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VaultKeepR vs LastPass

Compare LastPass and VaultKeepR by encryption, storage, access, and export format. The notes below distinguish supported settings and account models.

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VaultKeepR and LastPass: comparison of capabilities and plans
ComparisonVaultKeepRLastPass
Encryption and key derivationXChaCha20-Poly1305 + Argon2idAES-256 + PBKDF2-SHA256
Storage locationLocal encrypted vault / IPFS syncLastPass-hosted encrypted sync
Access & AuthPassword + Secret Key / compatible passkeyEmail + Master Password
Open-source licenseYesNo
Public implementation for reviewPublic SDK; not an external security auditNo
PricingFree local vault and IPFS sync; Premium extrasPersonal plans: see official pricing

Why users choose LastPass

  • • Browser autofill
  • • Password sharing
  • • Emergency access on eligible plans

What to check with LastPass

  • • LastPass service for cloud sync
  • • Plan limits vary by device and feature
  • • Keep export and recovery settings under review

Encryption and key derivation

LastPass documents AES-256 vault encryption and PBKDF2-SHA256 for password-based keys. Password strength and KDF parameters affect protection against offline guessing. Its published model encrypts and decrypts vault data on the client, rather than giving the service a plaintext vault.

VaultKeepR encrypts vault contents with XChaCha20-Poly1305 and uses Argon2id for password-based key derivation. Argon2id raises the cost of offline guessing, but protection still depends on the unlocking secret, KDF parameters, and device security.

Vault copies and remote availability

LastPass synchronizes an encrypted vault through its hosted service. Service availability and the safety of exported copies are separate questions from whether the provider can decrypt vault contents.

VaultKeepR keeps an encrypted local vault and syncs an encrypted vault blob through IPFS. Shamir recovery fragments are separate from that blob. Remote access depends on gateways, continued pinning, and the configured storage services, including S3 backup. Keep a local copy or export that you can unlock.

Account and unlocking methods

LastPass uses an email-based account and master password in its password-based model. Recovery and emergency-access options depend on prior configuration and plan. A recovery option alone does not prove that LastPass can read every user's vault.

VaultKeepR does not require an email-based vault account. Unlock methods depend on the app and compatible hardware. Removing email registration does not prevent phishing, compromised-device access, or metadata linkage.

Recovery and independent backups

The local vault and IPFS sync are free. Shamir 3-of-5 fragmented recovery is part of Premium. Set it up before losing access; recovery requires the necessary fragments and recovery information.

If you lose the unlocking secrets without a usable recovery setup or another accessible vault copy, you can lose access to the vault. An email reset cannot recreate a lost encryption key. Test recovery and keep independent backups before relying on them.

Read the full guide: What is Zero-Knowledge Encryption?

Sources and scope

Facts checked on . Features depend on the client, format, KDF settings, and account model. Pricing can change by region, billing period, and promotion. USD prices are not converted to EUR here.

VaultKeepR references: Architecture, threat model, recovery, pricing.

Frequently asked questions

How can I transfer my passwords from LastPass?

Click the LastPass extension icon. Go to Account Options > Advanced > Export. Select LastPass CSV File. Save the CSV file securely. Import the CSV file in VaultKeepR. An unencrypted export exposes your secrets. Use a trusted device, verify the transferred entries, and delete the unencrypted export after verification.

Can I access my passwords offline?

You can read a local vault without an internet connection once it is available on that device and you can unlock it. Syncing or downloading a remote copy requires network access. A new device needs a vault copy and a supported unlocking method.

Is VaultKeepR really free?

The local vault and IPFS sync are free. Shamir 3-of-5 fragmented recovery is part of Premium. Set it up before losing access; recovery requires the necessary fragments and recovery information.

Does VaultKeepR work with passkeys and biometrics?

VaultKeepR supports WebAuthn passkey unlocking through PRF on compatible browsers and authenticators. Biometric unlocking and autofill depend on the app, device, and OS support. Check your setup before relying on a passkey as your only way back into the vault.

Where is my data actually stored?

VaultKeepR keeps an encrypted local vault and syncs an encrypted vault blob through IPFS. Shamir recovery fragments are separate from that blob. Remote access depends on gateways, continued pinning, and the configured storage services, including S3 backup. Keep a local copy or export that you can unlock.

Switching managers is also a good time to close the accounts you no longer use. Our guides cover how to delete accounts on 15 major services.

Try a local-first vault

Use the transfer method for LastPass above, then verify the imported entries. Keep a backup and your unlocking material available.