Choosing the right password manager can feel daunting given the many choices out there — 1Password, Dashlane, Keeper and numerous others.
Our testing and research spotlight five standout password managers, but which one fits your digital habits best? Below we examine each contender’s strengths so you can select the most suitable option.
What Is a Password Manager?
A password manager is software that securely stores all your login credentials for online services, from banking to streaming accounts.
The greatest benefit of a password manager is that you only need to remember one master password to unlock your “vault.” All your other account passwords can be long, unique and complex combinations of letters, numbers and symbols since you won’t have to memorize them.
If creating a strong master password seems intimidating, many password managers include a password generator. This tool can automatically produce a robust password for your vault that’s far more resistant to attacks.
When you sign in to your bank, streaming service or beloved blog, the password manager will request your vault password and then auto-fill the correct login details via your browser extension or desktop app. Using a password manager makes staying safe online effortless.
Best Password Managers for 2023
| Password Manager | Best for | What we love | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Password | Best overall | Easily shared | SEE DETAILS |
| Bitwarden | Free accounts | Unlimited passwords | SEE DETAILS |
| NordPass | Businesses | Data breach notifications | SEE DETAILS |
What Are the Best Password Managers?
All of the password managers we cover are strong options, but each has certain features that make it distinct. Continue reading to discover our top selections and determine which one aligns with your needs.
1Password: Best Overall Password Manager
- Desktop apps for Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux and Chrome OS
- Share credentials easily with others even if they don’t use 1Password
- Watchtower alerts notify you of security incidents affecting your accounts
- Although a trial exists, there is no permanently free tier for 1Password
Pricing: Starts at $2.99/mo.
1Password earns our top recommendation as the best overall password manager. If you want a dependable way to secure and manage your online credentials, 1Password is a confident choice.
The 1Password app is available across a wide range of platforms—Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux and Chrome OS—so you’ll have access to your passwords regardless of device.
One standout: besides unlimited password storage, 1Password also allows up to 1GB of document storage. This gives you a space to keep sensitive notes or files, including tax records or documents containing Social Security numbers.
Need to share a login like HBO Max or Disney+? You can send a password directly to another 1Password user’s vault or create a secure, time-limited web link to share with someone.
1Password’s Watchtower feature is another security-focused tool that monitors your accounts and notifies you of issues. It walks you through updating compromised passwords to restore account safety.
The main drawback is the absence of a free plan, which many rivals provide. To use 1Password you’ll need to pay at least $2.99 per month for an individual plan or $4.99 per month for a family plan covering up to five members. Business and enterprise plans are available from $7.99 per user per month.
Bitwarden: Best Free Password Manager
- Robust free plan that lets users store unlimited passwords
- Sync across unlimited devices
- Allows encrypted export if you choose to migrate
- Free tier lacks encrypted file storage and some advanced security tools
Pricing: Free or starting at $10/yr
If you want a capable password manager without immediately committing to a subscription, Bitwarden is worth trying. We found it well designed and available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux.
Bitwarden’s free tier includes most features: unlimited device syncing, mobile and browser apps, unlimited vault items and a password generator. That means you can keep your passwords safe without worrying about arbitrary caps.
The free plan is intended for a single user and doesn’t provide encrypted file storage. If you need to secure documents, you’ll have to upgrade.
Bitwarden also supports vault export, which is helpful if you want a backup or plan to switch services. We especially appreciate that Bitwarden lets you export your vault as an encrypted JSON file for added safety.
For more functionality, the Premium plan costs an affordable $10 a year. Upgrading adds encrypted file sharing, up to 1GB of secure file storage, extra security options and priority support.
NordPass: Best Password Manager for Business (Enterprise)
- Security dashboard and companywide password management controls
- SSO support with Google Workspace, Azure AD, MS ADFS and Okta
- User provisioning available via Active Directory
- Top-tier features are reserved for pricier Enterprise plans
Pricing: Starting at $3.59 per user/mo.
NordPass is a newer entrant in our 2023 roundup but a logical pick. From the same team behind other security products, NordPass delivers a strong password solution for both individuals and organizations.
Naturally, NordPass secures passwords, credit cards and sensitive details while offering a password generator to create strong credentials for new accounts. It also supports secure password sharing among colleagues and notifies users about potential breaches.
For administrators, NordPass business and enterprise plans offer monitoring for breached accounts and instant alerts. Admins can enforce companywide policies, such as minimum password complexity requirements.
The Business tier includes SSO with Google Workspace; Enterprise plans add Azure AD, MS ADFS and Okta SSO. Active Directory provisioning is supported, and shared folders can hold confidential documents.
NordPass Business caps at 250 users, while Enterprise removes that limit. For personal use, NordPass offers personal and family account options as well.
Other Excellent Password Managers
Although we’ve highlighted our top picks, several other password managers may suit your needs better depending on preferences. If one tool’s approach doesn’t match your workflow, consider these alternatives.
Keeper
- Emergency Access for use in crises or after death
- Restore your vault to earlier snapshots
- Free 30-day trial of the Unlimited plan before reverting to the free tier
- Secure file storage is limited unless you buy the “Secure File Storage” add-on
- Dark web monitoring requires an additional paid add-on
Pricing: Free or starting at $2.91/mo.
Keeper may not be in our top three, but it remains a capable choice.
Keeper includes standard features like autofill, storage for credit card details and secure file storage, although the file storage quantity is limited unless you add the Secure File Storage upgrade.
A useful Keeper feature is the ability to revert your vault to a previous state. If your vault becomes corrupted, you can restore it to how it looked days, weeks or months earlier.
Keeper’s Emergency Access allows up to five contacts to retrieve items from your vault in case of emergency or death. For example, a spouse could access an important insurance file if you’re incapacitated.
Keeper provides a basic free version, but it’s fairly restricted without web access and syncing across devices. You can try Keeper Unlimited free for 30 days to evaluate it. Keep in mind that secure file storage or BreachWatch dark web monitoring come at extra cost.
Dashlane
- Includes a VPN for safer browsing on public Wi‑Fi
- Automatic Password Changer to update compromised passwords
- Dark web monitoring for up to five email addresses
- Tends to be pricier than competitors
Pricing: Free or starting at $4.99/mo.
Dashlane is a well-known password manager (you may have seen its ads around YouTube). It offers strong protections and several notable extras, including a VPN with paid plans.
A VPN masks your IP address and improves security when accessing sensitive accounts over public networks. We recommend using a VPN on untrusted Wi‑Fi, and Dashlane bundles one into non-free subscriptions.
Dashlane’s dark web monitoring watches up to five email addresses and alerts you if any appear in breached data. If a credential is compromised, Dashlane’s Automatic Password Changer can log in and update the password automatically on supported sites.
The main downside is price: Dashlane Premium is at least $4.99 per month if billed annually; month-to-month pricing is higher, with personal accounts costing $6.49 per month and family plans more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Security incidents and hacking attempts have affected password managers in the past. What matters is how a company responds and notifies its users.
We no longer recommend LastPass after a major breach in 2022.
Determining the single “strongest” password manager is difficult, but all the services in this guide use robust encryption and support two‑factor authentication to protect users.
A key risk is forgetting your master password, which can lock you out of your entire vault. Despite that, password managers remain the safest way to handle online account security. Some providers offer family recovery options so designated relatives can help regain access if needed.
All the managers we recommend can autofill credentials, simplifying logins. Our top pick, 1Password, offers a clean, intuitive interface across devices.
1Password is our highest-rated password manager. In earlier years we suggested LastPass, but due to the security incident in 2022, we no longer endorse it for personal or business use.
Alexandra Reid is a senior writer for Savinly specializing in technology.
