Passwords are a necessary evil of the digital age. We all know we should use unique, complex passwords for every account, but that’s easier said than done. Enter the password manager – software designed to store, generate and even auto-fill your passwords for you.
But with so many password managers on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? We compared the top password manager apps and browser extensions on crucial factors like security, convenience, and cost. Read on for our picks of the top password managers to keep your accounts safe while making logins easy.
How We Evaluated the Best Password Managers
Choosing a password manager requires balancing security and convenience. The most secure manager does little good if it’s frustrating to use on a daily basis. We looked at these key criteria to find the top options:
Security
- Encryption methods to protect stored passwords
- Zero knowledge architecture so the company can’t access your data
- Security practices like audits and bug bounty programs
Convenience
- Platform availability for major operating systems and browsers
- Auto password capture and replay on websites
- Automatic password generation
- Biometric login options like fingerprint or face ID
Cost
- Free version availability
- Pricing for premium versions
- Value offered for the price
We compared 15 leading password managers across these criteria to identify the very best options available in 2023.
The 7 Best Password Managers
1. Dashlane – Best Overall
With top-notch security, thorough convenience features and extensive platform support, Dashlane earns our vote as the best overall password manager.
Security
Dashlane secures your passwords with AES-256 bit encryption, zero knowledge architecture, routine audits and a bug bounty program up to $20k for researchers.
Convenience
An intuitive interface makes it easy to access your passwords on desktop and mobile. Dashlane captures logins, auto-fills credentials, and helps migrate passwords to new devices.
Platforms
Get Dashlane for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android devices. Browser extensions are available for all major browsers.
Cost
A limited free version is available. Premium Individual plan is $3.33/month billed annually ($39.99 total) and includes a VPN, dark web monitoring and identity restoration tools.
Summary
With a nearly perfect combination of security, convenience and value, Dashlane is hard to beat for password management. The premium plan provides protections well beyond basic password storage.
2. 1Password – Best for Families
1Password edges out the competition for families thanks to excellent platform support and built-in password sharing.
Security
Your data is secured by AES-256 bit encryption and a zero knowledge architecture. 1Password publishes security assessments and offers bug bounties.
Convenience
1Password makes password management easy across all devices with automatic capture, intelligent forms and biometrics. A browser extension provides seamless website integration.
Platforms
Apps are available for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and Linux. Browser extensions work across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge and Brave.
Cost
A free 30 day trial is offered. An individual plan is $2.99/month billed yearly ($35.88 total). The family plan for up to 5 people is just $4.99/month billed yearly ($59.88 total).
Summary
1Password combines rock-solid security with convenient features for individuals and password sharing for families across nearly any device or browser.
3. LastPass – Best Free Option
With a generous free plan and premium version available for under $3/month, LastPass offers excellent password management value.
Security
AES-256 bit encryption, zero knowledge architecture and routine security audits keep your data safe.
Convenience
LastPass captures and fills passwords seamlessly. Password generator and security check help improve weak credentials.
Platforms
Available as a mobile app and browser extension for all major platforms except Linux.
Cost
A premium version with added security and features is only $2.90/month billed yearly ($34.80 total).
Summary
LastPass gives you core password management for free or a low-cost premium option with everything most users need.
4. Bitwarden – Best Open Source
The open source codebase and range of free features make Bitwarden the top open source password manager option.
Security
As an open source tool, Bitwarden’s codebase can be inspected for vulnerabilities. Your data is protected by end-to-end AES-256 encryption.
Convenience
Bitwarden offers password auto-fill across devices and browsers. The password generator helps create secure credentials.
Platforms
Get Bitwarden for desktop and mobile plus browser extensions for all major browsers including Firefox, Chrome and Opera.
Cost
Bitwarden is totally free for basic password management. A premium version with added features is just $10/year.
Summary
Bitwarden’s open source DNA ensures transparency in security. The full-featured free version makes it our pick for best open source password manager.
5. RoboForm – Best Form Filler
RoboForm goes beyond passwords to automatically fill in forms, making it our choice for best form filler manager.
Security
RoboForm uses AES-128 or AES-256 bit encryption based on your plan. Zero knowledge architecture prevents company access to your data.
Convenience
Fill passwords with ease and let RoboForm enter credit cards, identities, and other form fields for you too.
Platforms
Get RoboForm for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices. Browser extensions are available across all major browsers.
Cost
RoboForm Free handles passwords only. For $23.88/year, RoboForm Everywhere auto-fills forms and syncs across unlimited devices.
Summary
RoboForm goes beyond basic password management to fill long web forms for you. The low annual price is very competitive.
6. NordPass – Best Value
Part of the Nord Security suite, NordPass brings excellent password management to individuals or teams at compelling price points.
Security
NordPass secures your passwords with XChaCha20 encryption and zero knowledge architecture. Routine audits confirm security practices.
Convenience
Easy-to-use apps for all major platforms enable auto logins. The browser extension fills credentials seamlessly.
Platforms
Available as mobile apps for iOS and Android plus MacOS and Windows software. Browser extensions for all popular browsers.
Cost
The free version handles basic password management. Premium is just $1.49/month billed yearly per user. Team plans enable enterprise management.
Summary
NordPass brings robust security and features to individuals or businesses at highly affordable rates.
7. Keeper – Best for Enterprise
With advanced admin controls and configurations, Keeper offers our top choice for enterprise password management.
Security
Keeper stores passwords with AES-256 bit encryption and hashed authentication. Extensive audits validate security practices.
Convenience
Users can easily fill and generate passwords. Admins can configure custom password policies across teams or organizations.
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Platforms
Get Keeper for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows and Linux. Browser extensions are available for all popular browsers.
Cost
Business plans include granular administrative controls, secure record sharing and integrations. Pricing scales from $2.91 – $8.25 per user monthly.
Summary
Keeper goes beyond basic password management with robust tools for managing password security across teams and complex enterprises.
Password Manager Comparison Table
| Password Manager | Security | Convenience | Platform Support | Cost | Best For |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| Dashlane | AES-256 encryption Zero knowledge Routine audits and bug bounty | Auto logins On all major platforms | Mac Windows iOS Android Browser extensions | Free limited version Premium $3.33/month or $39.99/year | Overall #1 pick |
| 1Password | AES-256 encryption Zero knowledge Audited | Auto logins Sharing for families All major platforms and browsers | Mac Windows Linux iOS Android Browser extensions for all major browsers | $2.99/month or $35.88/year for Individual $4.99/month or $59.88/year for Families | Sharing with family |
| LastPass | AES-256 encryption Zero knowledge Audited | Auto logins Password generator All major platforms except Linux | Mac Windows iOS Android Browser extensions for all major browsers | Free version Premium $2.90/month or $34/year | Free basic password manager |
| Bitwarden | Open source codebase End-to-end AES-256 encryption | Auto logins Password generator Major platforms and browsers | Desktop and mobile apps Extensions for all major browsers | Free version Premium $10/year | Open source transparency |
| RoboForm | AES encryption Zero knowledge | Auto logins and form filling | Windows Mac iOS Android Browser extensions | Free for passwords only $23.88/year for Everywhere auto form fill | Form filling beyond just passwords |
| NordPass | XChaCha20 encryption Zero knowledge Audited | Auto logins Major platforms and browsers | iOS Android Windows MacOS Browser extensions | Free version Premium $1.49/month or $17.88/year per user | Excellent value |
| Keeper | AES-256 encryption Hashed authentication Audited | Auto logins Admin controls | iOS Android Mac Windows Linux Browser extensions | Business plans $2.91 – $8.25 per user monthly | Enterprise password management |
Choosing the Best Password Manager for You
With so many excellent password managers available in 2023, it really comes down to choosing the one that best fits your unique needs and priorities.
Consider Your Platforms
Make sure to choose a password manager with apps and browser extensions that work across all your devices. Mobile apps for iOS and Android are common, but if you need Linux support for example, options are more limited.
Evaluate Integrations
Some password managers integrate directly with browsers to auto-capture and replay passwords seamlessly. Check for browser extensions to ensure easy website integration.
Compare Security architectures
Leading password managers use zero knowledge and encryption to keep your data secure. Look for AES-256 vs AES-128 encryption and features like routine security audits.
Review Convenience Features
Convenience features like biometric login, automatic password capture and replay, and password generation make day-to-day password management much easier.
Consider Your Budget
Most password managers offer free versions with limited features alongside paid plans. Evaluate both cost and included features when choosing what fits your budget.
Assess Your Password Sharing Needs
Do you need to share passwords with family or teams? Some password managers make it easy to securely share certain passwords or access.
Determine if You Need Form Filling
Some password managers go beyond logins to auto-fill forms, identities, addresses and other information for you. This saves time but may cost more.
Tips for Choosing and Using a Password Manager
Follow these tips to select the right password manager for you and use it safely:
- Never sacrifice security for convenience when it comes to protecting passwords. Prioritize encryption and architecture.
- Consider two-factor authentication through an app or YubiKey for accessing your password manager for added security.
- Use your password manager’s password generator for unique, random passwords for all accounts.
- Enable auto-capture in your browser to save new logins automatically rather than adding manually.
- Take advantage of automatic password replay to login to sites with a single click.
- Audit your saved passwords periodically for weak, reused or compromised credentials to improve security.
- Back up your password manager database for redundancy in case of lost devices or corruption.
- When sharing access, limit to only necessary passwords and use expiring links when possible.
- Update apps and extensions regularly to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
Never Reuse Passwords with a Dedicated Manager
Reusing the same passwords across multiple accounts remains an all too common yet highly risky practice. Using any of the best password managers we covered will eliminate excuse for password reuse.
With rock-solid security protecting your credentials, the convenience of auto-fill and generation to create unique complex logins, and intuitive apps with seamless browser integration, a password manager makes account security easy. Ditch the sticky notes and text files! A dedicated password manager solves the headaches of password security and convenience so you can focus on more important things.
