eWallet Review: Quick Expert Summary
Ilium takes pride in its “simple software,” especially its password manager, eWallet — but is it really as easy to use as the company claims? eWallet certainly runs smoothly, and it’s jam-packed with useful features like unlimited password storage, a random password generator, cloud sync, and more. In fact, its functionality is super solid. But there’s no free version, which means that its features need to be worth the money you’re paying.
I’ve reviewed nearly 70 password managers in order to give you the low-down on whether eWallet is worth your time and money. Here’s what I found out.
eWallet Features
While the technology behind eWallet is pretty sophisticated, the platform itself is simple and easy to use. Features include unlimited password storage, multiple device support, automatic password entering, random password generator, fingerprint scanner, auto-lock, data backup, 256-bit AES encryption, and seamless sync between devices.
While other password managers (LastPass, TrueKey) offer some of these features, eWallet is one of the only ones that offers such a complete package. For example, many free password managers (like Dashlane’s free version) offer password storage and good security, but the number of passwords you can store is limited, or sync and backup is not included. If you want those extras, you will usually have to get a paid version that in many cases will be more expensive than eWallet.
There’s only one small downside when it comes to eWallet: The features are not totally uniform across platforms. For example, the Import Wizard is only available on desktop, and sync options differ depending on the device. The iPhone/iPad version seem to be the most advanced; they offer Face ID support and AutoFill provider for Safari and other apps, whereas the Android version doesn’t. LastPass, this isn’t.
Password Storage
Storage of passwords and other important information is the bread and butter of any password manager, and eWallet excels in this area. You can store all kinds of info, including credit card numbers, bank accounts, web passwords, driver’s licenses, clothing sizes, even voter registration numbers. There’s also Autopass automatic password entering, so when you visit a site on your desktop or mobile, your password is automatically filled in.
eWallet provides highly-organized password storage. As opposed to other password managers that lump all your information together, eWallet offers multiple wallets, which can have their own passwords (or not). So you can keep all your financial information in one place, all your online shopping details in another, your insurance info in another, etc.
Each wallet has its own security settings, so you can choose to activate automatic lock, intruder lockout, number of invalid password attempts, and more.
SyncPro
If you download eWallet to multiple devices, you’ll naturally want to sync them. SyncPro is eWallet’s syncing system, and it works via cloud and direct sync (similar to how Myki works). There are different methods of sync depending on the devices you use, but the gist is that cloud sync automatically syncs your devices without the need for a direct connection, and direct sync works via wifi.
SyncPro also lets you backup your information; if you want further backup, eWallet also offers an email and restore option.
Customization
A standout feature of eWallet is its high level of aesthetic customization. Each password you store has its own card, and you can choose the background and colors for each one. While this isn’t integral to the functionality, it can be super-fun. And if you’re planning to use eWallet for your kids, this special feature makes eWallet an attractive choice.
eWallet Plans and Pricing
I’ll be honest—I’m disappointed with eWallet’s payment system, which is why I’m giving it a rating of 3/5. As opposed to selling one version that can be downloaded to desktop and smartphone, Ilium sells eWallet as totally different products for
- Windows PC
- Windows Store
- Mac OS X
- Android
- Blackberry
- iPhone/iPad/iPod touch
So if you want to use it on desktop and mobile, you’ll have to pay separately for each product. And if you want to use it for your entire family, it can get really costly.
For Android, an eWallet license can’t work on multiple store accounts, which means if your kids have their own Play Store accounts, you have to buy eWallet separately for each one. iPhone is more advanced and supports family sharing, which means that up to 6 family members can use the app.
But before you write off eWallet as too expensive, let’s quickly review what’s included:
- Unlimited password storage
- Cloud and direct Sync
- Auto-locking feature
- Autopass automatic password entering
- Individual password security settings
- Random password generator
- Wallet customization
- 256-bit military grade AES encryption
- Fingerprint scanner (and facial ID on iPhones)
The fact is, eWallet’s standard package comes with all the features of a high-quality password manager, and it’s made by Ilium, a respected name in the software industry. It’s up to you to decide whether a high-qualty product (and the peace of mind that comes with it) is worth the cost.
If you’re not sure you want to buy it, you can try out any eWallet product for 30 days. If it suits your needs, you can go ahead and buy it. If not, you’re not obligated in any way.
eWallet Ease of Use and Setup
eWallet is really easy to use; if you have any familiarity at all with computers or smartphones, you’ll be able to use it with no trouble at all.
As opposed to storing all of your info in one unsorted mess, eWallet allows for a high level of organization. This includes creating multiple wallets for different categories (personal, finance, work, etc.). Within each wallet you can create folders to further sort your info. And finally, each password or financial detail gets its own card, and you decide which wallet/folder to store it in.
The only thing that I would like to see added is a manual search option; at this point, eWallet doesn’t offer it. But because the level of organization is so high, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for even without it.
As you can see below, each card includes plenty of details — and you get to decide what to include.
Another convenient feature is Autopass, which automatically fills in your information for various sites. So when you visit Amazon, eBay, your bank, etc., your sign-in information will appear in the appropriate fields and you can log in immediately.
Installation and set up take just a few minutes; the only disappointment is that the desktop version requires a .NET Framework if it’s not already installed on your computer. That adds about five minutes to installation, not really a big deal. Once everything is installed on your desktop, the platform runs smoothly. Same goes for iOS and Android.
I’d say this is all impressive, just not as impressive as other simple (or even one-click) installation processes, like LastPass.
eWallet Security
eWallet allows you to create passwords for different wallets; it also includes a password generator to create passwords that are not easily guessable by others. You don’t have to create passwords for each wallet, but the option is there. Of course, you need one password to log into your account, but Android and iPhone offer fingerprint access as well. iPhone also offers facial ID access. I’m still more impressed by TrueKey’s 15 types of two-factor authentication though.
You can easily edit, change, or delete your passwords.
Other security settings in each wallet are:
- Limit password attempts
- Lock after 5 attempts
- Lock for 30 minutes
- Lock when inactive
- Lock for 20 minutes
eWallet uses 256-bit military grade AES encryption to protect your data, which makes it virtually impossible to hack. However, there’s no 2-step verification, which is why I didn’t give a 5/5 rating.
eWallet Customer Support
For such an impressive software company, Ilium’s eWallet support leaves something to be desired. You can contact only contact them by email, not phone or live chat. When I sent them a test email, the automatic response said I’d receive an answer within 2 business days. I wasn’t too happy about that, since 2 business days is a pretty long time to wait. It reminded me of how slow Dashlane were to get back to me.
However, in reality, I received a response within a few hours. I sent a few more emails to judge the response time, and consistently received responses within a few hours from a friendly support rep.
The FAQ pages are not as clear and organized as I would like. While they contain information, many articles date back to 2016, and the design feels a bit outdated. It’s not as user-friendly or easy to navigate compared to modern websites or other password managers like Bitdefender’s active forums.
As for refunds, eWallet accepts returns made within 30 days of your purchase of the software. However, this is only for products purchased directly from eWallet; the Play Store and App store each have their own refund policies.