However, keeping your sensitive information safe is more important than ever, and this is where a reliable password manager can bridge the gap between security and what we can reasonably expect from consumers. With so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one? In this guide, ZDNET provides all the information you need to make an informed decision. I highlight the best password managers that will keep your personal data safe and secure from any potential threat. Also:
The best antivirus softwareThe best home security systemsThe best browsers for privacy
LogMeOnce offers advanced security features like anti-theft protection and multi-factor authentication. 1Password is the best password manager overall, with its user-friendly interface and excellent features. You can store your credentials for online accounts, credit card information, and more - and all you need to remember is one password. This app helps you create unique passwords that are less likely to be hacked, and stores them for you so you don’t have to remember complex passwords for multiple accounts. With its auto-fill feature, 1Password can automatically fill in information like your username, password, or credit card number. You can also share your information with trusted family or friends if needed. The app is accessible across all your favorite devices, making access easy and secure. 1Password is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Browser add-ons are also available for Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Firefox. Other notable features are a secure digital vault for stashing sensitive documents and notes, along with a feature that alerts you to weak, compromised, or repeated passwords. The only downside is that 1Password does not offer a free plan, but the app offers a free trial for 30 days to test it out. At the time of writing, the password manager will cost you $2.99 per month, billed annually - or $4.99 for a family pack. Business options are available. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use password manager with great features and account protection tools, 1Password is a top choice. Read the review: 1Password review Bitwarden is the best free password manager, being open source and equipped with a user-friendly interface, fast uploads, and smartphone compatibility. You can use as many devices as you want without limitations, ensuring you always have access to your most sensitive information. Bitwarden allows you to store as many passwords as you want, with no restrictions on the number or type of passwords that can be stored. Additionally, the app will help you create secure passwords across all plans, and you can safely share them with strong encryption. However, there are some auto-filling issues that can be frustrating at times, and the storage can be limited compared to other options. You can choose between a free, limited option, or premium accounts for less than $1 per month ($10 billed annually). Alternatively, you can sign up for a family pack – allowing up to six users – priced at $3.33 monthly ($40 per year). If you’re looking for a reliable and free password manager, Bitwarden is an excellent choice with its advanced security features and compatibility with a wide range of devices. Dashlane is the best password manager for its features, with its generous storage, VPN protection, and dark web monitoring. In addition to storing passwords, Dashlane securely stores your payments and personal information for easy input when you’re on the web or logging into an app. There are no limitations to the number of passwords you can store, and you can sync your data to all of your devices, ensuring you never go without access to your most important sites and apps. Features include 2FA compatibility, secure password sharing, emergency contacts, a VPN for safe browsing, form autofill, a digital payment wallet, a password generator, and an alert system to notify users when their passwords have been compromised. Dashlane has adopted Argon2 to generate Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit keys to encrypt and decrypt data. Currently, personal, basic accounts are free, whereas an advanced subscription on an annual basis will cost you the equivalent of $2.75 per month. If you want to take Dashlane’s VPN for a spin, opt for the $3.33 per month premium package, or a 10-user account package for $4.99 per month. Business accounts begin at $2 monthly. The plans can get pricey compared to other options, and there can be limitations on the number of devices you can use with your account. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a password manager that offers advanced security features like VPN protection and dark web monitoring, Dashlane is an excellent choice. Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault is the best password manager for security, with its multi-platform syncing, multi-factor authentication, and available templates. Earning a 4.3 Trustpilot rating, Keeper takes security seriously, using leading encryption technology (AES 256-bit encryption and PBKDF2) to protect your sensitive data from ransomware and data breaches. You can store as many passwords as you want in your personal vault, with easy access using biometrics, a record organizer, and automatic syncing. Keeper also allows you to easily share your vault records with trusted friends while still keeping them safe from hackers. When it comes to 2FA, Keeper supports TOTP, SMS, Fingerprint (e.g. Touch ID), Face ID, and WebAuthn security keys. The software has been FIPS 140-2 validated. There is 24/7 customer support, and business users can take advantage of Keeper working out-of-the-box with platforms including Okta, Azure AD, Ping Identity, and Google Workspace. However, some features require a paid plan. Still, if you’re looking for a password manager that puts security first, Keeper is a top choice with its advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication. NordPass is the best password manager for business, offering secure sharing, health reports, and multi-factor authentication. Created by the same team behind NordVPN and earning a Trustpilot rating of 4.5, NordPass provides advanced encryption for added peace of mind when storing passwords and sensitive data. With multi-platform syncing, you can access your encrypted vault from all your favorite devices, whether it’s your computer or your mobile device. NordPass also includes a Data Breach Scanner, which checks to ensure your information is safe and alerts customers if a stored password has been compromised in a third-party security incident. Contact information for colleagues and businesses can be stored in one place, allowing for quick and easy password sharing with the right people. Digital entry points can be assigned to different teams for credential sharing and payment information. You can sign up for a free account or a personal plan starting at $1.99 per month. NordPass for business begins at $3.59 monthly for a two-year subscription, $3.99 for 12 months of access, or you can query the company for custom plans. The free version is limited to a single device, and the paid plans can be on the pricier side compared to other options. But if you’re looking for a password manager that offers advanced security features and is designed with business in mind, NordPass is an excellent choice. Here is a chart comparing the name, price, key features, and platform availability of the password managers 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault, and NordPass: Note: Prices and features may vary based on the plan selected.
Security: Security is the foremost priority when it comes to password managers. The most secure password managers offer advanced encryption and use secure protocols to protect personal information when transferring from the service to your device and vice versa.Storage: Another important consideration is storage capacity. While some password managers limit the number of passwords you can store, others offer unlimited storage, so that you can add all your information without restrictions.Compatibility: It’s also essential to check if your preferred device is compatible with the password manager. The best options offer cross-platform compatibility, allowing you to access your data from multiple devices, including your computer, tablet, and mobile device.Price: Lastly, while some password managers are free, others may require a paid subscription to access all features. It’s important to weigh the cost against the benefits and select a password manager that meets your budget and feature requirements.
The password manager will then store all your data in an encrypted format, making it virtually impossible for hackers to decipher it. Whenever you visit a site or use an app that requires login credentials, the password manager can automatically fill in your username and password for you. This feature can save you a lot of time and hassle, especially if you have many different accounts to manage. Another feature of the best password managers is the ability to generate strong passwords. These passwords are typically long and random, making them more difficult to guess or crack. Password managers can create and store these complex passwords for you, making it much easier to keep your accounts secure. Password managers can be an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to keep their online accounts safe and secure. Using a password manager can also help prevent attacks and data breaches that can expose your information to the wrong eyes. Cybercriminals use variousmethods to gain access to your passwords, from phishing attacks to brute-force attacks. By using a password manager, you can create strong, unique passwords for each account that you have, reducing the risk of being hacked. Alternatively, some browsers will offer inbuilt password managers, such as Google Chrome. However, it is important to choose a reputable password manager and use a strong, unique password or passphrase to protect your account. You should also remember there’s no such thing as a 100% secure service, and on occasion, even the best password managers may have to patch and fix security vulnerabilities. ExpressVPN Keys is built into the popular VPN service ExpressVPN. KeePassXC is an open-source password manager that allows users to store passwords and other sensitive information locally on their computer. Enpass is a cross-platform offline password manager that uses local encryption to keep user data secure.
