Password manager vs generator: what each one does
A generator makes the password; a manager keeps it. You almost certainly want both.
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Password managers and password generators are both essential security tools, but they serve fundamentally different purposes. Understanding the distinction helps you use both effectively.
What Is a Password Generator?
A password generator creates random passwords using cryptographically secure randomness. It produces passwords on-demand but does not store them — that responsibility falls to you or a separate tool.
What Is a Password Manager?
A password manager stores, organizes, and retrieves your passwords securely. Most include a built-in generator, but their primary function is secure credential storage with features like autofill and sync.
How They Work Together
- Use a generator for maximum randomness and customization
- Store generated passwords in a password manager
- Let the manager handle autofill for convenience
- Use breach monitoring to know when passwords need changing
When to Use a Standalone Generator
Standalone generators like Passlore are useful when you need passwords for offline use, when you want to verify a manager's generator quality, or when you need specific customization options.
Try it: a password for your manager
Opens the generator on Password manager: 32 characters you’ll never type.