The best password managers you should use to keep your data safe

If you live a lot of your life online, it’s a good idea to ensure your passwords are secure. While weak passwords may be easy for you to remember, they’re also easy for hackers to guess.

A good password manager is a great way to use unique passwords for each account, so you can protect your sensitive data. Whether you require a free app, something more robust that requires a subscription, or even if you wish to spin up your own NAS for storing your passwords on a personal server, we’ve broken today’s roundup by free and paid to ensure everyone’s needs are covered.

The top free password manager apps

Keeping your online accounts secure should never be a question of money, which is why we start with solutions that offer the basics for free. The options listed here offer device syncing across Android and iOS, even when you need to store an unlimited amount of passwords. Many also offer paid tiers that bring extra features, but the most important basics are free. So if you’re looking for the best free password managers around, the top of today’s roundup is for you.

Bitwarden

Bitwarden is an open source password vault that’s gaining popularity due to its free account mission to make security accessible for everyone. You can store as many strong passwords as you want and use the manager on as many devices as you have for free.

The app supports biometric unlock, uses Android’s autofill API, and can be secured via two-factor authentication (AKA 2FA). You can also host the manager on your server, an option not available on many competing products.

That said, Bitwarden is also available on all major operating systems including Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. In 2020, a third-party security firm headed an audit for Bitwarden but couldn’t find any exploitable vulnerabilities. If you’re willing to pay $10 a year for the premium plan, you also get access to 1GB of encrypted file storage, OTP code management support, emergency access, and priority support. There’s also a $40 per year family plan for up to six people if you share passwords often.

If you’re willing to pay $10 a year for the premium plan, you also get access to 1GB of encrypted file storage, OTP code management support, emergency access, and priority customer support. There’s also a $40 per year family plan that allows you to share passwords with up to six family memebers or colleagues.

Password Depot for Android

There are a few free password managers available on Android, which is great to see, and one of the better apps is Password Depot for Android. All its features are free to use, including cloud storage and FTP access. Still, the app is bare-bones compared to the competition. However, if all you require is a local password manager on your Android device, Password Depot fulfills that role nicely.

If you’re interested in using the app on a desktop, this is where a fee comes into play. A single-user license goes for around $100 a year. So if you choose to use the mobile app for free, you won’t have access to the desktop app, but you can emulate the Android app on Windows if you’re in a pinch and require free access on your desktop.

PasswdSafe

PasswdSafe is an open source password locker that started on Windows but has made its way to Android. The app is still free despite its move to mobile, though it’s not as easy to use as some of the paid options in today’s list. Much like KeePass, you keep your encrypted file in a file locker, like Drive, which is how you sync your database. This way, whether you’re on Android or Windows, as long as that database file remains synced through Drive (or any other file locker of choice), your changes to this file carry over to your other devices.

Fingerprints are supported, so you won’t have to type your master password each time. Since the app is free, anyone can take it for a spin, even if you’re only eyeballing the Windows version.

Password Store

Android Password Store might not be a name everyone recognizes, but it’s an open source password manager from Harsh Shandilya. It’s free to use and offers the majority of features you’d expect, like password generation and the ability to sync to a remote repository of your choosing. You can also sync your passwords locally, such as on an SD card. Either way, you’re covered.

There’s one caveat: Password Store is not the most intuitive app to use. In order to use the secure password manager, you’ll need to install a second app for the ability to encrypt and decrypt passwords. This app is called OpenKeychain: Easy PGP. Beyond the secondary app necessary for encryption and decryption, setup for Android Password Store is simple.

Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft Authenticator started as a 2FA app with a clunky interface. It has since become a full-fledged password manager that syncs with Microsoft Edge or a Chrome browser extension when you log in with your Microsoft account. Since Microsoft is concerned with enterprise customers, you can rest assured that the company is taking every possible measure to secure the product.

On top of that, its Android and Apple apps offer all the usual bells and whistles: Biometric unlock, Android autofill API, and 2FA code support, ensuring the app is user-friendly. It also allows for password-free logins to your Microsoft account.

The service is free of charge. You don’t need a Microsoft 365 subscription. You can download it from the Play Store.

Zoho Vault

Zoho is mainly known as a web-based online office suite in the enterprise world, but the company also offers a password manager. It’s built primarily for businesses seeking to share and manage passwords across employees. However, there’s a free tier for individuals that’s as fully featured as it gets.

You can store an unlimited amount of passwords and notes, access your vault from multiple devices, save 2FA secrets, and attach files and documents. As an enterprise-focused business, Zoho takes loads of measures to ensure its product is safe and its paying customers happy, which also benefits those on the free plan.

The paid plans are only necessary for enterprises and families. You pay $1 a month per person for secure password sharing, admin controls, and more.

Google

If you don’t feel like signing up for another service, consider the pre-installed solution: Google’s password autofill service. Compared to other options, Google’s solution is lacking. Managing existing passwords is a nightmare, but it’s already on your phone and integrated into Chrome. It’s also available on iOS for those using an iPhone or iPad.

To get started on Android, head to your system settings, search for “autofill service,” and select Google. Then tap the gear icon next to it to see your passwords, addresses, and payment methods. You can also manage your saved credentials under passwords.google.com or in your Google account settings.

KeePass

KeePass is another open source tool, but unlike Bitwarden, it’s local and free from trackers (though you can back up your database to the cloud storage of your choice). Setting up the manager across multiple devices is a little cumbersome. However, there are multiple Android (and Apple) apps to choose from (KeePassDX seems to be one of the better solutions, though you can pick any you like from the KeePass website). Once you find your way around the manager, it should be one of the most secure services you can choose.

If you need a cross-platform solution for desktop computers, you can also look into KeePassXC, a spin-off from the original service that’s compatible with KeePass apps for Android.

Best paid password manager apps

While paying money for a good password manager is unnecessary, you can find a few products that improve on the free offerings. Advantages include encrypted document storage, one-on-one email support, advanced family-sharing options, and breach alerts. Here are a few great solutions:

Liso Vault

Liso Vault is the new kid on the block, a recent release in the password protection game. Still, the app offers plenty of worthwhile features, such as a built-in 2FA authenticator, keeping your security needs in one place. Plus, you get all the regular features you’d expect, like password generation and cross-device sync. Many of these features are available for free, so you can use this app without spending a dime. If you prefer a premium experience and access to all features, you’ll plunk down $0.80 a month for a subscription, which is about as cheap as it gets.

NordPass

Those looking for a wide range of support across Android and iOS devices, whether you require unlimited device support or happen to live in your web browser, Nordpass has you covered. One account can use the password manager for free, with a limited set of features. There’s a family plan for those that require password generation and storage for the entire clan.

What’s nice is that if you spring for the premium plan (currently retailing for $1.19 a month), Nordpass can autofill all of your password fields across the internet, whether on Wi-Fi or mobile data. If you spring for the family plan (starting at $4.99 a month), you can manage the passwords of your entire family in a single place, which is easier than manually managing each individually, as you would when using a few of the competing services. You can also use the app to jot down and share notes, which is available for those using the free version.

SafeInCloud

Subscriptions aren’t for everyone. Some of us like to pay once for an app without any strings attached. That’s what SafeInCloud offers. No subscription is needed. You can purchase individual lifetime access for $3.99 or snag a family plan for $7.99.

These purchases are platform-independent between Android and iOS (for those using an iPhone or iPad with iCloud), and the desktop apps are free on both macOS and Windows. That means you can use the app on both your Android devices and desktop devices without spending further.

It’s the feature set that makes or breaks a password manager, and SafeInCloud offers tons of features. Biometric authentication is supported, along with autofill support across Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Yandex browsers.

The desktop app is free, cloud syncing with all the major file lockers works out of the box, and you can sync to your own NAS. There’s a password generator built-in, and everything uses 256-bit encryption. There’s even a Wear OS app. So as far as pay-once-and-play apps are concerned, SafeInCloud is a top choice.

mSecure

If you require a bit of style from your apps, mSecure is a solid choice that offers a slick design that’s readable and themeable. The user interface is slick. Like most password managers, you can store your sensitive info within this app/service, which syncs across devices, guaranteeing your passwords are available when you need them. Fingerprints are supported, and since the app uses AES 256-bit encryption, you know your data is safe.

This is a premium version of the app. You can try it for free for 30 days, feature-complete, and if you like what you see. Then, you can either subscribe monthly for the essential pack for $1.99 or jump up to the premium subscription for $2.99, which nets you a few extra features, like the ability to share content.

Dashlane

Dashlane offers a free option for a single device, although it only stores up to 50 new passwords. To get unlimited password storage, you’ll pay $40 a year for Dashlane’s Premium plan. The higher fee comes with more features than the other managers on this list, including a VPN and what the company calls “Dark Web Monitoring,” which lets you know if your information turns up anywhere unsavory online.

Enpass

Enpass operates a little differently than the other paid password managers on this list. You can store up to 10 credentials on your phone for free. If you want more than that, you need to subscribe. By default, passwords are stored locally on your device, but Enpass gives you the option to sync them to the cloud storage service of your choice. Otherwise, Enpass works the same as the rest. It generates secure passwords for you, stores them, and automatically fills in forms on desktop and mobile.

Enpass switched to a subscription-based monetization method in 2019, grandfathering in users who paid the previous one-time fee. It now costs $24 a year for individuals and $48 for a family or group of up to six. You can also choose a lifetime license for $80. Enpass is part of Google Play Pass, which includes games and apps at $5 a month, or $30 a year, which might sweeten the deal for you.

RoboForm

It may not be the most well-known password manager, but RoboForm has been around for a while. It stacks up to the competition with the robust security features the company has built over the years. You can use its apps cross-platform across mobile and PC, and there are also browser extensions for PC if apps aren’t your thing.

RoboForm is free with a limited feature set like unlimited logins and web fill. If you want to sync your passwords across devices or turn on two-factor authentication, purchase a subscription. Still, the ability to use the software for free is a nice touch, and even if you’re thinking of going paid, you get a 30-day trial once you do.

While RoboForm doesn’t offer the same ease of use as some competitors when figuring out how much it will cost. There is a 30-day free trial for its feature-packed Everywhere plan, which comes out to $23.88 every year. Family plans are also available for $47.75 if you plan to share the account. There are also business plans if you want your company to use a single password manager.

Keeper

Keeper offers benefits similar to 1Password and Dashlane. It’s compatible with the Autofill API, generates an unlimited number of passwords, stores them (plus other info), offers emergency access, has version history, there’s file storage, and BreachWatch (which keeps an eye out for data breaches). Pricing is a little lower, at $35 a year for individuals. There’s a $75 family plan, but it’s pretty much identical. Keeper also offers a more expensive plan with a secure messenger and cloud storage bundled in, but why not just use Signal Private Messenger?

You can use Keeper for free on a single device. If you want your passwords to sync everywhere you use them, you’ll have to pay the membership fee.

aWallet Password Manager

If you prefer password managers that look the part, offering a simple UI and the basic features you need, like a safe place to store all of your credit card info, aWallet is a no-frills app that works wonderfully. What’s nice is that you can easily use the app for free without spending a dime, though if you’d like to add things like fingerprint support, a password generator, and access to all future pro features, you can pay $6 through an IAP to unlock the one-time upgrade to Pro.

Even though aWallet might not offer the most impressive design or the most features, the price reflects what’s on offer, and what you get is good enough to keep pace with the apps that require constant subscriptions.

LogMeOnce

Another affordable subscription password manager is LogMeOnce. You can unlock the full set of features for $4 a month and use the app for free with a limited feature set. This way, you can tool around for a bit to get the lay of the land before going out of pocket. If you like what you see, you can snag a personal account for $4 and a family accounts for up to 6 users for $4.99.

You can easily sync your passwords across devices, whether you’re a free or subscription member. Plus, you can keep secure notes when you have to jot down something important. You can also store your credit card info with this app. Password generation and storage is the main feature, but the extras you get are worth the price.

Protecting your passwords

Now that you’ve had a chance to look over this selection of free and paid password managers, we hope you found something that suits your needs. Whether that’s Google’s built-in password manager or a subscription app like mSecure, there are plenty to choose from. And if you’d first like to do some reading on why it’s good internet hygiene to secure your passwords, we have the top 5 reasons.