The days when you could use a random combination of grammatical symbols and numbers to formulate your passwords are long gone. Data breaches are on the rise, and weak passwords make us extremely vulnerable to hackers. Add to that the mounting number of login credentials for our growing list of apps, and the case for “strong” passwords has never been stronger.
This is where the best password manager comes into play, providing you with one password that rules all.
Widely considered the best password manager for Windows, LastPass blows most of its competitors out of the water in nearly all sectors. This password manager features top-class security, easy and safe sharing, as well as many other useful options. Newcomers to the password management market should definitely check out LastPass.
1Password is regularly cited among the best password managers - and for a good reason. Thanks to its superbly designed apps, 1Password is easy and enjoyable to use on all platforms. Besides the usual password management tools, it offers standout features such as Travel Mode and Secure Remote Password.
If you’re looking for the best password manager for Android with advanced account security, look no further than Keeper. This password manager also comes with private messaging features and detailed security reporting and audits to help you improve your overall internet security.
RoboForm is all about ease of use. This well-built password manager makes managing, sharing, and sorting your password easy as pie. RoboForm features all the usual tools you might expect from this type of software - safe notes, credentials storage, offline access, and more.
Dashlane expands the usual toolkit offered by password managers by adding a VPN, which greatly increases your level of anonymity when browsing. Additionally, Dashlane offers to automatically change your passwords and performs password health checks. These are just some of the reasons we included this software in our best secure password manager list.
Bitwarden is a multiplatform password management solution. Besides being very cheap, Bitwarden can easily be integrated with most other pieces of software thanks to easy API access. Due to all these features and the addition of safe texting and file sharing, we declare Bitwarden to be the best open-source password manager.
True Key brings the highest level of account security out of all the best password manager for iPhone and Android solutions thanks to fingerprint authentication. If that’s not enough, True Key also lets you authenticate logins through numerous other methods, guaranteeing the complete safety of your account.
Zoho is a renowned international provider of top-notch services, including email, CRM, and help desk products. Its password manager is of equal quality, with its main strength being the ability to easily integrate it with other services your team might use. Users looking for the best cross-platform password manager should definitely check Zoho Vault.
While Password Boss’s interface is a bit rough around the edges, this is still an extremely powerful piece of software. Password Boss is a godsend for online shoppers since it automatically fills out the needed fields on checkout, significantly speeding up the overall process. PB’s security is also on point, which is why it’s a strong candidate for the title of the best password manager for Windows 10.
Not being a dedicated app or software, iCloud Keychain Security differs from the other entries on our list. This is a (mainly) free password manager/account security integrated feature developed by Apple itself. While it’s reserved only for Apple devices, it is the best password manager for iOS and Mac users.
Sticky Password might not excel in any department, but it still offers well-rounded, solid password management software. On top of the standard password manager features, it offers a digital wallet. What separates Sticky Password from the other best password manager options is the possibility to create a portable USB password storage, allowing you to carry important credentials wherever you go.
Although we are living in an age of biometrics and other means of personal authentication, most of us still rely on passwords to keep our data safe. The rise of spear phishing in recent years has proved that no account is fully secure as cybercriminals probe weak security measures for flaws. That is why cybersecurity experts agree that your passwords should form a random string of characters capable of withstanding attacks from hackers. However, strong passwords are often devoid of any logic and almost impossible to remember.
That’s where a password manager comes in. Whether you are looking for a password manager to protect your smartphone or are planning to install one on your PC or Mac, our advice is to get acquainted with how the system works.
There are two password manager models. The first is based on “local” encryption limited exclusively to your device. All of the encryption and decryption are conducted on your computer or mobile phone. The other way to keep your passwords safe is by using cloud-based technology, which helps you sync all your credentials regardless of the device you are using.
Cloud-based password managers are usually bound by the so-called zero-knowledge policy. This method involves storing an encrypted copy of your vault on their servers while the original is stored in your device. The best password manager is the one that keeps your master password protected even from the software itself. Password management providers guarantee your master password is unknown even to them and is never sent directly over the internet. The decryption process is conducted locally by using the client’s master password.
However, for this system to work, it needs to be protected from both ends. This requires two-factor authentication. The first factor is your master password, and the second is a temporary password for one-time-use only you receive on your mobile or other devices.
These measures don’t eliminate the threat completely since a more sophisticated cyberattack still poses a danger to your most valuable credentials. Theoretically, malware infection can still jeopardize even the best password manager and access online accounts using a local browser if the auto-login option is activated.
To avoid potential breaches, look for a password manager that logs you off after a certain period of inactivity since a browser left open for several hours increases the likelihood of someone accessing your passwords. Also, don’t skip the second authentication step when accessing the software from a device you flagged as trusted.
Hackers select their targets based on existing security measures or the lack thereof. Motives for cybercrime vary and are often centered on collecting vast amounts of data on as many users as possible. So, manage your passwords wisely.
RoboForm
Established as one of the first in its field, LastPass is designed to keep all your passwords safe. This software services millions of users around the globe and is arguably one of the best password manager tools available. From the vault to the form-fill option and the famous LastPass generator, this password manager software secures all your accounts with the help of a single master password.
Although the annual price tag of LastPass’s premium package rose from $12 to $35 in the last three years, the features are certainly worth the money. The free 30-day trial version will give you a sense of how useful LastPass Premium can be.
It encompasses all the features of the best-rated password manager, including 1 GB of encrypted storage space, advanced multifactor authentication, and options to safely share your files with others. The Shared Folders feature makes it easier for you to manage your shared items, giving you a clear overview of your passwords and accounts. LastPass certainly offers a variety of options with its free version. But to safeguard sensitive passwords related to your finances, be sure to upgrade to premium.
LastPass is supported by all major platforms - Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. The software provides a strong password generator capable of producing 12-character passwords with upper and lower case letters and numbers included. When it comes to browsers, LastPass constitutes the best Windows password manager due to its Universal Windows Installer that automatically adds the extension to all your browsers at once. This option remains unavailable for Mac users.
Although some password managers rely on cloud technology to keep your accounts safe, LastPass sticks to local-only encryption, meaning your data is encrypted and decrypted exclusively on your local device. Only the user can access the content of their password vault, and even LastPass doesn’t have privileged access.
Then, there is the grim Emergency Access option, which provides your loved ones with access to your accounts in case of an untimely departure. This has recently become a frequently implemented feature among the best password manager software solutions. While the very mention of such a scenario is unpleasant, the option remains a much-needed safety mechanism.
Other than premium, LastPass offers a number of versions for clients looking for a more business-oriented option, including Team and Enterprise. Both of these are worth checking out if you want to ensure the safe management of your company accounts and the ability to share them with your employees. Teams Package costs $4 per month and Enterprise $6 per month.
If you are shopping for the best password generator that is fully functional on all platforms and has a mobile app, look no further than 1Password. This password-saving tool relies on encompassing features and an intuitive interface. Although it lacks the free option, 1Password made it to this list for being a highly professional password manager. You can store sensitive data with ease, including credit card and bank account details, driver’s license information, passport and Social Security numbers.
1Password keeps its cybersecurity team on edge by offering a $100,000 bounty to friendly hackers who manage to crack its encryption. It’s easy to set up and sync with other devices and works equally well on both Windows and Mac. Users also have the choice between local-only encryption or one of the best cloud password manager tools on the market, with advanced sync options via Dropbox, iCloud, or other cloud services. This allows you to keep your data online without having to worry about your passwords being compromised due to a device malfunction.
At the cost of just $3 per month, 1Password offers a suitable solution that’ll keep your accounts safe from malicious actors. If you opt for a family package, a monthly fee of $5 covers up to five PCs.
1Password also stands out among top password manager providers, thanks to another additional feature. The built-in Watchtower option notifies users of any ongoing website breaches. In other words, 1Password gives you a heads-up if a website that hosts your account comes under attack.
One downside to 1Password is the lack of clarity about which app you’re supposed to use. Essentially, you have three choices: the browser extension, mini-app, or the full desktop app. Most users are familiar with the browser extension. It’ll certainly be recognizable if you’ve used LastPass password manager in the past. The full desktop app would only be required when you need to delve deeper into creating secure notes or encrypting extra data, such as your passport details.
Keeper is yet another well-known cloud-based password manager that specializes in securing your login information. The free trial version gives you a sneak peek into the abilities of the software, which can be updated to premium for $34.99 a year.
Keeper’s true strength lies in its ability to seamlessly sync all of your devices. Furthermore, if you’re looking for the best password manager app for Android or iOS, Keeper password manager is an ideal candidate.
Lauded for its cutting-edge mobile app, capable of withstanding any attempted security breach, Keeper ranks highly on our list of password protector software. The company’s proprietary zero-knowledge security is one of the safest on the market, protecting data in line with the highest industry standards.
Usually, this would translate into users not being able to retrieve their master password if they had forgotten it. But Keeper makes password retrieval possible. Nevertheless, the safest bet is to choose your key well, along with an answer that will save you a whole lot of trouble.
Keeper is probably the best team password manager on our list, thanks to its ability to provide admin privileges. This feature makes Keeper slightly more business-oriented than the competition. If you’re looking to place your company credentials and sensitive financial data into a vault, Keeper is the best option.
Along with an inheritance option, similar to that of LastPass’s Emergency Access, Keeper offers special consulting from dedicated support experts and responsive and efficient customer support that is available to premium users around the clock.
RoboForm is another password manager bound to make your life easier, not just because it does an excellent job protecting your passwords. With RoboForm, every step of the way is well thought out, from the installation procedure to sharing your passwords.
RoboForm is widely considered the best way to manage passwords, as it is quite an intuitive piece of software. It takes a single click to accomplish anything - from logging in to various sites to storing your passwords as you browse. There are no unnecessary steps.
It’s available for both desktop and mobile devices, and the installation procedure is as simple as they come. This password manager’s interface is pretty straightforward, so you’ll have no trouble getting your head around it.
RoboForm stores your passwords in the cloud, and in that regard, it’s undoubtedly the best cloud password manager. It also comes with an excellent password generator that’ll provide strong passwords for each site. If you opt for the premium version, you’ll also get two-factor authentication as an additional security feature.
Security being of utmost importance to RoboForm, it comes as no surprise that it protects your passwords with AES 256-bit encryption with PBKDF2-SHA256 key derivation functions. It’s worth mentioning that decryption is at the device level, so even if something goes wrong with the servers, no one can access your decryption key.
There is a good reason RoboForm is called the best password manager for a small business. It offers a centralized management solution that allows ultimate control over all employees’ accounts and credentials. This system simplifies the onboarding process and provides easy access to sensitive documents while keeping the company’s data safe and secure.
You can also safely share all sensitive documentation and passwords with a preselected trusted contact using this manager without worrying they’ll get exposed. The Emergency Access feature comes in especially handy in the event of locking yourself out of your account, for instance.
RoboForm can handle more than just credentials. Apart from being deemed the best way to store passwords, this software can fill out online checkout forms for you, for example. Additionally, you can use it to store your credit card details for instant payments and contact information. Windows users can also make use of this manager to save their passwords across Microsoft applications and browsers.
Lastly, we feel obliged to mention RoboForm’s outstanding customer care. A team of helpful support agents is at hand day and night all year long to all users. Premium members can reach out for help via live chat as well. Considering that passwords are a crucial part of everyone’s online existence nowadays, a reliable customer support team available at all times is a must.
Although Dashlane offers a free version, it also has two premium options. The regular Premium plan will cost you $39.99 per year on unlimited devices, while the Family plan, which consists of six separate Premium plans, comes in at $59.99 per year.
You are probably wondering whether this is the most viable option. And if not, what is the best password manager? Well, all of the top names in the industry share a number of features, including a strong password generator, two-factor authentication, and the possibility of sharing your passwords with team members or family.
Dashlane offers all of those basic features while boosting them with tools that guarantee the security of your credentials. If you’re looking for the safest virtual vault for your valuable security keys, Dashlane is one of the best options to consider.
The unpaid version of this best free password manager for Android allows you to save up to 50 logins, which is more than enough for an average user. However, it singles out only one device of your choice from which you can launch and control Dashlane.
Meanwhile, the Premium account offers a number of additional benefits － from syncing your passwords and other data on an unlimited number of devices to backups, support, and impenetrable encryption backed by two-factor authentication.
Apart from being an excellent option for small businesses, Dashlane can easily be called the best password manager for families among our reviewed software. Its sharing abilities exceed expectations, and its ability to sync an unlimited number of devices provides you with a closed-circuit network of credentials. The extension is supported by all major browser platforms, including Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Edge. The app is also available for both iOS and Android.
The Premium Plus package goes a step further in protecting sensitive data with identity protection features, which include credit monitoring, identity restoration assistance, and identity theft insurance.
However, password manager reviews point out that Dashlane lacks a Touch ID option which could be a minor nuisance for Mac users. On a similar note, it also lacks any biometric support on Windows.
Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that’s relatively new to the market. However, it’s already lauded as one of the most reliable tools for keeping your credentials safe and as perhaps the best password manager for PC users. Operable on all desktop and mobile platforms, the free edition of Bitwarden can be downloaded from Github or the official Bitwarden website. Optionally, you can upgrade for $10 per year and get family sharing and self-hosting access.
Bitwarden is a primarily cloud-based password manager with top-notch encryption and two-factor authentication to keep you safe from cyberattacks. Bitwarden’s two-factor authentication relies on the time-based one-time password algorithm, which minimizes the risk of potential breaches.
The software’s interface is easy to handle, providing you with a clear overview of options. There are a number of basic features that make this software the best password manager app on Android and beyond. For starters, Bitwarden’s password generator allows you to specify the number and type of characters for each of your passwords. It further allows you to create separate folders for different passwords in your vault, including a personal and a business one. The software also gives you the option of accessing the history of your password generation and the ability to select and edit any data you entered into your password vault manager.
Furthermore, the software pays special attention to keeping your valuable credentials extra safe. It allows users to save their credit cards and other details under the Secure Note option, providing extra encryption.
“Sign in to True Key and we’ll log you in everything else,” promises McAfee’s True Key. Have you ever thought that the best way to manage passwords is to have no passwords at all? Well, that’s exactly what McAfee’s developers are thinking. True Key relies on fingerprints, face recognition, and other means of authentication for safeguarding sensitive data. Although the software still includes a master password, its advanced authentication methods make it the safest password manager on our list. However, the software still lacks automatic password changing, secure password sharing, and account inheritance.
The premium version costs $19.99 per year, making True Key the best password manager app in terms of the price-quality ratio. The free option is limited to 15 passwords, but it does offer the most premium features, such as multidevice synchronization and up to five ways of signing in.
Meanwhile, the Premium package introduces an Advanced option, offering an upgrade from standard two-way authentication to multifactor protection for extra security. The password generator sticks to a 16-character combination while leaving you the option of using up to 30 characters - the usual stuff among the best free password manager providers.
Another great feature available with True Key is its digital wallet that allows you to import data such as driver’s license information, credit card details, and Social Security numbers and sort them using special color-coded cards. Note, however, that this data cannot be used for autofilling forms because it’s intended solely for safe-keeping. For fast and easy form filling online, you can turn to the Secure Notes tab, which stores free-form text data.
Zoho Vault is a fairly solid software solution for both business and personal use. By keeping the two separate, this password manager enables you to run all your accounts from a single platform. The free version of Zoho covers the basics and is well-suited for individual use. There is no limit on the number of passwords and devices you can use - something we consider to be among the password manager best industry practices. Meanwhile, Standard, Professional, and Enterprise packages are perfectly capable of securing your business data.
The Standard package includes options like secure password sharing with team members, user provisioning, roles and management, and integration with G Suite and Office 365 for just $0.9 per month. Professional and Enterprise versions of the software enable you to expand your sharing options, providing your team members with safe passage into an otherwise impenetrable fortress of encryption.
If you’re looking for the best password manager for a small business, Zoho Vault’s Pro configuration is the way to go. For $4.5 per month, it’ll provide you with user groups and the option to share individual chambers.
On the other hand, if you choose the more advanced Enterprise package, you can expect a fully business-oriented password management tool that is both versatile and secure for only $7.2 per month. The Enterprise plan includes features such as Active Directory integration and single sign-on with OKTA and OneLogin, allowing you to securely share data with team members.
Password Boss is a password management tool that provides a multiplatform vault compatible with Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android. It has a number of additional features and a price tag of $2.50 per month for the Premium plan. If you’re unsure whether Password Boss would suit your needs, sign up for a 30-day trial period. Password Boss is one of the top brands in the industry and potentially the best free Android password manager, so we firmly believe you won’t be disappointed.
The interface is similar to LastPass or Keeper in its use of a navigation rail that opens up all your options in a single menu. This password software has a reputation for having robust security measures and is particularly effective when it comes to sharing options.
If you’re more comfortable with running your credentials from an application rather than a web interface, Password Boss is the right fit, as it offers some of the best password manager apps on the market, both for desktop and mobile use.
Apart from hosting strong local encryption, the password saver pays special attention to its digital wallet, which is designed to keep your most valuable credentials safe. Furthermore, the Personal Info section of the vault enables you to keep a clear overview of your various account details and useful data for filling online forms. Meanwhile, the Secure Notes section stores data such as insurance policy or travel program information.
The Identities section allows you to link personal details and payment information. You can share your passwords with people you trust through the Sharing Center. The Emergency option grants your family and friends access to your passwords in case of an emergency.
Designed by Apple, iCloud Keychain is optimized for Mac, iPad, and iPhone devices. Apple’s vision of online privacy and security, Keychain guarantees protection even in the case of an iCloud account breach. Your data is completely under your control, and not even Apple can access your Keychain vault.
This is the best password manager for Mac and iPhone and a natural choice if you prefer Apple to Microsoft. Keychain relies on 256-bit AES encryption for password storage and elliptic curve asymmetric cryptography with the key wrapping for maximum security. It also offers seamless syncing of all your devices. It can be accessed through your Apple login password, which is the default setting. If you are a Mac user, you will find the interface both easy to use and visually attractive. Keychain is basically free, and any expenses relate to the expansion of storage space on the iCloud. Exceeding the free 5 GB of iCloud storage will cost you $1 per month.
Sticky Password was developed by the team that created AVG Antivirus. Don’t expect it to win you over with its visual presentation, even though this password security software rivals some of the best Mac password manager entries in our review. The interface design is reduced to bare bones to emphasize functionality. While it’s not as popular as LastPass and 1Password, Sticky Password still ranks high in most reviews. This is largely due to its meticulous security measures that guarantee the safety of your credentials.
In addition to relying on an outdated and minimalistic interface, Sticky Password used to lack an app. However, they’ve recently developed apps for a variety of platforms, putting it on par with the best password manager for Android options.
During setup, the software will offer you to sync your devices via a cloud or through your domestic Wi-Fi network.
The latter option is unique. It allows your devices to sync only when connected to particular networks, narrowing the room for security breaches.
The software is highly diligent with its safety measures and doesn’t offer master password retrieval. So, make sure not to forget those essential login details. Moreover, the software is designed for users who are extremely touchy about their privacy, so don’t expect sharing options.
This is probably not an ideal fit for those heavily reliant on their mobile devices, but it’s likely the best password manager for Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Chrome. Following installation, the password generator bubble appears. The software is capable of creating logins up to 99 characters long. It also provides you with password strength analysis, pointing out which accounts could be at risk of being breached or which of your passwords are due for an update.
Once you memorize a password on a particular website, all future logins will be filled out automatically. Despite not having an app itself, this password management program will store your application credentials. All you have to do is add the App Account tab manually to your vault. All of the passwords you store are available for audit in the Quick Access tab in your vault.
Whether you’re looking for the best password manager for Chrome, Android, or any other platform, there are several things to have in mind when making your choice. Here, we’ll list the most important metrics by which you should compare various password managers and determine which one suits your needs the most.
Password managers come in many shapes and sizes. Most of the providers we review feature mobile apps, browser extensions, and desktop software. However, the exact platforms supported can vary. Before you purchase a plan, make sure to check whether the password manager supports the platforms you intend to use it on.
Probably the most important aspect of all the best password managers is security. Their main purpose is to keep your passwords safe. As such, it’s crucial that they provide you with airtight account security measures that’ll keep your account safe. This includes features like two-factor authentication, multidevice authentication, biometric verification, and so forth.
If you plan on using a password manager across multiple devices, aim to find one that comes with seamless syncing capabilities. Managers that force you to juggle multiple devices to fetch the credentials you might need will only cause annoyance.
Even among the best free password manager solutions, having an autofill feature should be considered mandatory. Autofill, as the name suggests, automatically fills out login fields on the sites you’ve saved credentials for. Besides auto filling login credentials, more advanced pieces of software can fill in contact fields, credit card information, and more. We strongly recommend that you don’t even consider managers that lack this feature unless you’re using a shared PC where this might allow someone to access your account without your authorization.
Best password keeper solutions vary in the level of security they provide. Those that offer advanced security features like high-end encryption and multifactor authentication are considered to be the safest.
On the contrary, you should use it, as it improves overall security, but bear in mind that, while safe, password managers are not unhackable. On the off chance of your password manager getting compromised, you stand to lose all of your passwords.
While different pieces of software have different strengths and weaknesses, we found Last Pass, 1Password, and Dashlane to be the best choices overall. That being said, you can’t go wrong with any of the password managers from our list.
Most password managers that employ end-to-end encryption are considered ultra-safe and will help you adequately store your passwords. Some of them are Last Pass, Dashlane, 1Password, Keeper, and Bitwarden. In general, all of the entries on our “Best Password Manager” list are safe options.
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