1Password vs. IronVest: Compare Password Managers

1Password and IronVest are among the best password managers. IronVest — new to the password manager scene — is making a solid impression in the security aspect of bolstering web anonymity. 1Password has a leg up with its pricing, platform compatibility, user experience (UX), and two-factor authentication (2FA).

Which password manager should you get? Let this 1Password vs. IronVest face-off help you decide.

Overall, no matter what plan you choose with 1Password, you will pay less than with IronVest. If you value masking credit cards and transactions, IronVest goes above and beyond other password managers with this feature, but it comes at a cost.

For me, the 1Password plans are more appealing because I know the monthly payment amount. But with IronVest, the cost could fluctuate depending on how many credit cards you mask and how much you charge on those.

IronVest has limited compatibility because it is a newer password manager. I would like to see a desktop app. That said, most of its functionality comes from the browser extension, so the app is not a necessity. If I’m paying IronVest monthly fees, I’d like the option.

I imagine IronVest will expand its compatibility as time goes on. It is a rebrand of Albine’s previous product Blur and includes all of those same features. Albine promises significant investment in product development.

1Password imports passwords directly from only a few other password managers, including LastPass and Dashlane. If 1Password doesn’t support direct imports from a particular platform, you’ll export your password list from the other platform to a comma-separated-values (CSV) file (i.e., a spreadsheet’s data table), which 1Password can then take in.

IronVest also allowed me to import my data from other password managers via CSV file, but the process felt a little wonky.

Do you really need a masking tool? Live dark web monitoring is a more affordable way to protect data, and 1Password offers this. You can also access a Watchtower security dashboard that analyzes stored passwords for weaknesses and highlights any that have been compromised in data breaches.

Overall, both password managers offer strong security features and additional tools.

IronVest’s biometric unlock capabilities are through facial recognition, unique in the password manager market since most use fingerprint biometrics. You might see this as a pro or a con. I find facial recognition to be more convenient, but it would be even better if IronVest offered both options.

IronVest also stores information in multiple places or “nodes” using proprietary technology and a decentralized approach. This is a security advantage. 1Password has a leg up for offering SSO with some plans, which IronVest does not.

1Password and IronVest are strong password manager contenders, but 1Password comes out ahead because of its platform compatibility, seamless UX, and robust 2FA. It is considerably less expensive per year than IronVest, which charges a premium.

It also offers a tool that other password managers we rated do not provide: masked emails, credit cards, and phone numbers. Though you do have to pay a $2 fee for each masked credit card (two free with the Ultimate plan), and IronVest will charge a 1.5% fee on credit card charges that exceed $100.

Both 1Password and IronVest stand out in the form-filling category, though 1Password takes a big step ahead in compatibility since IronVest is currently limited to iOS, Android, Firefox, and Chrome. This is likely because it is a newer password manager.

Also, IronVest does not offer a desktop app. This isn’t a deal breaker, but an app is generally more convenient and a standard offering from other password managers we rated.

IronVest stands out for its security measures. Like others, including 1Password, it has AES-256 bit encryption, but IronVest adds more layers. For one, it uses decentralized biometric storage instead of storing information on a server. It offers 2FA with facial recognition but no fingerprint as of yet.

Overall, IronVest is a great fit if you’re concerned about web anonymity and you’ll use the masking tool. Otherwise, 1Password is a better value for the features it delivers, and it is compatible across a range of platforms.

On the surface, all password managers essentially generate and store passwords. As I evaluated providers, I dug deeper, comparing software on what matters most, including price, platform compatibility, security, and other factors.

I signed up for a plan with each provider to test:

• Plan value: Most password managers offer various subscription plans from free to around $20 per month. While free plans may be sufficient for some, those that need more functionality may prefer paid plans. We included a wide array of free and paid password managers to find the one that works best for you.
• Platform compatibility: You likely access your online accounts from multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, as well as through different web browsers. Your password manager should be compatible with various devices, operating systems and browsers, and sync seamlessly between them all.
• UX: This is how you interface with all the features and functions of your new password manager — if it’s bad, you’ll be less likely to use the service. While this is a highly subjective category and some will disagree, it’s important to provide an overview based on my experience.
• Form filling: A password manager doesn’t have to include form-filling, but it’s somewhat standard and the ease with which it performs that function can be the deciding factor in which password manager you ultimately choose.
• Security: Since a password manager is first and foremost a security tool, it should come with all of the most up-to-date standard security features. This includes the highest level of available encryption (256-bit AES with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512); 2FA, such as biometric logins or MFA, and a password generator.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Used all over the internet to protect your accounts, this is quickly becoming a standard security practice. 2FA is a great way to secure more sensitive accounts to ensure they’re not breached.

Learn more about our review methodology.