Whether for social media, streaming platforms, or finance tools, maintaining the same password across multiple accounts significantly increases the risk of hacking and loss of sensitive data to theft. That’s why one must consider using a password manager. This is a software tool that helps one store one’s login credentials in an encrypted vault and lets one autofill them when required. These applications also help one replace weak or reused passwords by suggesting stronger alternatives.
Top password managers to safeguard login credentials
1. Aura
With standard AES-256 encryption and features like cross-device login, data breach scans, and passwordless login, Aura is one of the best password managers for personal use today. Aura is also renowned as a reliable identity theft protection service, primarily because of its cybersecurity features that can provide overall protection to a user’s personal online information. The password manager also has a tool to let users update compromised passwords by helping them pick a strong auto-generated option. Aura has subscriptions starting from $1.99/mo. Under this plan, the platform also helps detect and block phishing sites that try to steal confidential personal information.
2. Total Password
Total Password’s plans start from $1.99/mo and come with a 30-day free trial. One can access a wide range of features, including cross-device password management. It uses browser-based password management, allowing one to access all of one’s passwords across multiple devices, eliminating the need to save them repeatedly. This way, for instance, when one makes a new account on a laptop, the passwords can automatically sync with compatible devices. Total Password can also record changes to user details, like an updated password. The platform’s security measures also let one log out of accounts remotely. The software is also known for its extensive scanning for data breaches, helping one fight attempts to steal sensitive information.
3. NordPass
The secure password management tool is user-friendly and can work seamlessly across multiple devices. One can access several features like persistent login and strong security. The platform lets one seamlessly create, store, and auto-fill passwords. In addition to password storage, Nordpass has features like a data breach scanner that helps one check for vulnerable/insecure passwords. It also has an email masking feature, allowing users to create temporary email addresses for signing up on new sites. That’s a great tool to have when one wishes to explore a website without sharing personal information. One can get NordPass Premium for as low as around $1.5/mo, which makes this one of the most affordable password manager subscriptions.
4. 1Password
The password manager has features such as a Password Strength Audit. There is also a Travel Mode that lets users temporarily remove sensitive information from the password vaults. For instance, individuals traveling to countries with strict data privacy laws can use the feature to improve security. Travel Mode reduces the amount of sensitive information accessible on a device. 1Password offers an Individual plan starting at $2.99/mo. The platform also has a $4.99/mo plan for families, making it one of the best choices for larger households that take digital security seriously. Users who are unsure about subscribing to 1Password’s app can try its Individual Account for free for 14 days.
5. Dashlane
Another best password manager for families is Dashlane. For instance, the Friends and Family Plan allows one to include up to 10 members. The interface is user-friendly and offers a straightforward password-importing system. There is also a passwordless login feature. Furthermore, Dashlane’s free password manager plan offers unlimited sharing of passwords, two-factor authentication codes, and notes. The premium subscription, for $5/mo, also comes with HotSpot Shield VPN for added online security and privacy. The Friends and Family Plan is available for around $7.50/mo. Dashlane also adheres to the standard AES-256 encryption protocol and has dark web monitoring features to alert users about vulnerable passwords.
6. Bitwarden
Users in search of open-source password manager software should explore Bitwarden. The zero-knowledge password manager can accommodate users as well as businesses of any size. In addition to its password generation and autofill capabilities, Bitwarden allows one to create a family vault with a partner or for the entire household to share passwords and app logins, as well as manage joint accounts. One could also use the Bitwarden Send feature to share encrypted information, attachments, and text with others through a secure link. The password manager lets users log in to their vault on a mobile device, desktop, or browser extension with biometrics. The open-source password manager is also easy to use, meaning that most users will learn how to work its interface and features quickly. Bitwarden’s Premium plan is available at $10 annually. The family plans are priced at $40 annually and accommodate up to 6 users. But, one can always sign up for a free account to access features like unlimited device integration and Passkey Management.
7. Proton Pass
The password management tool has a dedicated tier for individual use. Proton Free offers unlimited logins, 10 hide-my-email aliases, and vault sharing with up to three people. The Proton Pass Plus is priced at $2.99 per month when billed annually, which comes with features like unlimited hide-my-email aliases, dark web monitoring, and an Integrated two-factor authenticator. One can also explore other Proton Pass plans on their website, including the PassFamily at $59.88 yearly and the Proton Unlimited plan at $119.88 yearly.