The Codebook Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Codebook in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Codebook
The Insider’s Guide
Password manager from Zetetic, free for personal use
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among password managers, read from Codebook’s own pages.
Made by Zetetic, LLC · checked Nov 13, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Codebook’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Codebook’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 13, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
3.0
GPA, above 38 of the 49 other password managers we grade
Codebook is a password manager for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows from Zetetic, the company behind the SQLCipher database encryption. The app is free for personal, non-commercial use, and an optional Codebook Cloud subscription adds automatic sync and secure sharing between devices and people.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about Codebook, taken from its own pages and our grades.
An installed app that you start using, with no store rating on record.
- 1
Best for a free personal vault with manual sync
Codebook is a password app from Zetetic that is free for personal, non-commercial use, with manual sync through Dropbox, Google Drive or desktop Wi-Fi.
- 2
Paid plans start at $5 a month
As its pricing page puts it: $5 per month (Codebook Cloud sync subscription).
- 3
There is a free plan
The Codebook app is free for personal, non-commercial use, with manual sync through Dropbox, Google Drive or desktop Wi-Fi.
- 4
It runs on 4 platforms
macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
- 5
Flexible entries and fields
Data is organized into categories, entries and fields with labels you define; field labels control behavior, such as opening a URL or dialing a number.
- 6
Encrypted database
Data is stored with SQLCipher, using AES-256-CBC with HMAC-SHA512 and 256,000 rounds of PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512 for key derivation, per the vendor.
- 7
Autofill and built-in authenticator
Fills logins through Password AutoFill on Android, iOS and macOS, and generates TOTP verification codes for sites that use 2-step verification.
- 8
A 3.0 GPA, above 38 of 49
That is against the other password managers we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Keep it
To replace Codebook you would be making a password vault, the last thing anyone should make for themselves. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
Codebook at a glance
- Pricing
- Free plan, from $5 per month (Codebook Cloud sync subscription)
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- Codebook Cloud is described as free to try; the page does not state the length
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
- Made by
- Zetetic, LLC
- Category
- Password Managers
- Our grade
- 3.0 GPA, very good
- Store rating
- 4.8 on the App Store, 2,372 ratings
The report card
Best for a free personal vault with manual sync
Codebook is a password app from Zetetic that is free for personal, non-commercial use, with manual sync through Dropbox, Google Drive or desktop Wi-Fi. Automatic sync and sharing need Codebook Cloud from $5 a month, and there is no browser extension.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free for personal use, and a program anyone can download and run counts as free. Codebook Cloud starts at $5 a month, but you can skip it. |
| Free plan and trial | B | A person could live on the free app with manual sync. Business use needs a paid licence. |
| Features | C | Entries, an authenticator and password review. Automatic sync and sharing need Cloud, and there is no browser extension. |
| Ease of use | B | An installed app that you start using, with no store rating on record. |
| Platforms and integrations | B | Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android, with Dropbox and Google Drive sync. No native Linux app, and no browser extension. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Codebook is for
- Fits if you want a free password app for personal use
- Works for households that want shared entries through a family plan
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you want automatic sync, as that needs Codebook Cloud from $5 a month
- Not for you if you use it at work, since the free app is non-commercial only
- Watch out: the Cloud price is only 'starting at $5' with no billing basis stated
- Too light for browsers, as there is no extension
- Skip it if you run Linux, where Windows version runs under Wine
Good to know
Good for
- People who want a free personal password manager with manual sync
- Households that want shared entries through a family plan
- Small businesses that need a licensed team password vault
Worth knowing
- Automatic sync and secure sharing need a paid Codebook Cloud subscription; free sync is manual.
- Business use requires a business license; the free app is for non-commercial use only.
- The Codebook Cloud price is shown only as starting at $5 per month, with no billing basis stated.
- There is no native Linux app; the Windows version runs under Wine, and there is no browser extension.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$5
A month to start. There is a free plan too
Codebook has a free plan. Paid plans start at $5 per month (Codebook Cloud sync subscription).
Free for personal use, and a program anyone can download and run counts as free.
Codebook
$0
The app on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows for personal use, with manual sync through Dropbox, Google Drive or Wi-Fi.
Codebook Cloud
$5
per month, billing basis not shown, starting price
Automatic sync and secure sharing. Zetetic also lists a family plan; its price is not shown on the pages read.
Codebook for Business
$5
per user / month, billed annually
Business license covering Codebook Cloud for every user; sold through sales, with volume discounts.
The free plan
The Codebook app is free for personal, non-commercial use, with manual sync through Dropbox, Google Drive or desktop Wi-Fi.
Trying it first
Codebook Cloud is described as free to try; the page does not state the length
Read from zetetic.net on Nov 13, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
4
Places it runs: macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
Password manager from Zetetic, free for personal use. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: password manager, file sharing.
Entries, an authenticator and password review.
- Flexible entries and fields
- Data is organized into categories, entries and fields with labels you define; field labels control behavior, such as opening a URL or dialing a number.
- Encrypted database
- Data is stored with SQLCipher, using AES-256-CBC with HMAC-SHA512 and 256,000 rounds of PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512 for key derivation, per the vendor.
- Autofill and built-in authenticator
- Fills logins through Password AutoFill on Android, iOS and macOS, and generates TOTP verification codes for sites that use 2-step verification.
- Password review
- Checks passwords against online breaches through HaveIBeenPwned and flags weak ones; a random password generator includes a DiceWare option.
- Codebook Cloud sync and sharing
- The subscription service syncs automatically in the background and shares entries with trusted contacts and Family Plan members.
- Images and PDFs
- Stores image and PDF files, such as scans of passports or insurance policies, alongside password entries.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
- iOS
- Android
What it works with
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- HaveIBeenPwned
Codebook is made by Zetetic, LLC.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
38/49
Other password managers it is graded above
Codebook's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 38 of the 49 other password managers we grade, and level with 4.
It stands best on value for money (A, above 38 of 49) and worst on features (C, above 0).
Its paid plans start at $5 a month, against a middle price of $2.50 for the category: 27 of the 29 others that charge start lower.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.7 out of 4. 13 tools score higher and cost less.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 50 password managers we grade, cut by the letter each got. Codebook’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 38 of 49
- BFree plan and trialAbove 27 of 49
- CFeaturesAbove 0 of 49
- BEase of useAbove 31 of 49
- BPlatforms and integrationsAbove 16 of 49
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 38 password managers. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Codebook is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
To replace Codebook you would be making a password vault, the last thing anyone should make for themselves. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.0 is higher than 38 of the 49 other password managers we grade. It costs $60 a year.
What you could not
- A password vault, the last thing anyone should make for themselves.
- Storing and serving files for other people.
- Apps for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android that stay in step with each other.
What this rests on. Codebook’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
KeePass, KeePassXC, Enpass, 1Password and Strongbox
The 5 tools Codebook is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.8GPA
KeePass
Free
Free, open-source password manager for Windows with plugins.
- Only Codebook lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only KeePass lists a Linux app.
- KeePass is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.8GPA
KeePassXC
Free
Free, open-source offline password manager for desktop.
- Only Codebook lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only KeePassXC lists a Linux app.
- Only KeePassXC lists a browser extension.
- 2.6GPA
Enpass
Free plan · from $23.99/yr
Password manager that keeps vaults in your own cloud storage.
- Only Enpass lists a Linux app.
- Only Enpass lists a browser extension.
- Enpass can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.8GPA
1Password
Free trial · from $3.99/mo
Password manager for individuals, families and businesses.
- Codebook has a free plan. 1Password does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only 1Password lists a Linux app.
- Only 1Password lists a browser extension.
- 3.0GPA
Strongbox
Free plan · from $2.99/mo
KeePass-compatible password manager for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
- Only Codebook lists Windows and Android apps.
- Only Strongbox lists a browser extension.
- Strongbox can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
13
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Codebook free?
Codebook has a free plan. The Codebook app is free for personal, non-commercial use, with manual sync through Dropbox, Google Drive or desktop Wi-Fi.
How much does Codebook cost?
Codebook lists 3 plans. Codebook: $0.
What platforms does Codebook work on?
Codebook is available on macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
How is Codebook rated?
Codebook's iPhone and iPad app averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2,372 ratings on the App Store in the United States, as read on Nov 13, 2026.
Does Codebook have a Linux app?
No Linux app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Codebook is listed for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
Is Codebook open source?
Codebook is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Nov 13, 2026.
What does Codebook integrate with?
Codebook's listing names Dropbox, Google Drive and HaveIBeenPwned. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Does Codebook have a free trial?
Yes. Codebook Cloud is described as free to try; the page does not state the length.
Who makes Codebook?
Codebook is made by Zetetic, LLC.
What are the alternatives to Codebook?
The closest alternatives to Codebook in our directory are KeePass, KeePassXC, Enpass, 1Password and Strongbox.
How does Codebook compare with other password managers?
Codebook's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 38 of the 49 other password managers we grade, and level with 4.
Is Codebook good value for money?
ToolGPA grades Codebook A for value for money. Its paid plans start at $5 a month, against a middle price of $2.50 for the category: 27 of the 29 others that charge start lower.
Could I make my own version of Codebook?
To replace Codebook you would be making a password vault, the last thing anyone should make for themselves.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Codebook’s own pages on Nov 13, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 13, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Zetetic's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Zetetic, LLC. Prices change, so check zetetic.net before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Codebook, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/codebook
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Codebook: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 13, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/codebook
Know someone choosing between password managers?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/codebook/guide
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See our other guides
The best-graded password managers after Codebook, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Password Managers Insider's GuideEvery one of the 51 password managers we grade, compared
- Bitwarden Insider's GuideOpen-source password manager with a free plan and self-hosting3.8 GPA
- Apple Passwords Insider's GuideApple's free password and passkey app for iPhone, iPad and Mac3.4 GPA
- RoboForm Insider's GuidePassword manager and form filler with a single-device free plan3.4 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Codebook’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Codebook is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Zetetic, LLC. Prices and plans change: check zetetic.net before you buy.