Password managers are not only among the safest ways to keep all your online accounts secure, but they also save you from one of the most annoying predicaments in the world: forgetting your password.
Gone are the days of conjuring up a forgettable mishmash of letters, numerals, and symbols for every app or service you’ve signed up for; the best password managers store all your unique passwords in a secure digital vault that can only be accessed by you. Better yet, if you’re sick of creating another jumble of characters, a password manager will create a strong, random password for you.
While the best authenticator apps, best antivirus apps, and best VPN services add an extra layer of protection for your daily online activity, the best password managers will keep the prying eyes of threat actors at bay.
A password manager is a crucial tool for your online security on the modern web and these are the best password managers available today.
Best password managers right now
1Password is a long-time favorite of the Apple community and is affordable at $36 per year. While it got its start with an Apple focus, it also offers support across Windows, Android, and Chrome OS. The service has a solid set of password creation and management tools along with some unique extras like its Travel Mode.
There are multiple 1Password options, whether it be for personal use, teams and business. That includes free family accounts and families that allow an additional five members. Membership includes a host of security features, including AES-256 bit encryption, alerts for compromised websites, and vulnerable passwords, along with a digital wallet that stores credit and debit cards, online banking information, and PayPal logins. Plus, you can use 1Password on as many computers and devices as you own.
Travel mode is great for the on-the-move professional, as it removes sensitive data from your devices when traveling. Sort of like Airplane mode that cuts off connection until you turn it back on again, but for security. Along with the added two-factor authentication, browser verification, and protection from phishing and keyloggers, 1Password has you covered on all cybersecurity fronts. It’s hard to find any faults with 1Password.
At $60 per year, Dashlane is quite a bit more expensive than 1Password, however, beyond its incredible set of password management tools, it also includes an unlimited VPN.
While there is a free version of Dashlane, which includes password storage for up to 50 passwords for one device, you’ll be getting your money’s worth with the premium option. The added advantage of throwing in a VPN for protection when scouring the web is a huge bonus, along with dark web monitoring for up to five email addresses, 1GB of encrypted file storage, a password generator, and autofill. There’s also a Secure Notes feature that saves private documents and information, and securely sends it to those you trust.
It’s popular among users of virtually every platform and browser, including Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android, along with Safari, Edge, Chrome and Firefox. If you have the cash to spare and are looking for top-of-the-line password management, Dashlane has you covered.
Keeper does exactly what it says on the tin, and is another strong contender with an excellent user interface and expansive support across all platforms. At $35 a year, you’re getting a premium password manager service that not only offers a way to store an unlimited number of passwords on multiple devices, but also a secure messaging service.
Users can save sensitive files, documents, photos and videos in a heavily encrypted digital vault, while the KeeperChat is a fantastic alternative to other messaging services such as WhatsApp or Telegram. With 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption and the ability to send and self-destruct media and messages from a private gallery, Keeper is for those who want to make sure their daily communication is kept behind a bolted door. The Emergency Access feature also lets you add up to five emergency contacts that you trust when you’re in a bind.
Keeper also has you covered for all types of multi-factor authentication, including Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), SMS, Touch and Face ID, along with Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) security keys such as YubiKey. Along with a password generator, reports on password health for each account, dark web monitoring and the ability to retain the full history of important information, such as a driver's license and passport number, Keeper is, well, a keeper.
Bitwarden is one of the more well-known password managers, as its free tier and bargain premium tier options are what make it so appealing. It's an open-source password manager that gives you unlimited passwords, syncing across all devices and the option to self-host your passwords if you want total control of your passwords. While the free tier will be enough for most users, the premium account is just $10 a year and brings with it TOTP, 2FA support with YubiKey and more.
It’s free plan is the real eye-catcher, as most users will get access to unlimited password storage and sharing to unlimited devices, a secure password generator, the ability to store private notes and credit card information, messaging platform Bitwarden Send, along with browser, mobile and desktop apps. What more could you want from a password manager?
As for the premium plan, you’ll get 1GB of encrypted file attachments, health reports for all your passwords and information, access to Bitwarden’s own TOPT authenticator, Emergency Access features and more two-step login options. Many will flock to the free version, as the premium option offers more basic features when compared to the other premium services on this list. Still, that only shows Bitwarden is offering more than enough excellent password manager features that you won’t have to spend a penny on.
Getting started with a password manager
While the best password managers will create, save and secure your credentials — whether it be on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone — for multiple online accounts, you’ll still need to come up with a master password to access all the others. This password needs to be unguessable and unforgettable at the same time, as it’s difficult to recover this vital piece of information; it isn’t as simple as hitting “forgot password.”
Most of us will consider ourselves password savvy, but it’s a good idea to take certain steps when you’re planning to create one password to rule them all. For a better look, check out this simple trick to create a strong password.
An extra step you can take is by setting up two-factor authentication on your chosen password manager. This can be done with many types of authenticator apps, whether it be one-time passwords (OTP) set up on your smartphone or speedy biometric access via Face ID or fingerprint recognition.
Finally, you’ll also want to keep in mind what systems the password manager works on. The best services tend to work on all devices, whether it be Windows, macOS, or even Linux. Whatever the case, you’ll also find password managers will work as an app on your devices while also working as a browser extension for easy access.
With Apple, Microsoft, and Google moving toward a passwordless future, thanks to a common passwordless sign-in standard created by the FIDO Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium, the way we use passwords is looking to change.
