10 Best Password Managers in 2024

Patrick_Yu

What is a password manager?

A password manager is a software tool that securely stores and generates strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. You only need to remember one master password to access all your login information. Password managers often include autofill features and security checks, making them essential tools for protecting your online presence.

How do password managers work?

Password managers secure and simplify the management of your login credentials through encryption. You create a master password that encrypts your password database, accessible only through this master key. Data such as usernames and passwords are stored securely and can be autofilled on websites for convenience. These tools also generate strong, random passwords and can sync across multiple devices, ensuring your credentials are safe and readily available wherever you go, all while maintaining robust encryption to protect against unauthorized access.

Selecting the right password manager can be a game changer for protecting your online identity. A good password manager not only simplifies your digital life but also fortifies your online safety. Here are the key criteria for a good password manager:

1. Strong Security and Encryption: This includes multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometrics, and encryption methods (like AES-256, ChaCha20, or Twofish). These features are crucial for keeping your passwords and other sensitive information secure from unauthorized access. 
2. Credit Card Safety and Auto-Fill: A good password manager should offer a secure way to store and auto-fill credit card details, making online shopping more convenient while ensuring that your financial information remains protected. 
3. Password Health Check and Generation: Features that assess the strength of your existing passwords and generate strong, unique passwords are important for maintaining your overall security posture. This helps ensure that your passwords are not easily hackable. 
4. Data Breach Alerts: Receiving notifications if your information is involved in a data breach allows you to take immediate action, such as changing compromised passwords, to protect your accounts.

As we explore the best password managers of 2024, these criteria will guide our evaluation, ensuring that you choose a tool that meets the highest standards of security, convenience, and proactive protection.

Note: For those wondering why LastPass was not included on the list, we made the decision to omit LastPass due to a series of security breaches it experienced in 2023. We believe this decision aligns with our commitment to recommending only the most secure options for our readers.

10 Best Password Managers in 2024

1. 1password

1Password stands out as a leading password manager known for its strong security features, ease of use, and effective cross-platform functionality. It employs advanced encryption technology, including a unique 34-character security code for each user, and follows a zero-knowledge architecture to ensure user data remains private. The absence of a free version highlights its premium offering, which includes a travel mode for additional security during international travel, and biometric authentication for easy access. The service is competitively priced and offers a 14-day trial to let potential users assess its features risk-free. 

Key Criteria: 

1. Strong Security and Encryption: 1Password uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data, supplemented by a unique 34-character security code for each account. It also supports multi-factor authentication and offers a feature called Secret Key to further enhance security. 
2. Credit Card Safety and Auto-Fill: The manager includes a feature for safely auto-filling credit card information. It allows you to create virtual credit cards for different merchants, enhancing security and convenience during online transactions. 
3. Password Health Check and Generation: 1Password provides an auto-generation tool for creating strong, unique passwords and includes a 'Watchtower' dashboard that monitors and reports on password strength, compromised logins, and necessary security updates. 
4. Data Breach Alerts: The service features a monitoring system called Watchtower, which alerts users to any security vulnerabilities within their stored items and provides notifications of breaches involving their credentials. 

2. Bitwarden

Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that excels in both affordability and security. Known for its strong AES-256 encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, and versatile authentication options including biometrics and multi-factor authentication, Bitwarden ensures protection of user data. Additionally, it offers an appealing free tier alongside its competitively priced premium options. Despite its many strengths, some concerns persist regarding its auto-fill feature, especially within embedded iframes, potentially allowing password theft. This issue has raised questions about Bitwarden's reliability in certain scenarios. 

Key Criteria: 

1. Strong Security and Encryption: Bitwarden utilizes AES-256 encryption, which is among the most robust encryption standards available, ensuring that user data remains secure from unauthorized access. The platform operates on a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning that not even Bitwarden's servers store readable versions of user passwords. 
2. Credit Card Safety and Auto-Fill: While Bitwarden supports auto-filling for convenience, it has encountered security issues with this feature, particularly in scenarios involving malicious iframes. This has led to recommendations for users to exercise caution with auto-fill settings. However, for credit card safety, data stored in Bitwarden is encrypted, mirroring the security provided for passwords. 
3. Password Health Check and Generation: Bitwarden offers a password generator tool that helps users create strong and unique passwords for each account. Additionally, the service includes a password health report feature that checks for reused or weak passwords, encouraging users to update them regularly for enhanced security. 
4. Data Breach Alerts: Premium users of Bitwarden benefit from security breach reports that alert them if their stored data appears in known breaches. This proactive feature helps users take immediate action to change compromised passwords and secure their accounts.

3. Proton Pass

Proton, renowned for its secure and privacy-focused digital services, has introduced Proton Pass, a password manager developed in collaboration with SimpleLogin. This addition extends Proton’s commitment to enhancing both security and user experience, characterized by intuitive design and seamless integration with its existing suite of products like Mail, Calendar, and VPN. Proton Pass features comprehensive encryption practices, supports various browsers, though with limitations for Safari and Edge, and maintains the company's ethos by being open-source. As it's currently in beta, with full launch expected later, the pricing is at an extremely competitive price of $1.99 a month or free with your Proton Unlimited subscription. 

Key Criteria: 

1. Strong Security and Encryption: Proton Pass employs 256-bit AES-GCM encryption across all data fields, including usernames, URLs, and notes, ensuring end-to-end security. It supports TOTP generation and two-factor authentication, enhancing protection against unauthorized access. 
2. Credit Card Safety and Auto-Fill: Proton Pass securely stores passwords, credit cards, and other data (including all metadata) using end-to-end encryption and offers auto-fill capabilities for both web and mobile versions of their app, enhancing convenience and security during online transactions. 
3. Password Health Check and Generation: In addition to its auto-fill capabilities, Proton Pass includes an auto-generate feature for creating strong, unique passwords, bolstering user security.  
4. Data Breach Alerts: Proton Pass includes a feature called Pass Monitor, which alerts users to account weaknesses and data breaches. This enables users to promptly respond to potential threats and better defend their online accounts against attacks.

4. KeePass

KeePass is a renowned open-source password manager that emphasizes security by storing passwords locally rather than on the cloud. It offers encryption through SHA-256 or optional ChaCha20, ensuring that users maintain full control over their data security. This feature appeals particularly to tech-savvy users who prefer a hands-on approach to data management. KeePass is highly customizable with a wide array of plugins, although this can complicate its use, making it less user-friendly compared to more modern password managers. It’s completely free, which makes it an attractive option for those willing to navigate its steep learning curve and more manual setup. 

Key Criteria: 

1. Strong Security and Encryption: KeePass provides excellent security features, including SHA-256 encryption, with the option to switch to ChaCha20 for even stronger security. It supports multiple forms of user keys, including master passwords and key files, enhancing security through two-factor authentication if both are used together. 
2. Credit Card Safety and Auto-Fill: KeePass does not inherently support autofill for credit cards and other forms without additional plugins. This might require more technical skill to implement effectively, making it less convenient than other password managers with built-in autofill capabilities. 
3. Password Health Check and Generation: KeePass includes a highly customizable password generator that allows users to specify the length and complexity of passwords. However, it lacks a built-in password health check feature, which is often found in other password managers to help users identify and update weak or reused passwords. 
4. Data Breach Alerts: KeePass does not offer native support for data breach monitoring. Users looking for this feature would need to rely on third-party plugins or other tools to monitor their email addresses and other credentials against known breaches, which may not integrate seamlessly with KeePass.

5. Sticky password

Sticky Password is recognized for its high security and extensive feature set, making it a solid choice for both new and advanced users in password management. It utilizes AES-256 encryption and supports multiple forms of two-factor authentication, including biometric options. Sticky Password's offerings include a password generator, secure password sharing, a digital wallet, emergency access, and Dark Web Monitoring. It also boasts compatibility across a wide range of platforms and browsers, though it faces some limitations with its web app and customer support. 

Key Criteria: 

1. Strong Security and Encryption: Sticky Password employs AES-256 encryption, one of the most robust encryption standards available. It ensures that all user data is encrypted both locally and on their servers, providing strong security against unauthorized access. The addition of PBKDF2 enhances this security, making it suitable even for users with high-security needs. 
2. Credit Card Safety and Auto-Fill: The autofill feature in Sticky Password extends to both login information and financial details such as credit cards, ensuring quick and secure online transactions. This feature minimizes the risk of phishing by automatically filling in credentials on recognized sites, preventing manual entry on potentially unsafe platforms. 
3. Password Health Check and Generation: Sticky Password includes a password generator that allows users to create highly secure passwords up to 99 characters in length, using a mix of letters, digits, and symbols. The security dashboard offers a useful overview of password health, alerting users to weak or reused passwords and providing the option to upgrade them for enhanced security. 
4. Data Breach Alerts: The Dark Web Monitoring feature checks the security of user credentials against known data breaches, alerting users if their information is compromised. This proactive security measure helps users to react quickly to potential threats by changing compromised passwords, thereby securing their accounts against unauthorized access. 

6. Zoho Vault

Zoho Vault stands out as a budget-friendly and secure password manager, particularly suited for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) but also accommodating individual users. It offers a free version and competitively priced premium plans starting from $0.90/month. Zoho Vault employs AES-256 encryption and supports a variety of two-factor authentication methods. The service is designed with a strong focus on business use, featuring advanced password sharing capabilities and integration with a wide range of third-party services. 

Key Criteria: 

1. Strong Security and Encryption: Zoho Vault employs AES-256 bit encryption, ensuring a high level of security for stored data. This standard is complemented by a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning only the user can decrypt and access their vault. Zoho also offers additional security through its integration with many third-party services, providing seamless and secure synchronization across various platforms. 
2. Credit Card Safety and Auto-Fill: Zoho Vault's auto-fill feature streamlines the process of entering personal and payment information, reducing the risk of keystroke logging and phishing attacks. This feature supports safe and efficient online transactions, enhancing user convenience without compromising security. 
3. Password Health Check and Generation: The password manager includes a password health check tool that alerts users to weak, old, or reused passwords, encouraging stronger, more secure practices. Its password generator allows users to create complex passwords, which enhances security by reducing the likelihood of password-related breaches. 
4. Data Breach Alerts: Zoho Vault provides monitoring services that alert users to any potential exposure of their credentials, helping to prevent unauthorized access.  

7. Roboform

RoboForm is an established password manager with a legacy stretching back to the late 1990s. Known for its tight security features, including AES-256 encryption and two-factor authentication, RoboForm provides a secure environment for storing sensitive information. It offers a user-friendly experience with features like password generation, web form filling, and secure login sharing. While it provides a comprehensive free version, it also offers paid plans that include additional features like cloud backup and emergency access, making it a versatile choice for both individual and business use. However, some aspects, such as the lack of a travel mode or integrated VPN, may limit its appeal to some users. 

Key Criteria: 

1. Strong Security and Encryption: RoboForm utilizes AES-256 encryption, ensuring that all user data is protected with one of the strongest cryptographic ciphers available. It enhances security further with two-factor authentication options, including email, SMS, and app-based authentication methods. 
2. Credit Card Safety and Auto-Fill: The auto-fill feature extends beyond passwords to include form filling for personal and credit card information, making online transactions both swift and secure.  
3. Password Health Check and Generation: RoboForm's Security Centre provides a password health check that evaluates the strength of stored passwords and identifies reused or duplicated passwords. It also features a powerful password generator that can create complex passwords up to 512 characters long. 
4. Data Breach Alerts: RoboForm includes features to monitor for data breaches. The alert system checks against a list maintained by Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) and warns users if their information appears in known data breaches, enabling them to take proactive steps to secure their accounts. 

8. NordPass

NordPass stands out as one of the top-rated password managers in 2024, favored for its ease of use, solid security features, and affordability. With cutting-edge XChaCha20 encryption and a zero-knowledge architecture, NordPass ensures that your data remains secure and accessible only to you. It supports multi-factor authentication, offers a variety of plans tailored to different user needs, and has passed rigorous independent security audits. Despite some issues with its autofill feature, NordPass offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including password health monitoring and data breach alerts, making it an attractive choice for personal and professional use. 

Key Criteria: 

1. Strong Security and Encryption: NordPass uses the advanced XChaCha20 encryption algorithm to secure user data, providing an added layer of security compared to the more common AES-256 encryption. This, combined with its zero-knowledge architecture, ensures that users' data is encrypted end-to-end and inaccessible even to NordPass staff. 
2. Credit Card Safety and Auto-Fill: While the autofill functionality has received some criticism for inconsistency, NordPass still offers a autofill system that extends to credit card information and personal data, helping streamline online transactions securely. 
3. Password Health Check and Generation: NordPass includes a comprehensive password health check tool that assesses password strength, identifies reused and old passwords, and suggests changes to enhance security. Its password generator allows for the creation of complex passwords, which enhances overall security practices. 
4. Data Breach Alerts: The service includes a data breach scanner that alerts users if their personal information is found in compromised databases. This feature is essential for proactive security management, allowing users to respond swiftly to potential threats. 

9. Keeper

Keeper Password Manager is highly regarded for its security and comprehensive feature set, making it a good option for managing credentials across various platforms. Known for its paid-only service, Keeper justifies its entry barrier with impressive features like multi-factor authentication, a data breach checker, and secure messaging. It utilizes AES-256 encryption alongside a zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring data remains private and secure. Despite its strong offerings, some features come at an additional cost, and there is no free subscription available, which might deter some users. 

Key Criteria: 

1. Strong Security and Encryption: Keeper stands out with its AES-256 encryption, which is supplemented by PBKDF2 to enhance security. Each entry in Keeper’s vault is assigned a unique encryption key, raising the security bar high enough to make unauthorized access nearly impossible. This layered encryption approach protects not just passwords but also secure notes and other sensitive information stored within the app. 
2. Credit Card Safety and Auto-Fill: Keeper’s autofill feature, known as KeeperFill, efficiently handles filling in passwords and credit card information, minimizing the risk of data theft during online transactions. This feature supports various browsers and platforms, ensuring a seamless user experience across devices. 
3. Password Health Check and Generation: The password manager includes a password evaluation tool that assesses the strength and security of stored passwords. This feature helps identify weak or reused passwords, prompting users to update them to maintain security integrity. Additionally, Keeper’s password generator can create passwords up to 100 characters long, allowing for extremely strong credentials that enhance account security. 
4. Data Breach Alerts: Keeper includes a feature called BreachWatch, which monitors the dark web for leaked information and alerts users if their data is compromised. This proactive monitoring ensures that users can react swiftly to secure their accounts, thereby minimizing potential damage from data breaches.

10. Dashlane

Dashlane is recognized as one of the premier password managers due to its security measures and comprehensive feature set. As a web-based solution, Dashlane offers mobile apps and browser extensions but has phased out desktop applications. It uses AES-256 encryption and embraces a zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring that only the user can decrypt and access their data. Dashlane is on the pricier side, with a starting price of $4.99/month, compared to alternatives like NordPass which offers a lower monthly rate. 

Key Criteria: 

1. Strong Security and Encryption: Dashlane employs AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for security, making it nearly impossible for unauthorized parties to access user data. It also features a zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring that only users have the ability to decrypt their vaults. This encryption and architecture protect users’ data both at rest and in transit. 
2. Credit Card Safety and Auto-Fill: Dashlane enhances online shopping safety with its credit card auto-fill feature. It securely stores credit card information and automatically fills in payment details during checkout, reducing the risk of manual entry errors and data theft. However, Dashlane limits free plan users to storing only 50 passwords and no longer offers a desktop app, which may affect ease of use across multiple devices. 
3. Password Health Check and Generation: The platform includes a password health check feature that assesses the strength and security of stored passwords, alerting users to potential vulnerabilities such as weak or reused passwords. Dashlane also features a powerful password generator that creates up to 40-character passwords, ensuring strong and unique passwords for various accounts. 
4. Data Breach Alerts: Dashlane provides real-time dark web monitoring, scanning the dark web for leaked personal information and notifying users of any potential data breaches. This feature actively monitors multiple email addresses and alerts users immediately if their information is compromised, prompting them to take necessary actions like changing passwords.

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