This article has been just updated: January 15, 2024

Security researchers estimate that weak passwords cause over 80 percent of data breaches. Why is it that most people don’t listen to basic password recommendations even though experts have been preaching them for years? Because passwords—especially those that are strong—are notoriously hard to remember unless you use a password manager.

Password managers are software tools whose purpose is to stop password reuse. They allow you to generate a strong, unique password for each online account you have, and they remember your login credentials for you. When you choose to log into an online account, your login credentials will be filled in automatically.

Because password managers store all your login credentials in one place, it’s important to choose one that you can trust. All the password managers recommended below rely on strong encryption and two-factor authentication via various methods to keep users’ content safe and protected.

 

 

1. Bitwarden

best password manager 2024

Bitwarden is a relatively young password manager that is quickly gaining popularity because of its open-source nature, support for multiple platforms, and flawless security track record. The password manager stores your login names and passwords in the cloud and protects them with end-to-end AES 256-bit encryption, salted hashing, and PBKDF2 SHA-256. A third-party security auditing firm has thoroughly assessed the security of Bitwarden and found no noteworthy flaws in its design.

Bitwarden offers two types of user accounts: Free and Premium. Free users can access and install all Bitwarden apps, sync all of their devices with no limits, store unlimited items in their vaults, use two-factor authentication (2FA), generate strong passwords using Bitwarden’s password generator, and self-host Bitwarden on their own servers. Premium users can additionally enjoy 1 GB of encrypted file storage, two-step authentication with YubiKey, FIDO U2F, and Duo, TOTP authenticator key storage, and priority customer support.

Pros: Open source, free, and trustworthy. A well-designed user interface that makes it accessible even to non-techies. Available on all major platforms.

Cons: Based in Florida, which puts it under US legal jurisdiction. Stores data on Microsoft’s Azure servers.

Bitwarden is an excellent young password manager that offers far more than many big players do, but does so at a fraction of their price.

 

2.  Lastpass

password manager reviews

First released in 2008, LastPass is arguably the most popular online password manager today. LastPass plugins are available for most web browsers, and users can also access their login credentials via a web user interface. LastPass protects users’ content with AES-256 encryption with PBKDF2 SHA-256, salted hashes, and the ability to increase password iterations value. The password manager had several security issues in the past, but encrypted user vault data has never been affected.

While it’s possible to try and even use LastPass for free, most features become available only after paying $2 a month for Premium subscription. The features available only to paying customers include access on all devices, one-to-one sharing, a password generator, secure notes, security challenge, multi-factor authentication, emergency access, priority tech support, and 1 GB of encrypted file storage. LastPass also has subscription plans for families, teams, and enterprises.

Pros: Secure, easy to use, and works on all platforms.

Cons: LastPass isn’t open source, and users have to pay $2 a month for features that Bitwarden and other password managers offer for free.

Even though LastPass isn’t perfect, it remains one of the best online password managers a decade after its first release.

 

3. KeyPassXC

best password manager app

KeePassXC is a cross-platform community version of KeePass, a free and open-source password manager for Windows that stores usernames, passwords, and other fields, including free-form notes and file attachments, in an encrypted file. KeePassXC is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing users with the same look and feel as KeePass.

Unlike Bitwarden and LastPass, KeePassXC works offline and requires no internet connection. You can still sync your login credentials across computers, but you need to use Cryptomator, Tresorit, Spideroak, Sync.com, or any other end-to-end encrypted service to do it safely.

Pros: Cross-platform, free, and open source. Because KeePassXC doesn’t store passwords in the cloud, it’s arguably the safest password manager on this list.

Cons: It takes a bit of work to synchronize passwords across computers, especially if you want to do it safely.

KeePassXC is an excellent password manager for slightly more advanced computer users who are not afraid to set up their own database synchronization.

 

4. 1Password

best password manager app software

With its attractive user interface, 1Password is one of the most user-friendly password managers around. It keeps all your passwords and other sensitive information protected behind your Master Password, allowing you to use a unique password for each website you visit while remembering just a single password. 1Password costs $2.99 a month when billed annually, but you can try it for 30 days without paying to see what it offers.

Pros: A beautiful user interface that makes it easy to stay organized. Support for many platforms.

Cons: Costs $2.99 a month.

It’s no wonder why 1Password is so popular among Apple users. Its well-polished, easy to use, and it can make you fall in love with password management.

 

5. Enpass

best password managers

Enpass is a cross-platform password manager that you can download for free and use without paying a subscription fee or dealing with hidden charges. It can store not just your passwords but also your credit cards, passports, bank account details, secure notes, and more. Thanks to its support for the Apple Watch and Android Wear devices, you can easily access your password or PINs right with a glance on your wrist.

Pros: Enpass doesn’t store your encrypted password database on their servers. Instead, it uses SQLCipher, an Open Source SQLite extension that provides transparent 256-bit AES full database encryption, to secure your data.

Cons: Enpass isn’t open source, so independent security researchers can’t readily verify how secure it is. It uses a proprietary format to store passwords, making it incompatible with other password managers.

Enpass is a likable password manager that doesn’t require a monthly subscription and has a totally free desktop version

 

6. Dashlane

dashlane vs lastpass

Dashlane helps you manage your logins, passwords, payment information, and other sensitive personal data by protecting sensitive information with patented security architecture and real-time alerts and auto-filling forms and logins with your stored passwords and personal info. To enjoy this password manager, you must purchase the premium version because you can manage only up to 50 passwords for free.

Pros: Makes password management incredibly accessible and has a great security track-record.

Cons: The free version is limited to 50 passwords. Doesn’t sync your information across devices unless you subscribe to their premium service.

Dashlane is a great password manager for people who are willing to pay $3.33 a month for its premium subscription. However, many other password managers offer a lot more for free, which is why it’s near the bottom of our list.

 

7. Roboform

password manager

RoboForm is one of the oldest password managers around, first released in 1999. Its developers have improved it considerably over the years, and it now uses AES 256-bit encryption with PBKDF2 SHA256 and local-only decryption. An extra layer of protection to your account is provided by TOTP-based authentication apps, including Google Authenticator, Authy, and Microsoft Authenticator.

Pros: An inexpensive password manager with many options. It has been around for a very long time, so its developers had plenty of time to polish it.

Cons: Read-only web interface.

The read-only nature of RoboForm’s web interface make its clear that it comes from a different era than Bitwarden, LastPass, or other popular password managers, but it still has a lot to offer to new and existing users alike.

FAQ

The best password managers typically offer strong encryption, automatic password generation, cross-platform compatibility, and secure password sharing. Features like two-factor authentication, emergency access, password auditing, and user-friendly interfaces are also significant aspects to consider when choosing a password manager.

Yes, most reputable password managers have the capability to autofill passwords and other form data on websites and applications, which greatly enhances convenience and security since it prevents keylogging and reduces the tendency to reuse simple passwords.

Yes, the top password managers of 2024 usually have cross-platform support, meaning they are available on various devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This ensures that users can access their passwords seamlessly across all their devices.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your password manager. It usually requires a second form of verification, such as a fingerprint or a randomly generated code, in addition to the master password to gain access, thereby significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Password managers protect your data using advanced encryption algorithms, like AES-256, to ensure that your passwords and sensitive information are securely stored. Even in the event of a breach, encrypted data cannot be read without the decryption key, which typically is your master password.

Using a password manager to share passwords is generally safe because it allows you to share access without revealing the actual password. The recipient will get access to the login information through their password manager rather than directly, maintaining a level of security and privacy.

Absolutely, many password managers let you securely store various sensitive information, including credit card details, personal notes, documents, and even software licenses. This makes them a versatile tool for overall digital security.

The top 7 password managers in 2024 included LastPass, Dashlane, 1Password, Bitwarden, KeePass, NordPass, and RoboForm. These were widely recognized for their robust security features and ease of use. Head to LastPass or Dashlane for more information.

While password managers are designed to be secure, they are not immune to vulnerabilities. However, developers of top password managers are quick to patch any security holes as they’re discovered. Users should keep their software updated and follow best security practices.

It’s recommended to change your passwords regularly, though the exact frequency can vary. Significant updates should occur if there’s been a security breach, an indication of compromised security, or if you have reused passwords. Otherwise, changing them every 3-6 months is a common guideline.

Most password managers provide an import tool that allows you to securely transfer existing passwords. This typically involves exporting your passwords from your current manager or browser into a compatible file format, then importing this file into the new password manager.

The decision between a free or paid password manager depends on your needs. Free versions often cover basic features which might suffice for average users. However, if you require advanced features like secure sharing, 2FA, or priority support, a paid subscription might be worthwhile.

Using a password manager should not significantly slow down your browsing experience. They are designed to operate efficiently in the background, with a focus on convenience and speed when filling in credentials.

Yes, many password managers offer enterprise solutions which are designed to meet the needs of businesses. These solutions typically include features like password sharing amongst teams, access control, and detailed activity reporting.

If you suspect your password manager has been hacked, immediately change your master password and any other compromised passwords stored within it. Enable two-factor authentication if it’s not already active, and inform the password manager’s support team about the breach.

Password managers are designed with user-friendliness in mind, catering to both technical and non-technical users. They often feature intuitive interfaces and simple step-by-step guides to help all users securely manage their passwords.

Yes, many of the leading password managers include the functionality to autofill passwords for both mobile apps and websites, ensuring a seamless user experience across different platforms and applications.

If you forget your master password, some password managers offer account recovery options though these might be limited due to security reasons. However, it’s crucial to understand that the master password is often not recoverable due to encryption; therefore, it’s essential to memorize it or store it in a secure location.

Most reputable password managers are compatible with various web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. They usually offer browser extensions or add-ons to facilitate integration.

Password managers balance user-friendliness and security by offering a clean interface, simple navigation, and features like autofill and automatic password change. Security is maintained through strong encryption, regular security audits, and transparent privacy policies.