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With the ever-present threat of cyberattacks, using a robust password manager has never been more critical. Individuals, families, and businesses are at risk of unauthorized access, identity theft, and data breaches. Creating unique, strong passwords for every online account is essential — and password managers can help.

Password managers can help you generate and remember strong passwords, autofill online forms, and secure information. All you have to do is set a secure master password to keep your passwords encrypted and secure, yet easily accessible to manage your digital identities.

Whether you’re seeking personal password management, shared credentials for family, or need to protect sensitive business information, our guide to leading password managers can help you make an informed decision for your online security. Review our list to find the best password manager for you, your family, or business.

Our Top-Rated Password Managers

Best overall: 1Password (4.8)

We chose 1Password as the best for its exceptional compatibility with various operating systems, two-factor authentication (2FA) capabilities, and outstanding security features.

The Best Password Managers of 2024

1Password

Best password manager
(4.8)

1Password

1Password is a popular password manager used by millions of individuals and businesses. It provides exceptional security at a fair price and innovates and expands to meet ever-changing customer needs.

Starting price (4.75/5)Platform compatibility (5/5)User experience (UX) (5/5)Form filling (5/5)Security (4.5/5)Two-factor authentication (2FA) (5/5)Top features
$2.99 per monthAndroid, iOS, Linux, Mac, Web (Brave, Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari), WindowsApp and desktop version have a fantastic UX/user interface (UI) designWorks seamlessly with plenty of options to tweak information setsAES 256-bit encryption, the same encryption many banks, financial institutions, and other government agencies useMany options, including physical security keys
  • Unlimited passwords
  • Password sharing with all plans
  • 2FA with all plans
  • Free 14-day trial with all plans

I found 1Password the best choice with industry-leading privacy and security. Also, its reporting capability stands out with useful custom analytics and insights. It has been exceptional since I can use its business plan for personal, family, and business passwords.

1Password’s Advanced Protection helped me determine how and where to use it. The tool also let me set master passwords, enforce 2FA, create firewalls, and require my users to have up-to-date apps. And I can see the number of devices in my organization using 1Password.

Who is 1Password best for?

1Password suits small, mid, and enterprise-level business owners. It’s also useful as a personal or family password manager. The business plan includes access for business teams and families.

Recent upgrades to 1Password:

1Password 8 for Windows provides admins with more features such as copying, archiving, or creating password groups and enabled dark mode for 1Password.

1Password’s pricing:

1Password’s individual plan starts at $2.99 per month. In contrast, Dashlane’s equivalent plan begins at $4.99 per month but comes with dark web monitoring. 1Password offers a 14-day free trial for personal, family, and business plans.

Pros and cons of 1Password

Pros of 1Password

  • Little evidence hacking
  • Variety of plan levels
  • Free 14-day trial for all plans
  • Business plan includes family plan features
  • Recent upgrades to all OS

Cons

  • Individual plan does not have as many features as Dashlane’s
  • 24/7 support is via email only
  • Good for small to midsize businesses (SMBs) but seem to prefer working with enterprise businesses

Dashlane

Best value password manager
(4.7)

Dashlane logo

Dashlane has all the makings of a top-notch password manager. While its security features like 256-bit AES encryption and 2FA are par for the course, Dashlane stands out with such premium features as VPN, password health checker, and live dark web monitoring.

Starting price (5/5)Platform compatibility (5/5)User experience (UX) (4.75/5)Form filling (4.75/5)Security (4.75/5)Two-factor authentication (2FA) (4.75/5)Top features
FreeWindows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, OS, iOS, AndroidAn intuitive, easy-to-navigate platform on par with others in its weight classLogins, payment information, addresses, and IDs can all easily be inputted and autofilledStands out through two unique offerings — live dark web monitoring and VPNAvailable and adequate, but I would like to see more options including biometric and SMS
  • Unlimited passwords and devices
  • Single sign-on (SSO) integration for business plan
  • 2FA with all plans
  • Live dark web monitoring with advanced plan
  • VPN offered with premium plan

Dashlane is a great contender in the field of password management. While some security features like 256-bit AES encryption and 2FA are to be expected, Dashlane also offers premium features like VPN, password health checker, and live dark web monitoring. However, with limits on its customizability in the free password manager, you may find better value elsewhere.

For how I use password managers, Dashlane has everything I need. In addition to great security and myriad premium features, I found the intuitive interface appealing and user friendly.

On top of that, despite its higher price tag compared to top competitors, Dashlane’s premium version offers tremendous value. What holds it back from a higher rating is its lack of customizability and limited free password manager. Still, it’s one of the best free password managers.

Who is Dashlane best for?

Dashlane is best if you use a VPN or would like to bundle a VPN service with a password manager, as its premium tier (which starts at $4.99 per month) includes VPN access. It’s also a great value for families and businesses.

Recent upgrades to Dashlane:

Dashlane recently added a new comma-separated values (CSV) import process, allowing you to move information from other password managers. It also includes the ability to bulk delete the information you no longer need and launched an extension that works with passkeys. Also, you can add your own linked websites and subdomains to your logins sharing the same account.

Dashlane’s pricing:

Dashlane’s business plans start at $8 per seat per month, similar to 1Password. However, Dashlane offers 24/7 live support, while 1Password only provides 24/7 email support. 1Password’s individual plan starts at $2.99 per month; Dashlane’s equivalent plan begins at $2.75 per month. Dashlane’s trial period is more generous, with a 30-day free trial for personal, family, and business plans, though. Its main edge in pricing comes from the free version, which may be enough for you.

Pros and cons of Dashlane

Pros

  • No evidence of security breaches
  • Great variety of plan levels
  • Free 30-day trial for premium plans
  • Great value for VPN users

Cons

  • Limited free version
  • Lack of customization options for vault and autofill

Keeper

Best password manager user experience
(4.6)

keeper

With a diverse range of features, a user-friendly platform, and first-rate security, Keeper easily contends as one of the best you can buy.

Starting price (4.5/5)Platform compatibility (4.5/5)User experience (UX) (5/5)Form filling (4.5/5)Security (4.5/5)Two-factor authentication (2FA) (5/5)Top features
$2.91 per monthAndroid, iOS, Linux, Mac, Web (Brave, Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari, Opera), WindowsClean and minimalistic. Each of Keeper’s functions are easy to find, navigate, and useAutofill and auto-save features work well but don’t stand out from other password managersTop-notch, albeit standard, 256-bit AES encryption but dark web screening is an additional $20 per yearText and authenticator apps are available, but I’d love to see a biometric option available
  • Unlimited passwords
  • 2FA with all plans
  • Free 30-day trial
  • 30% to 50% discount for students, military, and medical professionals

I found Keeper to be the most user-friendly of the password managers I’ve tested. The interface is minimalist, not bombarding you with more options and information than necessary. It was a breeze to navigate, and Keeper’s approach makes it a great choice for businesses and most personal users.

I also found the auto-fill feature slightly more cumbersome than others. While many password managers offer one-click form-filling, Keeper requires a right-click on each field to autofill. One-click form filling is almost standard among password managers, but the extra step eliminates the possibility of incorrect information, a common problem with one-click auto-filling.

Who is Keeper best for?

If you’re a student, member of the military, or a medical professional, it’s hard to beat the 30 to 50% discount. Outside of these groups, it’s easily recommendable, and those who need an easy-to-use password manager with high-end security features will have no issues with Keeper.

Recent upgrades to Keeper:

Keeper is consistently updating its platform. It recently updated its browser extension, vault, admin console, android and iOS app, and connection manager to new versions. Also, it enabled the ability to share admin privileges.

Keeper’s pricing:

There’s a reason Keeper makes the cut as one of the best cheap password managers. The personal plan starts at $2.91 per month and the family plan starts at $6.24 per month — less competitive than 1Password but less expensive than NordPass. Business plans start at $2 per user per month, while enterprise plans require a custom quote.

Pros and cons of Keeper

Pros

  • User-friendly design
  • Keeper has never had a data breach
  • Free 30-day trial for all plans
  • Vault is customizable
  • Recent upgrades to all platforms

Cons

  • Some features, such as dark web monitoring, come at an additional cost
  • Autofill requires a few more clicks than competitors

How Our Best Password Managers Compare

While I chose 1Password as the best password manager, several other notable password managers are available. Dashlane is a leading option, which, like 1Password, offers exceptional features and functionality. Keeper is another worthy contender, boasting a user-friendly interface, and is an ideal choice if you seek good value or a great user experience.

One factor that sets these password managers apart is their commitment to affordable services. All three offer plans priced under $3 per month, ensuring you can enjoy the benefits of a reliable password manager without breaking the bank. Additionally, Dashlane offers a free version, allowing you to experience its features before deciding on a paid plan.

These password managers have an impressive track record. None of them have ever experienced a data breach, providing peace of mind about the safety of sensitive data. Using these password managers, you can trust that your passwords and other confidential information are stored securely in a password vault protected by strong encryption.

Another advantage of these password managers is their user-friendly interfaces. Whether you’re tech-savvy or less familiar with technology, you’ll find these password managers easy to navigate and use effectively. This accessibility is particularly important for businesses that rely on password managers at an organizational level, as it ensures that your entire organization can seamlessly adopt and integrate the password manager into your workflow.

While these three password managers excel in value, security, and user-friendliness, it’s worth mentioning some other options that didn’t make it to the top of the list:

  • Bitwarden is a reputable free password manager offering the added security of two-factor authentication keys. However, it lacks features such as dark web monitoring, additional storage, and limited auto-fill capabilities.
  • LastPass is another notable password manager with attractive features and an innovative user interface. However, its history of data breaches may raise concerns for individuals prioritizing utmost security. Additionally, accessing user support can sometimes be challenging with LastPass, a drawback for those seeking prompt assistance when encountering issues.
  • NordPass is a reliable choice for safeguarding passwords and sensitive data, renowned for its top-notch security features. However, it may fall short in terms of customization options, and some users have reported occasional performance issues with auto-fill functionality.
  • RoboForm is known for its password synchronization capabilities across multiple platforms. You can conveniently access your passwords across various devices using a master password with RoboForm. However, RoboForm is not compatible with USB security keys, which might be a disadvantage if you prefer this additional layer of security.

Regardless of your password manager, it is crucial to remember the importance of maintaining strong and unique passwords. Weak passwords are a common vulnerability that can compromise your accounts and sensitive data. To mitigate this risk, password managers often include a password generator feature, which can create strong, randomized passwords for you. Utilizing this feature and regularly updating your passwords can significantly enhance your online security.

1Password, Dashlane, and Keeper are exceptional password managers that offer great value, robust security, and user-friendly interfaces. However, other options like Bitwarden, LastPass, NordPass, and RoboForm have unique strengths and weaknesses. Consider your specific needs, preferences, and priorities when selecting a password manager, and remember to prioritize the security of your sensitive data while maintaining good password hygiene across multiple devices and platforms.

See how the best password managers compare to other top-tier options:

Password managerDetailsBest features
1Password

Overall rating: (4.8)

Read our full 1Password review.

Starting price: $2.99 per month

Platform compatibility: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Web (Brave, Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari), Windows

Security: AES 256-bit encryption, 2FA

  • No evidence of hacking
  • Various plan levels
  • Free 14-day trial for all plans
  • Business plan includes family plan features
  • Recent upgrades to all OS
Dashlane

Overall rating: (4.7)

Read our full Dashlane review.

Consider Dashlane if: You’re interested in a VPN service included with a password manager.

Starting price: Free

Platform compatibility: Android, iOS, Mac, Web (Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari), Windows

Security: AES 256-bit encryption, 2FA

  • No evidence of security breaches
  • Great variety of plan levels
  • Free 30-day trial for premium plans
  • Excellent value for VPN users
Keeper

Overall rating: (4.6)

Read our full Keeper review.

Consider Keeper if: You want to enjoy the feature of secure biometric logins.

Starting price: $2.91 per month

Platform compatibility: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and iPad. Browser extensions for Safari, Opera, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Chrome

Security: AES 256-bit encryption, PBKDF2

  • User-friendly design
  • Has never had a data breach
  • Free 30-day trial for all plans
  • Vault is customizable
  • Recent upgrades to all platforms
Bitwarden

Overall rating: (4.8)

Read our full Bitwarden review.

Consider Bitwarden if: You want an extremely affordable choice with scalable options.

Starting price: Free

Platform compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and popular browsers, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and Safari

Security: AES-256 bit encryption, salted hashing, and PBKDF2 SHA-256 with a zero-knowledge security policy

  • Open-source code can be inspected and scrutinized; functions perform exactly as stated
  • One-to-one data sharing
  • 2FA available
  • Great security reporting
Roboform

Overall rating: (4.5)

Read our full Roboform review.

Consider RoboForm if: You want to sync all your passwords through multiple platforms and won’t mind its compatibility with fewer platforms.

Starting price: $24 per year

Platform compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android support for their respective major browsers, including Microsoft Edge

Security: AES 256-bit encryption, 2FA

  • One-click logins
  • Capture passwords while you browse
  • Anytime, anywhere access
  • Supported on multiple platforms
  • Keep your passwords in sync
LastPass

Overall rating: (4.4)

Read our full LastPass review.

Consider LastPass if: You want additional features and are willing to pay a high price.

Starting price: $3 per month

Platform compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile platform

Security: Zero-knowledge security model

  • Access on all devices
  • One-to-many sharing
  • Password manager and generator
  • Dark web monitoring
NordPass

Overall rating: (4.3)

Read our full NordPass review.

Consider NordPass if: You don’t want different packages for your family and business.

Starting price: $2.49 per month

Platform compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and popular browsers, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and Safari

Security: XChaCha20 encryption algorithm and a zero-knowledge policy

  • Secure data sharing solution
  • Safe sharing of login details
  • Real-time breach monitoring
  • Data breach scanner

What You Need To Know About Password Managers

How do password managers work?

Password managers are third-party apps designed to simplify and enhance the security of managing your passwords. These tools create and store your passwords, allowing you only to remember a single secure master password.

When you sign up with a password manager service and install the necessary software or browser extensions, it will generate and save strong passwords for your accounts and the websites you visit. This eliminates the need for you to create and remember complex passwords for each account manually. Password managers often offer unlimited password storage and provide additional protection against identity theft.

With a password manager, you can log into your accounts by entering just the master password, as the program autofills the corresponding account password. You only need to remember one master password while having stronger and unique passwords for all your accounts.

What makes a password secure?

Creating a secure password protects your online accounts and sensitive information. Security experts recommend using complex, random, and difficult-to-guess passwords. A strong password typically consists of at least 16 characters and includes a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. It’s important to avoid using personal information, dictionary words, usernames, or easily guessable patterns. Additionally, using the same password for multiple accounts should be avoided. You can significantly enhance the security of your online accounts by following these guidelines and employing strong, unique passwords.

Can't I just use my web browser to manage my passwords?

Some web browsers offer built-in password management features, but you’ll get superior protection using a dedicated password manager with a master password. Although web browser security has improved, third-party password managers typically offer more robust security measures. Password manager tools are designed to synchronize passwords across browsers and devices, ensuring a seamless and secure experience.

Password managers usually incorporate features like secure password sharing, multi-device support, and advanced encryption algorithms, so password managers a more versatile and reliable choice for password management than web browsers.

Can password managers be hacked?

Just like any other software or online service, password managers have a potential risk of data breaches or vulnerabilities. Using a secure password manager still offers significant protection due to the security protocols in place. Reputable password managers employ strong encryption techniques to safeguard your data and continuously update their systems to address any identified vulnerabilities promptly.

Password managers are vested in maintaining their reputation by prioritizing customer security and promptly resolving weaknesses. Choosing a reputable password manager and regularly updating your software is crucial to benefit from the latest security enhancements.

Do password managers track my information?

Trustworthy password managers prioritize user privacy and employ a zero-knowledge protocol. With zero-knowledge protocol, your information is encrypted on your device before storing it on any server. It can’t be read or accessed by anyone, including the password manager provider.

Zero-knowledge protocol ensures that your passwords and sensitive data remain protected even in a data breach or unauthorized access to the server. Additionally, some password managers offer the option of local data storage, where your passwords never leave your local network, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

What is a free password manager?

A free password manager is a software tool that allows you to store and manage your passwords without any cost securely. It provides a convenient and reliable solution for generating and organizing strong, unique passwords for your accounts and websites.

How does a free password manager differ from a paid version?

The main difference between a free password manager and a paid version is the availability of certain features and additional services. While both versions offer basic password management functionality, paid password managers often provide advanced features such as password sharing, multi-device synchronization, priority customer support, and enhanced security measures.

Are free password managers secure?

Yes, reputable free password managers employ robust encryption algorithms and security protocols to ensure the safety of your sensitive data. However, choosing a trustworthy and reputable password manager is important to minimize potential risks. Always review a free password manager’s security features and privacy policy before using it.

Can I trust an open-source password manager?

Open-source password managers are generally considered more secure because their source code is publicly available for scrutiny and auditing by security experts. This transparency allows potential vulnerabilities to be identified and fixed promptly. However, it’s still crucial to choose an open-source password manager from a reputable developer and keep it updated to benefit from the latest security patches.

What are the limitations of the free version of a password manager?

The limitations of the free version of a password manager may vary depending on the specific software. Common limitations include a limited number of passwords that can be stored, restricted access to advanced features, and occasional advertisements.

How I Rated the Best Password Managers of 2024

All password managers essentially generate and store passwords. As I developed my recommendations for the best password managers, I compared software on what matters most, including price, platform compatibility, and security.

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

  • Plan value: Most 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 an array of free and paid password managers to find the one that works best for you.
  • Platform compatibility: Your password manager should be compatible with various devices (including desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones), 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, 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 a security tool, it should have the most current standard security features. This includes the highest level of encryption (256-bit AES with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512), 2FA, such as biometric logins or multi-factor authentication, 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.

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About The Password Manager, Gunnar Kallstrom:

Gunnar is a Cyber Team Lead for a DOD contracting company in Huntsville, Alabama. He has also worked as a computer network defense (CND) Cyber Analyst. Additionally, Gunnar is an author and content creator for a cybersecurity academy. He spent nearly 15 years in the Army as a musician, prior to getting into the cyber field. Through hard work and dedication, he landed his first cybersecurity role within 10 months. After deciding to pursue cyber, he attended a couple of bootcamp training programs that gave him the knowledge and hands-on practice he needed to excel in his first cyber job. He is passionate about all things cyber. Gunnar was a speaker on a panel at the 2022 InfoSec World conference, giving a talk entitled, “Hacking into a Cyber Career – True Stories.” Also, he is a mentor to entry-level cybersecurity candidates seeking to break into the field. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing guitar and fishing (not phishing).