Password Manager vs. Password Vault

[KMason]

Quick question time: When you hear the wording Password Manager is it used fairly interchangeably with Password Vault? Do those two terms equate to be the same in your mind; or does Manager seem different from Vault?

[JC-ChrisTate]

In my eyes they are interchangeable. I guess a vault is where they are stored and the manager is around the access controls/sharing controls etc. I personally use Password Manager as my go-to phrase.

[kelly]

They're not interchangeable at all! A password manager is the app used to record/mantain the passwords you have. Within said manager, you have vaults which work like folders to organize by client or department (for example). 

From a support perspective it makes a dramatic difference whether or not someone is having issues with a vault (one small piece of the app) or a manager (the entire app). 

Signed,

Former Password Manager Support Technician

[MrWallace]

I think "Password Manager" and "Password Vault" can be used interchangeably in a lot of cases, but I do see a slight difference. A "Password Manager" seems to suggest something that not only stores passwords but also helps you organize and fill them in automatically, while a "Vault" feels more like a secure storage space for your passwords. At least, that's how I think of it.

For example, I use https://entropykey.com/features to back up my master passphrase securely. It’s like a vault for all my important credentials, and it makes me feel comfortable knowing my passwords are stored safely and backed up in case I need them.

[Caprottapibo]

While often used interchangeably, "Password Manager" feels more active, implying management and organization, while "Password Vault" suggests secure storage. Subtle difference, but they’re largely similar in purpose.