Our lives revolve around them. If you are still writing passwords on Post-It notes, envelopes, & napkins, it’s time to consider using a password manager. Luckily there is no shortage of password managers to choose from. They all store your username or password combinations, but some boast features make your online life more comfortable and secure. We will glance at nine of the best and top-rated password managers so you can make an informed decision.
The Problem With Passwords
Passwords are essential for managing personal, financial, or other identifying info online. But as we manage more & more information on more & more websites, password management becomes troublesome and problematic. Especially when all of the password advice out there tells us that you can’t use the same passwords on multiple sites.
Of course, there is good reason to use a quirky password for each site. In case someone gets their hands on one of your passwords, they do not gain access to all of your accounts. But using a unique and different password for every account, you can manage quickly. Moreover, the average email address in the U.S. is associated with 130 accounts. Very few of us could remember that ample different passwords.
So what happens? We find ourselves reusing passwords, or using insecure passwords, and creating variations thereof. None of those methods adequately protect and secure us. Perhaps you do not want to rely on using Google Chrome to manage passwords.
So what is the answer?
Password Managers to the Rescue
By using a password manager app can improve your password game dramatically. Most of the managers we will talk about today work as a browser plug-in. They can insert your usernames & passwords (automatically or manually), and even store new logins.
If you’ve multiple logins for one domain, all of your logins will be listed. Just tap the appropriate one, and you are in. Most will even detect when you change your password & prompt you to update the saved credentials. Once your passwords are stored in an app, you can use quirky or complex phrases without committing them to memory. Most password managers will generate secure passwords for you.
If you have never used a password manager before, that can be a bit unsettling, not knowing your passwords. It is also a bit strange the first few times your password manager automatically logs you into sites. But, you will quickly adapt & see the benefits.
Besides, not all password managers are created equally. They work in similar ways indeed but differ in price & features. Some are best for single users, others for families or organizations. This guide offers the key features & pricing for the best password managers available today.
9 Best Password Managers for Windows and Mac
Well, most of the password managers on this list will cost a bit of money. But many of them can be used for free, although without all the features of the paid versions. If you try a free version and admire it, consider paying for the premium version. It’s money well spent.
Note that all of the benefits listed probably not be available in the free versions of the programs.
1. Keeper
Keeper is focused on business users, but they provide a personal plan also. Features instant synchronization with every mobile device & PC that you use. Keeper is among the top-notch password managers for a good reason.
Key Benefits of Using Keeper
Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Also, import login data from another password manager.
Integrated secure browser.
Pricing
Free personal plan available.
The personal plan starts at $2.91/month.
4 other tiers with multiple pricing options are available.
2. LastPass
I use LastPass to be biased, but it belongs in any list of the top-rated password managers. Remember, I said that the average email address in the U.S. is associated with 130 accounts? My LastPass vault has 442 entries. I’ve been using it for many years, and it’s never failed me.
Key Benefits of Using LastPass
Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Flags weak passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords (LastApp).
Also, import login data from another password manager.
Pricing
Free personal plan available.
Premium single user $3/month.
Premium family $4/month (6 licenses).
Multiple business tiers are available with per-user pricing.
3. RoboForm
RoboForm automatically captures & saves passwords and has a “security center” to evaluate your online security. It even stores notes (you will use this feature more often than you think) & contacts. It’s also been all around for a very long time, so you know they have an excellent track record.
Key Benefits of Using RoboForm
Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Also, import login data from another password manager.
Pricing
Free personal plan available.
Personal $23.88/year (1 license, no monthly plan available).
Family $47.75/year (5 licenses, no monthly plan available).
Multiple business tiers are available for per-user pricing.
4. Dashlane
Dashlane features a friendly UI and several security extras some other managers do not offer. And it can be not very easy for users new to password managers. Also, it is a bit on the pricey side compared to alternatives.
Key Benefits of Using Dashlane
Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Integrated VPN.
Also, import login data from another password manager.
Pricing
Free plan available (limited to 50 passwords).
Premium $4.99/month.
Premium Plus $9.99/month.
Family Premium $7.49/month (6 licenses).
Multiple business tiers are available for per-user pricing.
5. Zoho Vault
Zoho Vault is another best password saver with great features aimed at business users. But it also does the job as a personal password locker. Besides, one feature that stands out is a password change reminder. You can set reminders to alter your passwords at whatever interval you would like. Most of us do not change passwords often enough (if we change them), so it is a valuable security feature.
Key Benefits of Using Zoho Vault
Fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Also, import login data from another password manager.
Pricing
Free personal plan available.
Standard $0.90/user per month (billed annually).
Professional $3.60/user per month (billed annually).
Enterprise $3.60/user per month (billed annually).
6. Password Boss
Password Boss is one of the top and easier to use password managers. But that does not mean it skimps on features. Like Zoho Vault & LastPass, it has a security check feature. You can even designate someone to get access to your passwords in case of an emergency.
Key Benefits of Using Password Boss
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Remote device delete.
Also, import login data from another password manager.
Pricing
Free personal plan available.
Premium $2.50/user per month.
Families $4/month (5 licenses).
Multiple business tiers are available for per-user pricing.
7. 1Password
1Password bills itself as “The world’s best-loved password manager.” They make it easy for families & businesses to share passwords and even credit card info. It’s easy-to-use, but the free version is merely good for 30 days.
Key Benefits of Using 1Password
Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Flags weak passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Also, import login data from another password manager.
Pricing
30-day free trial available.
Personal $2.99/month (billed annually).
Families $4.99/month (5 licenses, billed annually).
Multiple business tiers are available for per-user pricing.
8. Sticky Password
Sticky Password comes with a portable password manager who works from a memory stick in any USB port. It got a small memory usage footprint & one of the more intuitive interfaces. Besides, they also have a discounted student rate, which none of the other managers offer. Additionally, they are helping to save endangered manatees (really). It is a pretty safe bet that none of the other companies on this list can say that!
Key Benefits of Using Sticky Password
Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Also, import login data from another password manager.
Pricing
Free personal plan available.
Premium $29.99/year.
Academic $12.95/year.
Teams $29.99/user per year.
9. LogMeOnce
What’s PasswordLess login? LogMeOnce uses a quirky photo-based login system. You can now use a selfie in place of a password. Passwords are still generated behind the scenes, but it is a fun alternative to the usual password generation tool. LogMeOnce is not just a gimmick; it has the same tools & features as most password managers.
Key Benefits of Using LogMeOnce
Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Stores other personal data ( credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Also, import login data from another password manager.
Pricing
Free personal plan available.
Professional $2.50/month.
Ultimate $3.25/month.
Family $4.99/month (6 licenses).
Convenience & Protection Do not Usually Come in the Same Package.
But in the case of password managers, indeed, you get both convenience & protection in one package.
Besides, password managers can protect you from phishing sites because they will not enter your password unless you are on the correct domain.
Your password manager will help you replace all of your old passwords with new strong, random versions. When you have done that, you can not fall victim to a password-reuse attack. That’s when hackers use a stolen username & password to try to log-in to other sites. Password-reuse attacks are often very successful since many of us re-use the same password on many sites.
Moreover, a password manager’s unintended benefit is it offers you a place to see all of your online accounts in one place. You can either look at the list of websites in your password manager from time to time to weed out unused accounts. Or to remind yourself to re-visit a website you have forgotten about.
All password managers covered here are cloud-based software. If that does not sound secure enough to you, you probably prefer a local password manager. They generally come in the form of a hardware key that plugs into USB ports & goes with you when you leave the PC. No login info is stored in the cloud.
Furthermore, Hardware keys are more secure than software/cloud-based password managers. But they have some downsides. They are typically more expensive than software options, and they can not be used on mobile apps. Plus, there is the issue of remembering to take the key with you when you go to work or a remote location.
So the password managers we have talked about here can be accessed almost anywhere. Although they rely on the cloud, they all use the excellent available encryption methods to protect your data.
Which of the Password Managers Is the Best?
If I recommend merely three password storage solutions, it would have to be LastPass, Dashlane, & Keeper. But sincerely, you can not go wrong with any of the password managers listed here.
Dear Visitors, if you already use a password manager, perhaps you have found something more intriguing here & are ready to make a change.
If you’re concerned with your online security, try one of these password managers today. I guarantee that you will soon find it to be an indispensable part of your everyday life.