If you’re letting Google, Apple, or Microsoft manage your passwords, you’re making yourself a target. These built-in password managers are convenient, but they are confined within their own ecosystems and linked to just one account. When that account is compromised (which often happens since Gmail, iCloud, and Outlook accounts are common targets), every login you’ve saved also becomes vulnerable.
That’s why dedicated password managers are generally a better choice. They generate strong, random passwords with numbers and special characters that are hard to guess, and they make it simple to store unique, complex passwords so you don’t forget them. They implement top encryption standards and add multiple layers of security to protect your passwords. All you need to do is set a strong master password and remember it.
We have thoroughly tested many of these dedicated password managers. Here are the best options in 2025. We’ll go into detailed descriptions, but first, let’s compare them side by side.
Top 10 Password Managers Side-By-Side Comparison
| Password Manager | Starting Price | Free Tier? | Supported Platforms | Encryption | Trust Factor |
| NordPass | $23.88/year | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS,Android, all browsers, Web Vault | XChaCha20+ Argon2id | No breaches, audited,SOC 2 certified |
| 1Password | $35.88/year | No | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS,Android, browsers, Apple Watch | AES-256+ PBKDF2-SHA256 (650k) | No breaches, audited,highly trusted |
| Proton Pass | $35.88/year | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS,Android, browsers, Web Vault | AES-256 GCM+ Argon2/bcrypt + SRP | Open-source, Cure53audited, no breaches |
| Dashlane | $45/year | No | Windows, macOS, Linux (web), iOS,Android, browsers, Wear OS, watchOS | AES-256+ Argon2 | No breaches, SOC 2& ISO 27001 certified |
| Bitwarden | $10/year | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android,browsers, Web Vault, CLI, self-host | AES-256+ PBKDF2-SHA256 | Open-source, audited,no breaches |
| LastPass | $36/year | Yes | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android,browsers | AES-256+ PBKDF2-SHA256 | Multiple breaches(2015, 2022) |
| Keeper | $39.99/year | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android,browsers, Web Vault, wearables | AES-256+ PBKDF2-SHA256 (1M) | No breaches, FedRAMP& ISO certified |
| Enpass | $23.99/year | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS,Android, browsers, Wear OS, watchOS | AES-256 + PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512 (320k) | No breaches, closed-source,SOC 2 certified |
| RoboForm | $29.88/year | Yes | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android,browsers, Apple Watch | AES-256+ PBKDF2-SHA256 (8M+) | 20+ years, no breaches,audited |
| LogMeOnce | $30/year | Yes | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android,browsers, Web Vault | AES-256+ PBKDF2 | No independent audits,mixed reputation |
The Rankings
1. NordPass – Best Modern Pick
NordPass feels like the new default. Instead of AES, it uses XChaCha20 with Argon2id, a modern cryptography that’s just as unbreakable but safer against brute force.
Its apps are clean, simple, and run on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and all major browsers, with a one-device free plan that’s good for testing but limited.
Premium ($23.88/year) unlocks unlimited devices, breach scans, emergency access, and 3 GB of encrypted file storage. You also get passkeys and email masking via SimpleLogin, so it’s future-proof.
NordPass has never had a breach and is independently audited, SOC 2 certified, and backed by Nord Security. Cheap, polished, and secure, it’s one of the easiest to recommend in 2025.
Read our full NordPass review.
2. 1Password – Most Polished Experience
1Password is the one that balances security and usability better than anyone. Its Secret Key adds an extra layer on top of AES-256 encryption and has never had a breach in almost 20 years.
The apps are gorgeous across desktop, mobile, and browsers with extras like Watchtower for breach alerts, Travel Mode to hide vaults when crossing borders, and deep family support.
No free tier, only a 14-day trial, but $35.88/year is fair for the experience. Families (5 users for $59.99/year) and businesses get seamless onboarding and admin tools.
Not the cheapest, but if you want the smoothest, most trustworthy option that feels effortless daily, 1Password is still the gold standard.
Read our full 1Password review.
3. Proton Pass – Best for Privacy
Proton Pass comes from the same Swiss team as Proton Mail and VPN, so privacy is in their blood. Everything is encrypted using AES-256 GCM with Argon2 and bcrypt for master password hardening. It’s open source, Cure53 audited, and has never been breached.
The free plan is very generous: unlimited passwords, syncing across devices, plus 10 email aliases. Premium ($35.88/year) adds unlimited aliases, offline mode, built-in 2FA, breach monitoring, and secure sharing.
Proton Pass also integrates with the Proton ecosystem so that you can bundle it with Proton Mail, Drive, and VPN for a complete privacy suite. The interface is clean and simple, not flashy but trustworthy and transparent. For privacy-first users, Proton Pass is the way to go.
Read our full Proton Pass review.
4. Dashlane – Feature-Packed Security Suite
Dashlane is a comprehensive security suite. AES-256 encryption with Argon2 keeps your vault secure, and SOC 2 and ISO certifications support its trustworthy reputation.
Beyond password storage, it offers dark web monitoring for five emails, 1 GB of encrypted file storage, and an integrated VPN (Hotspot Shield). Passkeys, autofill, and breach alerts are refined across Windows, macOS, Linux (web), iOS, Android, and even smartwatches.
The free plan is being phased out, making Premium ($45/year) the entry level. Although it’s pricier than NordPass or 1Password, the additional features justify the cost if you plan to use them. Daily autofill functions smoothly, apps feel modern, and sync is instant. Dashlane may be premium-priced, but it is also built with premium quality.
Read our full Dashlane review.
5. Bitwarden – Free and Open-Source
Bitwarden offers the best value. It uses AES-256 with PBKDF2-SHA256 encryption, is open source, community audited, and has been trusted for years.
Its free plan is already powerful, with unlimited devices, passwords, and syncing. For $10 a year, Premium adds 2FA with YubiKeys, vault health reports, encrypted file storage, and TOTP generation.
You can also self-host if you want complete control, which most competitors don’t provide. The apps are clean and functional on every platform, including desktop, web, mobile, CLI, and browser extensions, but may feel a bit utilitarian compared to 1Password or NordPass.
However, for transparency, flexibility, and unbeatable low prices, Bitwarden is unmatched. It’s the choice if you want security without a subscription that drains your wallet.
Read our full Bitwarden review.
6. LastPass – Popular for the Wrong Reasons
LastPass still exists, but its reputation never recovered from the breaches in 2015 and 2022. It uses AES-256 encryption with PBKDF2-SHA256, and while the encryption is solid, the trust isn’t.
The free plan allows you to choose one device type (mobile or desktop). Premium ($36/year) adds syncing, unlimited sharing, and emergency access. The Families plan (6 users for $48/year) offers good value, and it also includes a built-in authenticator app.
Apps are available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browsers, but the design feels clunky compared to NordPass or 1Password. LastPass still functions, but if trust is your top priority, it’s hard to recommend over safer options.
Read our full LastPass review.
7. Keeper – Most Secure
Keeper is enterprise-grade, trusted by governments, and one of the most secure options available. Your vault uses AES-256 encryption with per-record keys, reinforced by 1 million PBKDF2 iterations.
It has never been breached and supports claims with FedRAMP, FIPS, and multiple ISO certifications. Features include One-Time Share links, emergency access, encrypted storage, and a built-in TOTP authenticator.
Premium costs $39.99 per year, while Family plans are $84.99 per year for 5 users with 10GB of storage. The Free plan is too limited, and BreachWatch dark web monitoring is available as an optional paid add-on. If you want reliable security with proven certifications, Keeper provides peace of mind.
Read our full Keeper review.
8. Enpass – Best for Offline-Only Access
Enpass is an offline-first password manager. Your vault never contacts Enpass servers, only your devices or your chosen cloud, secured with AES-256 and 320,000 PBKDF2-SHA512 rounds.
You can sync with Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, or even over Wi-Fi. Premium costs $23.99 per year, or you can buy it outright for $99.99 to own it permanently. Family plans ($47.99 per year for six users) and business options are also available.
The trade-offs include more cumbersome sharing, no emergency access, and closed-source code, although it’s audited. However, Enpass is ideal for users who want full control and no subscriptions. For DIY security enthusiasts, it’s one of the most unique options available.
Read our full Enpass review.
9. RoboForm – Boring yet Solid
RoboForm has been around for over 20 years and has never been breached. It uses AES-256 encryption with over 8 million PBKDF2 iterations for added security.
Autofill is its strength, and it manages multi-step forms better than competitors. Premium costs $29.88 per year for unlimited devices, sharing, breach monitoring, and emergency access. Family plan is $47.75 annually for 5 users.
The free plan allows unlimited passwords but only on one device, which isn’t practical long-term. Its interface is outdated compared to NordPass or 1Password, but RoboForm’s affordability and reliability make it an easy choice if you prioritize function over appearance.
Read our full RoboForm review.
10. LogMeOnce – A Bit Gimmicky
LogMeOnce offers features like selfie logins and intruder mugshots, but it can be overwhelming. It uses AES-256 encryption with PBKDF2, and has cross-platform apps with multiple MFA options.
The free plan is generous, allowing unlimited devices and storage, though ads can be irritating. The $30/year premium adds advanced 2FA, encrypted storage, and secure sharing. There are also business plans with policy controls.
The downside is trust. LogMeOnce has no independent audits and a cluttered interface that feels more like a feature dump than a polished tool. It works, but it’s not as trustworthy or elegant as other managers on this list.
Read our full LogMeOnce review.
Honorable Mention: KeePass
KeePass is free, open source, and entirely offline, giving you complete control of your vault. It uses AES-256 by default but supports plugins for other algorithms.
It’s community-driven and highly customizable, but not beginner-friendly. There’s no seamless sync or polished interface, just raw control and flexibility.
For power users who want total independence and zero subscriptions, KeePass remains unbeatable. For everyone else, it’s just too technical to recommend as a daily driver.
Read our full KeePass review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are passkeys and how do they work?
Passkeys are a new passwordless login method supported by Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Instead of entering a password, you authenticate using biometrics like Face ID, Touch ID, or a hardware key.
Passkeys use cryptographic key pairs behind the scenes: one stored on your device and another with the service. Only your device can unlock the connection, making it resistant to phishing and reuse. They’re simpler and safer, and the best password managers now store and sync them across devices.
Can hackers crack AES-256 encryption?
No practical method exists to crack AES-256 encryption with current technology.
AES-256 is a symmetric cipher used by governments and banks worldwide, and brute-forcing it would require unimaginable computing power. Security risks stem from weak master passwords, poor key derivation, or leaks at the service level, not from the cipher itself. Using a strong master password and modern key stretching techniques like Argon2 or PBKDF2 makes AES-256 vaults effectively unbreakable for consumer purposes.
Is there a good free password manager in 2025?
Yes. Bitwarden is the best free password manager in 2025.
Its free plan includes unlimited devices, unlimited passwords, syncing, and browser and mobile apps, which most competitors restrict. Security is robust using AES-256 encryption with PBKDF2, and it is fully open-source, audited, and community-trusted. While Premium costs just $10 per year for extras like YubiKey support and vault health reports, the free tier is more than sufficient for most users. For cross-platform password management without paying, Bitwarden is the clear choice.
What is the most secure password manager?
1Password is widely recognized as the most secure password manager in 2025.
It combines AES-256 encryption with a unique 128-bit “Secret Key,” making brute-force attacks nearly impossible. All data is end-to-end encrypted with a zero-knowledge design, so even 1Password cannot access your vault. It has been independently audited, trusted by enterprises, and has remained breach-free for nearly twenty years. Features like Watchtower alerts, Travel Mode, and strong 2FA support ensure it offers airtight security alongside a smooth daily user experience.
What is the best password manager?
NordPass is considered the best overall password manager in 2025.
It employs modern XChaCha20 encryption with Argon2id, has never experienced a breach, and is independently audited. Premium costs only $23.88 per year for unlimited devices, breach scans, encrypted storage, and passkeys. Families (6 users for $44.28 per year) provide one of the best value options available. The apps are clean, simple, and cross-platform, and support is available 24/7. Affordable, secure, and future-ready with passkey and email alias support, NordPass offers the best balance of usability, security, and value.