Better Passwords
iCloud Passwords,
but better.
Try it on the pretend site below.
Free and open source. Mac only (macOS 14 or later). Works in Chrome, Edge, Brave, Arc and Firefox.
Already using Apple's extension?
Both use the same Apple Passwords, so switching loses nothing.
iCloud PasswordsApple's extension |
Better PasswordsThis extension |
|
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Apple |
An indie developer, @fanckush |
| Fills your Apple Passwords | Yes |
Yes |
| Strong passwords for sign-ups | Opens the Passwords app |
Suggested right in the field |
| Hide My Email in sign-up forms | Not available | Yes, with iCloud+ |
| Your own emails in sign-up forms | Not available | From your contact card* |
| Unlocks with | Six digits from your Mac |
Six digits, or Touch ID* |
| How often | Each time Chrome puts it to sleep |
Once, until you quit Chrome |
| Windows | Yes, with iCloud for Windows |
Mac only for now. Ask for Windows |
| Price | Free |
Free and open source |
* Needs the free companion Mac app.
Your passwords stay with Apple.
The extension asks your Mac for the login you pick, fills it in, and keeps nothing.
Better Passwordsin Chrome
No server of ours in between. We don't run one.
- No trackingNo accounts, no analytics. Hide My Email talks to Apple, and only once you turn it on.
- Open sourceThe extension and the companion app are MIT-licensed, so anyone can check what they do.
- The risks, written downA threat model lists what it defends against, and what it doesn't.
Questions
What is Hide My Email?
An iCloud+ feature that gives each site its own random address that forwards to your inbox. If a site sells or leaks it, you turn that one address off. Safari offers it in sign-up forms; this brings it to Chrome, using your iCloud sign-in in this browser.
Is this from Apple?
No. It's an independent, open-source extension that works with the Apple Passwords already on your Mac.
Is it safe?
Your passwords stay in Apple Passwords. The extension asks your Mac for the one you pick, fills it, and keeps nothing. There are no accounts, no servers and no tracking, and anyone can read the code.
How do I set it up?
Add the extension from your browser's store, then open the companion Mac app. It connects Chrome to Apple Passwords and turns on Touch ID. Unlock once, and turn on Hide My Email from the toolbar if you have iCloud+. Needs macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later.
What are the six digits?
When an extension connects to Apple Passwords, your Mac shows a six-digit code and you type it into the browser, to prove the browser is yours. Apple's extension needs a new one whenever Chrome puts it to sleep. This extension keeps the connection open for the browser session. With the optional companion app, Touch ID enters the code for you.
Do I need the companion app?
It's the easy way, and it's what adds Touch ID and your contact card's emails. Without it, run this once in Terminal:
curl -fsSL https://github.com/fanckush/better-passwords-extension/raw/main/scripts/setup-mac.sh | sh
Does it cost anything?
No. The extension and the companion app are free. Hide My Email is part of iCloud+, which you pay Apple for.
Does it work on Windows?
Not yet. It's Mac only for now, because it works with the Apple Passwords helper built into macOS. If you'd use it on Windows, open an issue to ask for it.
Now try it on a real site.
Free and open source. It works with the Apple Passwords you already have.
Mac only (macOS 14 or later). Works in Chrome, Edge, Brave, Arc and Firefox.