Top Password Manager Software Comparison
By Richard "Rick" Callahan | Published: 2025-02-22 | Category: Password Manager Software
About Password Manager Software
Password manager software helps users securely store, generate, and manage unique passwords for various online accounts. It typically offers features like autofill, cross-platform synchronization, and encrypted vaults.
Scoring Criteria
- → Security
- → Ease of Use
- → Features
- → Platform Support
- → Pricing/Value
The Best Password Manager Software
#8
KeePassXC
By KeePassXC Team (Community)
Free, open-source, offline password manager focused on security and user control. Requires manual syncing.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Browser Extensions (via KeePassXC-Browser)
Best For: Personal, Technical Users, Offline Use
Key Features
- ✓Offline Database: Passwords stored locally in an encrypted database file (.kdbx). (Maximum Control)
- ✓Open Source & Free: Completely free with transparent source code. (Cost-Effective & Trustworthy)
- ✓Browser Integration: Connects securely with browser extensions for autofill. (Web Convenience)
- ✓Customizable: Offers various settings for database encryption, password generation, and more. (Flexibility)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited passwords
- Strong encryption (AES-256)
- Password generator
- Custom fields
- Auto-Type
- Browser integration
- TOTP generation
Limitations: Offline by default (requires manual sync via cloud storage like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.), No built-in cloud sync, Requires more technical setup for sync/browser integration
Pros
- + Completely free and open source
- + Excellent security, stores data locally
- + High degree of user control and customization
- + Cross-platform desktop applications
Cons
- - Requires manual setup for syncing between devices
- - Steeper learning curve compared to cloud-based managers
- - No official mobile apps (requires compatible third-party apps)
- - No built-in sharing or emergency access features
Verdict
"The best option for technically proficient users who prioritize absolute control over their data, prefer an offline/manual sync approach, and want a powerful, free solution. Less suitable for users seeking seamless cloud sync and simplicity."
#7
RoboForm
By Siber Systems
One of the original password managers, known for its excellent form-filling capabilities and secure password management.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera
Best For: Personal, Family, Business
Key Features
- ✓Superior Form Filling: Excels at filling complex web forms beyond just logins. (Advanced Autofill)
- ✓Password Auditing: Security Center checks for weak or reused passwords. (Security Check)
- ✓Application Logins: Can store and fill passwords for some Windows applications. (Desktop Integration)
- ✓Secure Sharing: Allows sharing of individual items or folders. (Collaboration)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited logins
- Web form filling
- Password audit
- Application logins
Limitations: No cross-device sync, No cloud backup, No secure sharing, No web access
Everywhere
$23.88 / annual
- Sync across all devices
- Cloud backup
- Secure sharing
- Web access
- Priority 24/7 support
- Multi-factor authentication
Family
$47.75 / annual
- Up to 5 Everywhere accounts
- Centralized management
- All Everywhere features
Pros
- + Best-in-class web form filling capabilities
- + Affordable individual and family plans
- + Long-standing reputation
- + Supports application logins
Cons
- - Free tier lacks synchronization
- - Interface feels slightly dated compared to newer rivals
- - Linux support is via web browsers only
Verdict
"An excellent choice for users who prioritize comprehensive form-filling alongside solid password management. RoboForm offers great value, especially with its affordable Everywhere plan."
#6
LastPass
By GoTo (formerly LogMeIn)
One of the most well-known password managers, offering a wide range of features and platform support, though recent security incidents and free tier changes have impacted its standing.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, IE
Best For: Personal, Family, Business
Key Features
- ✓Password Vault: Securely stores passwords, notes, addresses, and payment cards. (Core Functionality)
- ✓Autofill & Autosave: Automatically fills login credentials and saves new ones. (Convenience)
- ✓Security Dashboard: Assesses password strength and monitors for breaches. (Security Overview)
- ✓Secure Sharing: Allows sharing of credentials with individuals or groups. (Collaboration)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited passwords
- Password generator
- Secure notes
- Basic Multi-factor authentication
Limitations: Access on only one device type (computer OR mobile), Limited sharing (one-to-one), No emergency access, No dark web monitoring
Premium
$36.00 / annual
- Access on all device types
- One-to-many sharing
- Emergency access
- Advanced multi-factor options
- 1 GB encrypted file storage
- Security Dashboard & Dark Web Monitoring
Families
$48.00 / annual
- 6 Premium licenses
- Family manager dashboard
- Unlimited shared folders
- All Premium features
Pros
- + Established product with broad user base
- + User-friendly interface and reliable autofill
- + Good range of features on paid plans
- + Wide platform compatibility
Cons
- - Recent security breaches have damaged trust
- - Free tier significantly restricted (single device type)
- - Customer support can be slow
Verdict
"LastPass remains a functional and user-friendly password manager, but its value proposition, especially for free users, has diminished, and recent security issues raise concerns. Paid tiers offer good features but face strong competition."
#5
Bitwarden
By Bitwarden, Inc.
Open-source password manager praised for its transparency, strong security, cross-platform availability, and generous free tier.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, Brave, Tor Browser, Vivaldi, Web, CLI
Best For: Personal, Family, Teams, Enterprise, Self-hosting
Key Features
- ✓Open Source: Source code is publicly available for audit and scrutiny. (Transparency & Trust)
- ✓Cross-Platform Sync: Syncs passwords across unlimited devices, even on the free tier. (Accessibility)
- ✓End-to-End Encryption: Uses AES-256 bit encryption for vault data. (Strong Security)
- ✓Self-Hosting Option: Users can host their own Bitwarden server for maximum control. (Flexibility & Control)
- ✓Secure Sharing (Organizations): Allows secure sharing within families or teams. (Collaboration)
Scorecard (Overall: 9.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited passwords
- Unlimited devices
- Cross-platform sync
- Password generator
- Secure notes
- Basic 2FA (Email, Authenticator Apps)
- Self-hosting option
Limitations: No advanced 2FA (YubiKey, Duo), No secure file storage, No vault health reports, Limited sharing (2-person only)
Premium
$10.00 / annual
- Advanced 2FA options (YubiKey, FIDO2, Duo)
- 1 GB encrypted file storage
- Vault health reports
- Emergency access
- Priority support
Families
$40.00 / annual
- Up to 6 users
- Unlimited shared collections
- 1 GB shared encrypted storage
- All Premium features per user
Pros
- + Excellent free tier with core features and unlimited sync
- + Open-source transparency builds trust
- + Very affordable premium and family plans
- + Strong security practices
- + Wide platform support, including CLI and self-hosting
Cons
- - User interface is functional but less polished than some competitors
- - Some advanced features only available on paid plans
Verdict
"The best value password manager available, offering exceptional core functionality for free and highly affordable premium features. Its open-source nature and broad compatibility make it a top choice, especially for tech-savvy users and those on a budget."
#4
NordPass
By Nord Security (NordVPN)
A streamlined and secure password manager from the makers of NordVPN, focusing on simplicity and strong encryption.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, Brave
Best For: Personal, Family, Business
Key Features
- ✓XChaCha20 Encryption: Uses a modern and secure encryption algorithm. (Advanced Security)
- ✓Data Breach Scanner: Checks if your email addresses have appeared in data breaches. (Proactive Alerting)
- ✓Password Health: Identifies weak, reused, or old passwords. (Security Improvement)
- ✓Secure Notes & Credit Cards: Stores more than just passwords securely. (Data Organization)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited passwords
- Autofill & Autosave
- Secure notes & credit cards
- Password generator
- Multi-factor authentication
Limitations: Use on only 1 device at a time, No secure sharing, No premium features
Premium
$23.88 / annual
- Use on unlimited devices simultaneously
- Secure item sharing
- Trusted contacts (Emergency Access)
- Data Breach Scanner
- Password Health tool
Family
$47.88 / annual
- 6 separate Premium accounts
- All Premium features
- Centralized billing
Pros
- + Strong security with modern encryption
- + Clean, intuitive user interface
- + Affordable premium plans
- + Generous free tier (unlimited passwords, but single active device)
Cons
- - Fewer advanced features compared to top competitors (e.g., no VPN, limited form filling)
- - Free plan's limitation of one active device session at a time
Verdict
"A great value proposition offering strong security and ease of use at competitive prices. Ideal for users who want a simple, effective password manager without needing niche features."
#3
Keeper Security
By Keeper Security, Inc.
Highly secure password manager with a strong focus on zero-knowledge architecture, offering plans for personal, family, and extensive business use.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, IE, Opera
Best For: Personal, Family, Business, Enterprise, MSP
Key Features
- ✓Zero-Knowledge Security: Keeper staff cannot access user vaults under any circumstances. (High Privacy)
- ✓BreachWatch: Dark web monitoring for compromised passwords (add-on). (Security Monitoring)
- ✓Secure File Storage: Encrypted storage for sensitive files, photos, and videos. (Data Protection)
- ✓Emergency Access: Grant trusted contacts access to your vault in emergencies. (Contingency Planning)
- ✓KeeperChat: Optional encrypted messaging application. (Secure Communication)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Keeper Free
Contact Vendor
- Password storage
- Identity & payments storage
- Password generator
- Security audit
Limitations: Single device only, No syncing, No web vault access
Keeper Unlimited
$34.99 / annual
- Unlimited passwords
- Unlimited devices
- Cross-platform sync
- Emergency access
- Secure record sharing
- Biometric login & 2FA
Keeper Family
$74.99 / annual
- 5 private vaults
- 10 GB secure file storage (pooled)
- Shared folders
- All Unlimited features
Pros
- + Industry-leading security practices (zero-knowledge)
- + Wide platform compatibility
- + Highly scalable for business and enterprise needs
- + Secure file storage and optional encrypted chat
Cons
- - Free tier is extremely limited
- - Some features like dark web monitoring are paid add-ons
- - Interface can feel slightly less intuitive than some rivals
Verdict
"A top choice for security-conscious users and businesses needing robust protection and compliance features. Its modular pricing means costs can add up, but the core security is excellent."
#2
Dashlane
By Dashlane
Feature-rich password manager known for its user-friendly interface, strong security, and integrated VPN.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (Web), iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
Best For: Personal, Family, Business
Key Features
- ✓Password Changer: Automatically updates passwords on supported websites with one click. (Convenience)
- ✓VPN: Includes a Virtual Private Network for secure browsing on paid plans. (Added Security)
- ✓Dark Web Monitoring: Scans the dark web for compromised credentials associated with stored email addresses. (Proactive Security)
- ✓Secure Notes & File Storage: Stores sensitive information and files securely. (Versatility)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Password storage
- Autofill
- Password generator
- Security alerts
Limitations: Up to 50 passwords, Single device only
Premium
$59.88 / annual
- Unlimited passwords
- Unlimited devices
- Dark Web Monitoring
- Secure Notes
- 1 GB encrypted file storage
- VPN
- Password Changer
Friends & Family
$89.88 / annual
- Up to 6 Premium accounts
- Family management dashboard
- All Premium features
Pros
- + Very user-friendly interface
- + Unique features like automated password changer and VPN
- + Strong security measures
- + Effective dark web monitoring
Cons
- - Premium plans are relatively expensive
- - Free tier is quite limited
- - Web-focused experience on Linux
Verdict
"An excellent, user-friendly option packed with features like a VPN and password changer, best suited for users who want convenience and added security tools, though it comes at a higher price."
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#1
1Password
By AgileBits
Premium password manager focused on robust security, excellent user experience, and features for individuals, families, and businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Brave, CLI
Best For: Personal, Family, Teams, Business, Developers
Key Features
- ✓Secret Key: Unique account key combined with the master password for strong encryption. (High Security)
- ✓Watchtower: Alerts users about compromised passwords, weak passwords, and sites supporting 2FA. (Security Audit)
- ✓Travel Mode: Removes selected vaults from devices when traveling, restoring them later. (Enhanced Privacy)
- ✓Secure Sharing: Allows secure sharing of passwords and notes with other users. (Collaboration)
Scorecard (Overall: 9.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Individual
$35.88 / annual
- Unlimited passwords
- 1 GB secure storage
- Cross-platform sync
- Watchtower
- Travel Mode
- 2FA support
Families
$59.88 / annual
- Supports 5 family members
- Shared vaults
- Permissions management
- Account recovery
- All individual features
Limitations: Price covers 5 users, additional users extra
Teams Starter Pack
$239.40 / annual
- For up to 10 users
- Admin controls
- Activity log
- Business-focused features
Pros
- + Top-tier security architecture
- + Polished user interface across all platforms
- + Excellent feature set including Travel Mode and Watchtower
- + Broad platform support
- + Good options for families and businesses
Cons
- - No free tier available
- - Can be slightly more expensive than some competitors
Verdict
"A top-tier choice for users prioritizing security, usability, and a rich feature set, particularly strong for families and businesses, despite the lack of a free version."
Final Thoughts
The password manager market offers diverse options catering to various needs, from feature-rich premium services like 1Password and Dashlane to highly secure options like Keeper, and excellent value open-source solutions like Bitwarden. Key considerations include security architecture, ease of use, platform support, specific features (like VPNs or advanced sharing), and budget. While cloud convenience is common, offline managers like KeePassXC provide maximum control for technical users.