Recently, the risks associated with reused passwords have become increasingly evident, as seen in the 23andMe attack. Credential stuffing has been on the rise, allowing hackers to access sensitive accounts using stolen or purchased reused passwords. To mitigate this, password managers can be a valuable tool. They facilitate the use of unique, strong passwords for each account by eliminating the need to memorize multiple login combinations.

With numerous password managers available, we evaluated nine top services to help you choose the right one for your needs. 1Password stands out as our top pick due to its zero-knowledge policy, robust security features, and user-friendly interface. Although other excellent password managers are available, 1Password’s strengths make it a standout choice.

Table of contents

• Best password managers for 2025
• Are password managers safe?
• Are password managers worth it?
• How we tested password managers
• Other password managers we tested
• Password manager FAQs

Best password managers for 2025

1. 1Password: Offers a zero-knowledge policy, intuitive user interface, and is available across most platforms.
   • Number of tiers: 4
   • Pricing: $3/month for Individual, $5/month for Families, $20/month for Teams Starter Pack, $8/month per user for Business
   • Compatibility: macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Brave, Edge, Command Line
2. Bitwarden: Provides a robust free version, is based on open-source code, and is available across a wide variety of platforms.
   • Number of tiers: 3
   • Pricing: Free, $3/month per user for Teams Organization, $5/month per user for Enterprise Organization
   • Compatibility: macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Brave, Edge, Vivaldi, Opera, Tor, DuckDuckGo for Mac, Command Line
3. NordPass: Offers a free option with unlimited passwords, allows for biometric logins, and is relatively affordable.
   • Number of tiers: 3
   • Pricing: Free, $2/month for Premium, $4/month for Family
   • Compatibility: macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Edge

Are password managers safe?

While it may seem counterintuitive to store sensitive information in one place, most experts agree that password managers are a secure way to keep track of personal data. The benefits of strong, complex passwords outweigh the possible risks. Password managers typically use a master password and sometimes a security key to safeguard information. They also often follow security best practices like zero-knowledge policies, regular security audits, and encryption.

Are password managers worth it?

Password managers are worth considering, especially for those who use multiple devices or want to share passwords securely with others. They provide a convenient way to store and autofill complex passwords, making it easier to maintain online security. While built-in password managers on devices and browsers are available, they often have limitations, such as being device-specific.

How we tested password managers

We evaluated nine password managers by downloading their apps on various devices and browsers. We assessed their ease of use, features, and security specs. Our top picks, 1Password, Bitwarden, and NordPass, stood out for their robust security features, user-friendly interfaces, and cross-platform availability.

Other password managers we tested

• LastPass: Experienced high-profile data breaches, which affected its ranking.
• Keeper: Met basic criteria but lacked some cross-platform availability.
• Enpass: Offered a lifetime access pass but was confusing to set up across devices.
• Norton: Had underdeveloped features, lacking password sharing and account recovery tools.
• LogMeOnce: Lacked basic cross-platform availability, such as compatibility with Mac and Safari.

Password manager FAQs

• Why use a password manager?: Enhances online security by storing complex passwords and autofilling them as needed.
• Are password managers 100 percent safe?: While secure, password managers can vary in safety from provider to provider. Look for zero-knowledge policies, regular security audits, and encryption.
• How do password managers work?: They store online credentials in a vault accessible only by a master password or security key, offering autofill features for convenient login.
• Who are password managers for?: Everyone, as they provide a secure way to store and share passwords, especially useful for families, friends, or roommates with joint accounts.
• What if I forget my master password?: The recovery process varies by provider, with some offering security keys for secure recovery, while others may have no recovery option.
• How can I make a good master password?: Use a unique passphrase with a mix of characters, numbers, and special characters, making it easy to remember but hard to guess.
• What are passkeys?: Digital identifications that use private and public keys for bilateral authentication, providing an additional layer of security.