A password manager is an important tool to keep you safe online. Rather than relying on remembering all your passwords (and potentially reusing some), a password manager can store them all securely, saving you the need to enter so many, as well as providing you with more complex strings that are harder for hackers to figure out.
With so many options available, this article guides you through the best password managers, including free password managers and related tools.
Best Password Keeper for Families: 1Password
1Password is a popular name in the password management world for good reason. Now available on pretty much every platform you could want including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and many web browsers, it allows you to store an unlimited number of passwords, credit card details, and secure notes. In each case, you can share them easily with key parties while two-factor authentication keeps it safe from everyone else.
Family sharing options
It’s very simple to use and set up
Extensive app and browser support
No free version available
A little basic in places
No recovery options if you lose the master password
Upgrade to the family plan and that support extends to five members of your household, with the main user able to manage what members can see and do, as well as recover any locked-out members. A Travel Mode allows you to remove sensitive data as you cross borders before reinstating it later, while you’ll also receive notifications for any compromised websites so you’re sure to be safe.
Best Free Password Manager: Bitwarden
Bitwarden is an unusual password keeper in that its free tier allows you to save an unlimited number of passwords across a similar unlimited amount of devices. Syncing is possible so you can easily switch between your different desktop and mobile devices, as well as between different browsers. A username and password generator saves you the effort of coming up with ideas of your own.
Completely free tier
Very secure and open-source
Premium plan is well priced with useful extras
Can be a little basic to use
Limited customer service
Upgrade to the premium plan and costs are still low. In exchange, you get advanced two-factor authentication as well as security reports where Bitwarden advises you on how you can improve your passwords.
There’s fairly limited customer support and the app is a little basic and rudimentary, but Bitwarden is of tremendous value.
Best Password Manager with Added Security: Dashlane
Dashlane packs a lot in alongside what you would expect from a password manager. Its free tier allows you to save up to 50 passwords but it’s the premium one that most appeals. It offers unlimited passwords, and dark web monitoring for up to five email addresses, along with a VPN so your browsing activity is protected at all times. Features like encrypted file storage, a password health tool, and password generator, and support for all your devices ensure this is a well-rounded package.
Extensive app support and each app is intuitive
Built-in VPN
Can change passwords en masse
Need to sign up to premium plan for all features
Excessive for some users
It may be overkill for certain users but if you want to know your passwords are at their strongest and you have nothing to fear, Dashlane feels like a protective force that you can spread across all devices you use.
Best Password Manager for a Solo User: NordPass
NordVPN is one of the biggest names in the VPN world and it now has its own password manager—NordPass. It’s a little expensive so it’s best suited for just one person or if you simply need it for 30 days, but it’s easy to use. Much like NordVPN, it has a simple yet intuitive app design that makes it simple to figure out.
Simple to use thanks to great design
Comes from a reliable name in online security
30-day free trial is useful
Quite expensive
Not ideal for multiple users or families
Besides keeping your passwords safe, it will suggest better ones although you’ll need to pay for the premium tier for it to identify reused options.
For a simple yet effective solution, it does the job well despite that price tag if you need more from it than a month’s worth of use.
Best for Ease of Use: LastPass
LastPass prides itself on being simple to use. That means there’s no need to download a separate app unless you want to, as browser extensions and the web interface does all you need.
Simple to use interface
Well-designed browser extensions
Multi-factor authentication
Quite expensive
Free tier is relatively limited
The free tier is a bit limited only allowing one device type to log in, but it does have unlimited passwords. The Premium tier allows for access on all devices, as well as offers 1GB of encrypted file storage and dark web monitoring. It’s more expensive than competitors but if simplicity is key and you don’t want to download extra apps, it’s a good solution.
Best for Offline Users: Keeper
With a focus on being web-based, Keeper isn’t the most attractive of password managers but it’s feature-rich. Besides password management tools, it also offers secure file storage that can be accessed offline.
Offline mode is a great addition
Very strong security
Ideal for encrypted data
No free version
Definitely excessive for some users
Quite expensive
You can set up personalized fields for your specific needs as well as store all your payment details via the web-based app. Two-factor authentication keeps things safe while emergency access means you can add emergency contacts if needed.
It’s a little expensive compared to its competition but Keeper certainly makes you feel secure.
Best for Businesses: Zoho Vault
Zoho Vault is part of Zoho’s continuing plan to dominate the corporate app world. While it’s a little basic on the one hand, lacking form-filling functionality, it’s also quite powerful elsewhere.
Simple to share passwords between team members
Excellent third-party integrations
Great security
Aimed at business and corporate needs rather than personal use
Overly complex for some users
No form filling
It generates passwords as needed with a dashboard that helps you see where your security might be weaker. Thanks to its focus on business, it’s easy to share details with other team members which can be useful within a family setting. Expect it to be a bit complex in places though if you just need something straightforward, and you’ll need to pay to get the best out of it.
Best for Form Filling: RoboForm
RoboForm is a simple tool that’s great if you just use one device to complete forms and need guidance on how secure your passwords are.
Powerful search function
Great for form filling
Extensive platform support
No device syncing on free tier
Basic in places
It lacks syncing functionality unless you upgrade to the premium tier, along with cloud backups and two-factor authentication, so you may need to skip the free option.
However, whichever option you choose, the app is simple to figure out even if it does look pretty basic compared to competitors.
Best for People on a Budget: Enpass
Enpass has some unique features to make it stand out. it works offline which offers some advantages but isn’t always flexible. It also has you syncing locally or to your other cloud storage services, but you’ll need to be willing to set things up yourself.
Fairly inexpensive
Security alerts for website breaches
Unlimited devices and passwords
Syncing is a little complicated
Being offline isn’t ideal for everyone
However you plan on using it, there’s support for an unlimited number of passwords, vaults, and devices. Being able to sign up for a lifetime license is useful while there’s also a great-priced family plan too. Just don’t count on it looking good while you use it.
Best for Passwordless Solution: LogMeOnce
LogMeOnce aims to live up to its name by offering Single Sign On functionality so you can log in via various methods from Face ID, a fingerprint, or even a selfie. It works well across multiple platforms giving you plenty of flexibility.
Also includes identity theft protection
Passwordless login options
Automatic two-factor authentication
Limited customization
Can feel complicated
While its actual service lacks some key customization options, its focus on passwordless methods is useful, while you can also add on features like dark web monitoring and cloud storage encryption for a fee.
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