About Master Password
Master Password is an approach to password management built around an algorithm rather than a conventional stored vault. The project provides the core algorithm along with applications for several platforms so users can work with it on different devices. Its repository topics point to scrypt-based password generation and hashing.
Applications in the repository cover iOS, macOS, Android, a command-line client and a Java implementation. The project description notes that all development has moved to Spectre, a rewrite that keeps the same algorithm and license under the same author, and that Master Password is no longer actively maintained. The Spectre beta introduced a Swift app with AutoFill support.
Master Password is licensed under GPL-3.0 and is free software. Because it is no longer maintained, new users are directed to the Spectre project on GitLab, so this listing is mostly relevant to existing users and as a historical reference.
Key features
- Algorithm-based password generation
- Apps for iOS, macOS and Android
- Command-line client
- Java implementation
- scrypt-based key derivation
Good fit for
- →Generating site-specific passwords on several platforms
- Tags
- password-manager
- password-generator
- cryptography
- scrypt
- ios
- macos
- android
- cli
Master Password: questions and answers
- What is Master Password used for?
- Master Password is an algorithm-based password manager from Maarten Billemont with iOS, macOS, Android, Java and command-line apps; the project has since moved to Spectre. It is a good fit for generating site-specific passwords on several platforms.
- Is Master Password open source?
- Yes. Master Password is open source under the GPL-3.0 licence. Its source code is on GitHub at Lyndir/MasterPassword and is written mainly in Objective-C.
- Is Master Password free?
- Yes. Master Password is open source, so the software itself is free to use.
- Can I self-host Master Password?
- Yes. Master Password can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.
- What is Master Password an alternative to?
- Master Password is an open-source alternative to Dashlane, NordPass and Keeper. Other open-source alternatives to Dashlane include Bitwarden, KeePassDX and Pass for iOS.
- Is Master Password actively maintained?
- The most recent commit to Master Password was on 3 June 2022. The project has 1.1k stars on GitHub.
Open-source alternatives to Master Password
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OSSvs 1Password★ 14k
KeePassDX
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Pass for iOS - an iOS client compatible with Pass command line application.
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Monica Pass
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Passman
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🔐 Open source password manager with Nextcloud integration
AGPL-3.0vs Dashlane★ 823
Proton Pass Android
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Android code for the Proton Pass application
GPL-3.0vs Dashlane★ 786
SaaS alternatives to Master Password
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Dashlane
Password Management
Password manager with autofill, passkey support, dark web monitoring and a built-in VPN
SaaSNordPass
Password Management
Password and passkey manager from the makers of NordVPN, with a limited free tier
SaaS
Keeper
Password Management
Password manager and privileged access tool for individuals, families and enterprises
SaaS
Google Password Manager
Password Management
Free password and passkey storage built into Chrome, Android and Google accounts
SaaS
Norton Password Manager
Password Management
Password manager from Norton with autofill, a password generator and synced vault
SaaS
1Password
Password Management
Password manager for individuals, families and teams with shared vaults and passkeys
SaaS

