1. Bitwarden
Available on: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Bitwarden, an open-source favorite, has continued to grow in popularity. Multi-device sync, optional self-hosting, end-to-end AES 256-bit encryption and two-step logins are all available without any cost. This easily helps place Bitwarden at the top of any free tier list. Should you make the jump to the once-yearly $10 premium plan, you add 1GB of encrypted file attachments, password sharing, Bitwarden Authenticator (think Google Authenticator) and priority support. Downloadable apps are available for every platform, including Linux, along with browser extensions for all mainstay browsers like Chrome, Safari and even Tor. The positives here vastly outweigh the negatives, which include a website experience that isn’t as clean as the competition and browser extensions that cannot auto-fill pop-up password windows.
2. 1Password
Available on: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS One of the darlings of the password manager space, 1Password sets itself apart through its extras. Right out of the gate, it checks passwords against the Have I Been Pwned database to see if you have a weak password. Everything from adding passwords, notes, logins and credit cards helps showcase 1Password’s best-in-class user experience. Cross-platform support extends to Chromebook, Linux and multiple browser extensions. There’s even a dedicated command-line tool for 1Password. With Travel Mode, one of 1Password’s most unique features, you can delete any sensitive data from your device(s) before traveling, then restore it as soon as you return home. 1Password very much feels like an Apple-specific software and is priced at $2.99 monthly for individuals and $4.99 for families, though you can sign up and test it for free for 14 days. Outside of that, it’s hard to find something not to like about 1Password, it’s that good.
3. Keeper
Available on: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Keeper keeps your passwords and sensitive files safe and secure across multiple platforms. The site immediately stands out with a bonus feature of emergency access by granting up to five contacts access in the event of any emergency. Version history is another nicety so that you can quickly refer to historical logins at any point. As with most password managers, Keeper includes access through its mobile apps via Fingerprint or Face ID. The web interface is robust, even as cross-platform apps offer a complete feature set and sync nearly flawlessly. Two downsides worth noting are that it doesn’t offer a bulk password changer in the event of multiple compromised websites, and web form filling is more limited compared to many competitive apps.
4. LastPass
Available on: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS LastPass has long been a go-to for many individuals and families looking for password management. Even as the service is slowly removing previously free features, there are still many users who swear by its intuitive apps and website as well as multiple browser extensions. Its free tier still beats out competitors like Keeper and 1Password and puts up a good fight against Bitwarden. Free tier users receive unlimited passwords, access on one device and multi-factor authentication. Jump up to the premium plan for $3.00 (billed annually), and you gain access to dark web monitoring for identity theft, 1GB of encrypted file storage and one-to-many sharing of passwords. Whereas LastPass once held a (fairly) dominant position in the space, its removal of features has allowed the competition to step up its own free tier offerings. Still, LastPass is one of the best-known names in the space and remains one of the most intuitive platforms for new users.
5. Dashlane
Available on: Web, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS Dashlane offers one of the most straightforward interfaces that makes generating, storing and auto-filling passwords easy. Like 1Password, Dashlane also adds a site breach alert that notifies you as soon as compromised passwords are identified. In addition, premium users will get access to dark web monitoring, as Dashlane seeks out leaked or stolen personal data and will alert you if they identify anything compromising. In a move that shocked many users, Dashlane removed its desktop app on Windows and macOS in January 2022 and instead began driving users to its Web experience. Anyone who would prefer to use a dedicated app, especially if offline use is a factor, will have to look elsewhere. If Dashlane has any other major downsides, its that the premium tier is the most expensive on the list at $6.49 when billed monthly ($4.99 if billed annually).
6. RoboForm
Available on: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome OS RoboForm has been offering password management for over 20 years. Apps are available across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS, making it truly compatible with every platform. Thanks to recent updates, you will find a modern interface that adds AES-256 bit encryption for secure passwords. The biggest reasons to use RoboForm’s free tier are the unlimited logins/passwords, autofill with forms, password audits to ensure strength and security and a dedicated password generator. On the downside, RoboForm has historically been challenged with errant sync troubles, as password changes on one platform don’t immediately show up on another. A $1.99 monthly cost (billed annually) enables access on all of your devices, 24/7 support and sharing your logins with friends and family.
7. NordPass
Available on: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Known for its fantastic VPN service, Nord’s entrance into the password space with NordPass forced many to take notice. As expected, there is plenty to take note of, including an emergency access feature that enables you to grant another NordPass user access to your account. Apps, as well as browser extensions, can be found on nearly every platform with the exception of ChromeOS. Unsurprisingly, NordPass allows unlimited passwords, secure notes and credit card auto-fill, though other personal information like name and address are not auto-filled. With a premium purchase ($2.49 monthly), vulnerable passwords are flagged within the app. On top of that, sharing passwords with other NordPass users and multi-factor authentication comes with the premium subscription. Unlike most password managers that rely on AES-256 bit encryption, NordPass is the lone provider to rely on XChaCha20 encryption.
8. Enpass
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Enpass won’t have the name recognition of 1Password or Dashlane, but it’s a standout option all on its own. Whereas most services back up your passwords across their own services, Enpass allows you to save your password database on your device. It also adds the option of synchronizing everything you add to online storage like Dropbox, iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive and more. It’s this cloud support that will enable all of your info to show up cross-platform. The app also has a portable version that you can carry around on a flash drive. Multiple vaults are available, so you can set up one for work, one for personal and one for family, with each being separate, so nothing is ever cross-pollinated. Want to audit old passwords? Enpass will scan your password database and identify weak or duplicate passwords, then recommend making changes for strong security. The annual individual plan costs just $2 a month, which prices it toward the bottom of the premium offerings in the space.
9. RememBear
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS Don’t let the funny name fool you – RememBear is a full-fledged password manager. Outside of the Bear puns that follow you around the app, RememBear’s feature set is pretty standard with end-to-end encryption, browser extensions, password generator, autofill for both passwords and credit cards and saved logins across all of your favorite apps and websites. The free tier offers access on one device, while Premium access adds sync across multiple devices, secure backups and priority customer service for $6.00 a month. Even with its full feature set, there are no major differentiators of RememBear, and it lacks 24/7 customer support, which is disappointing for its premium price tag.
10. mSecure
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, watchOS When it comes to the essentials, mSecure is more than up to the task. As is the case with Enpass, sync works perfectly across platforms, thanks to cloud support with Dropbox, iCloud, mSecure Cloud and WiFi. Once you have your cross-platform apps downloaded, one of the best features with the service is batch editing, where you can update multiple passwords at a time, which is especially handy in the event of a data breach. Fingerprint authentication is available across platforms, as is Face ID and 3D Touch for older iPhones. An available security center informs you of old or weak passwords and recommends changing them every time you log in to the app. Whereas an outdated user experience was once a major con, recent updates have introduced a more modern and friendly interface to navigate. Curiously, mSecure has decided against Chrome/Safari/Firefox extensions in favor of using its desktop or mobile apps that auto-fill website and app logins.
1. Is it safe to use the password manager built into my browser?
Browser password managers have improved a lot over the years and they’re free and safe to use, especially when paired with two-factor authentication. Having said that, third-party options come with much better security measures and a host of other features to simplify password management and sharing. Things like password sharing in an emergency and travel mode with 1Password and password audits are just a few of the features you get on dedicated password services, which is why they are our first choice.
2. What happens if I forget my master password?
For anyone new to password managers, a master password is the one password you need to remember in order to access all of your other passwords. No one knows or keeps a record of it. If you lose or forget this password, accessing your existing information becomes very, very difficult. The best scenario is to write the master password down and store it somewhere safe: a bank deposit box, a fireproof safe in your home, with another family member, etc.
3. Can I easily switch between password manager apps if I decide to try a different service?
Yes. For the most part, all of these apps offer import and export functionality, making it easy to switch. That’s not to say you don’t have to do some manual cleaning up on your end, but switching isn’t as frightening or tedious as you may think initially – the exception being iCloud Keychain and Google Password Manager which offer no export options.
