7 Best Password Managers in 2023 (Free & Paid)
By Alex • Updated Jul 2, 2023
Navigating the digital landscape requires remembering countless complex passwords for various online platforms. Reusing passwords or keeping a master list poses security risks.
The solution? A password manager - an online service that securely stores all your login details in an encrypted vault, accessible with a single master password.
This post delves into the top seven password managers of 2023, evaluating their key features, compatibility, and performance.
Best Password Managers
- 1Password
- LastPass
- Bitwarden
- Dashlane
- RoboForm
- Keeper
- iCloud Keychain
What Makes a Great Password Manager
Before we delve into the details of the top password managers, let's first outline the key features that make a password manager truly great:
- Security: The foremost attribute of a password manager is its ability to securely store and manage passwords. It should use strong encryption to safeguard your passwords.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: A good password manager should be compatible with all major operating systems and browsers. This ensures that you can access your passwords from any device, anywhere, anytime.
- Ease of Use: The user interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate. Adding, retrieving, and managing passwords should be a seamless process.
- Password Generator: A great password manager includes a strong password generator that can create complex and unique passwords for you, enhancing your online security.
- Autofill & Auto-login: These features save you from the hassle of manually entering your username and password every time you log in to a website.
- Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a fingerprint or a one-time verification code, in addition to your master password.
Now, let's explore our top seven password manager picks for 2023.
1. 1Password
1Password is a robust password manager that offers a comprehensive set of features even in its free version. This allows most users to get everything they need without paying anything. It can also be accessed on most browsers and virtually all smart devices and offers more robust sharing features through its paid versions.
Available On: 1Password is available on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Key Features:
- Unlimited passwords and device syncing
- Secure note and credit card storage
- Two-factor authentication
- Travel mode
- Web scanner
- Digital wallet
Our Take: Overall, 1Password provides a great mix of security and convenience. Its travel mode and web scanner features are standout additions that not all password managers offer. However, it's worth noting that there's no free version available, so you'll need to opt for a paid plan to use 1Password.
2. LastPass
LastPass is a browser-based password manager offering a rich set of features. It uses industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption and offers multi-factor authentication (MFA). LastPass’s free plan offers unlimited passwords, multiple device syncing, one-to-one encrypted password and information sharing, and a digital wallet that stores and automatically fills in credit card information.
Available On: LastPass is available on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Key Features:
- Unlimited passwords in the free version
- Multi-factor authentication
- Digital wallet
- One-to-one encrypted password sharing
Our Take: LastPass stands out with its extensive feature set in the free version. It offers a secure and convenient solution to manage your passwords, making it a top choice among the best password managers.
3. Bitwarden
Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that offers a robust range of features in its free plan. It uses strong encryption to secure your data and offers multi-platform support.
Available On: Bitwarden is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Key Features:
- Unlimited passwords and sync in the free version
- Secure password generator
- Cross-platform support
Our Take: Bitwarden is a solid choice for those who prefer open-source software. The free version is particularly impressive, offering unlimited passwords and sync across multiple devices.
4. Dashlane
Dashlane is a well-designed password manager with a built-in VPN and dark web monitoring for enhanced security. It also has a feature that changes hundreds of passwords at once, providing an extra level of convenience.
Available On: Dashlane is available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Key Features:
- Built-in VPN
- Dark web monitoring
- Password changer feature
Our Take: Dashlane is a bit pricier than other options, but its extra security features like the built-in VPN and dark web monitoring make it worth the cost for those particularly concerned about online security.
5. RoboForm
RoboForm is a user-friendly password manager that offers secure password storage and automatic form filling. It also offers a bookmark feature to easily save and access your favorite websites.
Available On: RoboForm is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Key Features:
- Automatic form filling
- Bookmark feature
- Secure password storage
Our Take: RoboForm is a good choice if you're looking for a password manager that also helps with form filling and bookmarking. However, its interface could be more modern and intuitive.
6. Keeper
Keeper offers advanced security features and is a great choice for businesses of all sizes. It also offers secure password sharing and inheritance, and a full password and file history.
Available On: Keeper is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Key Features:
- Advanced security features
- Password sharing and inheritance
- Full password and file history
Our Take: Keeper is ideal for businesses looking for a password manager with advanced security features. It offers a good balance of security and usability, though it has a higher price point than some other options.
7. iCloud Keychain
Description: iCloud Keychain is Apple's built-in password manager for Macs and iOS devices. It's a secure and convenient password manager solution that's included with your Apple ID at no additional cost.
Available On: iCloud Keychain is available on MacOS and iOS.
Key Features:
- Built-in password manager
- Secure and convenient
- No additional cost for Apple users
Our Take: iCloud Keychain is a basic but reliable option for Apple users. It lacks some of the advanced features of other password managers, but it's a good option if you're already in the Apple ecosystem and you prefer a built-in solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are password managers secure? Yes, password managers are secure. They use strong encryption to protect your passwords, and many also offer two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
Can password managers be hacked? While it's technically possible for a password manager to be hacked, it's unlikely due to the strong encryption they use. Additionally, since the company doesn't have your master password, even if someone did manage to hack into the system, they wouldn't be able to access your passwords.
What happens if I forget my master password? If you forget your master password, you will need to reset it. Most password managers offer a way to reset your master password, but the process varies depending on the service.
Can I use a password manager on multiple devices? Yes, most password managers allow you to use the service on multiple devices. This means you can access your passwords from your desktop, laptop, smartphone, and any other device you use.
Can I share passwords with others using a password manager? Yes, many password managers allow you to securely share passwords with others. This can be helpful if you need to share a password with a family member or coworker.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a password manager is a secure and convenient way to manage your online passwords. It not only helps you create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts, but it also stores them securely so that you don't have to remember them. It's a small investment for a significant increase in your online security.