RoboForm is the oldest password manager in the business and has stayed relevant thanks to its excellent price, robust security features, and easy access to customer service.
By: Gunnar KallstromHead of information systems and cybersecurity research
Updated September 6, 2023
RoboForm: A Quick Overview
Bottom line: RoboForm is one of the best password managers of 2024 for a reason. It offers a great service at a price that can’t be beaten. With an easy-to-use browser extension, seamless form filling, and one-click log-in to all of your favorite websites, the only thing holding RoboForm back from a perfect score is a lack of advanced security measures offered by its competition and a standalone application that could use a modern coat of paint.
Who should choose RoboForm? Personal users and small businesses should be able to use RoboForm’s affordable suite of password security solutions.
RoboForm’s Editor Rating
Overall: (4.5)
After testing RoboForm’s features, I’ve given RoboForm 4.5/5 stars. It earned this rating due to great form-filling and two-factor authentication capabilities, above-average security, and average platform compatibility, but suffered due to a flagging standalone application.
Are you looking for the best password manager for your personal and business needs? RoboForm, with its no-frills free version and scalable options for businesses, is a strong contender for your attention.
Keep reading to learn about the pros, cons, features, and pricing of RoboForm, as well as get answers to frequently asked questions.
RoboForm standout features
Support
24/7 live chat
Social media
Community forum
Help center
Best for
Anyone on a budget, from single users to businesses
Promotion
30 day trial of premium account with no credit card required
14-day free trial of the business version (up to 30 users)
What Are the Pros and Cons of RoboForm?
Simplicity is the name of the game for RoboForm. Its no-frills take on password management will work particularly well for individual users and families but may lack the more robust options its competitors offer. However, the price makes up for that shortcoming. Here are the details of its pros and cons:
Pros
Security: Passwords are encrypted with a master password stored locally on your device. Passwords are never transmitted to RoboForm’s servers and cannot be leaked. RoboForm will also notify you of potential password breaches at connected sites.
Plan variety: From a free version to single devices to families and businesses, RoboForm has plans to suit your situation.
Free 14-day trial for business plans: For RoboForm’s most feature-rich service, you have 14 days to try it before committing.
Multiplatform compatibility: RoboForm is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android with support for all major browsers, including Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
Cons
Incompatible with USB security keys: While RoboForm supports multifactor authentication, it doesn’t support the use of a physical USB security key.
Does not support importing data from all competitors: If you are moving from a different password manager, you may want to verify compatibility before proceeding.
Desktop app needs a facelift: While a standalone desktop application is available, you’re probably better off sticking with the browser extension.
Who Should Choose RoboForm?
Step1.Individuals: There’s no better deal than free. If you only have a single primary device, RoboForm is a great option, with a multi-device plan starting at only $1.99.
Step2.Families: RoboForm’s family plan is great for up to five members with cross-platform support.
Step3.Small businesses: RoboForm’s price and features are perfect for small businesses that need a group security option that’s effective without costing too much.
RoboForm Plans and Pricing
Overall: (5.0)
RoboForm may be one of the best free password managers out there and it offers a variety of paid plans. The everywhere plan starts at $1.99 per month with a yearly subscription, and the family plan is $3.98 per month with a one-year subscription. Business plans start at $39.95 per year per user, with discounted rates for three- and five-year subscriptions, as well as lower rates for higher user accounts.
Personal plan
Premium plan
Family plan
Business plan
Price
Free
$1.99/month with subscription
$3.98/month with subscription
$39.95/user, yearly
Best for
New users
Multidevice users
Families of 2 or more
Small businesses
Free trial
No (already free)
No
No
14-day
Platform compatibility
Windows, Mac, iOS, Chrome OS, Linux, and Android with support for all respective major browsers, including Microsoft Edge
Windows, Mac, iOS, Chrome OS, Linux, and Android with support for all respective major browsers, including Microsoft Edge
Windows, Mac, iOS, Chrome OS, Linux, and Android with support for all respective major browsers, including Microsoft Edge
Windows, Mac, iOS, Chrome OS, Linux, and Android with support for all respective major browsers, including Microsoft Edge
Autofill capability
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Guest accounts
No
No
No
No
Number of passwords
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Password sharing
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
2FA
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Account recovery
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Support types
24/7 online and chat support
24/7 online support with priority chat support from 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday
24/7 online support with priority chat support from 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday
24/7 online support with priority chat support from 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday and dedicated tech support
RoboForm’s primary product is a browser extension that slots right on top of most of the common web browsers, with a dashboard that’s accessible within the browser itself. However, a standalone application is also available to install directly on your device. One of the main benefits of using the standalone app is that you can install it to every browser on your device at once rather than one at a time through each browser’s extension storefront.
While the functionality is the same between the browser extension and the desktop application, the interface is slightly different. Personally, I preferred the browser extension interface — it felt a little more clean, modern, and user-friendly.
RoboForm UX
Overall: (4.0)
RoboForm’s user experience is minimal — in a good way. It’s easy to navigate without getting lost. However, I can’t say the same for its standalone app.
The RoboForm extension has just four main sections in the left toolbar to help you manage your account: All, Logins, Safenotes and Create Identity.
“All” displays every item in your RoboForm account.
“Logins” shows you only the login accounts it has stored.
“Safenotes” allows you to store information such as PINs and safe access codes
“Create Identity” allows you to fill out personal information, such as name and address, for auto-filling forms
Further down on the left-hand side of the browser are four additional categories (though the first, “Why RoboForm,” could more accurately be called an ad for the service you’re already using so I’ll not spend time on that one).
“Security Center” evaluates your saved passwords and suggests actions for further security
“Sharing Center” allows you to share information folders with another user
“Emergency Access” lets you select a trusted contact to securely obtain access to your RoboForm data in the event of death, incapacitation, or simply for account recovery
The standalone application, however, felt a bit messier and harder to navigate.
While there are useful additions such as “Contacts” and “Bookmarks,” the folder structure feels outdated, clunky, and potentially confusing for some users. With the availability of the browser extension and its better UX, it’s hard to recommend the standalone application.
It feels like this is something that RoboForm is aware of since the ability to download and use the standalone app is somewhat obscured on the website, being hidden by default. It seems even the company itself would prefer you to just use the browser extension with the application being pushed to the side as an alternative for those who prefer an older organizational system.
RoboForm Form Filling
Overall: (4.5)
Creating data sets for automatic form filling is a breeze, thanks to the “Create an Identity” feature.
Automatic form-filling works exactly as expected, though the ability to preemptively create data sets gives you a greater level of control over the process. When navigating to an online form, RoboForm will ask you which identity you would like to use and will populate the form using that particular identity’s data set.
You’re not limited to a fixed number of identities and each can be edited and updated through either the browser extension or app as needed.
RoboForm Security
Overall: (4.5)
Security is above average, but doesn’t go further than expected.
RoboForm has several ways that it keeps your data secure. The first of which is its “master password” system, which encrypts your passwords and information directly on your device, not its servers. RoboForm cannot access your data because that password is stored directly to your device and never transmitted to their servers.
It also uses AES 256-bit encryption. AES is one of the most secure and trusted systems in the world. It’s been widely adopted in multiple industries that need extremely high levels of security.
RoboForm’s security center will also alert you to potential data breaches at websites where you have accounts as well as evaluating your current passwords for redundancy and strength.
The one thing it’s lacking that several competitors offer is the ability to use a USB security key in conjunction with the service. While this is not a feature that will deter the majority of users, it won’t work for those who want the next level of protection.
RoboForm Multifactor Authentication
Overall: (4.5)
Extra security measures are available, but not required.
Love it or hate it, multifactor authentication is here to stay. With data leaks common, sometimes a simple password just isn’t enough — which is why RoboForm allows you to add an additional layer of security with multifactor authentication.
This is an option that can be activated individually for each saved account on RoboForm, allowing you to require a one-time password (OTP) sent to you via email, text message, or time-based one-time password (TOTP)-based two-factor authentication (2FA) before logging into that account.
While you may not want this for every account you manage, it’s great for sensitive accounts such as your bank, mortgage lender, or other financial services.
Recent Improvements to RoboForm
Step1.Added Papua New Guinea and Ecuador to the list of countries
Step2.Added initial form filling Identity generated from user data
Step3.Read Only mode: even when you have no license, you can view and copy/paste your login info
Step4.Addition of 2FA authenticator
Step5.Additional import options (Linux and Chrome OS, Bitwarden and NordPass, and Safari on Mac)
Compare RoboForm Alternatives
RoboForm is a strong contender for password management (and certainly one of the best cheap password managers out there), but competitors including Dashlane, Keeper, 1Password, LastPass, and NordPass could be a better fit for you. I looked closely at each password manager, spent time using the services, and researched each one for hours. The research provides objective information about each company so you can find the one that will be best for you.
See how RoboForm compares to other top-tier password managers that the PasswordManager.com team recommends:
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, 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
Frequently Asked Questions About RoboForm
What are the cons to RoboForm?
Even if you want that extra layer of security, RoboForm is incompatible with USB security keys. It also does not support importing data from all competing products, though the company is working to add more import options.
While a standalone desktop application is available, it feels clunky and outdated. You’re probably better off sticking with the browser extension.
Can RoboForm be trusted?
RoboForm is one of the oldest password manager services out there, with a proven track record of safety and security.
Is it worth paying for RoboForm?
It may be, depending on your usage. If you primarily use one device in your day-to-day life, you can probably get away with the free version. However, all versions offer great value for the cost.
Where does RoboForm store my passwords?
While your data may be accessed from and transferred to other devices, it can only be decrypted by your master password, which is only saved on your device and never transferred to a data center.
What is Siber Systems the Company?
Siber Systems developed RoboForm in 2000. It’s been continuously updated since. Siber Systems is a privately held company based in Fairfax, Virginia. Their flagship products, RoboForm and GoodSync, are used by millions of people worldwide.
Our rating process involves a thorough and detailed study of the various features offered by the competition. I looked at the features provided by RoboForm and compared them against significant industry players to ensure an accurate rating. I’ve also applied my personal experience using RoboForm.
While I did a comprehensive overview, I gave more weight to specific parameters that felt more important, such as security, ease of use, and cost. For example, while it may have lost a point in security for not supporting a security measure that some competitors offer (USB keys), the lack of this feature didn’t warrant a significant decrease in its overall score.
RoboForm scored impressively on all these counts, particularly in its overall cost and form-filling abilities. With a starting price of free, I recommend at least giving it a try to see if RoboForm is the password manager for you.
Gunnar Kallstrom, The Password Manager, 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).