Password managers
Slinky vs 1Password
1Password is a password manager for every device, and its developer tools are good: op run, Environments for a project’s variables, an SSH agent, and an MCP server that shows agents names only. Slinky does less, on purpose: it’s only for keys, .env variables and backup codes, on your Mac, with no account.
Choose 1Password if
- You want passwords, passkeys and keys in one app.
- You also use Windows, Linux, or need everything on your phone.
- Your team shares vaults and needs admin controls.
- You already pay for 1Password and its developer tools fit how you work.
Choose Slinky if
- You keep passwords in Apple Passwords and want keys somewhere separate.
- You’d rather have no account and no cloud: one encrypted file on your Mac.
- You want backup codes that cross themselves off as you use them.
- You want to find copies of your keys in git history, AI conversations and shell history.
- You want it free and open source.
Side by side
| Slinky | 1Password | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for API keys and tokens | Yes | Yes |
| A project’s .env, per environment | Yes | Yes: Environments |
| Starts your app with its variables | Yes: slinky run | Yes: op run |
| AI agents see names, not values | Yes | Yes: Environments MCP |
| Backup codes that cross themselves off | Yes | No |
| Where your secrets are kept | An encrypted file on your Mac | Their cloud, synced to each device |
| Works without an account | Yes | No |
| Share with your team | Yes: Encrypted files, no server | Yes: Shared vaults |
| Opens with Touch ID | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes: MIT | No |
| Price | Free | $47.88 a year (Individual) |
| Runs on | Mac, Apple silicon | Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android, web |
Yes Partly No As of October 2026, from 1password.com. Features and prices change.
Questions
Can I move my keys from 1Password to Slinky?
Yes. Export a .1pux file from 1Password and import it into Slinky. Slinky picks out API keys, tokens, backup codes and recovery keys, including keys in notes, and leaves website passwords behind. You choose what comes in, and Undo takes the import back.
Can I use both?
Yes. Many people keep passwords in a password manager and keys in Slinky. Slinky doesn’t read or change 1Password.
Does 1Password keep values away from AI agents too?
Yes. 1Password’s Environments MCP server, from May 2026, shows agents variable names and gives values only to a process you approve. Slinky works the same way, on your Mac and without an account: agents run commands through slinky run, and you approve each one with Touch ID.
Is Slinky free?
Yes. Slinky is free and open source under the MIT License, made by Testament Made, LLC. It runs on Apple silicon Macs with macOS 15 Sequoia or later.
More comparisons
Slinky vs Apple Passwords
Use Apple Passwords for sign-ins, and Slinky for keys and backup codes.
Slinky vs Bitwarden
An open-source password manager and a Secrets Manager for teams, or one Mac app.
Slinky vs Doppler
A hosted secrets manager for teams, or keys that stay on your Mac.
Slinky vs Infisical
An open-source secrets platform you host, or a Mac app with no server.
Slinky vs HashiCorp Vault
Secrets infrastructure for organisations, or a Mac app for your own keys.
Slinky vs .env files
Plain text in the project folder, or encrypted and out of it.
All comparisons
Every tool side by side, in one table.