Why I use Apple's and Google's password managers - and don't mind the chaos

In a detailed personal account, ZDNET editor Jada Jones makes a case for using the free, built-in password managers from Apple and Google instead of third-party services or insecure methods like the Notes app. She outlines her specific, mixed-device workflow: using Safari on iPhone but Chrome on MacBook, and preferring Gmail over Apple Mail. This hybrid approach leads her to utilize both ecosystems' tools. Apple Passwords stores credentials locally in iCloud Keychain, syncing them securely across her iPhone, Mac, and iPad using biometrics like Face ID and Touch ID. However, she notes its key limitation: it's effectively walled within the Apple ecosystem, making it difficult for users with a Windows PC.

Conversely, Google Password Manager stores passwords in the cloud, tied to her Google account. She uses it primarily within the Chrome browser on her MacBook and can access those saved logins even on her iPhone via Chrome. This makes it her go-to solution for cross-platform accessibility, such as when testing apps on an Android Pixel device and needing to retrieve login info on her iPhone. Jones concludes that Apple Passwords is best for users fully invested in Apple hardware, while Google's manager is the superior choice for those with mixed devices or a preference for Google's browser and services. Her experience demonstrates that these ubiquitous, free tools provide a secure and practical foundation for password management, especially for beginners.