you can get assistance not only from Proton itself but also from other users.

Proton Pass review: final verdict

Proton Pass is a reliable and secure password manager. It offers a functional free version with strong privacy features. While it lacks the extensive functionality of premium options like NordPass or 1Password, it remains a solid choice. It's perfect for users seeking a straightforward, secure solution.

The user-friendly interface and focus on privacy make it an excellent option for beginners. With its open-source nature and strong encryption, Proton Pass is becoming a trusted choice.

How I tested the Proton Pass password manager

Along with the Cybernews team, I thoroughly tested Proton Pass, following our standard procedure for reviewing password managers. Here's what I focused on during the testing process:

  1. Features (30%). I tested Proton Pass' core functionalities, including password generation, secure storage, and advanced options like password sharing, email aliases, and account security monitoring.
  2. Plans and pricing (30%). I reviewed all Proton Pass subscription plans, their pricing, and the overall value they provide compared to other password managers.
  3. User interface (20%). I assessed the design, layout, and ease of navigation to ensure Proton Pass is intuitive for users of all experience levels.
  4. Cross-device and platform compatibility (20%). I tested Proton Pass on various devices and platforms to evaluate its performance and ensure it functions smoothly across all supported systems.

FAQ

Comments

Brad
prefix 4 months ago
Fantastic review! I am actually in the process of evaluating a move to the Proton products to improve online privacy and risk.
Thanks for all the great, in depth, detail!
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