It’s common to have to deal with an overwhelming number of passwords for different apps and accounts, nowadays. Having to remember a unique password for each one is just too much, though, and nearly 85% of people reuse passwords across their accounts. This means cybercriminals who crack just one password can potentially hack all your accounts. The best password managers can help you stay safe, however.
They’ll save you having to remember all your logins and will help you securely create, store, and access all your passwords. Based on our comprehensive assessment methodology, I’ve tested, compared, and reviewed over 20 password managers for security, usability, and value for money to help you find the best solution for your needs.
The Best Password Managers Tested by Our Experts
RoboForm – Best Password Manager for Form-Filling
The Top 8 Password Managers Ranked
- NordPass – Overall best password manager
- 1Password – Best password manager for families
- ByePass – Best password keeper for online purchases
- Dashlane – Best password management for beginners
- Keeper – Best password manager for business use
- RoboForm – Best password Manager for form-filling
- Enpass – Best password tool for local data storage
- Total Password – Best browser password manager
- Show Full Guide
Best Password Manager Software Reviewed
I rigorously tested and evaluated a wide range of products to identify the top password managers on the market today. Using our comprehensive testing methodology, I assessed the security, usability, and cross-compatibility offered by each password manager.
I’ve also considered the value of features like two-factor authentication, secure sharing, and password generation. In this section, I’ll provide in-depth password manager reviews for each product on my shortlist.
1. NordPass – Overall Best Password Manager
Starting Plan | $1.39/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | Free plan, 30-day trial |
Key Features | XChaCha20 Encryption, Email Masking, Emergency Access |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ✅ / ✅ |
Max Devices / Password Storage | Unlimited, Unlimited |
Pros
- Advanced XChaCha20 encryption
- Biometric authentication
- 3GB of encrypted file storage
- Proactive password health and data breach scanning
- Secure password sharing
Cons
- Free plan limited to one device
- No phone support
2. 1Password – Best Password Manager for Families
Starting Plan | $2.99/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | 14-day trial |
Key Features | Robust Family Sharing Options, Emergency Kit, Travel Mode |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ✅ / ✅ |
Max Devices / Password Storage | Unlimited, Unlimited |
Pros
- Comprehensive family features
- 1GB file storage per user
- Strong emergency recovery feature
- Two-factor security and security key support
- Easy-to-use interface
- Travel Mode for vault control
Cons
- No free version
- No refund policy
3. iolo ByePass – Best Password Keeper for Online Purchases
Starting Plan | $1.33/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Key Features | Secure Credit Cards, Leaked Password Check, Login Guardian |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ❌ / ❌ |
Max Devices / Password Storage | Unlimited, Unlimited |
Pros
- Virtual cards for secure transactions
- Leaked password detection
- Inactivity lock and remote logout
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- No free plan
- No dedicated desktop apps
4. Dashlane – Best Password Management for Beginners
Starting Plan | $4.99/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | Free plan, 30-day trial |
Key Features | Security Dashboard, Secure Digital Wallet, VPN |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ❌ / ✅ |
Max Devices / Password Storage | Unlimited, Unlimited |
Pros
- Built-in VPN for privacy
- Secure sharing feature
- Credit scoring and protection and breach alerts
- Excellent security dashboard
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- 25-password limit on free plan
- Relatively expensive
5. Keeper – Best Password Manager for Business Use
Starting Plan | $2.92/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | Limited free plan, 30-day trial |
Key Features | Role-Based Access Controls, One-Time Sharing, Advanced Reporting & Alerts Module |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ✅ / ✅ |
Max Devices / Password Storage | Unlimited, Unlimited |
Pros
- Advanced security features for businesses
- Up to 1TB of secure file storage
- Encrypted messaging service
- Concierge service
- Role-based access controls and secure sharing
- Flexible deployment options
Cons
- No money-back guarantee
- Limited free plan
6. RoboForm – Best Password Manager for Form-Filling
Starting Plan | $2.49/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | Free plan |
Key Features | Form-Filling, One-Click Logins, Security Center |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ✅ / ✅ |
Max Devices / Password Storage | Unlimited, Unlimited |
Pros
- One-click logins
- Emergency access available for all users
- Free plan
- Powerful form-filling tool
Cons
- No free trial for home users
- Lacks some advanced features
7. Enpass – Best Password Tool for Local Data Storage
Starting Plan | $1.99/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | Free offline plan |
Key Features | Secure Offline Access, Portable Option, Customizable Fields |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ✅ / ✅ |
Max Devices / Password Storage | Unlimited, Unlimited |
Pros
- Local data storage for full user control and offline access
- Portable vault option
- Passkey support
- Customizable data fields
- Affordable lifetime license
Cons
- Free plan limited to 25 items on mobile
- No free trial
8. Total Password – Best Browser Password Manager
Starting Plan | $1.99/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Key Features | Security Report, Two-Factor Authentication, Data Breach Scanner |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ❌ / ✅ |
Max Devices / Password Storage | Unlimited, Unlimited |
Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Affordable plan
- Advanced encryption
- Allows remote device log-out
- Breach alerts
Cons
- No free plan
- No password-sharing options
Top Password Manager Solutions Compared
In the password manager comparison table below, I’ve laid out details on the features, pricing, and security measures for the best password protection tools on the market so you can compare them head to head.
Password Manager | NordPass | 1Password | Byepass | Dashlane | Keeper | RoboForm | Enpass | Total Password |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $1.39/month | $2.99/month | $1.33/month | $4.99/month | $2.92/month | $2.49/month | $1.99/month | $1.99/month |
Max Devices / Password Storage | Unlimited, Unlimited | Unlimited, Unlimited | Unlimited, Unlimited | Unlimited, Unlimited | Unlimited, Unlimited | Unlimited, Unlimited | Unlimited, Unlimited | Unlimited, Unlimited |
Encryption | XChaCha20 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Security features | XChaCha20 Encryption, Email Masking, Emergency Access | Robust Family Sharing Options, Emergency Kit, Travel Mode | Secure Credit Cards, Leaked Password Check, Login Guardian | Security Dashboard, Secure Digital Wallet, VPN | Role-Based Access Controls, One-Time Sharing, Advanced Reporting & Alerts Module | Form-Filling, One-Click Logins, Security Center | Secure Offline Access, Portable Option, Customizable Fields | Security Report, Two-Factor Authentication, Data Breach Scanner |
Password Generator | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Audited / Zero Knowledge | ✅ / ✅ | ✅ / ✅ | ❌ / ❌ | ❌ / ✅ | ✅ / ✅ | ✅ / ✅ | ✅ / ✅ | ❌ / ✅ |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Browsers | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook, Browsers | iOS, Android, Browsers | Mac, iOS, Android, Browsers | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Browsers | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook, Browsers | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Browsers | Chrome, Safari, Opera, and Microsoft Edge |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 14-day trial | 30 days | 30 days | 30-day trial | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
How I Tested the Best Password Managers
To identify the best password managers today, I’ve put a wide range of password solutions through a rigorous testing process. My evaluation methodology focused on the following criteria:
- Privacy – I’ve examined each password manager’s privacy practices, including their data collection policies, use of encryption, and commitment to protecting user information.
- Security Features – I’ve assessed each password manager’s security features, focusing on their overall ability to protect user data and how the password managers work.
- Ease of Use and Compatibility – I’ve evaluated the user-friendliness of each password manager’s interface and tested their compatibility across a range of devices and platforms.
- Customer Reviews – I’ve analyzed customer feedback from various sources to gain insights into real-world user experiences, considering factors such as security, ease of use, and customer support.
- Pricing – I’ve compared the pricing structures and value propositions of each password manager, taking into account the cost of plans, the number of devices supported, and the availability of additional features.
Why Do You Need a Password Manager?
There are even off-the-shelf hacking tools, like Facebook Password Sniper, which claim to enable even unskilled hackers to take over accounts. Given that recent attacks have seen 50m+ Facebook accounts being compromised, you should take the threat very seriously.
Because of all this, it’s essential to use strong passwords, use different logins for every account and app, and enable multi-factor authentication whenever you can.
Password management software takes the pain out of this process by helping you generate hard-to-crack passwords and then providing a secure password vault that’s nevertheless easy to access.
How Do Password Manager Apps Work?
To access your passwords, you only need to remember your master password, which unlocks your encrypted password vault.
Many password managers also offer biometric authentication options, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, for added security and can incorporate two-factor authentication to require a One-Time Password (OTP) for entry.
Password managers employ advanced encryption algorithms, such as AES-256, to secure your information, which is inaccessible without your master password.
Many password solutions employ a zero-knowledge architecture. This guarantees that the provider doesn’t store your master password on its servers and that only you are able to access your passwords. This ensures your password vault is secure while still being easy for you to access.
In addition to storing passwords, the best password apps often include features like secure password sharing, password strength auditing, which identifies weak or exposed passwords, and dark web monitoring, which searches for your details online to detect if they have been compromised.
How Safe are Password Managers?
A reported 80% of breaches are caused by “weak, reused, or stolen passwords,” and there are more than 24 billion stolen logins for sale on the dark web – so it’s critical that you have protection in place.
The best password managers use strong encryption to shield your data. In the unlikely event that a password manager’s servers are compromised, your passwords will remain protected, as the encryption ensures only you can access your information.
Some password managers also offer local storage options for those who prefer even greater control over their data. In this case, your encrypted password vault is only stored on your devices or on a controlled cloud drive rather than on the password manager’s servers. This means your information cannot be exposed in a breach. If you’re interested in an open-source password manager, meanwhile, you may want to consider Bitwarden.
Password managers often also incorporate secure backup and recovery methods, ensuring that you can access your passwords even if you lose a device or forget your master password – protecting you from the risk of losing access to your vault.
This is a far better solution than reusing the same password across accounts or attempting to remember simple individual passwords.
How To Choose the Best Password Manager
When selecting the best password software for your needs, it’s important to consider a number of factors that contribute to the overall security and usability of the product. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:
Encryption and security – Prioritize password managers that use robust encryption, follow a zero-knowledge architecture – ensuring they cannot access your confidential data – and publish the results of independent security audits.
Cross-platform compatibility – Opt for a password protector that can sync across all your devices and systems, including smartphones, tablets, and browsers, allowing you to access your passwords wherever you need them.
For further recommendations, see our guides to the best password managers for Windows, the best password managers for Android, and the best password managers for Mac.
Ease of use – Look for a password manager that offers intuitive navigation, a simple password generator, and convenient autofill functionality.
Browser integration is very important for vault accessibility and autofill. See our guides to the best Chrome password manager, the best Firefox password manager, and the best password manager for Opera for more recommendations.
Two-factor authentication – Choose a password manager that supports two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security, protecting your account even if your master password is compromised.
Integrating with multi-factor authentication tools for your accounts is also extremely useful.
Password sharing – If you often need to share passwords with family members or colleagues, look for a password manager that offers secure password-sharing features.
Price – Evaluate the plans offered by the password manager, along with free offers and trials, and ensure that they provide good value for money based on the features and security provided.
What are Passkeys?
When you create a passkey for an account, your device generates a pair of keys. The public key is stored on the website’s server, while the private key remains on your device.
During authentication, your device proves possession of the private key without revealing it, ensuring your login credentials remain safe even if the website’s server is compromised. Passkeys are designed to be widely compatible with devices and platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
Leading technology companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft have already incorporated passkey support into their products, including Apple’s iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, and Microsoft Authenticator.
Many popular password managers, like NordPass, 1Password, and Dashlane, have begun integrating passkey support into their applications, allowing users to transition from traditional passwords to this more secure authentication method.
One of the primary benefits of passkeys is their resistance to phishing attacks and other common forms of online fraud. Because passkeys are uniquely tied to specific services and your device, attackers cannot deceive you into disclosing your login credentials with fake websites.
Can You Use a Free Password Manager?
However, it’s worth considering the potential risks associated with using any free password manager. One of the primary concerns with free password managers is the lack of advanced security features such as secure password sharing and emergency access, which can make it harder to access and recover your details.
LastPass has a strong free offering, but the provider has a history of major breaches, which has led many users to look for the best LastPass alternatives.
Many free plans provide very limited capacity for storage or only allow you to access your passwords on a single device and are better categorized as trial services. Upgrading will get you far more features and more comprehensive security. For example, NordPass‘ cheapest plan includes data breach monitoring, 3GB of encrypted storage, emergency access features, and Email Masking.
See our guide to the best free password managers for more recommendations.
Can You Use Your Browser to Manage Passwords?
One of the primary concerns with using browser-based password managers is that they’re more vulnerable to hacks and security breaches than dedicated password management solutions. If a hacker gains access to your browser or device, they could potentially steal all your stored passwords. At the same time, Google Password Manager, for example, doesn’t claim to operate with a zero-knowledge architecture.
Another limitation is that they may not provide access to your passwords across devices. For example, if you save your passwords in Google Chrome on your desktop, you’ll need to be logged in on a synced account to get access elsewhere. Given this, a dedicated password manager account is likely to be a better solution.
Conclusion – What’s the Best Password Manager? NordPass
Around 80% of breaches today are due to weak, reused, or stolen passwords, so it’s critically important to use strong, unique logins and implement double verification wherever possible. While this might sound like a chore, the best password management tools make it simple.
Following extensive testing of the best password keepers on the market, I rank NordPass as the top solution available today. It makes accessing your passwords fast and easy, and its security has been independently tested and confirmed, so you can have complete confidence in the service.
The provider offers advanced encryption for your vault, and it offers a range of excellent security features, including a password health checker and email masking. Given all this, it’s my most recommended password manager of the year.
It’s also one of the most affordable providers on the market and offers a 30-day trial, a free plan with unlimited passwords, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s simple to test it out.
FAQs
What is the best password manager?
Is LastPass a good password manager?
Are password managers safe?
What is the safest password manager?
What’s the best free password manager for security?
Is it worth paying for a password manager?
References
- Password app LastPass hit by cybersecurity breach but says data remains safe (The Guardian)
- NordPass Had Undergone a Comprehensive Security Audit (NordPass)
- Security audits of 1Password (1Password)
- Keeper Enterprise Guide (Keeper)
- Has RoboForm undergone a third-party security audit? (RoboForm)
- Enpass Security Audit Report (Enpass)
- Choosing and Protecting Passwords (CISA)
- The 2021 Psychology of Passwords Report (LastPass)
- Over 24 Billion Compromised User Credentials Circulating on the Dark Web Market (CPO Magazine)