While using an array of online productivity tools and software has made our lives easier, there’s one complication that often troubles us – forgetting password(s) to use them. Since almost every tool requires an account to use, it can be hard to create different login conditionals for every account and remember them.
Yes, even the sharpest of us tend to forget them. And thus, begins the vicious cycle of resetting the password every now and then. Fortunately, there’s another, and a much more effective, solution to this problem – using a password manager.
A password manager, as the name implies, is a tool that works by securely storing and managing passwords for various accounts and tools. It basically allows users to create unique and strong passwords for every account, which they can then access using a master password.
This means you only have to remember one password to get access to all your login credentials. Isn’t it amazing?
Benefits of Password Managers
Having all your passwords in one place isn’t the only benefit of password managers. Let’s take a look at some of their amazing benefits:
Convenience
Password managers make it quite convenient to create, store, and retrieve passwords. This eliminates the need to write them down in unsafe places or remember multiple complex passwords.
Enhanced Security
Password managers also reduce the risk of a security breach due to weak or reused passwords since they prompt users to set strong passwords for every account they have.
Time-saving
With password managers, the process of logging into websites becomes automated. This means you won’t have to fill out forms every time you have to use a particular account.
Multi-device Support
Most password managers can synchronize passwords across different devices. This makes it easy to access accounts on the go.
Easy to Use
Many password managers offer intuitive user interfaces that are easy to use. You don’t have to be a tech-savvy person to be able to use them.
8 Best Password Managers of 2023
Below are my top picks of the best password managers to try this year.
1. Bitwarden
A beginner-friendly password manager, Bitwarden can give some premium tools a run for their money due to its inspiring list of features.
- Starting from: $0.84 per month (free version available)
- Pricing Model: Subscription-based
- Free Trial: Yes
With its impressive range of features and a generous free plan that includes unlimited devices and sharing, Bitwarden is one of the most popular password managers in 2023.
It’s open-source software that fully lives up to its promise – managing and securing passwords. It is highly secure as the data is end-to-end encrypted and has a strong AES-256 cipher encryption key.
The fact that makes work for me is it’s available across different platforms. Bitwarden has applications available for Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux. Not only this but it also has extensions for various browsers, including Chrome, Opera, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
However, many have reported facing glitches with the Edge extension, so be mindful of that.
The best part, perhaps, is the free version does not come with limitations on the number of passwords, as is the case with other password managers.
The premium version, priced reasonably at $10 per year, is worth it due to the presence of enriching features, such as emergency access options, support for multi-factor authentication methods, and creating the password health report.
Key Features
- Two-factor authentication
- Enables secure password sharing
- Password strength report
- Fills web forms
- Password generator
- Multiple form-filling identities
- Encrypted system for enhanced security
Pros
- Unlimited sync and password sharing
- Enhanced security
- Available across multiple operating systems and browsers
- Abundant features
Cons
- Customer support options can be improved
- Glitches recorded with Edge extension
- Basic desktop application compared to the web version
2. LastPass
Featuring a simple yet appealing design, LastPass makes it easy to manage your passwords and keep them secure.
- Starting from: $3 per month (free version available)
- Pricing Model: Subscription-based
- Free Trial: Yes
Despite a recent security-related incident, LastPass is still considered a bankable tool.
It is easy to use, works across major platforms, and comes enriched with advanced features. However, the free (basic) version, which was once the preferred choice of many, now comes with only limited functionality. You can no longer sync data across different devices, which is a bummer.
While there are applications available for Windows and Mac, I’d recommend using browser extensions since they are quick and easy to use.
If you are opting for this tool, getting the premium version will be a better option because of 1GB online file storage, premium tech support, enhanced security in the form of physical two-factor authentication keys, and not to forget, unlimited syncing across various devices.
Key Features
- Two-factor authentication
- Password generator
- Supports biometric logins
- Form filling
- Supports password-less login
- Dark web monitoring
- Stores digital records
Pros
- Fully featured browser extensions, eliminating the need to download the application
- Simple design that makes the software easy to use
- Multi-factor authentication enhances the security
Cons
- The recently introduced free version lacks functionality
- Recent security issues
- Desktop applications need major overhauling
3. 1Password
A secure and advanced password manager tool suitable for families and organizations.
- Starting from: $2.99 per month
- Pricing Model: Subscription-based
- Free Trial: Yes
With a deep level of protection – thanks to an advanced set of features, 1Password has proven to be a reliable choice for families. Its simple interface allows account addition.
The notable features that set it apart include Travel Mode and 1Password Watchtower. The former works by deleting sensitive data (temporarily) if it detects danger. The latter, on the other hand, scans the web for security breaches.
Talking about the flip side, there’s no free version. This means it caters mostly to organizations and families. Besides that, the “masked” email addresses feature, presented in collaboration with Fastmail, requires an additional subscription, making it costlier compared to other password managers.
Key Features
- Two-factor authentication
- Travel Mode
- 1Password Watchtower
- Security breach alerts
- Username and password generator
Pros
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Nominal rates
- Extensions available for a range of browsers
- Mobile applications available
- Supports multi-factor authentication
Cons
- No free version available
- Limited import options compared to other password managers
- Unreliable form-filling feature
- Mobile applications can be better
4. Dashlane
A well-designed and easy-to-use password manager that comes with dark-web monitoring and unlimited VPN service.
- Starting from: $2 per month
- Pricing Model: Subscription-based
- Free Trial: Yes
If you are looking for a password manager with an extra layer of security, Dashlane fits the bill.
It can create a secure virtual private network ensuring enhanced security. There’s also the dark web scanning feature that scans the web for data leaks. Also, the bulk password changer option adds to its utility. You can change as many passwords as you want quite conveniently.
Dashlane also scores brownie points as it scans all your accounts and points out weak and compromised passwords. It can also notify you about the online accounts you have forgotten about as it scans through your email inbox for this purpose.
In terms of price, it’s best suited for those with deep pockets. There’s no free version as well. However, the advanced features it comes justifies the price tag.
Key Features
- Unlimited passwords
- Maintains audit logs
- Offers dark web insights
- Creates VPN for WiFi protection
- On-demand phone support
- 2-factor authentication
- Customized security alerts
- U.S.-patented security architecture
Pros
- Advanced reporting facility
- Offers enhanced security with a VPN network
- Bulk password changer
- Dark web monitoring
- Can be synced easily across devices
Cons
- On-demand phone support available for the business version only
- No trial period for the starter version
- No free version available
- Expensive as compared to other tools
5. Keeper
A strong password manager laced with abundant features and functionalities.
- Starting from: $2 per month (discounts available for students, military, and medical personnel)
- Pricing Model: Subscription-based
- Free Trial: Yes
Surpassing many password managers by a huge margin, Keeper is a ‘keeper’ in the real sense. The highlight is the offline mode, which as the name suggests, works without the internet. It is backed by a strong security and verification system.
The One-time-share feature makes it easier and more secure to share a password with others. It automatically expires the access at the scheduled time for security purposes.
Apart from its intuitive features, I was impressed with its reasonable rates. While there’s no free version, the nominal fee of $2 is easy on the pocket. Furthermore, there are discounts available for students and those belonging to the military and medical fields.
Key Features
- Single sign-on security
- Easy password sharing
- Supports password-less authentication
- Secrets management for DevOps
- Privileged session management
- Remote infrastructure access
- SSH key management
Pros
- Can work without the internet
- Biometric login feature makes it easier to access
- Simple, to-the-point applications and extensions
- Robust security & verification
Cons
- No free version available
- Buying add-on protection modules can be expensive
- Limited export options
6. RoboForm
One of the oldest password managers, RoboForm caters to small, mid, and large-scale businesses with its intuitive set of features.
- Starting from: $17.90 per user/year
- Pricing Model: Subscription-based
- Free Trial: Yes
While it is primarily suitable for corporate organizations, RoboForm works equally well for individual users as well. There’s no free version available, however, you can benefit from the free trial to understand its functionality and features.
Even if you’re a beginner with not much idea about password managers, you can use this tool quite easily. It’s pretty straightforward and works like a breeze, even for novices.
It has a robust security system with advanced features, such as 2FA authentication and military-grade AES-256 encryption. So, even if someone manages to get access to your master password, they won’t be able to enter the vault.
Key Features
- Supports one-click logins
- Capture passwords as users browse the web
- Sync options
- Offers offline access
- Import/export options
- Password generator
- Multi-factor encryption
- Offers emergency access
- Dark Web monitoring
Pros
- Strong encryption options for enhanced security
- Easy to set up and use
- Beginner-friendly
- Extensions available for all major browsers
- Inexpensive
Cons
- No free version available
- Won’t suit if you are looking for a cloud storage tool
- Limited importing options
7. LogMeOnce
The best choice for cross-platform support, LogMeOnce boasts more than 50 amazing features.
- Starting from: $2.50 per user/month (Free version also available)
- Pricing Model: Subscription-based
- Free Trial: Yes
LogMeOnce is a full-service security tool that works seamlessly on different devices and browsers. It allows easy login on any device with different options, such as PIN, fingerprint, or photo login.
The company has launched various successful network management and CRM systems since 1986, and LogMeOnce has proven to be another vital tool in its impressive list of products.
While there are many features that have helped this tool to find its way into my list, I’d specifically like to talk about cross-platform support. Through this feature, it enables users to login credentials on any mobile or desktop device.
There’s a free version (thankfully) but it is ad-supported. However, the silver lining is that you get unlimited passwords and devices along with 1MB of encrypted file storage with this version.
Key Features
- Enables password-less login
- Supports secured password sharing
- Password generator
- Password calculator
- Cross-platform access enabled
- Two-factor authentication
- Creates advanced activity report
- Remote log out
Pros
-
- Cross-platform support
- Offers customization
- Multiple log-in options
- Encrypted storage for strong security
- More than 50 features
Cons
- Not very beginner-friendly
- The full-feature version is costly
8. NordPass
With a strong set of features, NordPass offers an added layer of security to your online accounts.
- Starting from: $0.99 per month (free version available)
- Pricing Model: Subscription-based
- Free Trial: Yes
NordPass is a fully secure, reasonably priced password manager that caught my attention due to its next-gen XChaCha20 encryption with Argon 2. In layman’s terms, it is a safer, faster encryption model that’s easier to integrate and less likely to be misconfigured.
It works on zero-knowledge architecture, which further enhances data security. This model works by encrypting the data on the users’ device before it’s sent to the provider’s server. This means the likelihood of data hacks is minimal.
The Data Breach Scanner feature also deserves a mention. It scans the web for your credit car details and leaked passwords. And if found, it alerts you immediately.
Key Features
- Offline mode available
- Password sharer
- Password import options
- OCR
- Data folders
- Multi-factor authentication
- Data breach scanner
- Password health report
Pros
- Added layers of security
- Biometric login options available
- Free version available
- Unique features available
- Suggests strong passwords
Cons
- Free version comes with limited functions
- Premium version can be quite costly
Wrapping Up
Summing it up, in light of recent security breaches, it has become more important than ever to rely on a robust password manager. It not only makes your accounts safe but offers convenience as well.
Have anything to add to our list of the best password managers in 2023? Feel free to share your views via the comment section below!