Zoho Vault Review

Personally, I have reached a point in my life where remembering all my passwords feels almost like trying to juggle too many balls.

Between email accounts, work tools, streaming platforms, and social media, any time I have to log in on a new device, I end up having a really hard time. And don't even get me started when you work in a team and have to keep in mind all kinds of passwords for your company's applications. It's madness, as you can imagine.

Managing passwords in a team can become a true odyssey due to the great ease of getting lost in this “sea of keys,” each more peculiar than the last. Moreover, as if that weren't enough, the simple act of keeping them organized and safe can give you even more headaches, if possible. Fortunately, this is where Zoho Vault comes into play, a password manager that simplifies this task without sacrificing security or efficiency.

With Zoho Vault, you can not only securely store your passwords, but you can also share them with your team, set different access levels, and maintain detailed control over changes made, thus offering a very balanced combination of simplicity and advanced features.

Therefore, if you are looking for a reliable solution to manage your business passwords, this could be the perfect option.

What is Zoho Vault?

Zoho Vault is a comprehensive password management solution for teams and companies that need to securely manage access to different platforms or websites. Thanks to its secure vaults, you can store an unlimited number of passwords, notes, banking information, and all kinds of confidential information.

Whether you are a growing small business or a large corporation with multiple departments, this tool adapts to your needs. This is achieved thanks to its focus on security and control, providing effective solutions to avoid chaotic password management.

Launched by Zoho Corporation, a company with a long history in business software development, Zoho Vault is part of a suite of applications that covers everything from project management to CRM. A backing that not only provides trust to its users but also offers perfect integration with other applications in the Zoho ecosystem, helping to create more efficient workflows.

Among its most notable features are the secure storage of passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), and single sign-on (SSO). Additionally, its capability to assign roles and manage permissions makes teamwork collaboration easier and safer. If you are looking for software that balances security, ease of use, and price, keep reading because this will interest you.

Why Choose Zoho Vault?

After analyzing its features and results, we have given Zoho Vault a score of 8.3 out of 10. This rating reflects the balance of this software between security, price, and ease of use.

As a password manager, Zoho Vault offers an attractive proposition, especially for companies looking for a robust solution without incurring large expenses. Although it presents areas for improvement, its focus on protection and access control makes it perfect for businesses.

Among its main virtues is AES-256 encryption, one of the most secure standards available. It also stands out for its cross-platform compatibility, allowing it to be used on both computers and mobile devices (Android, iOS, and Windows) and browsers, thanks to its extensions. Additionally, its integration with Zoho One is especially advantageous for those already using other applications from this suite.

On the other hand, Zoho Vault is not without limitations. The lack of advanced features and customization can be a drawback for IT teams with specific needs. It also does not offer a master password recovery option, which can pose a huge risk if you forget that key, nor a dedicated Windows app.

Zoho Vault is ideal for small and medium enterprises, as well as for IT teams that value audit tracking and access management. However, if you are looking for software with more customization options or password recovery, you might want to consider alternatives like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden, which are likely to fit your needs better.

Key Features of Zoho Vault

When it comes to protecting sensitive information, not all password managers are up to the task. Zoho Vault stands out by offering a set of features designed to ensure the security of your passwords and facilitate access in collaborative environments.

Next, we detail its key features:

Secure Password Storage

AES-256 encryption is one of the most advanced security standards, used by banks and governmental entities. With Zoho Vault, all your credentials are stored in your secure vault, ensuring that only authorized users can access them. This minimizes the risk of security breaches and unauthorized access.

Autofill and One-Click Login

Saving time is essential in any work environment, and this feature is ideal for boosting your productivity. With autofill, Zoho Vault automatically fills in your credentials on websites and applications, allowing you to log in with a single click. Great convenience that translates into greater daily efficiency.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Adding an extra layer of security is always a good idea. Zoho Vault's MFA prompts for a second verification, such as a temporary code sent to your mobile, to confirm your identity. In this way, even if someone obtains your password, they will not be able to access your account without this additional verification.

Audit Tracking and Changes

Knowing who accesses and modifies passwords is crucial, especially in work environments. Zoho Vault records a detailed activity history, providing a complete audit of changes and accesses. This constant tracking of all password operations is particularly useful for IT teams that need to oversee the use of credentials.

Role-Based Access Control

Not everyone needs the same level of access within a company. Zoho Vault allows you to assign permissions according to each team member's role, limiting access to sensitive information only to those who truly need it. A very straightforward utility that enhances internal security and simplifies user management.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

For companies that handle multiple tools, SSO makes life easier by allowing access to different applications with a single credential. Zoho Vault integrates this functionality, reducing the need to remember multiple passwords and streamlining workflow.

Offline Access

Have you forgotten your passwords and have no internet connection? No problem. Thanks to its offline functionality, you can access your passwords even without a connection. From there, you can create a portable password vault in HTML format in advance and access it wherever you are. For this, you only need to enter your master password.

Integrations

Zoho Vault can integrate its services not only with the rest of the Zoho suite but also with countless third-party applications. This way, you can manage and administer passwords in productivity suites like Microsoft 365, service directories like Google Drive or Active Directory, cloud storage like OneDrive, and much more.

What Sets Zoho Vault Apart from Competitors?

Zoho Vault stands out, above all, for its excellent value for money. Few password managers manage to offer such a high level of security at such a competitive cost. With AES-256 encryption, considered one of the safest standards on the market, Zoho Vault ensures that your credentials are always protected.

Moreover, its cross-platform compatibility allows you to use this software on various devices and browsers, so you can access and manage passwords from anywhere. This flexibility makes Zoho Vault an ideal solution for distributed teams or remote work.

Another differentiating aspect is its perfect integration with the Zoho ecosystem. If you already use other applications like Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, or Zoho One, this application will fit perfectly into your workflows, offering you a unified experience.

However, although Zoho Vault excels in security and ease of use, there is still room for improvement in customization and advanced features. In these aspects, alternatives like Bitwarden stand out.

Additionally, the absence of certain options, such as master password recovery or more sophisticated credential management, could be a limitation for companies with more specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Zoho Vault: Affordability vs. Limited Customization

When it comes to choosing a password manager, it's crucial to know both its strengths and limitations.

Zoho Vault offers a balanced proposal, but like any software, it has aspects that stand out and others that could improve:

Pros ✅

• Host-proof hosting and high-security AES-256 encryption.
• Competitive pricing.
• Has a free version and a trial period for its paid plans.
• Audits and password reports.
• Autofill feature on websites and mobile applications.
• Single sign-on for cloud applications.
• Cross-platform compatibility. (Application available for Android and iOS)
• User-friendly interface and easy setup.
• Described by users as reliable and efficient.

Cons ❌

• Limited advanced options compared to competitors.
• Does not allow recovery of the master password.
• Scarcity of customization options for IT administrators.
• No app for Windows. (Still in beta base and expected to launch in Q1 2025)
• Customer support leaves much to be desired.

Audience: Who is Zoho Vault For?

When we talk about password management in a business environment, not all organizations have the same needs. Zoho Vault adapts particularly well to certain profiles seeking a combination of security, ease of use, and competitive cost:

• Small and medium enterprises: These companies usually need a password manager that offers security without skyrocketing costs, and Zoho Vault perfectly meets this requirement. Its affordable pricing structure and solid protection functions make it an ideal choice for growing businesses.
• Companies that already use Zoho: For organizations that are already part of the Zoho ecosystem, this software is a natural extension. The seamless integration with other applications in the suite simplifies password management within existing workflows, offering a seamless experience.
• IT Teams: IT departments often especially value the ability to audit access and control credential usage. Zoho Vault provides detailed tracking of changes and access, helping to oversee and enforce security policies.

Who Might Need Another Tool?

Although Zoho Vault offers many advantages, there are cases where other tools might be more suitable due to specific requirements or advanced needs:

• Large Corporations: Larger companies often need advanced automation and integration features that Zoho Vault does not yet offer. Some alternatives, like LastPass or 1Password, might be more suitable in these cases.
• Users Who Need Password Recovery: One of Zoho Vault's weaknesses is the lack of a master password recovery option. For those who value this function, other alternatives like Dashlane might be more convenient.

Reasons to Change or Adopt Zoho Vault

Choosing a password manager is not an easy decision, and understanding the reasons that lead users to choose an application or abandon it can make all the difference. Zoho Vault stands out for several reasons, but it also has some weaknesses to consider:

Reasons to Choose Zoho Vault

• Lower price than most competitors, making it an affordable application for companies of different sizes.
• Robust security thanks to AES-256 encryption and multifactor authentication (MFA), which ensure credential protection.
• Seamless integration with Zoho One, facilitating synchronization with other tools in the Zoho suite.

Reasons Users Abandon It

• Lack of advanced features like SSH key management, which can be a drawback for IT teams with specific needs.
• Complicated reset process, as it does not offer the ability to recover the master password, which can be frustrating in case of forgetfulness.

Pricing: How Much Does Zoho Vault Cost?

Zoho Vault offers four plans with different features and prices, making it adaptable to all sorts of needs.

Free Forever Version

This plan is ideal for personal use, as it incurs no cost and has unlimited storage for passwords and secure notes.

Moreover, it offers access from multiple devices, autofill for passwords, a secure password generator, and a security dashboard to assess the state of your credentials.

It also includes data backup, offline access, mobile applications, and browser extensions. On top of that, it integrates Zoho OneAuth for multifactor authentication, ensuring robust protection.

Standard

For 1 € per month per user (0.90 € with annual billing), this plan is designed for small teams that need to share passwords securely.

It includes all the functions of the free plan, as well as unique sharing with third parties, user and role management, password ownership transfer, and advanced administrative controls.

It also offers password expiration alerts, cloud backup, access restriction by IP addresses, and integration with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. The priority technical support completes the package.

Professional

With a cost of 5 € per month per user (4.50 € with annual billing), this plan is designed for medium teams and requires a minimum of five users.

It adds to the features of the Standard plan the creation and management of user groups, folder sharing, detailed reports on access and user activity, and the ability to create emergency accounts for critical situations.

It also allows the automatic password change for websites, improving efficiency in credential management.

Enterprise

This plan, for 8 € per month per user (7.20 € with annual billing) and also with a minimum of five users, is aimed at large teams that require an advanced level of control and security.

It includes integration with Active Directory and user provisioning, single sign-on (SSO) for cloud applications, and an access control workflow with password request and release. Additionally, it offers custom alerts, integration with tools like Okta and OneLogin, support services, and integration with SIEM systems.

Does Zoho Vault Have a Free Trial?

Yes. All plans offer a 15-day free trial without credit card required. It is therefore a great opportunity to try out its many enterprise features without committing to a subscription.

Is There Any Discount for Zoho Vault?

Yes, Zoho Vault has a 10% discount if you choose the annual subscription, making the plans even more economical. Additionally, it offers volume discounts based on the number of licenses purchased. For more details on these discounts or to request a personalized offer, you can contact their sales or support team.

Implementation:

The setup of Zoho Vault is quite simple, but after conducting an analysis, we believe it could benefit from being much more intuitive in some aspects.

The implementation process is quick and does not require advanced technical knowledge on the part of the user, making it an attractive service for small and medium businesses.

However, customer reviews point out that certain steps in the initial setup can be somewhat confusing, especially for those who are not familiar with password management tools.

Training and Documentation

Regarding training, Zoho Vault offers limited resources for onboarding new users. Even though it has basic documentation and online guides, only 33% of users express satisfaction with these materials; a shortcoming that can make the learning curve a bit steeper, especially in teams less familiar with such tools.

Control for administrators, on the other hand, is quite solid and allows efficient management of permissions, audits, and user access. Nevertheless, the interface could be more intuitive and visual, as some administrators find that certain advanced configurations require more time than expected to master.

Security Features

Security is one of the fundamental pillars of Zoho Vault, and the tool complies with the most demanding standards to ensure the protection of your company's data.

This password manager complies with recognized regulations such as SOC2, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA, ensuring that information storage and management practices adhere to rigorous privacy and protection policies.

Moreover, the tool uses AES-256 encryption, known for being the security standard used in banking environments, keeping all credentials shielded from unauthorized access.

As for authentication features, Zoho Vault offers additional measures to reinforce account security. On one hand, we find multifactor authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification. For example, a temporary code sent to the user's mobile device.

It also has single sign-on (SSO), allowing users to access multiple applications with a single credential, greatly facilitating management without sacrificing security.

Customer Support

Customer support for Zoho Vault has been rated by users with a relatively low score, ranking sixth out of eight in terms of satisfaction with support.

Although the company provides assistance through various channels (form, email, and phone call), users noted that response times could improve. This perception could be an important area for improvement for Zoho Vault, as quick problem resolution is a key aspect of customer service.

A common complaint among its users is its lack of live chat, present in many of its alternatives. In addition, despite having a 24/7 contact number, their call centers are located abroad (United States, India, United Kingdom, and Australia), so an international call is required.

All this lack of accessibility to resolve problems in real time can negatively influence the user experience, especially for those who value direct and agile support.

Do Everything with Zoho Vault Thanks to Its APIs and Extensions

Zoho Vault offers a RESTful API that allows developers to integrate its password management functionalities into custom applications.

Through this API, it is possible to automate tasks like the recovery, creation, and updating of passwords stored in Zoho Vault. Furthermore, the API supports user management and permission assignment, facilitating access control in corporate environments. To ensure security, all API requests require authentication through tokens and are protected by SSL encryption.

Regarding plugins, Zoho Vault integrates with other applications from the Zoho suite, such as Zoho CRM and Zoho Projects, facilitating centralized password management across different platforms. Additionally, Zoho Vault has extensions for browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, allowing for password autofill and one-click login.

Zoho Vault's browser extensions are one of the most practical ways to manage your passwords without interrupting your workflow, also compensating for the absence of a specific Windows app.

Available for popular browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari, these extensions allow you to quickly access your credentials and fill in login forms with just one click, and can be installed directly from each browser's extension store.

One of the most noteworthy advantages of these extensions is the ability to autofill passwords without the need to open the web application. Just by clicking on the Zoho Vault icon in the browser toolbar, you can search for and select the account you need, saving you time and avoiding the risk of manually copying and pasting credentials.

Moreover, the Zoho Vault extensions also offer advanced features like secure password generation and immediate storage of new credentials, which greatly facilitates the creation and management of robust passwords effortlessly.

Competition: What Is the Best Alternative to Zoho Vault?

Choosing the right password manager can be complicated, especially when there are so many alternatives on the market. While Zoho Vault offers excellent value for money, other tools stand out in different areas and might better fit specific needs.

Zoho Vault vs LastPass

LastPass is one of the most well-known alternatives on the market, thanks to its wide range of integrations and advanced automation features. Its ease of sharing passwords, along with its solid account recovery system, makes it a great choice for large teams and companies with extensive collaboration needs.

Zoho Vault vs 1Password

1Password stands out for its intuitive interface and balance between functionality and ease of use. It offers advanced features like SSH key management and secure document storage, making it ideal for development teams and companies looking for a comprehensive and well-designed solution.

Zoho Vault vs Dashlane

Dashlane excels for its powerful reporting and analysis tools. Its security dashboard provides a clear view of the status of your passwords and potential vulnerabilities, helping to maintain impeccable digital hygiene. It also offers an integrated VPN, a valuable addition not common in this type of tool.

Zoho Vault vs Bitwarden

Bitwarden is an open-source alternative that has gained popularity for its excellent security and affordable pricing model. It offers a transparent and flexible infrastructure, along with advanced features like self-hosting servers. For companies that value open-source and customization, Bitwarden is hard to beat.

Zoho Vault: Security, Affordability, and Efficiency

After a thorough analysis of the features and performance of Zoho Vault, we can conclude that it is a trustworthy and very affordable software for managing passwords in the business environment.

Its combination of advanced features, robust security, and ease of use makes it an appealing software, especially for companies looking for an efficient solution without incurring high expenses.

We recommend Zoho Vault primarily for small and medium teams, as well as for those organizations already using other applications from the Zoho ecosystem. Its seamless integration with applications like Zoho CRM or Zoho Projects facilitates workflows and enhances the overall user experience.

However, this software also has certain limitations to consider, such as the lack of advanced customization features and the absence of a master password recovery function, which can be significant drawbacks for companies with more complex needs or advanced IT environments.

Ultimately, if you are looking for a secure, economical, and efficient tool for password management, Zoho Vault is a safe bet. But if your company requires greater flexibility or specific advanced features, you might want to consider alternatives like LastPass or 1Password.