Ranking updated
Best secrets managers for Mac in 2026
For a local-only vault for API keys, crypto seed phrases and secure notes, with no cloud sync and no analytics, CypherKeep. For development credentials grouped by project, with optional end-to-end encrypted iCloud sync, SecretKit. For handing API keys to AI coding agents without pasting them into the chat, NoxKey. For a full password manager on the KeePass format, Strongbox. Full breakdown below.
How we picked: we read each app’s own Mac App Store description for what kinds of secrets it stores, where the data lives, how it unlocks and whether it syncs. We do not quote prices; check them in the store for your country.
A local vault for keys and seed phrases
CypherKeep is a native macOS secrets manager for developers, crypto users and privacy-minded professionals, and it works fully on your Mac: no cloud sync and no analytics. It encrypts with Apple’s CryptoKit (AES-256-GCM) and the Keychain. It recognises and formats API keys from more than 100 vendors, such as OpenAI, Stripe, GitHub and Anthropic, validates crypto seed phrases against BIP39 with support for wallets like MetaMask, Phantom and Ledger, and keeps secure notes for server configs and private instructions. It is built with SwiftUI and follows dark and light mode.
Credentials grouped by project
SecretKit keeps API keys, access tokens, database credentials, SSH keys, signing keys and environment variables in a local vault, encrypted with AES-256-GCM and unlocked with Touch ID or your Mac password. You group secrets into projects, add a note to each key, and the clipboard clears itself shortly after you copy a value. Security levels go from Relaxed to Strict, with unlocks per project or per action, and the vault locks after inactivity. No account is needed, and optional iCloud sync, off by default, encrypts everything end to end before it leaves the Mac.
Keys for AI agents, and a full password manager
NoxKey keeps API keys in the macOS Keychain and ships an MCP server, so Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, Windsurf or another MCP client can load a secret as an environment variable without the raw value ever entering the chat. It runs sandboxed with no network access, unlocks with Touch ID, organises secrets under org and project paths, tracks expiry dates and is meant to replace .env files. Strongbox is a password manager on the open KeePass and Password Safe formats, with Touch ID, passkeys, YubiKey protection, TOTP codes and storage either on your Mac or in the cloud service you choose. For other Mac utilities, see color picker apps for Mac.
| App | Best for | Where your data lives | Sync |
|---|---|---|---|
| CypherKeepCensuusApp Store | API keys, seed phrases and secure notes | locally, encrypted with CryptoKit and the Keychain | none |
| SecretKitApp Store | development credentials by project | a local vault, AES-256-GCM | optional encrypted iCloud sync, off by default |
| NoxKeyApp Store | API keys for AI coding agents | the macOS Keychain, no network access | none |
| StrongboxApp Store | passwords on KeePass and Password Safe formats | local or your own cloud storage | iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, WebDAV or SFTP |
Frequently asked questions
Where should I store API keys on a Mac?
In an encrypted vault rather than in plaintext .env files or notes. CypherKeep, SecretKit and NoxKey all keep API keys encrypted locally, and NoxKey stores them in the macOS Keychain.
Is there a secrets manager for Mac with no cloud sync?
CypherKeep says it has zero cloud syncing and zero analytics, and NoxKey runs with no network access at all. SecretKit is local by default, with iCloud sync only if you turn it on.
Can I keep crypto seed phrases in a Mac secrets manager?
CypherKeep has a dedicated place for seed phrases, with BIP39 validation and support for wallets like MetaMask, Phantom and Ledger.
How do I give API keys to an AI coding agent safely?
NoxKey ships an MCP server: agents such as Claude Code or Cursor request a secret and get it as an environment variable, so the value never appears in the conversation.