Best Password Managers In 2024

Former Editor,  Editor

Updated: Oct 03, 2024

Editorial Note: This content has been independently collected by the Forbes Advisor team and is offered on a non-advised basis. This content is not part of the comparison service provided by RunPath Regulatory Services. Forbes Advisor may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

It’s tempting to use the same password for all your accounts, but that opens you up to all sorts of cybersecurity risks. It’s also a huge headache to memorize and keep track of all your credentials. That’s where a password manager can be helpful. These services store and keep unique passwords for all your different services in a centralized, secure location. Best of all, these systems typically cost just a few dollars a month—and some are even free.

Forbes Advisor evaluated the best password managers available today. We selected these options based on cost, features, usability, and other factors. Find the right solution for your needs.

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The Best Password Managers of 2024

BEST FOR BUSINESSES

NordPass

NordPass
4.4
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Business plan pricing

INR 158.16 ($1.89) p/m per user (with 1-year plan)

Free version

Yes

Best security feature

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) availability

NordPass

Business plan pricing

INR 158.16 ($1.89) p/m per user (with 1-year plan)

Free version

Yes

Best security feature

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) availability

Why We Picked It

NordPass is an affordable option for anyone seeking to secure their various accounts without having to juggle a bunch of login codes. Not only can you manage your passwords through a single master account, but it is even possible to access your information offline. This is very useful in the event of a power outage or if you would rather not rely entirely on internet access when managing your logins.

This password management app is available on the App Store and Google Play and works seamlessly with all major browsers and operating systems.

Another great thing about NordPass is that it also helps you safely secure sensitive information like private notes, credit card information, and shipping addresses. Additionally, you can share passwords and other items easily and create groups to do so. Business owners can apply company-wide settings that prevent employees from sharing details outside the company.

NordPass’ security features include scanning the internet for possible data leaks, allowing you to react as quickly as possible. The system also identifies weak, old, and reused passwords so that you can swap them for stronger and more unique options. You can set up MFA through apps, use a security key, or create a special backup code.

One of this service’s best features is that it allows account recovery if you lose or forget your master password. Mistakes do happen, so it is great news that NordPass lets you recover your information.

NordPass does have a free version available for download. However, it is limited to only one user and is only accessible to one device at a time. Certain features, such as the ability to identify weak passwords or scan the internet for leaks, aren’t available. The freeware may let you store an unlimited number of passwords, but it is so limited that you should probably consider the premium version rather than a free account.

If you’d like to upgrade, you can test NordPass’s features through a seven-day trial. It offers two premium plans: Personal and Business. Most professionals will want the Business plan, which costs INR 200 per user per month and has a two-year plan. It requires a minimum of five users and a maximum of 250. If you require more users, the Enterprise plan would be better, but you must reach out to the sales team directly for a quote.

Who should use it:

NordPass’ freeware leaves much to be desired, but we believe the premium version is worth considering for small businesses.

Pros & Cons
  • Create an unlimited number of passwords
  • Safely store non-password data
  • Monitor the internet to catch breaches early
  • Allows you to share passwords
  • Create groups for sharing passwords internally and control access
  • Highly scalable password management solution
  • Recover your account if you lose your master password
  • 24/7 support available
  • Very short trial period might not be enough time to make an informed decision.
  • Freeware is very limited compared to competing managers.
  • The “per user” pricing makes premium business plans very expensive for larger companies.

BEST FOR RELIABILITY

Dashlane

Dashlane
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Business plan pricing

INR 1,673.69 ($20) p/m per 10 users (with a-year plan)

Free version

Yes

Best security feature

Patented security architecture and AES 256-bit encryption

Dashlane

Business plan pricing

INR 1,673.69 ($20) p/m per 10 users (with a-year plan)

Free version

Yes

Best security feature

Patented security architecture and AES 256-bit encryption

Why We Picked It

Dashlane’s ability claim has never once caused a data breach at its selling point. For that reason, we consider it one of the best and most reliable password managers on the market.

Dashlane is readily compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. As for browsers, the software works with Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome and Edge.

The dashboard is very modern and easy to use. It keeps track of all users in the system and monitors login information. Dashlane provides a Password Health metric, highlighting accounts with weaker passwords so that you can make changes as quickly as possible. You can monitor individual accounts or create groups for your employees.

With Dashlane, you can monitor accounts in real time to correct password problems, such as compromised, repeated, or weak logins. All of your information is kept safe through the brand’s specially U.S.-patented security architecture and use of AES 256-bit encryption, the most secure available. In addition, Dashlane’s system naturally incorporates authentication and is compatible with most mobile authenticator apps or universal 2nd factor (U2F) keys.

Dashlane does offer a free version of its password management tool, but it has limitations—a common problem with freeware. Free account users can only store up to 50 passwords, and there is no dark web monitoring for potential breaches. You are also limited to a single device, but free-tier users may have up to five accounts.

While Dashlane can get expensive very fast for larger teams, its security features make it a worthwhile investment. You can try it free for 30 days to see if the upgrade is right for you. If you decide to upgrade to a business-themed subscription plan, your two choices are Standard for INR 1,673.69 ($20) for up to 10 users, while Business and Enterprise plans provide unlimited users.

Who should use it:

Dashlane is best for any business willing to pay a premium for password and account security to protect against data breaches.

Pros & Cons
  • Easy to understand and use
  • 2FA and SSO availability
  • Lets employees create groups and share passwords
  • Business customers don’t have a monthly option and must commit to an annual agreement
  • Limited to one or two devices without a massive upgrade
  • Pricing can get very expensive very fast

BEST OPEN-SOURCE MANAGER

Bitwarden

Bitwarden
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Business plan pricing

INR 334.74 ($4) p/m per user (with 1-year plan)

Free version

Yes

Best security feature

End-to-end AES-256-bit encryption

Bitwarden

Business plan pricing

INR 334.74 ($4) p/m per user (with 1-year plan)

Free version

Yes

Best security feature

End-to-end AES-256-bit encryption

Why We Picked It

Bitwarden is an excellent open-source password manager backed by a global community of knowledgeable security experts. With its free tier, you can store an unlimited number of items, such as passwords, cards, and notes, in an encrypted vault. It offers a random password generation tool to help you create and maintain secure logins. Most importantly, you can use Bitwarden across multiple devices without having to upgrade.

Bitwarden uses security features, such as salted hashing and end-to-end AES-256 bit encryption, to keep your data safe. It also lets you share information securely across multiple devices. You can download Bitwarden to Linux, macOS, and Windows machines. Its extensions work with Chrome, Opera, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, but please note that Bitwardethat only supports the most recent versions of Tor, Brave, Viv, and Aldi browsers.

Bitwarden’s free tier is not as expansive as the paid version, but its ability to offer free cross-platform and device support makes it a great service choice. If you do decide to upgrade, Bitwarden offers two tiers, Teams: the Teams plan costs) per month (billed annually) and INR 502.11 ($6) for Enterprises.

Who should use it:

Bitwarden works for small and large teams alike, although its pricing range might make it ideal for larger teams with a bigger budget.

Pros & Cons
  • Easy-to-use software
  • Its free version works across multiple devices and platforms
  • Supported by an enthusiastic community of users and security experts
  • Still might need to upgrade to get the best possible experience.
  • No way to recover an account if you lose the Master Password.

BEST FOR SECURING COMPANY SECRETS

1Password

1Password
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Business plan pricing

INR ($19.95) p/m per 10 users (with 1-year plan)

Free version

Yes

Best security feature

End-to-end AES-256-bit encryption

1Password

Business plan pricing

INR ($19.95) p/m per 10 users (with 1-year plan)

Free version

Yes

Best security feature

End-to-end AES-256-bit encryption

Why We Picked It

1Password is a one-stop tool for securing all of your account logins. The number of passwords and other items you can keep securely locked in your account vault is unlimited. You can share what you want in a safe fashion with whomever you need. You never have to memorize a password again, as it auto-fills web forms seamlessly with your saved logins.

While many of the password management services we reviewed provide additional security for nonpassword data, 1Password goes beyond through its Secrets Automation feature. The tool handles team logins and guards your company’s infrastructure. You can store everything from API keys to private certificates with ease.

1Password uses AES 256-bit encryption in addition to a few proactive measures for proto-protective information. For instance, phishers cannot add your information to any website you have not already visited. The service also prevents information from being saved to clipboards. It remembers your information, but only when and where necessary.

There is no true free tier with 1Password. Instead, you can try out one of its premium plans for up to 14 days. We will say that 1Password provides a fair and straightforward payment structure. If you have a smaller team and are not interested in a potentially costly upfront fee, 1Password offers the Teams Starter Pack. The Business plan starts at INR ($19.95) per month for up to 10 users with a one-year plan.

Although basic, the Team Starter Pack plan does offer great features, such as 1 GB of storage per person and five additional guest accounts for data sharing. The tier also features administrative controls to better view and manage permissions. You will need to upgrade to the Business plan if you want access to custom security controls, activity logs for tracking individual items, or the ability to delegate account responsibilities.

Bigger organizations get benefits of the Teams and Business tiers while providing businesses with tailor-made setup training, an onboard engineer, and a dedicated account manager.

1Password is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. However, if you are not using the latest version of 1Password, this could impact compatibility and whether you can successfully download and use the software. As for browsers, 1Password can be used with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Brave.

Who should use it:

1Password is a great choice for businesses with more than just passwords in need of security.

Pros & Cons
  • Prevents clipboards from storing sensitive data
  • Does not allow information to be copied to any site you haven’t visited
  • Excellent security features for company infrastructure
  • Affordable, flat-rate monthly fee for smaller teams
  • Highly scalable account features
  • Basic tier’s features could be seen as somewhat limited
  • You will need to upgrade for truly reliable and fast customer support

BEST FOR PROGRAMMERS

KeePass

KeePass
4.1
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Business plan pricing

Does not offer a specific plan for businesses

Free version

Yes

Best security feature

AES 256-bit encryption, ChaCha20 cipher

KeePass

Business plan pricing

Does not offer a specific plan for businesses

Free version

Yes

Best security feature

AES 256-bit encryption, ChaCha20 cipher

Why We Picked It

KeePass is another excellent open-source manager that puts all of your passwords in one database. It is probably one of the more technical options available, with a learning curve that could annoy professionals not too familiar with open-source coding.

On the upside, KeePass is entirely free to install and use. At present, the official version is solely compatible with Windows operating systems. However, as this is open-source, many “unofficial” versions are compatible with Linux, Mac, and Mono systems.

KeePass provides encryption for your whole database. The most up-to-date version of KeePass uses AES 256-bit encryption and the ChaCha20 cipher, as well as a host of plug-ins that provide additional encryption algorithms.

Some users might feel that KeePass looks very dated, especially when compared to Bitwarden, another open-source password manager with a comparatively modern interface. However, if you want a truly free tool to customize as you see fit, KeePass is your best bet. Although free to use, KeePass provides the option for users to donate funds in support of project development.

Who should use it:

As KeePass is a very technical manager, it is probably best for a professional who is comfortable directly customizing KeePass as they see fit.

Pros & Cons
  • Free to use
  • Excellent encryption of passwords and data
  • Numerous unofficial versions of KeePass that are readily compatible with virtually every operating system and device
  • Could present a steeper learning curve than other password management software
  • Its interface is rather dated when compared to other options

BEST FOR SCALABILITY

Keeper

Keeper
3.6
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Business plan pricing

INR 244.36 ($2.92) p/m per five users (will 1-year plan)

Free version

No

Best security feature

2FA includes SSO at the advanced tier

Keeper

Business plan pricing

INR 244.36 ($2.92) p/m per five users (will 1-year plan)

Free version

No

Best security feature

2FA includes SSO at the advanced tier

Why We Picked It

Every password management service provider on this list attempts to offer services to businesses of every size. However, we found that Keeper seemed best poised to provide an incredibly scalable experience, with options aimed at companies of various sizes. Keeper also provides service options tailored to managed service providers and the public sector.

Keeper services are strictly premium, but you will have to contact the company for pricing information for most plans. The Keeper Business tier is the only level with publicly available pricing; it starts at INR 244.36 ($2.92) per month for five users (billed annually). Keeper Business customers receive encrypted vaults and shared folders for every team member. Moreover, you access your account from an unlimited number of devices.

This tier uses vault encryption and basic 2FA. You must upgrade to Keeper Enterprise to use more advanced 2FA and SSO methods. Enterprise customers can also use an automated team management system and a series of provisioning tools.

The Keeper website provides a sliding scale that helps you understand what you would spend each year on their service based on the number of users. It recommends that any business needing more than 100 accounts contact the sales team.

Keeper is determined to stay “platform-agnostic,” so you should have no problem using its service in whatever browser or OS you prefer. In the end, it fits Keeper’s profile as a versatile password management tool, able to meet the needs of businesses of any size.

Who should use it:

Keeper is probably best for midsize to larger-size businesses that are comfortable negotiating a pricing plan according to their distinct needs.

Pros & Cons
  • Ability to monitor the dark web, including a free scan service
  • Works efficiently across every major OS and browser
  • Highly scalable solution, especially for organizations with huge growth potential
  • Able to tailor services to different types of organizations, both private and in the public sector
  • Does not offer a free plan
  • Basic tier options are somewhat limited compared to competitors
  • Must upgrade for enhanced security

Comparison of Best Password Manager


Company Forbes Advisor India Rating Business plan pricing Free version Best security feature View More
NordPass 4.4 INR 158.16 ($1.89) p/m per user (with 1-year plan) Yes Multi-factor authentication (MFA) availability View More
Dashlane 4.2 INR 1,673.69 ($20) p/m per 10 users (with a-year plan) Yes A patented security architecture and AES 256-bit encryption View More
Bitwarden 4.2 INR 334.74 ($4) p/m per user (with 1-year plan) Yes End-to-end AES-256-bit encryption View More
1Password 4.2 INR ($19.95) p/m per 10 users (with 1-year plan) Yes End-to-end AES-256-bit encryption View More
KeePass 4.1 Does not offer a specific plan for businesses Yes AES 256-bit encryption, ChaCha20 cipher View More
Keeper 3.6 INR 244.36 ($2.92) p/m per five users (will 1-year plan) No 2FA includes SSO at the advanced tier View More

Plans and pricing of Password Managers are accurate as of Sept. 26, 2024.

Methodology: How We Test Best Password Manager App

At Forbes Advisor, we use a scoring system in which factors are weighed, and each consideration contributes to the best possible score. We average each section’s total and add them together to give each product a final score, and the items are then ranked accordingly.

Here are the specific features we think make up the best password managers for this list.

Pricing

We are always on the lookout for products with great freeware. We also recognize that some of the best password storage services out there offer their services for a premium. We also paid attention to whether the service offers better value in its higher-priced plans. Pricing accounted for 25% of our weighted scoring.

Features

We recommend tools with the widest range of components that work well across most platforms. Ideally, they allow users to secure passwords and other important company data as effectively as possible.

For example, we are concerned with recommending password management tools that have excellent security features. For password managers, we considered elements such as the level of encryption, the presence of MFA, and whether the service checks the dark web for your information. Other features we looked for included autofill web forms, support for multiple forms, biometric functionality, and the ability to unlock mobile PINs and import data from browsers. We weighted features at 35% of our total score.

Third-party reviews

We value the opinion of actual users of these products, so we turned to third-party review sites G2 and Trustpilot to get a true picture of how each password manager is viewed by those using the product. We looked for quality reviews, choosing those that received at least a 3.5 out of 5 on each site and weighing the number each provider received. Reviews accounted for 15% of the final score.

Expert analysis

Our team of experts had the final say. Using those same customer reviews, we looked at several factors, one of which was ease of use. Occasionally, we will feature products with a steeper learning curve if they possess other features that make them worth your consideration. However, we prefer products that have a more modern, sleek interface that is easy to navigate. In addition, we also looked at how these password managers performed in regard to popularity, value for the money, and the number of stand-out features they offer. Altogether, these criteria make up the last 25% of the total score.

How Do Password Managers Work?

Password management tools work by keeping track of your login and password information across every account you own. Consider the many accounts you use that require a login. From social media accounts to online banking, you may have anywhere from several to dozens of passwords to keep track of at any given moment.

Instead of struggling to memorize logins for every account, password managers let you store all account information in a centralized and encrypted vault, accessible through a single master password. Knowing that one login is all you need saves you a headache and drastically reduces concerns over hacking or identity theft.

Are Password Managers Safe?

Password management services are typically safe. They protect your data through a series of strong, hard-to-guess passwords across all accounts, all managed in one place. The data is typically encrypted in a central vault, and although hacking isn’t impossible, it’s scarce. The best products are designed to keep your information safe, and provided you are mindful of who has access to your manager, you should be able to enjoy a far more secure online experience.

It is still your responsibility to be mindful of how your information gets used and by whom. For instance, if you routinely share passwords without knowing who else your friends, family, co-workers, or employees, in turn, give that information to, then you still run into security issues. These services are designed to make password protection easier, but they require you to make good calls with how freely you share data on and off the Internet.

Pro Tip

Passwords that are weak, used in most accounts, or reused are at greater risk and can be simply misused to get access to apps you use on your devices. Thanks to password managers who provide users with a secure vault to store their passwords for banking, insurance, shopping, and other apps. It protects your account in a way that requires one or more authentications to access your vault, hence to keep your data safe via top encryption technology. It can be availed free of cost or comes bundled with antivirus software plans.

What To Consider When Buying a Password Manager

Given the prevalence of data breaches and weak passwords, you should consider a manager one of the most important purchases your company can make. For this reason, you’ll need to carefully consider a few key factors before making a purchase:

Is the freeware good enough quality to forgo an upgrade? Although many password services offer a free tier, many are so limited in their function that they are frustrating. On the other hand, when purchasing password management software, you should make sure that you have access to all the features you need at a price you can afford.

What would you do if you lost your master password? Thanks to a “zero knowledge” policy, some services might find it difficult to recover your account if you somehow misplace your master login credentials. That is why you should understand any necessary steps you would have to take.

Which team members get access to your password management account and how should information get shared both internally and externally? Some managers make it impossible to share passwords, while others let you delegate access and form groups.

How easy or hard will it be to train employees to use the new system? While some password managers emphasize ease of use, others might require more technical knowledge. You want to make sure you purchase a system that your team members can easily grasp.

Once you have a general idea of your own or your organization’s needs, you should be much more confident about finding the right password management tool.

Password Manager Cost

Some companies, such as Norton, provide a free password manager. Others let customers test them during a free trial, after which they can sign up for premium service. These services typically charge a few dollars per month; when paid annually, you might spend anywhere from $10 to $60 for an entire year of service.

Though some respectable freeware makes our list, it could still be worth it to choose premium password management tools, as the service may feature extra security options or online perks that make the experience worthwhile.

Be sure to read reviews and customer testimonials regarding features and experience before moving to a premium service.

Cloud-based vs. Locally Managed Password Management

The difference between cloud-based and locally managed password managers comes down to where your information gets stored. When managed locally, all relevant login information is held in a file on your specific device. Cloud-based managers, meanwhile, hold everything online through cloud computing. When passwords get stored using cloud-based managers, there are no copies made onto the device.

Each type of manager has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, you can easily access password information through a locally managed service. However, if you lose the device, you also lose access to all of your stored passwords. Likewise, password data stored in the cloud can be used across all of your devices, but the service is unavailable if you lack Internet access. It is ultimately a matter of personal preference and specific needs.

Notes on the 2022 LastPass Breach

In August 2022, LastPass published a notice on its blog about a security incident in which some of the company’s source code and technical information were stolen. According to LastPass, the breach was caused by a single bad actor who gained access to the Development environment through a compromised developer endpoint. The person acted within a four-day window, during which LastPass’ security team detected and shut down the issue.

Per LastPass’ notice, there was never any confirmation the person was able to gain access to customer information. The company credits its system design and encryption with keeping the breach from reaching user data.

Following the outcome of their investigation, LastPass determined that because no customer data was compromised, users need not take any actions, such as changing their passwords or login information.

Although LastPass was transparent about the breach and how the situation affected customers, it is understandable that customers may feel concerned. This is the second breach in several years, and the 2015 data breach forced users to change their name and password information.

Some users might see multiple breaches from a password management brand as proof that they should switch to a new service. Others might see the security team’s ability to prevent a breach similar to 2015 as evidence the company learned from past mistakes. Should you opt to continue using LastPass, it may still be a good idea to update your password information, regardless of whether the company finds it necessary, if only for your own peace of mind. Learn more about how to share passwords safely.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

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What is the best password manager?

Forbes Advisor recommends Norton Password Manager, NordPass, and Dashlane.

What is the most secure password manager?

What is the safest way to keep passwords?

Can I get a free password manager?

What happens if I forget my master password?

What are the main risks of using a password manager?

Can password managers be hacked?

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