Password Managers 🔐: Protect your accounts in 3 easy steps!
Humans aren't good at managing passwords. Most people don't take the time to create unique, complex phrases or strings of characters that make a good password, as informal research indicates. Even worse, they often share them carelessly. A password manager presents itself as the perfect solution to this dilemma—and it's hard to argue with. 🔒
The best password managers They eliminate these problems by creating and storing complex, unique logins for you. They also allow you to securely share passwords. These apps protect your passwords by encrypting your login information in a virtual vault—either locally or in the cloud—and only allow access with a single master password. You can also store passwords in them. 🔑
So, if you're looking to improve your security, a password manager is one of the best ways to do so.
All of our top password managers are compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS, as well as popular browsers. They also allow you to sync your data across multiple devices, though you may have to pay an additional fee for this privilege. 💻📱
Dashlane – The best password manager overall
Advantages
Analyze and rate the strength of your passwords
Supports auto-completion of web forms with personal profiles
VPN and Dark Web scanning available with the paid plan
Disadvantages
Expensive premium levels
The free plan is limited to one device.
Dashlane has always been a close competitor to LastPass, so after the latter's massive data breach, it's great to know users still have Dashlane 🔐. As a full-featured password manager, Dashlane allows easy access to your logins, secure notes, payment details, and other information, all through its elegantly designed web portal or via one of its extensions for browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Opera, or Safari.
Most importantly, its password skills are solid, making it easy to generate and store unique and complex passwords 🔑, while keeping payment and personal data secure at your fingertips. With autofill enabled, Dashlane not only ensures you're using the best password practices, but also makes it virtually effortless 😎.
Dashlane is free for a single device, but if you want syncing across multiple devices, you'll need a paid plan:
The Advanced plan costs $33 annually or $2.75 monthly, and includes dark web monitoring 🌐, to alert you if your personal data is being misused.
The Premium subscription costs $59.88 per year or $4.99 per month and includes all the features of the previous levels and adds a VPN 🛡️.
The Friends & Family plan extends the Premium plans to a maximum of 10 accounts for $89.88 per year or $7.49 per month 👨👩👧👦.
These prices are a bit higher than some of the competition (in fact, that was one of LastPass's small advantages), but Dashlane offers a premium product and has provided reliable service for years ⭐.
NordPass – Best Value
Advantages
Easy-to-use interface
Premium features include email masks
Compatible with popular operating systems and browsers
Affordable prices
Disadvantages
The free version only allows users to log in on one device at a time.
Complicated login process
Without a doubt, Bitwarden is the value champion—not only our pick for the best free password manager, but it also manages to offer a ton of features for just $10 per year. However, Bitwarden's only weakness is its more utilitarian interface. That's where NordPass comes in with an advantage, offering an attractive, streamlined password manager that manages to balance simplicity and flexibility. It's a better option for those of us who need a friendlier hand when using an app. 🤝
However, NordPass isn't without its weaknesses. For starters, its login process requires two separate passwords: one to access the broader Nord Security ecosystem (which grants access to other subscriptions you may have with the company, such as NordVPN), and another to unlock your NordPass vault. If you have more than a couple of devices, this can make the initial setup tricky. 🛠️
Available for all major browsers, Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, NordPass lets you create vault entries without being overwhelmed by multiple form fields, while also giving you the option to add custom fields if needed. Its premium features include email masking, which can help preserve your privacy and strengthen your security in this era of constant data breaches.
Still, if you get the service at $36 for two years (the current enrollment promotion), you'll be saving more than with competing services that charge twice as much for just one year.
Keeper – The most security-focused
Advantages
Exceptionally strong security
Seamless experience across all platforms
Easy-to-use web interface
Disadvantages
Users may find some security features inconvenient
The free version is more limited than other competitors.
There are a wide variety of password managers available today. While we have our clear favorite, Keeper is a very strong contender in its own right. It focuses more on security than many other password managers. For example, it avoids offering a password-protecting feature. automatic update of passwords, as even this process would require temporary access to your credentials. 🔑
While Keeper's "security first" mentality places it among the best, in the past this has come at the expense of some things many consumers value, such as ease of use and aesthetics. To its credit, Keeper seems to recognize this and has taken steps to continually update its interface to make it more modern and user-friendly. As long as security-conscious users get the most out of Keeper's robust feature set, even everyday users will feel more secure using it. 😌
LogMeOnce – Best for alternative login methods
Advantages
You don't need to remember a complex master password
Robust security features
Easy-to-use web interface
Disadvantages
Paid plans are required to share more than a few passwords and files.
The number of functions can be overwhelming
While most password managers require a master password to access your password vault, LogMeOnce frees you from having to remember even that password. It uniquely offers the option to log in with a PIN, biometrics, or even a photo. This feature gives LogMeOnce a unique advantage over other password managers. 🖼️
Beyond this distinctive feature, LogMeOnce operates similarly to its peers. It lets you store and sync passwords and credit cards across your devices with end-to-end encryption. It also includes other features like dark web and cyber threat monitoring, although these may come at an additional cost. Its unique features make LogMeOnce one of the most convenient password managers we've tested. 🛡️
Bitwarden – The Best Free Password Manager
Advantages
The free plan offers unlimited vault entries and device syncing.
The paid plan is 70% cheaper (or cheaper!) than rival services
Supports two-factor authentication
The send feature allows you to securely share notes and files with others.
Disadvantages
Occasionally have problems capturing and filling out credentials on websites
Requires more manual configuration than many paid password managers
Bitwarden continues to offer a generous free plan This makes it a great option for users on a budget. It doesn't charge you anything to store unlimited items in your vault or sync your vault across all your devices. This is a refreshing change from other password managers that impose severe restrictions on free users. 💸
While it may lack some of the advanced features offered by paid services and its simple interface isn't the most user-friendly, you can't argue with Bitwarden's price—it allows you to improve your security at no cost. It also offers a very affordable premium tier with more advanced features, but its free tier includes so much that you might not need anything else.
The free password managers They come in all flavors. Check out our roundup of the best free password managers for more information.
KeePass – Best Password Manager for Total Control
Advantages
Free to use
Highly customizable
Provides full user control over data
Disadvantages
Requires a higher degree of technical skill than modern password managers
Outdated interface
The main program lacks automatic capture and re-entry and other basic password management functions.
KeePass is the perfect password manager for those who want complete control and the ability to customize every detail 🔐. It's an open-source program that lacks the elegant and comprehensive interface offered by other managers, which may discourage the average user. However, tech lovers will appreciate all its customizable options.
Functionally, it's a very robust piece of software, but to get the most out of it, you'll need some technical skill to use its add-ons 🛠️.
Another great benefit for those concerned about their security is that KeePass doesn't store your data in the cloud. Everything is stored locally, so you don't have to worry about the security protocols of an online service (e.g., LastPass) to protect your personal information.
A resourceful user can make the file accessible from other devices using a private cloud account ☁️.
If you're excited by the idea of a super-customizable password manager unencumbered by external policies, this is the product for you—and if you end up finding it too complex, a simpler alternative like KeePassXC may be just what you need 😊.
IronVest – Best for masking
Advantages
Manage login credentials
Hide email addresses and credit card numbers
Block trackers
Disadvantages
Requires paid subscription to unlock advanced features
Some features are still in beta
While most password managers focus solely on passwords, IronVest strives to not only keep your passwords safe, but also make your entire online experience more secure. IronVest offers an intuitive and easy way to keep your passwords, identity, credit cards, email addresses, and other sensitive information protected while shopping online. Although still a relatively new company, IronVest has impressed with its ability to mask personally identifiable information and block trackers, in addition to being a solid password management software. 🛒✨
It does this by masking your information when you shop. When you enter your email address, credit card, or other information on a site, IronVest creates and sends a masked version to the seller, so they never see your real information. It's a cool feature that helps IronVest stand out from the competition. 🎭
Some features of the service are still in beta, so you can expect minor tweaks and changes before the full release. Still, the feature set is solid and reliable. Plus, it's currently free to try, so there's no cost to give this unique and innovative service a try. 🌟
What to look for in a password manager?
In their most basic form, password managers capture your username and password—usually through a browser add-on—when you log in to a website, and then autofill your credentials when you return to that site. They store all your passwords in an encrypted database, often referred to as a “vault,” which you protect with a single master password.
Of course, most password managers do much more than this, and many extend protection beyond your login credentials to other types of personal data. We've listed a few essential features we look for and you should consider as well:
Password generation
You've been reminded ad nauseam that the strongest passwords are long, random strings of characters, and that you should use a different one for every site you access. That's a big ask. That's why password generation—the ability to create complex passwords from letters, numbers, and special characters—is a must-have feature of any good password manager. The best password managers will also be able to analyze your existing passwords for weaknesses and improve them with a click. 💡
Autocomplete and auto-login
Most password managers can autofill your login credentials whenever you visit a site and even log you in automatically. This way, your master password is the only one you ever need to enter. This is controversial, however, as browser autofill has long been a security concern, so the best managers will also allow you to disable this feature if you feel the risk outweighs the convenience. ⚖️
Secure sharing
Sometimes you need to share a password with a family member or coworker. A password manager should allow you to do this without compromising your security. 🔗
Two-factor authentication
For an enterprising cybercriminal, your password manager's master password is as hackable as any other password. Increasingly, password managers support multi-factor authentication—using a second method like a PIN, fingerprint, or other "trusted device" for additional verification—to mitigate this risk. Choose one that does. 🔐
Protection for other personal data
Because we use them so frequently online, credit card and bank account numbers, our addresses, and other personal data can be securely stored in many password managers and available for autofill in web forms when we're shopping or registering for an account. 🏦
No online security measure is 100% foolproof, but most security experts agree that password managers are the most secure way for people to manage their multiple logins, and we agree the benefits far outweigh the risks. So choose your password manager carefully after researching all options, starting with this guide. 🔍
Once you've found the right password manager for your needs, head over to our guide on how to master your password manager to ensure you get the most out of your software.
FAQ
1. Are password managers secure?
While nothing can be considered 100% secure, password managers offer enhanced security features that you wouldn't otherwise have. Password managers generally encrypt all the data you store with them. While cybercriminals could potentially hack the password manager, it's highly unlikely they'll be able to decrypt your data to view the contents. 🔓
Still, much of your password manager's security depends on the strength of your master password. If you're concerned about the security of this password, then it might be worth choosing a password manager that stores your master password on a separate server from your other encrypted passwords—adding an extra layer of security.
2. Is it worth paying for a password manager?
This will depend on the features you need in a password manager. Free services are typically limited to one device on which to save and sync your passwords. They'll generate strong passwords for you to use, offer basic alerts for compromised passwords, and store credit card information and saved addresses. 💳
Premium password managers, which you have to pay to use, offer all the same features as their free counterparts, but also allow you to sync and store passwords and data across multiple devices, or even between family members. They also have additional special features like dark web scans and emergency contact access, among others. 🚨
If you only have one device and don't need any of the fancy extra features, then there's really no need to pay for a premium service. However, premium password managers only cost a few dollars per month, so they won't break the bank if you decide to make the switch.
3. What happens if the password manager is hacked?
If you suspect you've been hacked, it's important to first determine if it's just you or if your password manager's database has been compromised. Reputable password managers should issue some sort of public notice if they've been hacked. You can find out with a simple Google search. If they don't report being hacked, your data has likely been compromised in another way. 🔍
If it turns out your password manager's database has been hacked, it's up to you to continue using that service. Fortunately, all your passwords will be encrypted, so hackers won't be able to see their contents even after they've been stolen.
4. Is it safe to use a single master password for your password manager?
Being able to trust the security of all your passwords to a single master password in a password manager can seem a little unsettling. It's true that the strength and security of your master password can determine the security of your password manager. Therefore, it's ideal to create a very strong master password. 💪
The good news is that password managers typically store your master password and your other passwords and encrypted data on separate servers. This isn't foolproof, but it adds an extra layer of security.
5. What are passwords? Do I need a password manager if I use passwords?
Passcodes are a new form of account authentication. It's a system that uses a set of encrypted keys, with a private one you keep and a public one that's given to a website. To log in, you must approve the attempt to see if the keys match. Major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft are driving the widespread adoption of passcodes on the web, as they're simpler and more secure than passwords. 🗝️
While most mentions of passcodes talk about storing them on a smartphone, you can save them in other ways as well, such as on a hardware key or (as you might have guessed) in a password manager. Multiple password managers have added support for passcodes, with Dashlane, NordPass, and 1Password being some of the services that can now store them. And while passcodes seem like the future of online security, passwords will likely be around for a while. Using a service to track both types of authentication will be very useful.
