Want to know what the very best password managers are? First, what exactly are they? A password manager is a software application that helps users securely store and manage their passwords and other sensitive login credentials.
These tools are designed to improve security and convenience by generating strong, unique passwords for each of a user's accounts and storing them in a secure, encrypted database.
Password managers also typically include features such as password autofill, which allows users to log in to their accounts with a single click or tap, and password sharing, which allows users to share passwords with other trusted individuals.
Using a password manager can help users protect their online accounts from hackers and prevent data breaches, as well as streamline their online workflow by eliminating the need to remember multiple passwords.
The Very Best Password Managers
1. Lastpass.com
Lastpass is an online password manager that recalls all passwords across a range of devices. Simply save a password once and it is able to be remembered on every device just by logging in.
With so many different passwords required for multiple accounts, our brains can only handle so much. There is no longer the need to stress about remembering them all and getting them mixed up.
The password manager can create passwords for users that satisfy all password criteria like the inclusion of numbers and symbols, and deliver a strong, secure and long password that is not able to be hacked.
This system makes shopping online a breeze as once users have completed their shopping and are ready to pay, all payment and postage details will be automatically filled in.
Digital information and notes such as memberships, insurance cards and passwords for Wi-Fi are all able to be stored in the system, making them easy to locate when required.
These can be easily shared safely if required and offer a more protected way of sending passwords than over other avenues like text or social media messaging. An account can be created for free with access to a 30-day free trial of premium.
There are personal and business pricing plans available. Personal plans include premium for $4.22 a month (1 user) and family for $5.62 a month (6 users). Business plans start at $5.62 a month for 5-50 users.
2. Dashlane.com
Dashlane is a password management system that automatically fills out password, payment and other personal information wherever it is required online across any device.
This makes life in general much easier to manage as there is no need to remember multiple passwords or continuously access payment information when making a purchase online.
There is no limit to the number of passwords that can be saved, and these are then able to be synced to any device.
Passwords and login details are saved the first time you use them and stored safely. Security is a high priority of the company and users are alerted immediately to any hacking activity that may affect user information.
User data is unable to be seen or accessed by the system so that users are the only ones able to control their information. Privacy is guaranteed to provide users with peace of mind.
All details can be auto filled so there is no need to be tediously typing out the same information again and again.
It is free to create a personal account that enables storing of 50 passwords on one device. A premium plan costs $3.33 USD a month (billed annually) and users have no limit on the number of passwords able to be stored or the number of devices.
Premium offers a 30-day money back guarantee. Business accounts start at $4 USD a month per user with a free trial available. This gives all the features of premium plus more.
3. Nordpass.com
Nordpass is a password storage system that takes the stress out of remembering and creating passwords. As well as recalling login details, Nordpass will fill out online forms automatically including payment information and shipping details.
Card details, notes and password information is all stored securely and privately using advanced technical algorithms created by experts in cybersecurity that make hacking virtually impossible.
Password information is saved across all user devices so they can be accessed from whichever one is in use.
Passwords are able to be shared with trusted friends and family in a secure manner that doesn’t involve emailing or texting the confidential information to risk security breaches.
Password creation involves tailoring to include required criteria of individual websites and is randomised to increase security.
It is free to create an account without entering credit card details and free users can only use one device at a time and are not able to share passwords.
Starting at $2.49 USD a month on a 2-year plan, users can access information on up to 6 devices and share these securely. A one-month plan costs $4.99 USD per month or a 1-year plan is $2.99 USD per month.
The premium plan has a 30-day money back guarantee to ensure customer peace of mind.
Features include a high level of password security that requires 2-factor authentication, password creation, saving of passwords and other information, and password sharing.
4. KeeperSecurity.com
KeeperSecurity is a password manager that offers protection against hacking and cyber breaches.
The business version is able to improve the performance of employees, achieve requirements for compliance and decrease overhead costs.
Client data can also be stored in a secured and confidential manner, with continuous auditing and updating of the software ensuring it is always the market leader in providing cybersecurity.
The admin roles and makeup can be tailored to line up with company formation and evolves to meet the demands of any company size. There are multiple personal and business plans available to suit any budget.
Users can sign up for a personal account for free with the option to subscribe to Password Manager and Private Messenger services separately or together at a reduced monthly rate of $4.99 (billed annually). Students can qualify for a discount.
The family plan protects the information of up to 5 family members and also offers the Password Manager and Private Messenger services separately or together.
Both can be subscribed to for $9.99 a month (billed annually) and includes storages of files securely and internet monitoring.
The business plans start at $2.50 per user per month in Keeper Business, or $3.75 per user per month for Keeper Enterprise.
The Enterprise plan offers extra features not available on the Business plan that include 2-factor authentication, management of the team that is automated, provisioning of email and command-line, and more.
5. 1Password.com
1Password is a password management system that stores all password and user information under one Master password, making it easy for users to only remember that one password while still accessing all other information.
All passwords are stored in the user account that is secured to the highest degree of cybersecurity and not at risk of being hacked or breached.
Online forms and accounts can be autofilled easily with the stored information so that users aren’t having to enter the same information over and over.
This includes for online shopping where payment details can be filled out without the need to find a credit card.
The management system can be used across a range of devices so that all password information is synced together for use on any device, at any time, in any place.
The system can generate strong and secure passwords so that users are not required to come up with complex passwords that satisfy a range of criteria.
There is an all-seeing application called ‘Watchtower’ that oversees and protects accounts from security breaches and ensures strength of passwords by checking for 2-factor authentication.
It is free to try paid plans for 30 days with payments starting at $2.99 USD per month for the personal plan and $4.99 USD for the family plan.
The teams plan starts at $3.99 USD per user per month while the business plan costs $7.99 per user per month. An enterprise plan is also available with features to suit a large company.
Are password managers safe and secure?
Overall, password managers are considered to be safe and secure tools for storing and managing passwords and other sensitive login credentials. These tools use strong encryption algorithms to protect the data that they store, and they typically include additional security measures such as multifactor authentication to help prevent unauthorised access.
However, it is important to choose a reputable password manager and follow best practices when using one. This includes using unique and strong passwords for your password manager account, enabling multifactor authentication if available, and keeping your password manager software up to date with the latest security patches.
Additionally, it is important to be aware that using a password manager does not completely eliminate the risk of data breaches or other security incidents. It is still important to follow good security practices, such as using unique passwords for each of your accounts and avoiding phishing attacks, to protect your online accounts and personal information.
How much do password managers cost?
The cost of a password manager will vary depending on the features and pricing model of the specific tool that you choose. Some password managers offer a free version with basic features, while others charge a fee for their service. Here are a few examples of the costs of some popular password managers:
LastPass: LastPass offers a free version of its password manager that includes basic features such as password storage and autofill. It also offers a premium version for $3 per month that includes additional features such as multifactor authentication and password sharing.
Dashlane: Dashlane offers a free version of its password manager that includes basic features such as password storage and autofill. It also offers a premium version for $4 per month that includes additional features such as multifactor authentication and password sharing.
1Password: 1Password offers a free trial of its password manager that includes basic features such as password storage and autofill. It also offers a subscription service for $3 per month that includes additional features such as multifactor authentication and password sharing.
It is important to carefully review the features and pricing of different password managers to find the tool that best meets your needs and budget. Some password managers may also offer discounts or promotions for longer-term subscriptions or bulk purchases.
How do I keep my passwords safe and secure?
Here are a few tips to help you keep your passwords safe:
Use unique passwords: Use a different password for each of your online accounts. This will help prevent hackers from accessing multiple accounts if they manage to compromise one of your passwords. This is the single handed easiest way to ensure you don't get hacked. If one businesses database is breached, no other password is at risk!
Use strong passwords: Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters in your passwords. Avoid using easily guessable passwords such as your name, birthdate, or common words.
Don't share your passwords: Don't share your passwords with anyone, including friends and family. If you need to share a password with someone, use a password sharing tool such as those provided by some password managers.
Use a password manager: Consider using a password manager to store and manage your passwords. These tools can generate strong, unique passwords for you and store them in a secure, encrypted database, without you having to remember them!
Enable multifactor authentication: If available, enable multifactor authentication for your online accounts. This will require you to provide an additional form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password when logging in.
By following these best practices, you can help protect your online accounts and personal information from hackers and data breaches.
How can I tell if my passwords have been leaked online?
There are several tools and services that you can use to check if your passwords have been leaked online. Some popular options include:
Have I Been Pwned: This is a free website that allows you to check if your email address or password has been included in any known data breaches. Simply enter your email address or password into the search field and the site will search its database of breaches to see if any matches are found. As of today there has been 642 major breaches by large companies, so it's likely you'll have been caught up in atleast one of these. Make sure that password isn't being used on other websites!
Password Checkup: This is a free browser extension from Google that checks your passwords against a database of known breaches and alerts you if any of your passwords have been compromised. The extension is available for Chrome and Firefox.
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