Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Jhonni Jets
In today’s digital world, we rely on passwords to access everything from our email and social media accounts to online shopping and banking. Unfortunately, coming up with unique, strong passwords for every single site and service can be nearly impossible. This is where password managers come in – they generate, store and automatically fill in login credentials so you only have to remember one master password.
Password managers take the stress and insecurity out of the password process. They promote stronger, more random passwords that are safer and harder for hackers to guess or crack. Using a password manager is one of the best things you can do to protect your online identity and security.
Table of Content
In this article, we evaluate and compare 10 of the top password managers on the market based on features, platforms supported, security measures, pricing and more. By the end, you’ll have a good idea of which options are best suited to your needs and budget. Read on to learn about essential features to look for and discover the password manager that will give you the utmost peace of mind online.
1. LastPass
LastPass is one of the most full-featured and popular password managers available. It offers a free basic plan along with premium subscriptions that unlock additional tools and capabilities. LastPass generates strong, random passwords and securely stores them in an encrypted digital vault that syncs across all your devices. You access the vault with a single master password.
Some key LastPass features include password sharing, secure notes, form filling, two-factor authentication and emergency access. It has browser extensions for all major platforms like Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome and Firefox. There are also desktop apps. LastPass works seamlessly across devices so your logins are accessible anywhere.
Premium subscriptions unlock additional perks like priority customer support, 1GB of encrypted file storage and advanced reporting. Pricing starts at $3/month or $36/year for the individual plan. Family and business plans are also available. While not the cheapest option, LastPass offers exceptional functionality and is a top choice for password management. Its free edition still delivers a lot of value.
2. Dashlane
Dashlane prides itself on being the “all-in-one” solution for identity and online security. In addition to being a full-featured password manager, it includes a breach watch capability to monitor if your accounts have been involved in data leaks. Dashlane also automates form filling for online shopping profiles, addresses and more.
Extension and desktop apps are available for all major platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and browsers. Your vault of passwords and personal info is encrypted locally on each device and synced securely via the cloud. With Dashlane, you get one click access across devices without ever having to log in again manually.
Dashlane covers security basics too like two-factor authentication support and a password generator for creating strong unique credentials. Premium plans (starting at $3.33/month billed annually) offer priority support, VPN protection and 1GB of secure online file storage on top of the standard features. Dashlane is definitely a great all-in-one solution if you want identity monitoring alongside password management.
Dashlane is also known for its ease of use. Setting up accounts is simple and intuitive. The interface is clean and logically organized. It may be pricier than some options but provides peace of mind through consolidated security features and VPN access.
3. 1Password
1Password is considered the gold standard by many experts for premium password management. It offers a polished, robust set of features along with incredibly strong security practices. The 1Password vault is encrypted on each device with zero knowledge encryption – even 1Password itself doesn’t have access to your encrypted data.
Extensions and desktop apps are available across all major platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Edge. 1Password has excellent form filling that remembers payment info, addresses and more for online shopping. You can also store secure notes, credit cards and identities.
The vault syncs seamlessly between devices via 1Password servers or local sync options. Two-factor authentication is supported for an extra layer of protection. Premium subscriptions start from $3/month and include priority support, 1GB of file storage and a security dashboard. Family and team plans are also available.
While not ideal for casual users due to its cost, 1Password is a stellar choice for professionals, entrepreneurs and companies that demand military-grade security. Its zero knowledge encryption model coupled with a feature-rich experience make it a number one pick by security experts globally. 1Password is secure, polished and efficient at what it does best.
4. Bitwarden
Bitwarden has rapidly become one of the most popular free and open source password managers available today. At its core, Bitwarden delivers all the essential functionality you need from a password manager – secure storage of logins, automatic form filling, strong password generation, biometrics support and multi-device syncing.
There are extensions for all major browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Edge as well as desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux. The vault database is encrypted locally before being synced to Bitwarden servers using zero knowledge encryption for utmost security. Two-factor authentication options like TOTP, U2F and YubiKey further harden the vault.
Bitwarden works seamlessly across devices so your passwords go with you everywhere securely. The free version already includes all core features but premium subscriptions (starting at $10/year) add organization capabilities through folders, priority support and additional security reporting. Though basic, the free tier delivers fantastic value for everyday users.
The open source nature means Bitwarden is trustworthy, secure and completely transparent about its development process. Overall it provides a reliable and fully-featured experience at a budget price point. Bitwarden is an excellent free option and offers good value even with its premium upgrades.
5. Keeper
Keeper stands out as one of the few password managers with ISO 27001 certified cloud infrastructure for utmost security and compliance. All data stored or transmitted by Keeper is protected by bank-level 256-bit AES encryption. The local Keeper vault database benefits from zero knowledge encryption as well.
Across operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS – Keeper has polished apps and extensions to securely manage passwords and sensitive files on any device. Automatic form filling, photo upload to the vault, emergency access, two-factor authentication and password creation tools are all part of the full Keeper experience.
Plans start from $3/month and include features like 1GB of secure file storage, identity monitoring, emergency access shares for families and teams. Keeper also sets itself apart through additional features like Dark Web monitoring to check for exposed credentials online. Advanced business plans cater specifically to companies and workgroups.
Overall Keeper delivers a premium password management solution with excellent security certifications, zero knowledge protection and unique features like Dark Web scans and emergency access sharing. While it may not be the most affordable option, its robust functionality and security differentiation make it a compelling choice.
6. Roboform
Roboform has been in the password management business for over 20 years, making it a veteran of the field. It offers an impressive set of features across platforms at affordable prices. Roboform stores logins, payments, identities and secure notes locally before syncing an encrypted version to the cloud.
Roboform has full-featured cross-platform extensions for all major desktop and mobile browsers. It also provides robust desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux. The interface is clean and easy to navigate across devices. Automatic form-filling and random password generation tools are complemented by two-factor authentication support.
Roboform synchronizes data seamlessly across devices with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption before any transmission or cloud backups occur. Pricing starts from $17/year for the Standard plan offering basic features. Premium plans include identity monitoring, 1GB secure storage and other perks. Roboform also offers both family and business plans for teams.
While it may not have the flashiest bells and whistles, Roboform delivers tried-and-tested solid security across a wide variety of devices at an affordable cost. It’s easy to set up, use and provides outstanding value for basic password management needs on any platform. Roboform’s experience and feature set make it a reliable option.
7. LogMeOnce
LogMeOnce has a reputation as a password manager focused primarily on business users and companies. While it offers personal plans as well, its core strengths lie in robust team management, compliance and security. Unique features include LDAP directory integration, SSO options, reporting tools and granular permissions controls.
The LogMeOnce password vault is protected by zero knowledge AES-256 encryption on devices before syncing. Apps are available across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android along with all major browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Edge. Password, identity and vault management can be controlled through an intuitive admin portal.
Premium family and business plans start from $4/user/month and include unlimited storage, team folders, detailed audit logs and SAML/SSO support. As with other enterprise options, LogMeOnce puts security compliance as a top priority through regular third party audits and certifications like ISO 27001.
Overall LogMeOnce delivers premium password management geared towards larger enterprises, teams and compliance-conscious organizations. While personal use may lack some usability conveniences, it excels for companies with robust controls, reporting and security certifications. Its dedicated focus on business needs makes it a leader for password management in organizations.
8. LastPass Business
As the team and business counterpart to the popular LastPass personal manager, LastPass Business focuses on centralized management and usage across teams. Admins can invite team members, control permissions and enforce policies through intuitive web and desktop interfaces.
Password sharing, emergency access and seamless syncing across devices like iOS, Android, Windows and Mac are all part of the Business package. Advanced reporting on usage, password strength and other activities keeps admins informed. Integrations with privileged access management features are available through LastPass PAM.
Pricing starts from $3/user/month billed annually with flexible tiers matching team sizes. Plans include unlimited password storage, 24/7 support, device management and SSO/SAML options. Additional capabilities like conditional access policies, MFA enforcement and dedicated portals deliver robust security across teams.
Overall LastPass Business brings the polished user experience and wide platform support of its personal cousin to teams and organizations. Centralized controls, integrations and competitive pricing make it one of the top options for team password management in SMBs and enterprises alike. The LastPass name also carries solid brand recognition for secure usage.
9. Sticky Password
Sticky Password stands out as one of the few iOS-first password managers on the market – though it has since expanded to macOS, Windows, Android and Chrome/Firefox extensions as well. Its strength lies in smooth iPhone and iPad usage made for mobile-first lifestyles.
On devices, the Sticky app interface is well-designed with large button login access and Touch/Face ID security. There are no complicated menus to navigate. Automatic form-filling, passwords, payments and notes are all easily accessible from within apps on iOS and other platforms seamlessly.
Sticky Password uses zero-knowledge encryption with every password and credential locked by the master password. All data stays encrypted locally and in iCloud backups for additional protection during syncing. Single app and family plans are available from $3/month with priority support and additional features.
While its primary focus remains mobile usage, Sticky Password offers a competent password manager experience on all platforms now. Its biggest selling points are simplicity, ease of access within iOS apps and seamless syncing between Apple devices through iCloud – making it an optimal choice for everyday users in Apple ecosystems.
10. Norton Password Manager
As part of the renowned Norton security portfolio owned by Symantec, Norton Password Manager promises protection backed by decades of experience. It supports Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox and Edge platforms as an integrated password manager within the Norton 360 subscription bundle.
Within the Norton app, users get automatic login credentials, strong unique passwords, form-filling and secure sharing of login data across devices. Extra features like identity monitoring scan the Dark Web for personal breaches. Everything is encrypted locally on devices then synced to Norton’s 256-bit encrypted cloud via the app.
Standard Norton 360 plans start from around $100/year but now include two years of Password Manager access as well. Premium family bundles cover up to 10 devices. While not the cheapest, the benefit is all-round cyber defense from malware, firewall, VPN and encryption within a single subscription.
For individuals seeking a full cybersecurity solution from a highly regarded brand, Norton 360’s inclusion of password management makes it a viable option. Experts cite concerns around pricing and bundling rather than standalone management capabilities. Nonetheless Norton secures identities systematically alongside device protection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right password manager depends highly on individual needs, usage scenarios and budgets. While free options like Bitwarden and LastPass Free editions are great starting points, premium upgrades unlock additional features for serious usage across teams and businesses. 1Password, Dashlane and Keeper stand out through robust security and feature sets.
LastPass and Bitwarden earned top recognition for accessibility across platforms, comprehensive functionality and synchronized experiences. Others like Dashlane, Keeper and Norton differentiate through identity monitoring, dedicated mobile or business strengths. Considering platform support, ease of use, encryption quality and customer reputation helps narrow choices.
Ultimately the best password manager is one that promotes unique, strong passwords to safely store identities online while providing seamless login experiences across all devices and apps. It should remove password hassles without comprising security through encryption, backups, alerts and ongoing development from trusted companies. With diligent selection and use, any of these top 10 options can deliver robust digital protection for the modern, connected world.