Disclosure: PasswordManager.com earns a commission from referring visitors to some products and services using affiliate partnerships.

Norton Password Manager vs. LastPass Overview

LastPass and Norton Password Manager are two highly regarded products, though only LastPass made it onto our list of the best password managers. Despite this, Norton has a distinct edge in the field with strong name recognition and its presence in the company’s online security bundles. It may even have been installed on your new computer by default.

There are pros and cons to both managers. While LastPass offers more features and is compatible with more platforms, Norton’s Password Manager is free outside of the paid security bundles it’s included with. LastPass’s free version is gimped by comparison with features such as cross-platform syncing, which is unavailable to free version users.

Which password manager should you get? Let this LastPass vs. Norton Password Manager face-off help you decide.

Review factorWinner
PriceNorton Password Manager (5.0)
Platform compatibilityLastPass (5.0)
User experience (UX)Tie: Norton Password Manager (5.0), LastPass (5.0)
Form fillingLastPass (4.5)
SecurityTie: Norton Password Manager (3.0), LastPass (3.0)
Two-factor authentication (2FA)LastPass (4.7)
Best overallLastPass (4.4)

Our bottom line: Norton Password Manager has the edge on price with an unrestricted free version, but LastPass offers more features and overall compatibility.

Learn how we evaluated Norton Password Manager vs. LastPass.

Need a password manager?
Protect your data with these top-rated password managers.
1Password
Best password generator for enterprise
$2.99/mo
Dashlane
Best value password manager
$2.75/mo
Nordpass
Best password manager for security
$2.39/mo

Norton Password Manager vs. LastPass: Specs

Password managerDetailsBasic plan features
Norton Password Manager

Overall rating: (3.8)

Read our full Norton Password Manager review.

Starting price: Free

Platform compatibility: Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari

Security: LikelyAES 256-bit encryption, but undisclosed

  • Free to use
  • Easy and intuitive UX
  • Unlimited access across all devices
LastPass

Overall rating: (4.4)

Read our full LastPass review.

Starting price: Free

Platform compatibility: ChromeOS, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Edge, iOS, Android, Windows PC, MacOS, Linux

Security: AES 256-bit encryption, 2FA

  • Unlimited passwords
  • 30-day premium trial
  • Passwordless log-in
  • Autofill
  • Password generator

Norton Password Manager vs. LastPass: Plans and Pricing

Price winner: Norton Password Manager

Norton Password Manager (5.0)Free
LastPass (4.5)Free; $36 per year for premium; $48 per year for up to six people

Price is the biggest edge that Norton has over LastPass — Norton is completely free to use. While LastPass also has a free version, you’ll need a yearly subscription model in order to access all of its features. While this version of LastPass isn’t expensive (only around $3 to 4 per month, depending on the plan you choose), it’s still hard to compete with free.

However, Norton’s password manager doesn’t advertise itself as free — typically it’s listed as one of the features of its Norton 360 internet security suites.

#

In spite of this, the stand-alone password manager is free to download on its site without paying a dime.

LastPass does have a free tier, yet this version of the program loses some quality-of-life features (such as multi-device syncing) and is restricted to a single device. This may not be a deal-breaker for you, but the unrestricted access to every available feature from the outset at no cost gives Norton the clear win in this category.

Despite this, it’s still worth mentioning that LastPass still makes two of our shortlists as one of the best free password managers and one of the best cheap password managers available.

Winner: Norton Password Manager wins with a fully featured, completely free offering, though LastPass is close.

Norton Password Manager vs. LastPass: Platform Compatibility

Platform compatibility winner: LastPass

Norton Password Manager (4.0)OS: Android, iOS

Supported browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari

LastPass (5.0)OS: ChromeOS, iOS, Android, Windows PC, MacOS, Linux

Supported browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Edge

By offering only a browser extension, technically Norton is capable of running on any platform that can run a supported browser, with apps available for both iOS and Android. While this covers most major platforms, it’s clear that Norton is aiming squarely for the lowest common denominator.

To make matters worse, Norton also suffers from compatibility issues when attempting to import passwords from other password managers — a problem I did not encounter with LastPass.

#

LastPass operates similarly, but is compatible with more browsers as well as Apple Watch support, giving it the clear edge in this category. It also offers a stand-alone application that can run on Windows, macOS, and most common distributions of Linux.

#

Both services perform well on their respective supported platforms, but LastPass wins this category simply by offering a greater range of supported platforms as well as installation options.

Winner: LastPass offers compatibility across all common OS platforms (desktop and mobile) in addition to supporting more browsers than Norton.

Norton Password Manager vs. LastPass: UX

UX winner: Draw

Norton Password Manager (5.0)Norton’s interface was simple and intuitive. I never had a problem finding exactly what I was looking for.
LastPass (5.0)LastPass’s browser extension is simple, understandable, and generally easy to navigate, with an interesting mechanic that rewards you for exploring its features.

Both password managers offer full functionality via their websites and browser extensions are equally easy to navigate.

If you’ve ever used a stand-alone password manager, Norton’s UX will probably look familiar. The navigation panel with all of your major options is on the right-hand side, letting you access your login information, wallet, addresses, notes, safety dashboard, settings, and password generator.

#

On the LastPass side, the desktop app has six primary and five secondary sections, making it more like the web experience. It also employs a reward mechanism for exploring the user interface (UI). You will get a 10% discount for completing “achievements,” which are mainly geared toward teaching you how to use the features of this service.

#

Both have clearly put a lot of thought into their UX design and made it as easy as possible to jump into their password management ecosystems.

Winner: Draw — both password managers have excellent UX.

Norton Password Manager vs. LastPass: Form Filling

Form filling winner: LastPass

Norton Password Manager (3.0)Form filling works fine for usernames and passwords but stumbles when it comes to more complicated forms.
LastPass (4.5)Form filling works as intended, with a big, friendly reminder in text fields that might warrant it.

Both LastPass and Norton Password Manager offer form-filling — but only the former works as intended.

LastPass’s form-filling function on mobile devices works via a Safari browser extension for iOS 8 and above and as a built-in app feature for Android 8.0 Oreo or later.

#

Norton Password Manager’s autofill worked fine for simple sign-ins requiring only an email and password. But it couldn’t seem to recognize address forms, despite having added an address to my vault.

When I looked to Norton’s support for help, I didn’t find a solution through the help center or community support and had to move to live chat support.

To Norton’s credit, I didn’t wait long for help, which included the team remote-accessing my computer. But they couldn’t get the address form filling to work, despite having access to my computer for almost an hour and installing another browser onto my workstation.

Winner: LastPass, for having robust form filling which works as intended.

Norton Password Manager vs. LastPass: Security

Security winner: Draw

Norton Password Manager (3.0)Some useful security features, but no transparent information regarding encryption standards or known security breaches raise red flags.
LastPass (3.0)LastPass is good at analyzing potential security risks, but recent data breaches may give you pause.

Most password managers, including LastPass, use powerful 256-bit AES encryption, and both companies’ vaults are unlocked on your device only after you’ve entered your master password. While Norton says that your password data is “encrypted,” it isn’t forthcoming on what exactly that means.

It’s highly likely that it’s also using 256-bit encryption protocols. The company doesn’t tout this because it wouldn’t mean anything to the target audience, but it still would have been nice to find any kind of confirmation.

#

The biggest red flag which dropped the score tremendously for both providers is an unfortunate history of security breaches. LastPass’s last breach was in November of 2022, while Norton’s was the following month. Encrypted data should hold firm against any potential attacks, but both companies have suffered breaches within the past few months, which could be a possible warning for some.

Winner: It’s a tie, as both have some great security features, but suffer from recent public data breaches.

Norton Password Manager vs. LastPass: 2FA

2FA winner: LastPass

Norton Password Manager (3.0)
  • Mobile authenticator app
LastPass (4.7)
  • Compatible with free third-party authenticator apps, including Google Authenticator and Toopher
  • Hardware authenticators include YubiKey and fingerprint sensors

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an important cornerstone of modern online security. Both LastPass and Norton Password Manager support authenticator apps (which use time-based one-time passwords, or TOTPs).

Norton locks you into using its own authenticator app while LastPass lets you choose between its first-party authenticator or a third-party app you might already be using. Neither sends 2FA codes via text message; trust us, that’s a good thing.

LastPass’s free plan works with authenticator apps including LastPass Authenticator, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Duo Security, and Transakt. Those with a LastPass premium subscription can also use hardware authenticators such as Yubico’s YubiKey, a fingerprint sensor, or a smart-card reader.

#

The platform also offers an MFA feature called Grid, a chart you can print out to generate security codes manually.

Norton Password Manager’s options are far more limited. Outside of using its authenticator app to unlock your password vault, it doesn’t use this capability for anything else or give you additional options for 2FA.

Winner: LastPass gives you many more options for proving who you are and wins this category handily.

Should You Get Norton Password Manager or LastPass?

Bottom line winner: LastPass

Norton Password Manager (3.8)
  • Slight price advantage — free
  • Great UX and overall design
  • Standard security features which work well at no additional cost
  • Cross platform syncing

Best for: Those who want every feature at no cost

LastPass (4.4)
  • Imports passwords from other platforms
  • More 2FA options
  • Scalable plan options for individuals up to enterprise level businesses
  • Great tutorial for those new to password managers

Best for: Those who want the best bang for their buck

Norton holds a slight price advantage over LastPass with its more robust free version, though LastPass is still arguably a better value with more security features and options.

LastPass has a leg up with its ability to import passwords from other platforms, however, few customers will use that function more than once. Regardless, it’s a pain to start that process from scratch with Norton, whose import tool leaves a lot to be desired.

Both companies lose points with their recent security breaches. Though I cannot give LastPass a higher score, it does earn a little more trust since it self-reported its last breach (Norton did not). Also, LastPass is upfront about the encryption and security protocols it uses to keep your data safe in the event of a breach.

How I Evaluated Norton Password Manager vs. LastPass

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.

author-img

About the Password Manager, Gunnar Kallstrom:

Gunnar Kallstrom is a Cyber Team Lead for a DOD contracting company in Huntsville, AL, and has also worked as a CND Cyber Analyst. An author and content creator for a cybersecurity academy, Gunnar spent nearly 15 years in the Army as a musician before entering the cybersecurity field.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Thomas Edison State University and a master’s in organizational development and leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word.

Kallstrom has completed several CompTIA courses, including Secruity+, Network+, A+ Core 1, and A+ Core 2. He earned a CompTIA Security+ Certification. Additionally, he has completed the Cyber Warrior Academy program with more than 800 hours of hands-on, intensive, and lab-driven technical training in cybersecurity methods and procedures.

Passionate about all things cyber, Kallstrom was a speaker on a panel at the 2022 InfoSec World conference, giving a talk entitled “Hacking into a Cyber Career – True Stories.” Kallstrom is also a mentor to entry-level cybersecurity candidates seeking to break into the field. When he’s not working, he still enjoys playing guitar and fishing (not phishing).