If you want to give a big boost to your online security, you’ll want to empower yourself with one of the best password managers available today. This won’t only strengthen your security, but also save you the time and trouble you would otherwise spend on thinking up and remembering long, complex passwords.
You could also choose the easy path and use a couple of catchy, simple-to-remember passwords for everything, but that’s truly a terrible idea in terms of security. Using the same password for multiple accounts is especially risky. Hackers have tools to crack common passwords and once they do, all your accounts will be open to them.
According to a cybersecurity study conducted by Verizon, a staggering 82% of hacking-related breaches involve an element of human error such as stolen or poor passwords. Using strong passwords plays a critical part in protecting your personal information from a series of cyber threats.
By using a password manager, you significantly reduce the risk of hacking-related breaches, which often exploit human error in password management.
Top password managers
Before we go into more details, this list highlights our top picks for the best password managers:
- NordPass – Best all-around password manager. Audited, secure, clean track record, lots of extra features (coupon for 61% off)
Proton Pass – Open source password manager integrated with the Proton ecosystem
- 1Password – User-friendly password manager, great for families
- Bitwarden – Open source password manager with decent features
- Dashlane – A fully-featured password manager, but expensive
Some of these options also offer a free password manager version, allowing you to try the service before committing to a paid plan.
Now let’s cover some basics before examining the best password managers from above in more detail.
What is a password manager?
In simplest terms, a password manager is software that helps you generate strong passwords and lets you store them in a secure location. In addition to passwords, most password managers can also store credit card details, secure notes, and other types of sensitive information.
All this information is often locked behind a master password but some password managers also support biometric authentication. That is, using biometric data (such as fingerprints, facial patterns, or voice) to verify who you are and thus unlock your data.
It is crucial to secure your password manager account with a strong master password and two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect access to the account and the sensitive information it holds.
While most popular password managers come as proprietary, close-sourced, software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, there are also a couple of free, open-source alternatives on the market.
How to choose the best password manager?
When choosing a password manager, consider these key factors:
Security. Look for end-to-end encryption (256-bit AES), 2FA, MFA, biometric logins, zero-knowledge policy, and password recovery options.
Functionality. Check platform support, vault storage location, cross-device syncing, secure sharing, and auto-fill capabilities.
User Experience. Look for an intuitive interface and reliable customer support.
Value. Evaluate pricing, free versions, trials, or money-back guarantees.
Free Password Manager versions. Consider free password managers like Proton Pass, which offer robust features such as dark web monitoring and unlimited storage. However, be aware of their limitations compared to paid versions, such as fewer advanced features and potential security trade-offs.
Alternatively, you can trust our password manager recommendations.
How do we rank the best password manager?
All password managers we recommend in this guide must fulfill the following conditions:
Support strong encryption and up-to-date security measures.
Are provided by a well-known company with a good track record and background.
Are compatible with all major operating systems (OS’) and browsers.
Were never hacked or if they ever were the user data was never compromised.
Provide great value for money.
Ensure the security of user data on the password manager's servers through robust encryption and security protocols.
So, now that we know what password managers are and what to look for in them, let’s move on with the best password managers.
NordPass – Best password manager overall
NordPass managed to stand out from the crowd and rise to the top of our list. It has an intuitive, user-friendly interface, employs cutting-edge XChaCha20 encryption, and provides 24/7 live chat customer support.
Even if you don’t know NordPass, you’ve probably heard of NordVPN, one of the best VPNs on the market. Both are products of NordSecurity, and NordPass has benefited from the extensive experience of its creators. You can see this in NordPass’s easy-to-use UI and exceptionally beginner-friendly approach.
Note: NordLocker is another user-friendly member of this product family.
NordPass uses the state-of-the-art XChaCha20 encryption protocol to ensure no cybercriminal can steal your passwords by breaking the encryption. To strengthen the security of your data even further, all versions of NordPass provide these features:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Biometric and Passkey login options
Strong password generator
Premium subscribers also get the following features:
- Password health checker
Data breach scanner
- Email masking
Secure password sharing
- Files attached to items
- Support for unlimited devices
On top of all this, the company has undergone multiple independent security audits.
After putting NordPass to the test, we found that it was surprisingly simple to install, set up, and configure. Also, right from the start, it comes with clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS and all major browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. The desktop apps have a fuller feature set than the browser extensions. However, if you select the View in tab option of a browser extension, you get something that looks exactly like the desktop apps.
NordPass can help securely store several types of data including passwords, secure notes, credit card details, and personal information. This is a good set of data types, although we would love to see them add passport information and online banking credentials as additional categories.
If you are looking for business solutions, NordPass Business is a great option to consider. It comes with an array of features aimed at enhancing password security while simplifying password management processes across organizations. NordPass Business also provides convenient tools to streamline team collaboration and ensure secure access to all business accounts.
Although it isn’t open-source software (unlike the next password manager on our list), NordPass is created by one of the most trusted companies in the cybersecurity space. The promising results from its most recent independent security audit only strengthen our trust in this password manager.
+ Pros
2FA support
30-day money-back guarantee
All data stored in the cloud and on devices
Biometric authentication
- Passkey support
Cutting-edge XChaCha20 encryption
Cross-platform support
Full-featured free edition
Intuitive, user-friendly UI
– Cons
Poor password filtering options
The free plan works on one device only
Check out our full NordPass review here.
Proton Pass – Open source password manager integrated with the Proton ecosystem
Proton Pass is a secure password manager from the same team that brought the world Proton Mail and Proton VPN. It offers end-to-end encryption, dark web monitoring, and easy password sharing. This open-source tool benefits from community review as well as the strong privacy laws of Switzerland, its home jurisdiction.
One of the most appealing aspects of Proton Pass is its impressive free tier. The free version a single user unlimited logins, unlimited encrypted notes, and unlimited devices, along with 10 integrated hide-my-email aliases. This generous offering is complemented by cross-platform compatibility, allowing seamless access to your passwords across multiple devices and browsers.
Proton Pass doesn't skimp on advanced security features. It includes two-factor authentication (2FA), Passkeys, dark web monitoring, weak and unused password alerts, and Proton Sentinel, an AI-powered security monitoring system. These features work together to provide an additional layer of protection for your digital identity.
Proton Pass was designed from the ground up to be free of legacy constraints. However, it still manages to integrate with the rest of the Proton ecosystem as part of a comprehensive privacy-focused solution for online security and privacy. In fact, a subscription to Proton Pass entitles you to use the free versions of all the products in the Proton ecosystem.
These features, combined with Proton's stellar reputation for security and privacy, make Proton Pass a top contender in the password manager market. If you are interested in an open-source password manager or are already using parts of the Proton ecosystem, Proton Pass could be your ideal choice.
+ Pros
Simple to use
Supports 2FA, MFA, Passkeys, and TOTP
Free and paid tiers
Integrated email aliases
Integration with the Proton ecosystem
– Cons
No telephone or live chat support
Learn more in our recently updated Proton Pass review.
1Password – Best password manager for security-conscious businesses
1Password is a capable, user-friendly password manager that offers a comprehensive set of features at a reasonable price point. It excels in creating, storing, and sharing passwords securely across multiple users. While it lacks a free tier, its paid plans start at $2.99 per month, catering to individual, family, and business needs.
Security is paramount with 1Password. It employs AES-256 encryption and introduces a unique “Secret Key” feature that works alongside your master password to create an uncrackable encryption key. This dual-layer protection ensures your data remains secure, whether stored in the cloud or locally on your devices.
1Password stands out with its password and username generator, allowing up to 100 characters for each. It also offers a convenient travel mode, which lets you temporarily hide sensitive information on your devices – a valuable feature for international travelers concerned about privacy at border crossings.
While not open-source, 1Password has received positive marks in recent independent security audits, further solidifying its reputation as a trustworthy password management solution. With its blend of strong security, user-friendly interface, and innovative features, 1Password could well be the best password manager for you.
+ Pros
Advanced reports and analysis
Alternative sync strategies are supported
Simple to use
Supports 2FA, MFA, Passkeys, and TOTP
There's a terrific travel mode
The “Secret Key” feature
Watchtower password strength checker
– Cons
Based in Canada (privacy issues)
No free tier
No telephone or live chat support
Check out our in-depth 1Password review for more info.
Bitwarden – Another quality open-source password manager
Bitwarden is a highly secure, open-source password manager that has gained popularity in its short existence. It offers plenty of security features including 2FA, Passkeys, TOTP support, AES-CBC 256-bit encryption, and breached password detection. The software has undergone security audits, adding to its credibility.
Suitable for individuals, families, and businesses, Bitwarden securely stores credentials in the cloud while also allowing offline access. It syncs across devices and encrypts data locally. For those preferring complete control, self-hosting is an option, though it requires technical expertise.
Bitwarden's free version is feature-rich, including unlimited password storage, multi-device sync, data breach reports, secure sharing (limited), 2FA, and a password generator. Paid plans offer additional functionalities for users seeking enhanced features.
With premium plans, you'll also get the following features:
Security reports
Emergency access
Advanced authentication options including Passkeys
Bitwarden's own authenticator (TOTP)
Encrypted file attachments (up to 1GB storage)
Priority customer support (but still quite limited)
Bitwarden's customer support options are limited, offering only email, community forums, and social media channels. The absence of live chat support is a drawback, particularly if you are in a crunch.
Also, since Bitwarden is based (and data stored) in the USA, it's subject to US law which isn't particularly privacy-friendly (check out the Five Eyes alliance).
Despite these drawbacks, Bitwarden offers excellent value for money. It is one of the best options if you want an open-source solution.
+ Pros
Ability to use self-hosted server
A free, open-source solution
Excellent free forever edition
Provides apps for all popular platforms
Pocket-friendly pricing
Securely syncs passwords between all your devices
Solid password generator
– Cons
Based in the USA (privacy issues)
Customer support needs improvement
To find out a bit more about this password manager, see our full Bitwarden review
Dashlane – Best password manager for premium features
Dashlane stands out as a premium password manager offering a comprehensive suite of features for users willing to invest in top-tier security. Beyond standard password management functions, it includes a virtual private network (VPN) and dark web monitoring service, enhancing its value proposition.
Utilizing 256-bit AES encryption and advanced security features, Dashlane provides a secure environment for password storage. The integrated VPN offers protection on public WiFi networks, performing comparably to standalone VPN solutions.
A notable feature is the password health checker, which evaluates your password vault for reused, compromised, or weak passwords, prioritizing critical accounts like banking. Additionally, the dark web monitoring tool continuously scans for potential data breaches, alerting users immediately if their information is compromised.
While Dashlane excels in security practices, privacy-conscious users should note its US-based location, which falls under Five Eyes jurisdiction. The company claims to regularly audit is own security, but provides limited details about the results. As far as we can discover, they have not conducted any third-party (external) audits.
Although Dashlane's pricing is higher than some competitors, it justifies the cost with its extensive feature set and premium user experience. For those seeking a full-featured password manager with additional security tools, Dashlane presents a compelling, albeit pricier, option in the market.
+ Pros
Account recovery with business plans
Built-in VPN with premium plans
Dark web monitoring
Intuitive, well-designed UI across all platforms
Personalized security alerts
Simple setup process
There's a free tier
Tons of fine features, including Passkeys
– Cons
Based in the USA
No information about audit results
Premium plans are expensive
Also, check our Dashlane review for more details.
Why do you need a password manager anyway?
Why use a password manager? Simple passwords like birthdays are no longer safe from cybercriminals. Even if you've been lucky so far, it's time to upgrade your security. Here are the top reasons to choose a password manager now.
1. You'll only have to remember one password
A password manager simplifies your digital life by requiring you to remember only one master password. This eliminates the need to memorize multiple complex passwords, each ideally consisting of at least 16 random characters including letters, numbers, and special symbols.
While techniques exist to memorize such intricate passwords, using a password manager is far more convenient. Many top-tier password managers even offer biometric authentication, allowing you to access your passwords using your fingerprint, eyes, or voice, further streamlining the process.
2. You'll boost your security with a strong password generator
Use a quality password generator to create unique, strong passwords for each account. This approach:
Counters password cracking tools that target common passwords
Enhances security against data breaches
Protects sensitive information from hackers
A password manager simplifies the process of creating and managing strong, unique passwords across all your accounts, significantly boosting your online security.
3. You can be confident all your sensitive data is safely stored and completely encrypted
Storing passwords in plain text files on your computer is a bad idea. Using a password manager enhances your security because it:
Protects your passwords with unbreakable encryption
Prevents unauthorized access to your sites and resources
Defends against phishing attacks by verifying domain names before entering your password
Prevents accidental entry of credentials on fake login screens
In short, password managers offer superior protection for your login information compared to unsecured storage methods.
4. It's a quality-of-life upgrade for your day-to-day life
Password managers offer multiple quality-of-life benefits as well. Most provide versatile storage in that they save shopping profiles, credit card info, private notes, and other sensitive data, not just passwords. In addition, they can make all this information synchronized and available across all your devices.
Pair that with a convenient auto-fill feature, and you'll manage to save yourself the time and trouble of tracking down your login information and tediously typing in everything by yourself.
Finally, it is hard to overstate the time savings and stress reduction involved with only having to remember a one-and-only password (your master password) instead of memorizing a unique password for each of your accounts.
5. Most of the best password managers offer a free tier
Many password managers provide a free version with basic features, often limited to one device. While this may not be ideal for families or businesses, it allows you to try the service before upgrading. Premium versions offer more features and support multiple devices.
Why you shouldn't let your web browser save your passwords
While popular web browsers offer password storage, using it is not the most secure option for two reasons:
Weak security: Browser-stored passwords are often in plaintext and vulnerable to hacking tools, both through physical and remote access.
Limited functionality: Browsers only record entered passwords. They don't generate secure passwords, assess password strength, or alert you to weak, reused, or compromised passwords.
For better security, consider using a dedicated password manager instead of relying on browser-based password storage. Password managers offer stronger encryption, generate secure passwords, and provide additional security features to protect your login credentials.
How password managers work
Password managers are typically available as browser extensions or dedicated applications. At its most basic, a password manager records your username and password when you log into a website. Thereafter, it can automatically fill in this information when you revisit the site.
Leading password managers offer a range of additional features to enhance your digital security and convenience. They include:
Auto capture and autofill. It automatically records login information when entered on a webpage and can fill in saved credentials on subsequent visits or offer a selection option for multiple accounts. It should also be able to handle non-standard forms and allow for manual editing when necessary.
Random password generation. It can create stronger, more unique passwords than a human.
Password import and export. It must be able to import passwords from popular web browsers and other password managers. It must also be able to export passwords and other data.
Security and privacy with password managers
With all your passwords and other data stored in it, you had better be sure that your password manager is secure and private. Here are some characteristics to look for:
Secure access to the password manager. You'll be required to log into your password manager of course. Consider using one that automatically locks itself after a set amount of time to reduce the chances of someone accessing your passwords while you are away from the computer.
Two-factor authentication (2FA). This is an additional layer of security used to check if people trying to gain access to an online account are who they claim they are. It can be something as simple as a secret question (“What's your mother's maiden name?”), a verification code sent to your email address or the biometric pattern of your fingerprint.
Strong encryption. With time, your password manager will hold an ample amount of your important personal information in a database that resides on your device, in the cloud, or more likely, in both places. That's why it must utilize secure, end-to-end encryption.
Open-source code. This is code that can be viewed, modified, and distributed by anyone. People can and do examine open-source code, looking for anything that could compromise the security of the product. While this does not guarantee security, open-source is considered to be more secure than proprietary software.
Independent security audits. Independent security audits increase the odds that any software is secure and we are seeing more password managers getting independently audited, as in the NordPass vs Bitwarden comparison.
History of security or privacy issues. Consider whether the product has had past issues. If so, confirm that they have been resolved. If it has a long history of issues, consider a different product.
Supported platforms and browsers. A password manager is of little use if you can't use it across all your devices. Make sure that the devices you use are supported!
Try before you buy. You will be interacting with the thing constantly, so trying it first makes sense. Happily, most password managers, including NordPass and LastPass, offer some kind of free/limited version. There are also Black Friday and Cyber Monday password manager deals you can take advantage of. In particular, the NordPass Black Friday deal is also getting a lot of attention.
Key Additional Features of Password Managers
These advanced features enhance the functionality of password managers, offering improved security, convenience, and flexibility for various user needs and scenarios.
Application Password Filling. Fills credentials in desktop applications, not just web pages.
Authenticator App Functionality. Acts as a second factor for 2FA in other products.
Digital Legacy Support. Allows heirs to access your stored information posthumously.
Easy Migration. Exports data in formats compatible with other password managers.
Encrypted File Storage. Stores entire documents securely, not just credentials.
Password Analysis and Updating. Checks password strength and alerts about compromised passwords. Automatically generates and updates weak passwords.
Secure Sharing. Allows controlled access sharing for families or teams.
Travel Mode. Temporarily removes sensitive data from devices during travel.
Web Form Filling. Automatically populates various fields in web forms.
Password Manager Platforms and Devices
Most password managers offer a variety of platforms and devices to ensure you can access and manage your passwords wherever you are. Here’s a closer look at the options available:
Desktop and mobile apps: Password managers typically provide dedicated apps for both desktop and mobile devices. These apps are designed to sync seamlessly, ensuring your data is always up-to-date.
Browser extensions: To make password management even more convenient, most password managers offer browser extensions that integrate directly with your web browser.
Encrypted file storage: Some password managers also offer encrypted file storage, providing a secure place to keep sensitive documents and files.
Enterprise password manager solutions: Businesses and organizations have unique needs when it comes to password management. Many password managers offer enterprise solutions that include advanced security features, team collaboration tools, and centralized management options.
By offering support across multiple platforms and devices, password managers ensure that your passwords and sensitive information are always within reach, securely stored, and easy to manage.
Conclusion
Choosing the best password manager is a highly personal decision. Each of the managers we cover here provides all the basic functions of a password manager. So it really comes down to how much you like the interface and which advanced features (if any) are important to you. That said, there are good reasons why NordPass and Proton Pass are #1 and #2 in this comparison.
NordPass is easy to use, has a clean track record, lots of extra features, and independent auditors confirmed that it is secure.
Proton Pass is easy to use, has lots of extra features, passed an independent audit, and works well with the rest of the Proton product family. It doesn't have nearly as long a track record as NordPass, but the fact that it is both audited and open source gives us confidence in its security.
While NordPass and Proton Pass are our top recommendations, 1Password, Bitwarden, and Dashlane are all excellent products and can get the job done for you.
This guide on the best password managers was last updated on October 22, 2024.
This guide to the best password managers was last updated on December 1, 2024.
You may wish to look at the Inclusive Language initiative website. Primary password is a less emotive choice than master password.
1. Could you list the password managers you feel didn’t cut it? I’ve also done password manager evaluations. Imho Keeper is the best business class product out there. I’m curious why you feel Keeper isn’t up to scratch. Nordpass folder features are not business class. Also NordPass has the nuisance of the user having to remember 2 primary passwords; 1 for Nord account and 1 for the NordPass password vault. Dashlane account recovery is based on SMS; too easy to hack.
Best free products are Bitwarden followed by NordPass in 2nd.