Best Password Managers of 2025
Expert reviews of the best password managers. Compare security, features, and pricing to find the perfect password vault for your needs.
Quick Comparison
Top password managers at a glance
| Password Manager | Free Plan | Paid Price | Best For | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordPass | ✓ Yes | $1.49/mo | Ease of Use | 4.8 | |
| Proton Pass | ✓ Yes | $3.99/mo | Privacy | 4.7 | |
| 1Password | ✗ No | $2.99/mo | Families & Teams | 4.7 | |
| Bitwarden | ✓ Yes | $10/year | Best Open-Source Option | 4.6 | |
| Dashlane | ✓ Yes | $4.99/mo | VPN Included | 4.5 |
NordPass
Best for Ease of Use
Key Features
Platforms
Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extensions
Free Plan
Yes - unlimited passwords, 1 device
Paid Plans
Premium $1.49/mo, Family $2.69/mo (6 users)
Pros
- ✓User-friendly interface
- ✓Excellent mobile apps
- ✓Affordable premium plan
- ✓From Nord Security (trusted brand)
- ✓Fast autofill
Cons
- ✗Free plan limited to 1 device
- ✗Fewer features than 1Password
Beginners, Nord ecosystem users, ease of use, affordable premium
Proton Pass
Best for Privacy
Key Features
Platforms
Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extensions
Free Plan
Yes - unlimited passwords, limited features
Paid Plans
Plus $3.99/mo, Proton Unlimited $9.99/mo (includes VPN, Mail, Drive)
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class privacy
- ✓Open-source
- ✓Email alias feature
- ✓Proton ecosystem integration
- ✓Strong encryption
Cons
- ✗Newer player (less mature)
- ✗Limited free plan
Privacy-focused users, Proton users, journalists, security professionals
1Password
Best for Families & Teams
Key Features
Platforms
All platforms + command line
Free Plan
No - 14-day trial
Paid Plans
Individual $2.99/mo, Families $4.99/mo (5 users)
Pros
- ✓Most feature-rich
- ✓Excellent family sharing
- ✓Travel Mode unique
- ✓Best support
- ✓Polished interface
Cons
- ✗No free plan
- ✗More expensive
- ✗Requires subscription
Families, teams, feature seekers, travelers
Bitwarden
Best Open-Source Option
Key Features
Platforms
All platforms + self-hosted
Free Plan
Yes - unlimited passwords & devices
Paid Plans
Premium $10/year, Families $40/year (6 users)
Pros
- ✓Fully open-source
- ✓Generous free plan
- ✓Self-hosting option
- ✓Cheapest premium ($10/year)
- ✓Transparent security
Cons
- ✗Less polished UI
- ✗Slower development
- ✗Fewer premium features
Open-source advocates, developers, self-hosters, budget users
Dashlane
Best for VPN Included
Key Features
Platforms
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Browser extensions
Free Plan
Yes - 50 passwords, 1 device
Paid Plans
Premium $4.99/mo, Family $7.49/mo (10 users)
Pros
- ✓VPN included
- ✓Best dark web monitoring
- ✓Auto password changer
- ✓Comprehensive features
Cons
- ✗More expensive
- ✗Free plan very limited
- ✗VPN basic compared to dedicated VPNs
All-in-one solution, VPN seekers, identity protection
How to Choose a Password Manager
Essential factors for protecting your passwords
Security & Encryption
All reputable password managers use strong encryption (AES-256 or XChaCha20). Look for zero-knowledge architecture, meaning the company can't access your passwords. Open-source options (Bitwarden, Proton Pass) allow independent security audits.
Free vs. Paid Plans
Free plans are often sufficient for individuals (unlimited passwords, basic features). Paid plans ($1-5/mo) add premium features like password sharing, advanced 2FA, dark web monitoring, and emergency access. Family plans offer the best value for multiple users.
Platform Support
Ensure your password manager supports all your devices and browsers. Most offer Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and browser extensions. Check if there are device limits on the free plan (NordPass: 1 device, Bitwarden: unlimited).
Ease of Use
User-friendly interfaces matter for daily use. NordPass and 1Password excel in usability. Bitwarden is functional but less polished. Test autofill quality—it should work seamlessly across websites and apps.
Additional Features
Consider extras like password health scores, data breach alerts, secure notes, file storage, email aliases (Proton Pass), VPN (Dashlane), or 2FA authenticator. Don't overpay for features you won't use.
Privacy & Trust
Research the company's reputation and privacy policy. Swiss-based Proton Pass offers the strongest legal privacy protections. Open-source options (Bitwarden, Proton Pass) provide transparency. Established companies (1Password, NordPass) have proven track records.
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Disclaimer: While password managers significantly improve security, no system is 100% secure. Use a strong master password and enable two-factor authentication. We may receive compensation when you sign up through our links. All information accurate as of publication date and subject to change.
Last updated: October 2025