These days, it’s not uncommon to have dozens of online accounts for various purposes, each requiring a different login and password. Keeping track of your accounts and their credentials can be more than difficult — it can be impossible. In an effort to improve the security of online services, many vendors now require users to adopt complicated passwords made up of letters, numbers, and special characters — and very few of us remember them easily.
While robust passwords help you secure your valuable online accounts, hardware-based two-factor authentication takes that security to the next level.
However, keeping your sensitive information safe is more important than ever, and this is where a reliable password manager can bridge the gap between security and what we can reasonably expect from consumers.
With so many options on the market, how do you choose the best password manager? In this guide, I provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. I highlight the best password managers that can help keep your personal data safe and secure from potential threats.
1Password
Best password manager overall
Pros
- User-friendly
- Excellent features
- Account protection tools
- Digital vault
Cons
- No free plan
- Limited customer service
More Details
1Password features: Securely store credentials | Password generator | Multi-platform compatibility | Tag and folder organizer | Two-factor authentication | Password sharing | Watchtower feature to identify weak, reused, or compromised passwords | Secure digital vault | Trustpilot 4.7 rating
1Password is the best password manager overall, with its user-friendly interface and excellent features. You can store your credentials for online accounts, credit card information, and more — all you need to remember is one password.
This app helps you create unique passwords that are less likely to be hacked, and stores them for you so you don’t have to remember complex passwords for multiple accounts. With its auto-fill feature, 1Password can automatically fill in information like your username, password, or credit card number. You can also share your information with trusted family or friends if needed.
The app is accessible across all your favorite devices, making access easy and secure. 1Password is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Browser add-ons are also available for Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Firefox.
Other notable features are a secure digital vault for stashing sensitive documents and notes, along with a feature that alerts you to weak, compromised, or repeated passwords.
The only downside is that 1Password does not offer a free plan, but the app offers a free trial for 30 days to test it out — and you don’t have to input your credit card details. At the time of writing, the password manager will cost you $2.99 per month, billed annually, or $4.99 for a family pack. Business options are available.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use password manager with great features and account protection tools, 1Password is a top choice.
Bitwarden
Best free password manager
Pros
- User-friendly
- Very fast uploads
- Smartphone-compatible
Cons
- Some auto-filling issues
- Limited storage
Bitwarden features: Open-source password manager | Free version with unlimited passwords | Two-factor authentication | Multi-platform support | Auto-fill and auto-login functionality | Emergency access for trusted individuals | Trustpilot 4.4 rating
Bitwarden is the best free password manager because it’s open source and equipped with a user-friendly interface, fast uploads, and smartphone compatibility. You can use as many devices as you want without limitations, ensuring you always have access to your most sensitive information.
Bitwarden allows you to store as many passwords as you want, with no restrictions on the number or type of passwords that can be stored. Additionally, the app will help you create secure passwords across all plans, and you can safely share them with strong encryption.
However, there are some auto-filling issues that can be frustrating at times, and the storage can be limited compared to other options.
You can choose between a free, limited option, or premium accounts for less than $1 per month ($10 billed annually). Alternatively, you can sign up for a family pack — allowing up to six users — priced at $3.33 monthly ($40 per year).
If you’re looking for a reliable and free password manager, Bitwarden is an excellent choice with its advanced security features and compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Dashlane
Best password manager features
Pros
- Generous storage
- VPN protection
- Dark web monitoring
Cons
- Plans can get pricey
- Device limitations
Dashlane features: Secure password storage and management | Digital wallet for online payments and receipts | Form autofill | Dark web monitoring | VPN for safe and private browsing | Password changer to quickly update weak passwords | Emergency contact access | Browser extension | Trustpilot 4.6 rating
Dashlane is the best password manager based on its features, including generous storage, VPN protection, and dark web monitoring.
In addition to storing passwords, the web-first Dashlane platform securely stores your payments and personal information for easy input when you’re on the web or logging into an app. There are no limitations to the number of passwords you can store, and you can sync your data to all of your devices, ensuring you never go without access to your most important sites and apps.
Features include 2FA compatibility, secure password sharing, emergency contacts, a VPN for safe browsing, form autofill, a digital payment wallet, a password generator, and an alert system to notify users when their passwords have been compromised.
Dashlane has adopted Argon2 to generate Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit keys to encrypt and decrypt data.
Right now, basic personal accounts are free, whereas an advanced subscription on an annual basis will cost you the equivalent of $2.75 per month, increasing to $4.99 per month for a family plan. Business accounts begin at $2 monthly, rising to $5 or $10 per seat, depending on what features you need.
The plans can get pricey compared to other options, and there are limitations on the number of devices you can use with your account. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a password manager that offers advanced security features like VPN protection and dark web monitoring, Dashlane is an excellent choice.
Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault
Best password manager security
Pros
- Syncing across multiple platforms
- Multi-factor authentication
- Templates available
Cons
- Autofill delays
- Some features require paid plan
Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault features: Unlimited password storage | Advanced security features including 2FA, biometrics | Supports multiple devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and web browsers | Password generator | Emergency contacts record sharing | Encrypted vault for storing sensitive documents
Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault is the best password manager for security, with its multi-platform syncing, multi-factor authentication, and available templates. Earning a 4.0 Trustpilot rating, Keeper takes security seriously, using leading encryption technology (AES 256-bit encryption and PBKDF2) to protect your sensitive data from ransomware and data breaches.
You can store as many passwords as you want in your personal vault, with easy access using biometrics, a record organizer, and automatic syncing. Keeper also allows you to import existing credentials or easily share your vault records with trusted friends while still keeping them safe from hackers. When it comes to 2FA, Keeper supports TOTP, SMS, Fingerprint (e.g. Touch ID), Face ID, and WebAuthn security keys. The software has been FIPS 140-2 validated.
You can opt for a free trial, no credit card required, if you are willing to verify yourself via an email address.
There is 24/7 customer support, and business users can take advantage of Keeper working out-of-the-box with platforms including Okta, Azure AD, Ping Identity, and Google Workspace. However, some features require a paid plan, beginning at $2.91 monthly for a personal account. Still, if you’re looking for a password manager that puts security first, Keeper is a top choice with advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication.
NordPass
Best password manager for business
Pros
- Secure sharing
- Health reports
- Useful business contact and team features
Cons
- Free version limited to single device
- On the pricier side
NordPass features: Password generation and autofill | Two-factor authentication | Personal information and payment data storage | Password sharing and emergency access | Password breach scanner | Cross-device syncing | Biometrics
NordPass is the best password manager for business, offering secure sharing, health reports, and multi-factor authentication. Created by the same team behind NordVPN and earning a Trustpilot rating of 4.5, NordPass provides advanced encryption for added peace of mind when storing passwords and sensitive data. With multi-platform syncing, you can access your encrypted vault from all your favorite devices, whether it’s your computer or mobile device.
NordPass also includes a Data Breach Scanner, which ensures your information is safe and alerts customers if a stored password has been compromised in a third-party security incident. Contact information for colleagues and businesses can be stored in one place, allowing for quick and easy password sharing with the right people. Digital entry points can be assigned to different teams for credential sharing and payment information.
You can sign up for a free account or a personal plan starting at $1.99 per month. NordPass for business begins at $3.59 monthly for a two-year subscription, $3.99 for 12 months of access, or you can query the company for custom plans. You can also explore the platform with a free trial, no credit card required.
The free version is limited to a single device, and the paid plans can be on the pricier side compared to other options. But if you’re looking for a password manager that offers advanced security features and is designed with business in mind, NordPass is an excellent choice.
What is the best password manager?
1Password offers an affordable, easy way to store your passwords and personal data in a reliable, accessible manner. To see how it stacks up against the competition, this is an overview of the best password managers.
Here is a chart comparing the price, key features, and platform availability of the best password managers: 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault, and NordPass.
| Password manager | Price | Key features | Platform availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Password | $2.99+ per month | User-friendly interface, auto-fill feature, account protection tools | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Bitwarden | Free / $3.33+ per month | User-friendly interface, fast uploads, smartphone compatibility, advanced security features | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS |
| Dashlane | Free / $2.75+ per month | Generous storage, VPN protection, dark web monitoring, chrome integration | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault | $2.91 / $6.25 per month | Multi-platform syncing, multi-factor authentication, available templates, top encryption technology | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| NordPass | Free / $3.99 per user per month | Secure sharing, health reports, multi-factor authentication, advanced encryption | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS |
Note: Prices and features may vary based on the plan selected.
Which is the best password manager for you?
Here are suggestions to help you find the best password manager for your needs. I have attempted to cover the most frequent use cases for password managers, including price, features, level of security, and whether or not a password manager is best suited for home life or work.
| Choose this best password manager… | If you want… |
| 1Password | A family-friendly password manager. 1Password has features that allow you to share passwords with family members and manage multiple accounts with ease. |
| Bitwarden | A free password manager. Bitwarden is open-source and available for use on all platforms. |
| Dashlane | Multi-faceted features. Dashlane includes features like a VPN and dark web monitoring. |
| Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault | The best security. Keeper has features like secure file storage, making it an ideal choice for those who want to keep their data as safe as possible. |
| NordPass | A password manager suitable for work. NordPass has features like secure sharing and centralized billing, making it a great choice for teams. |
How did I choose these best password managers?
When it comes to selecting the best password manager, there are several crucial factors to consider. These are some of the key elements that determine the best options:
- Security: Security is the foremost priority when it comes to password managers. The most secure password managers offer advanced encryption and use secure protocols to protect personal information when transferring from the service to your device and vice versa.
- Storage: Another important consideration is storage capacity. While some password managers limit the number of passwords you can store, others offer unlimited storage, so you can add all your information without restrictions.
- Compatibility: It’s also essential to check if your preferred device is compatible with the password manager. The best options offer cross-platform compatibility, allowing you to access your data from multiple devices, including your computer, tablet, and mobile device.
- Price: Lastly, while some password managers are free, others may require a paid subscription to access all features. It’s important to weigh the cost against the benefits and select a password manager that meets your budget and feature requirements.
How does a password manager work?
Password managers are digital tools that can help you keep track of all your passwords and other sensitive information in a safe and organized manner. Once you create an account with a password manager, you can add your login credentials, credit card details, and other personal data into the password vault. You can add this information all at once, or over time as you use different websites or apps.
The password manager will then store all your data in an encrypted format, making it virtually impossible for hackers to decipher it. Whenever you visit a site or use an app that requires login credentials, the password manager can automatically fill in your username and password for you. This feature can save you a lot of time and hassle, especially if you have many different accounts to manage.
Another feature of the best password managers is the ability to generate strong passwords. These passwords are typically long and random, making them more difficult to guess or crack. Password managers can create and store these complex passwords for you, making it much easier to keep your accounts secure.
Password managers can be an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to keep their online accounts safe and secure.
Do I need a password manager?
In today’s digital age, almost everything we do requires a password, from social media to online banking, and it can be challenging to remember all the different passwords we create. The best way to manage these passwords is by using a password manager. Not only does it store your passwords in a central location, but it also provides strong encryption to keep your data safe from cybercriminals.
Using a password manager can also help prevent attacks and data breaches that can expose your information to the wrong eyes. Cybercriminals use various methods to gain access to your passwords, from phishing attacks to brute-force attacks. By using a password manager, you can create strong, unique passwords for each account that you have, reducing the risk of being hacked. Alternatively, some browsers will offer built-in password managers, such as Google Chrome.
Are password managers safe?
Yes, password managers are safe as they use advanced encryption algorithms to protect your login credentials. When you use a password manager, your passwords are stored in an encrypted form, which means they can’t be accessed by anyone without the correct password or passphrase.
However, it is important to choose a reputable password manager and use a strong, unique password or passphrase to protect your account. You should also remember there’s no such thing as a 100% secure service, and on occasion, even the best password managers may have to patch and fix security vulnerabilities.
Can a password manager be hacked?
While no system is completely invulnerable to hacking, the best password managers use strong encryption algorithms and other security measures to protect your data. They also require a strong master password or passphrase to access your account. It is important to use a unique and complex master password and enable two-factor authentication to increase security further.
Can I use a password manager on multiple devices?
Yes, most password managers allow you to use your account on multiple devices, such as your computer, smartphone, or tablet. This means you can access your passwords and other login credentials from anywhere, at any time.