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Have you considered a password manager yet? We're all urged to protect ourselves and our personal data by using -- and remembering! -- a complex and unique password for each of our many, many online accounts. It's a lot. But these security solutions can vastly reduce the frustrating chore of staying secure.
Password managers, such as 1Password, Bitwarden, and NordPass, can store complex credentials for you, working across various devices and platforms so your passwords are always at hand. Your usernames and passwords are held in an encrypted, secure vault, which then can be autofilled when you need access to an account -- and they can also generate random and complex passwords for you.
Also: The best password managers for businesses: Expert tested
While passwordless options and biometrics are becoming more readily available, traditional password managers still have an important role to play in our digital security. They mitigate the risk of your account being compromised through the use of weak passwords, while also providing other benefits -- such as making you aware of new data breaches, giving you VPN access, or allowing you to securely share data with those you trust.
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What is the best password manager right now?
We've tested the most popular password managers on the market, and our pick for best password manager overall is 1Password, due to its user-friendly interface that simplifies credential storage.
You only need to remember one password to use the service, and it comes with useful features, including autofill and a secure vault, that suit most users who want a comprehensive yet easy-to-use password manager. At only $3 per month, this service is rated among the best solutions on the market by our editors and readers. A family plan is available, too, at $4.50/month.
Another of our favorites is Bitwarden, a great alternative if you want to get started with a free service first. If you like this option and want to sign up for the full software suite, you'll pay only $1.65 per month.
ZDNET has researched and tested the best available password managers, considering security, storage, compatibility, and price. We've also examined customer reviews, consulted experts, and conducted hands-on testing.
Read on to find out how the best password managers stack up and best serve your security needs. In ZDNET's latest update, we examined all of our top picks and selected Dashlane as one of the best options for families. We also answered more of your most frequently asked questions about password managers in 2026.
Best password managers of 2026
1Password is our favorite password manager overall, with its user-friendly interface and extensive range of features.
Why we like it: It's the perfect choice for beginners, as you only need to remember one password to access stored credentials for online accounts and credit card information.
This app helps you create unique passwords that are less susceptible to hackers and stores them for you. 1Password's autofill feature can automatically fill in your username, password, or credit card number. You can also share sensitive information with trusted family or friends.
The 1Password app is available across your favorite devices, making it accessible and secure. 1Password is compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Browser add-ons are also available for Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Firefox.
Review: 1Password
Other notable features include a secure digital vault for stashing sensitive documents and notes, as well as the ability to alert you to weak, compromised, or repeated passwords. Passwordless authentication, including passkey storage, is also available.
1Password's Watchtower offers an extra layer of protection, letting users monitor risks related to known data breaches, weak or reused passwords, and the websites they use.
1Password is also ZDNET's pick for the best password manager for the Mac.
Who it's for: If you're looking for a reliable, easy-to-use password manager with great features and account protection tools, 1Password is a top choice. Users say 1Password's approach to data security is top-notch, and the company has great customer support.
1Password costs $2.99 per month, billed annually, or $4.49 per month for a family pack with up to 5 members. Business options are also available.
Who should look elsewhere: There's no free plan, but the app offers a 14-day free trial that doesn't require you to submit your credit card information if you want to consider a paid solution. Alternatively, if you want something free, check out the rest of our recommendations.
1Password features: Securely store credentials | Password generator | Multi-platform compatibility | Tag and folder organizer | Two-factor authentication | Watchtower feature to identify weak, reused, or compromised passwords | Secure digital vault | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Passkey storage
Bitwarden is the best free or affordable password manager because it's open source, has a user-friendly interface, fast uploads, advanced security features, and smartphone compatibility.
Why we like it: It's reliable and free, but if you choose to pay, it's very affordable and won't significantly impact your annual budget.
You can use Bitwarden on unlimited devices, ensuring you always have access to your most sensitive information. It allows you to store unlimited passwords with no restrictions on their type.
The app also helps you create secure passwords across all plans, and you can safely share them with strong encryption.
Bitwarden is ZDNET's pick for the best LastPass alternative.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants a free (or affordable) and secure password manager. Users enjoy the transparent pricing model and say, "It just works." The extensions are excellent, but many customers would like to see changes to the maintenance routines, and some have reported issues with the mobile app.
The free plan includes all core functions, such as unlimited device support and passkey management. Alternatively, premium accounts are available for $1.65 per month, or $19.80 billed annually.
The family pack supports up to six users for $3.99 per month, or $47.88 per year. Business pricing begins at $4 per user per month.
Who should look elsewhere: Bitwarden will suit most use cases for both personal and business use, though the user interface may not appeal to everyone.
Bitwarden features: Open-source password manager | Free version with unlimited passwords | Two-factor authentication | Multi-platform support | Autofill and auto-login functionality | Emergency access for trusted individuals | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 | Passwordless features available
Keeper Password Manager and Digital Vault is the best password manager for small teams and businesses, with a range of features to make security less complicated to navigate.
Why we like it: Keeper takes security seriously, using robust AES 256-bit encryption and PBKDF2 to protect your sensitive data from ransomware and data breaches.
You can store unlimited passwords in your personal vault, with easy access via biometrics, a record organizer, and automatic syncing. Keeper also allows you to import existing credentials or easily share your vault records with trusted contacts while keeping them safe from hackers. The service can also generate passphrases for you.
Review: Keeper
When it comes to two-factor authentication (2FA), Keeper supports time-based one-time password (TOTP), short message service (SMS), and WebAuthn security keys. We also like the option to use a fingerprint or facial ID to access your vault.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants to put security first and user support second. Given Keeper's recent push into business, we think it's also a solid option for small businesses and teams.
The software is Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 validated. It supports self-destructing one-time shares, enabling time-limited secure sharing of records -- a feature likely to be of interest to businesses.
Business users can take advantage of Keeper working out of the box with platforms like Okta, Azure AD, Ping Identity, and Google Workspace.
Personal accounts start at $3.58 per month, a family plan is available for $7.67 per month with five seats, or Keeper Business costs $2 per month for a minimum of five to 10 seats. A 30% off coupon is available on some plans.
Who should look elsewhere: Anyone who wants ongoing customer support, as some users report issues.
Customers report that the UI is intuitive, but there can be a lack of customer support despite 24/7 access.
Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault features: Unlimited password storage | Advanced security features including 2FA and biometrics | Supports multiple devices and platforms, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and web browsers | Password generator | Emergency contacts record sharing | Encrypted vault for storing sensitive documents | Trustpilot rating: 3.2 | Passwordless features available
NordPass, from the team behind NordVPN, is one of the best password managers for businesses.
Why we like it: It offers secure sharing, health reports, multi-factor authentication, and advanced encryption for added peace of mind when storing passwords and sensitive data.
Team plans with up to five seats, or licenses, begin at $3.59 per month per user. Features include company-wide settings, Google Workspace single sign-on (SSO), a security dashboard, Microsoft Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS), and support for Okta user and group provisioning.
NordPass also includes a data breach scanner. This tool ensures your information is safe and alerts customers if a stored password has been compromised in a third-party security incident. You can store contact information for colleagues and businesses in one place, allowing for quick and easy password sharing with the right people. You can also assign digital entry points to teams for credential sharing and payment information.
In a product update, NordPass said that recent improvements have included improved autofill capabilities, an offline mode for business users, and smarter search functions.
Who it's for: If you're looking for a password manager that offers advanced security features and is designed with business in mind, NordPass is an excellent choice.
It makes sense to try this one out, too, if you're already a NordVPN customer. During testing, we found this service also works well for consumers, offering seamless account sign-ons and easy credential storage. However, the one-device limit on the free plan is frustrating.
Review: NordPass
NordPass offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. A free trial is available for home and business plans with no credit card required. You can sign up for a free account or a personal plan starting at $1.39 per month.
Who should look elsewhere: There's a very limited free option, and it's not as well-known as 1Password or Bitdefender, so these factors may sway your decision.
NordPass features: Password generation and autofill | Two-factor authentication | Personal information and payment data storage | Password sharing and emergency access | Password breach scanner | Cross-device syncing | Biometrics | Trustpilot rating: 3.9 | Passwordless authentication
Dashlane is the best password manager for families based on its extensive feature suite, which includes generous storage, instant logins, and phishing protection.
Why we like it: Dashlane stores an unlimited number of passwords and syncs your data across devices, ensuring you never go without access to your most important sites and apps.
The web-first platform also securely stores your payment and personal information for easy input when you're on the web or logging into an online service.
Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested
Features include two-factor authentication compatibility, secure password sharing, emergency contacts, a VPN for safe browsing, form autofill, a digital payment wallet, a password generator, and an alert system to notify you of compromised passwords.
Who it's for: If you're looking for a password manager with advanced security features, such as secure shared access and scam protection for the whole family, Dashlane is an excellent choice.
Unfortunately, Dashlane no longer has a free plan -- but you can try it out for 14 days.
Right now, you can try a standard personal account for $5.42 per month billed annually, or a family plan for $8.13 per month with up to 10 members, which isn't much when you consider the per-member cost. However, the VPN isn't included on family plans.
Who should look elsewhere: It appears that Dashlane is targeting the business rather than the consumer market these days, which may impact your choice.
Dashlane features: Secure password storage and management | Digital wallet for online payments and receipts | Form autofill | Dark web monitoring | VPN for safe and private browsing | Password changer to quickly update weak passwords | Emergency contact access | ISO 27001 certified | Trustpilot rating: 2.9 | Passwordless authentication
What is the best password manager?
The best password manager of 2026 is 1Password, which offers an affordable, reliable, accessible, and easy way to store your passwords and personal data. If you want to explore all of our top picks, check out an overview of the best password managers below:
Password manager | Price | Key features | Going passwordless? |
1Password | $2.99+ per month | A user-friendly interface, an autofill feature, and account protection tools | Yes |
Bitwarden | Free or $1.65+ per month | A user-friendly interface, fast uploads, smartphone compatibility, and other advanced security features | Some features available |
Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault | $3.58+ per month | Multi-platform syncing, multi-factor authentication, available templates, and top encryption technology | Some features available |
NordPass | Free or $1.39+ per user per month | Secure sharing, health reports, multi-factor authentication, and advanced encryption | Yes |
Dashlane | $5.42+ per month | Generous storage, VPN protection, dark web monitoring, and Chrome integration, passwordless options | Yes |
Note: Prices and features may vary based on the plan selected.
Which is the best password manager for you?
Choose this password manager... | If you want... |
1Password | A one-stop-shop password manager. 1Password lets you easily share passwords with family members and manage multiple accounts. It's one of the best options out there, and it has a very attractive price point. |
Bitwarden | A free or another affordable password manager. Bitwarden is open-source and available for use on all platforms, with free plans that include the software's core features. It helps you strengthen your online security, whether you need a personal password manager or a solution for your small business. |
Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault | A security-focused solution for small teams. Keeper's features like secure file storage make it an ideal choice if you want to keep your data as safe as possible. Biometric access is a great additional feature, and both password storage and secure sharing are unlimited. |
NordPass | A password manager suitable for work, alongside personal use. Its features, such as secure sharing, autofill, and multi-platform apps, make it a great choice for teams and small businesses. Its personal plans are also worth exploring, but I would opt for the paid version over the free, limited choice. |
Dashlane | Multi-faceted features and a password manager suitable for family use. Dashlane includes features like scam monitoring and phishing protection, with a focus on security and passwordless technologies. |
Factors to consider when choosing a password manager
There is a wide range of password managers on the market today. To help you make the right decision, consider these factors:
- Security: Security is the top priority when it comes to password managers. The most secure password managers offer advanced encryption and use safe protocols to protect personal information when transferring from the service to your device and vice versa. You need to be confident that the password manager you are considering is going to keep your credentials safe.
- Frequent patches: You should always choose a password manager that frequently releases patches and security fixes. No software is 100% invulnerable against cyberattacks, and it's vital that vendors conduct audits and are quick to resolve emerging security issues. They should also be transparent about any security incidents they have experienced.
- Storage: Another important consideration is storage capacity. While some password managers limit the number of passwords you can store, others offer unlimited storage so that you can add all your information without restrictions. This is most important if you plan to use your password manager as a secure vault for files and documents.
- Compatibility: It's essential to check if your preferred device and operating system are compatible with the password manager. The best options offer cross-platform compatibility, allowing you to access your data from multiple devices, including your computer, tablet, and mobile device.
- Features: You may like a data breach scanner, secure vault, autofill, or passwordless options. If the additional features of password managers interest you, see if the solution you are considering has them. A VPN is also often bundled with password managers, but in general, they tend to be very limited in comparison to standalone VPNs.
- Open source: Open-source options should be considered when possible, as the code is open to outside auditing for security vulnerabilities and flaws.
How did we choose the best password managers?
In compiling this list of the best password managers, we examined third-party reviews and opinions from security experts. We also have hands-on experience with these password management tools because that's the only way to see how the software runs and whether it is worth your time and money.
When selecting the best password managers, there are a number of crucial factors that must be considered:
- Company reputation: As you trust these organizations to manage your credentials securely, we only include reputable vendors with proven track records of trustworthy service. We also monitor them for any significant changes in this regard.
- Use cases: We wanted to include a range of password managers suitable for consumer and business purposes, including individual use, family plans, and scalable solutions. We also like to see features such as password sharing and credential generators.
- Updates: Password management services must provide frequent security and usability updates. We also like to see independent audits conducted frequently to back the security claims of password management vendors.
- Passwordless technology: We like to see services trying out these technologies, which include biometrics and security keys. It shows a willingness to reinvent and improve a password manager's functions to keep up with the times.
- Support: It's also important that password manager providers offer a range of customer support options, including online guides, live chat, email, and telephone numbers.
- Price: While some password managers are free, others may require a paid subscription to access all features. It's important to weigh the price against the benefits and select a password manager that meets your budget. We wanted to ensure that we included a range of options to suit all price points.
- Customer reviews: Customer experiences and feedback are important. If usability is overlooked, it doesn't matter how secure or exceptional a password manager is. We consider customer reviews and ease of use one of our most important criteria when assessing password managers.
Latest information and news on password managers in 2026
- Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 has published new research focused on Google's synced passkey ecosystem, revealing how an attacker could authenticate without user interaction.
- An investigation conducted by the OCCRP claims a Spain-based password manager used by European government agencies and universities shares technological ties with a state-sponsored Russian firm.
- LastPass has warned users of a new password-stealing campaign that appears to be an official LastPass email alert and asks account holders to log in and submit their passwords.
- In June, Dashlane published a security advisory revealing a brute-force attack targeting Dashlane accounts. Accounts targeted by the third party were locked and temporarily suspended to fend off the cyberattack.
- A database containing 149 million account usernames and passwords, including millions for Gmail and Facebook, has been removed after a researcher reported the exposure to the hosting provider.
Password manager FAQs
How does a password manager work?
Password managers are digital tools that can help you keep safely track and organize all your passwords and other sensitive information. Once you create an account with a password manager, you can add your login credentials, credit card details, and other personal data into the password vault. You can add this information all at once or over time as you use different websites and apps.
The password manager will then store all your data in an encrypted format, making it difficult for hackers to decipher. Whenever you visit a site or use an app requiring login credentials, the password manager can automatically fill in your username and password for you. This feature can save you a lot of time and hassle, especially if you manage many different accounts.
Another feature of the best password managers is the ability to generate strong passwords. These passwords are typically long and random, making them more difficult to guess or crack. Password managers can create and store these complex passwords for you, making it easier to keep your accounts secure.
Password managers can be invaluable for anyone who wants to keep their online accounts safe and secure.
Do I need a password manager?
In today's digital age, almost everything we do requires a password. The best way to manage these passwords is by using a password manager. Not only does it store your passwords in a central location, but it also provides strong encryption to keep your data safe from cybercriminals.
Cybercriminals use various methods to gain access to your passwords, from phishing attacks to brute-force attacks. You can also use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords for each account, reducing the risk of being hacked. Alternatively, some browsers, such as Google Chrome, offer built-in password managers.
Are password managers safe?
Yes, password managers are typically safe. They use advanced encryption algorithms to protect your login credentials. When you use a password manager, your credentials are stored in an encrypted form, which means they can't be accessed by anyone without the correct password or passphrase.
It is important to choose a reputable password manager and use a strong, unique password or passphrase to protect your account. You should also remember there's no such thing as a 100% secure service, and on occasion, even the best password managers may have to patch and fix security vulnerabilities.
Can a password manager be hacked?
While no system is invulnerable to hacking, the best password managers use strong encryption algorithms and other security measures to protect your data. They also require a strong master password or passphrase to access your account. It is important to use a unique and complex master password and enable two-factor authentication to increase security. The company behind the software should also always be working to improve its security posture.
Can I use a password manager on multiple devices?
Yes, most password managers allow you to use your account on multiple devices, such as your computer, smartphone, or tablet. This means you can access your passwords and other login credentials from anywhere at any time. However, free services may be limited to one device per account.
Is a browser-based password manager enough?
Browser-based password managers -- such as the one built into the Google Chrome browser -- are convenient, but the offerings are limited. Browser-based password managers are usually limited in scope and are bolt-ons to the overall browser experience, and they usually aren't multi-platform.
They also may be more susceptible to malware and compromise than standalone password manager solutions, and so between them, I would recommend a standalone password manager.
What is the best password manager for seniors?
I would recommend 1Password or NordPass for seniors. They are both user-friendly and do not overcomplicate the password storage or sharing process.
What are passwordless options?
Passwords may one day become a thing of the past, but we have a long way to go. Passwordless authentication systems are linked most commonly to the FIDO Alliance, which promotes an open standard of passwordless authentication using passkeys. Passkeys are encrypted, safer than passwords, and use a key pair -- only you have the private key -- to authenticate at the time of a sign-in request.
Do security experts recommend password managers?
Generally speaking, yes. You will find that many security experts consider password managers to be one of the best solutions for managing countless complex passwords. No service is completely safe from cyberattacks, so be mindful of this if you use them, but anything is better than using -- or reusing -- weak passwords to protect your online accounts.
Are there any drawbacks to password managers?
No digital security solution is entirely risk-free, including services for credential management.
While password managers can drastically improve your password security by suggesting complex combinations, storing them, and providing a safer sharing method, some services have experienced security incidents in the past and will likely do so in the future.
Furthermore, you still have some responsibility. You must keep your software updated, and your master password, used to access your vault, needs to be remembered or kept in a safe location. If you lose this, there is no guarantee you will ever recover access to your account.
What else could I use to protect my online accounts?
If you aren't keen on the idea of a password manager -- or a password manager alone -- we recommend that you purchase a physical security key. Physical security keys and dongles provide an additional layer of cryptographic protection for your online accounts. Unless a cybercriminal has physical access to your key, it is challenging to compromise your credentials.
What is the best free password manager?
When you're looking for a secure password manager but would prefer to avoid adding another subscription to your monthly or yearly budget, always choose a trusted provider with a solid reputation in the cybersecurity industry.
Not every trusted company offers a free tier for their password management software, but many do. Among our current favorites are Proton Pass, Bitwarden, and NordPass.
Is Google's Chrome password manager good enough?
Google's password manager, an extension found in the Chrome browser, is a simple and basic password storage system. It's linked to the browser, and while it's fine for saving some basic credentials, it doesn't have the advanced encryption or security that standalone solutions offer. We wouldn't recommend using it to manage access to accounts containing personal and sensitive data, but it's better than nothing -- and certainly better than reusing simple, easy-to-guess passwords that you are able to remember.
What happens if I forget my master password?
The master password required to access your vault is yours alone and won't be stored on any reputable security company's servers. In other words, you might not be able to recover access.
However, your next steps depend on the service you use. Some companies might have asked you to jot down a recovery phrase, others might allow a one-time password (OTP) to be sent for one-time recovery, and others might have offered an emergency contact link for these situations. Before you panic, however, double-check that you haven't stored it somewhere.
Latest updates
- August 2026: In ZDNET's August update, we examined all of our top picks and selected Dashlane as one of the best options for families. We also answered more of your most common questions on password managers in 2026.
- March 2026: In ZDNET's March update, we confirmed our top picks, updated pricing information, and revised our FAQs.
- November 2025: In ZDNET's November update, we performed editorial changes, including revising our FAQs, and provided more information on our favorite services.
- October 2025: In ZDNET's October update, we updated the information available on our top and alternative picks.
- September 2025: In ZDNET's September update, we performed editorial changes and added further information on the latest news and products in the password manager space.
Alternative password managers to consider
Proton Pass is an open-source password manager with unlimited logins and notes. Developed by the same group as Proton VPN, Proton Pass has improved rapidly over the past few years and now offers a more streamlined, intuitive service that focuses on security first, everything else second.
Premium plans start at $1 per month due to a new promotion. A free plan is also available.
Enpass is a reliable, secure password manager that lets you store and sync passwords and passkeys across multiple services. It's compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and offers unlimited vaults.
Pricing begins at only $1.99 per month during the firm's current sale.
ExpressVPN Keys is a password manager built into the popular VPN service ExpressVPN.
If you want to combine a VPN that encrypts and disguises your online activities with a robust password manager, this is an excellent choice, especially since the firm focuses on user-friendliness and is known for solid security and strong encryption.
As a VPN plan bundle, subscriptions start at $4.49 per month.
Our favorite password managers will suit most use cases, but if you are looking for a more niche service, check out our guides on the best password managers for families, for business, and the best password generators.