VaultKeepR vs Spectre
Compare Spectre and VaultKeepR by encryption, storage, access, and export format. The notes below distinguish supported settings and account models.
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| Comparison | VaultKeepR | Spectre |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption and key derivation | XChaCha20-Poly1305 + Argon2id | scrypt + HMAC-SHA256 password derivation |
| Storage location | Local encrypted vault / IPFS sync | Generated passwords; site settings to retain |
| Access & Auth | Password + Secret Key / compatible passkey | Name + personal secret + site and counter |
| Open-source license | Yes | Yes |
| Public implementation for review | Public SDK; not an external security audit | Yes |
| Pricing | Free local vault and IPFS sync; Premium extras | Free (open-source algorithm) |
Why users choose Spectre
- • Deterministic password generation
- • Published algorithm and source code
- • No generated-password vault to synchronize
What to check with Spectre
- • Personal secret and exact inputs to retain
- • Not a general-purpose document vault
- • Site counters and output templates affect passwords
Encryption and key derivation
Spectre's published algorithm derives a user key with scrypt and a site key with HMAC-SHA256 before producing a site password. This is deterministic password generation, not encryption of a conventional password vault. The secret, name, site, counter, and output template affect the result.
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
In Spectre's generated-password model, passwords are calculated when needed rather than stored in a synchronized vault. Site settings and counters still need to be preserved. This model does not justify a guarantee against every kind of credential compromise.
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
The same name, personal secret, and site settings reproduce the generated password. There is no need to assign an email-account workflow to this algorithm. To move generated credentials into VaultKeepR, regenerate them and add them manually; a site-profile export is not a password-vault import.
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.
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 Spectre?
In Spectre's generated-password model, passwords are derived from your name, secret, site, and counter rather than kept in a conventional vault. Regenerate each password using exactly the same inputs and generation settings. Create a VaultKeepR vault and manually save the credentials. A Spectre site-profile export is not a password-vault import. 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 Spectre above, then verify the imported entries. Keep a backup and your unlocking material available.