Passphrases vs Passwords: Which Is Safer?

Which should you use — long passphrases or complex passwords? This guide breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of both.

What Is a Passphrase?

A passphrase is a sequence of unrelated words — for example: window–soda–planet–orange. Passphrases produce huge entropy values because each added word multiplies the search space.

What Is a Password?

A password is usually shorter and often includes symbols or numbers. Many users rely on predictable patterns such as keyboard sequences or common substitutions like P@ssw0rd!. These patterns are easy to defeat using dictionary attacks.

Which One Is Actually Stronger?

In most real-world scenarios, a passphrase of 4–5 random words is stronger than a 12-character password with symbols. This is because attackers attempt passwords using leaked lists first, then predictable structures. Few people naturally choose unrelated words, making passphrases harder to crack.

For high-value accounts, combine long passphrases with guidance from our high-risk password settings guide.

When to Use a Passphrase

• Accounts you type manually • Services without strict symbol requirements • Wi-Fi networks • Devices shared in a household

When to Use a Password

Use StrongPass to generate random passwords for: • Banking • Email • Social media • Admin or root accounts • Any service where leakage risk is high

If kids access shared devices, see: helping kids develop strong password habits.