Since we have to sign up for new services all the time, it can be hard to keep track of all our passwords and keep all our accounts secure. The best password manager is tailored to help you create secure passwords and store, manage and share them safely.
We routinely test and research more than 20 platforms and have compiled a list of the 10 best password managers on the market. They all help you create, store and share passwords, but each provider has specific strengths that make it better for certain use cases. This guide will help you make an informed decision about the best tool for you.
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06/11/2024 Facts checked
Rewritten to include current information about features and pricing as well as the most recent company news.
How to Choose the Best Password Manager
The best password manager should be simple to use for beginners and pros alike. It should have more than one layer of authentication, with an emergency access feature for when you can’t access your accounts yourself. Consider these factors when choosing the best password manager.
- Robust password security:A secure password manager should protect your data through encrypted file storage, frequent security audits, passkeys, prompt data breach notifications and biometric login options.
- User-friendly interface:The service should be easy to navigate and use. If you need a family password manager, choose one that’s also easy for kids and the elderly to use.
- Price: The password manager should be affordable and give you access to all essential features.
- Cross-platform compatibility: The service should let you access your password manager on multiple platforms and web browsers, including macOS, Linux, Windows, iOS and Android, through desktop and mobile apps or a browser extension.
- Multi-factor authentication: The password manager should have two-factor authentication to ensure the person accessing the password vault is authorized to do so.
- Safe password-sharing features:The tool should let you share saved passwords with friends and family without worrying about a breach.
- Customer support:The ideal password manager should offer24/7 support with prompt responses via live chat, email, phone, text and/or ticketing systems.
- Password generator: A great password manager should auto-generate secure passwords for you each time you create a new account.
- Password autofill: A password manager with autofill logs you in to your accounts immediately after you enter your master password or use biometric authentication.
- Emergency access: The password manager’s emergency feature should allow your loved ones to open your vault if you’re unable to access it yourself.
The 10 Best Password Managers
Considering the criteria above for choosing the best password manager, let’s take a glance at the features our top five password managers offer.
1. 1Password — Best Password Manager Overall

We consider 1Password the best password manager for all types of users. It is affordable and has a slew of features, such as robust AES-256 encryption, autofill, safe password sharing and a digital wallet. 1Password is available on Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows and the command line. Autofill works seamlessly on Brave, Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox browsers.
1Password has an easy-to-use interface and a comprehensive family plan, making it the best password manager for families in our analysis. However, users cannot store unlimited passwords on 1Password, an area in which it lags behind competitors like Dashlane.
2. Dashlane — Best Enterprise Password Manager

than most other password managers.
Dashlane gives you unlimited password storage and autofill, and you can add unlimited devices and share unlimited passwords with friends and family. Dashlane’s VPN secures your browsing history and helps you access geo-restricted websites. It has apps for iOS, Android and macOS, with browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge and Chromium browsers.
However, the emergency access procedure is awkward and inconvenient, as it requires you to have the account holder’s password and a file with their credentials to access their account. Though Dashlane offers a free plan, it’s limited to only 25 logins, 1GB of file storage and single-device accessibility per login.
3. Bitwarden — Best Free Password Manager

Bitwarden is the only open-source password manager that made it on our list. It has a free version that offers more functions than any other. The free plan lets you save unlimited passwords and sync your vault across multiple devices. Bitwarden has native desktop apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android and iOS.
When using Bitwarden, you’ll enjoy unlimited vault items, encrypted data exports and free cloud hosting. However, its user interface isn’t as intuitive as those of its competitors. It lacks biometric multi-factor authentication and only offers a ticketing system, a help center and a forum for customer support.
4. Keeper — Safest Password Manager

Keeper is the most secure password management tool on our list, offering secure cloud backup, as well as unlimited password storage and device additions. The KeeperFill feature autofills passwords, helping you save time when logging in to your online accounts.
Keeper has fingerprint and face ID login, and supports unlimited secure password sharing. Its apps and browser extensions are available on all major platforms. The ticketing system is available on all plans except Business, which enjoys 24/7 live chat, phone and email support. Some essential features like file storage are paid extras and not natively available on the apps.
5. NordPass — Best Password Manager for iPhone

the basic features you need for personal use.
NordPass is one of the best password managers for iPhone, with affordable plans, robust security and useful features for individuals and businesses. It offers several forms of multi-factor authentication, such as authenticator apps, security keys and backup codes. Paid plans have 3GB of file storage, email masking, a data breach scanner and a password health checker.
The free plan is a great place to start but lacks key features like emergency access, password health reports and a data breach scanner. You can also only log in on one device at a time. This means that even though you can sync it across all your devices, you’ll have to log in each time you switch to a different device.
6. RoboForm — Best Mobile Password Manager

RoboForm is a great form-filling app with password management capabilities. You can fill out online forms with the click of a button, which is convenient for mobile users. It has apps for iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, and extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave and Opera. The free plan offers unlimited password storage on a single device, 2FA and cloud backup.
RoboForm is a great form-filling app with password management capabilities. You can fill out online forms with the click of a button, which is convenient for mobile users. It has apps for iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, and extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave and Opera. The free plan offers unlimited password storage on a single device, 2FA and cloud backup.
7. Sticky Password — Best Password Manager for Personal Use

With Sticky Password, you can save unlimited passwords, generate strong passwords and sync them across devices. It’s available on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Android, Windows, iOS and macOS. We think it’s pretty cool that you can create a portable Windows copy of your vault, save it on an external drive and access it on any Windows device.
Cloud backup, secure password sharing, emergency access, auto login and form filling are a few other handy Sticky Password features. One downside is that the free tier is limited to only one device and lacks advanced features like emergency access and dark web monitoring.
8. Zoho Vault — Best Password Manager for Teams

third-party and Zoho product integrations.
Zoho Vault is a secure, intuitive password manager that allows users to create app-specific passwords and integrate their online accounts with all Zoho products. It has a loaded free version offering unlimited password storage, device addition and file attachments. You also get TOTP integration and access to a security dashboard.
Zoho Vault has password autofill capabilities but lacks form autofill. The MFA is difficult to set up and requires you to use Zoho OneAuth, Google Authenticator, SMS OTP, Yubikey or voice call.
The Professional plan and up provide emergency vault access and 24/7 priority email, phone and remote assistance support. Zoho Vault is ideal for teams due to the multiple third-party integrations it allows with project management software and more.
9. LastPass — Best Free Password Manager For One Device

LastPass is feature rich and has apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android. Its intuitive interface is appealing and user-friendly, and the autofill function works on apps. It has the best free plan on our list, letting you save unlimited passwords and access the security dashboard. There’s also dark web monitoring, one-to-one sharing and a secure password generator.
LastPass’ strong password generator has a unique twist: It allows you to customize new passwords by choosing the password length and the number of characters to include.
10. Norton Password Manager — Best Password Manager for Beginners

basic features that are ideal for beginners.
Pros:
- Free to use
- One-click password changer
- Actionable password strength
Cons:
- No web form filling
- No password sharing
- Lacks emergency access
Available on Edge, Chrome, iOS, Android, Firefox and Safari, Norton Password is a secure password manager that’s totally free to use. All you need to do is create an account to get started. It’s ideal for beginners and families that prefer not to purchase a password manager for basic use.
You get a free password generator, vault auditor, biometric mobile login options, unlimited password storage and a one-click password changer. However, it lacks emergency access capabilities, password sharing and vault recovery options if you lose your master key. We also found no form-filling features, and the 2FA is too basic to be reliable.
How to Use a Password Manager
Setting up a password manager is usually a simple process. If you’re new to using them, this guide will help you get started. We’ll use our top tool, 1Password, for this example.
- Create an Account
Go to 1Password’s website and choose the plan you want. You’ll be prompted to create an account using your email address and a password. Then, click “next.”
- Verify Your Email Address
A verification code will be sent to your email address. Enter it and click “next.”
- Create a Security Key
You’ll be prompted to create a security key that will work in tandem with your password. Your device will automatically create the key. Then, click “next.”
- Set your Password
You’ll set a password for your account before the security key is generated. Create a strong password that’s at least 10 characters long, re-enter it to confirm and click “next.”
- Generate a Security Key
Once your password is set, prompt your device to automatically create the security key. Click “generate security key.”
- Save the Security Key
Once the key is created, we advise safely saving it or writing it down. If you lose it, you cannot recover it.
- Set a Payment Method
Next, you’ll add your preferred payment method to complete subscription payments after the trial ends. You can set it now or skip this step and add it later.
- Create Vaults and Customize Your Account
You’re all set. You can now create a new vault to start securely saving your passwords.
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Why Do You Need a Password Manager?
You need a password manager to securely save all your passwords and easily retrieve them without having to remember each one. The best password manager will help you safely share credentials with family and friends without compromising security.
What’s more, you’ll be able to create strong passwords for new accounts and avoid duplicating credentials across platforms. Most managers have autofill and web form-filling features that help you save time. In addition, your password manager will scour the internet to identify potential breaches and promptly notify you before disaster strikes.
Can Password Managers Be Hacked?
Yes, password managers can be hacked. However, since the information is encrypted, cybercriminals are unlikely to get their hands on crucial details or your vault password. It’s also difficult for them to obtain shared credentials since data is encrypted both at rest and in transit.
Is It Safe to Use a Browser to Manage Your Passwords?
No, it’s not safe to use a browser to manage your passwords. Though convenient, browsers don’t securely save passwords or other credentials, and often prioritize usability over security. Additionally, if someone gains access to your computer or mobile device, they may have unrestricted access to all your saved passwords, as has been the case with Google Password Manager. A dedicated password manager is by far the better option.
Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Password Manager?
The best password manager offers robust security, exceptional customer support, cross-platform compatibility, safe password sharing, autofill and multi-factor authentication. It also has a password generator and a user-friendly interface.
1Password is our top choice because it ticks all these boxes. It’s secure, easy to use, intuitive and packed with advanced features. It may not have a free version, but its paid plans are well tiered, affordable and worth every penny.
Do you use a dedicated password manager or a browser version? Have you used any of the tools listed here? Which is your favorite and why? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thank you for reading.
FAQ: Safest Password Managers
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The most secure password manager is Keeper. It is FIPS 140 validated and uses AES-256 encryption to secure all data. The platform supports SSO and multi-factor authentication, including biometric options.
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The best tool to manage passwords is 1Password. It’s secure, easy to use, intuitive and packed with advanced features.
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No, password managers aren’t 100% safe, but they give you a better chance of securing crucial data.
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Bitwarden has never been hacked. As it is an open-source password manager, independent developers are constantly improving its security.
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Sources:
- Top 200 Most Common Passwords – NordPass
- The 2020 State of Password and Authentication Security Behaviors Report – Ponemon Institute
- Password Safe – Schneier On Security
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