The best password managers of 2025: Expert tested

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At a time when data breaches are a daily occurrence, securing your online accounts is a must. When you have a dozen or more online accounts, with each service requiring complex username and password combinations, trying to remember each one is an impossible task.

This is where password managers shine. These services remember and securely store your credentials for you to help keep your online accounts safe, and to reduce the risk of users relying on memorable — but weak — passwords. They also streamline otherwise time-consuming authentication processes. While passwordless options are available, traditional password managers are also effective. Keeping sensitive information safe is more important than ever, and a reliable password manager can effectively solve security and password overload.

Also: The best password managers for businesses: Expert tested

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What is the best password manager right now?

My pick for best overall choice, 1Password, has a 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. At only $3 per month, many of our authors use and rate this service.

ZDNET has researched and tested the best password managers available, considering security, storage, compatibility, and price. We also examined customer reviews and consulted experts for their opinions.

Read on to find out how the best password managers stack up and best serve your password security needs.

Best password managers of 2025

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1Password is the best 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 your information with trusted family or friends.

The 1Password app is accessible across your favorite devices, making access easy 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 , is also available. 1Password’s Watchtower offers an extra layer of protection where users can monitor secure shell (SSH) key security risks.

1Password is also ZDNET’s pick for the best password manager for Mac in 2025.

Who it’s for: Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and 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 $3 per month, billed annually, or $5 for a family pack. Business options are also available for up to 10 seats — or licenses — and beyond.

Who should look elsewhere: There’s no free plan, but the app offers a 14-day free trial that doesn’t require submitting your credit card information if you do want to consider a paid solution. Alternatively, if you want something free, check out the rest of our recommendations.

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Bitwarden is the best free 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 for it, it’s extremely affordable.

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 the type of passwords. The app also helps you create secure passwords across all plans, and you can safely share them with strong encryption.

Earlier this year, Bitwarden bolstered its native for iOS and Android with performance upgrades and enhanced integration with functions including biometric authentication. A secure shell management () agent has also been made available for extended password management.

Bitwarden is also ZDNET’s pick for the best LastPass alternative.

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a free, but 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.

You can choose between a free, limited option — although all core functions are included — or premium accounts for less than $1 per month, or $10 billed annually. Alternatively, you can sign up for a family pack that supports up to six users for $3.33 per month, or $40 annually. Business pricing begins at $4 per user per month.

Who should look elsewhere: Bitwarden will suit most use cases, although the user interface may not suit everyone.

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NordPass, from the team behind NordVPN, is one of the best password managers for businesses in 2025.

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, which 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.

The service can already store passkeys, allowing passwordless authentication for business users, but Authopia by NordPass, allows organizations to add passkey login options to their web domains.

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 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.

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.

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Dashlane is the best password manager based on its extensive feature suite, which includes generous storage, VPN protection, and dark web monitoring.

Why we like it: In addition to storing passwords, the web-first Dashlane platform securely stores your payment and personal information for easy input when you’re on the web or logging into an online service.

You can store an unlimited number of passwords and sync your data across devices, ensuring you never go without access to your most important sites and apps.

Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested

Features include two-factor authentication compatibility, secure password sharing, emergency contacts, a virtual private network (VPN) for safe browsing, form autofill, a digital payment wallet, a password generator, and an alert system to notify you of compromised passwords.

Last year, Dashlane introduced for new iOS and Android users, which removes the need for a master password, alongside for the web.

Who it’s for: If you’re looking for a password manager that offers advanced security features like VPN protection and dark web monitoring, Dashlane is an excellent choice.

However, unfortunately, Dashlane no longer has a free plan.

You can try out a standard personal account for $2 per month. A family plan with up to 10 accounts costs $3 per month, but I wouldn’t imagine this discount will last long. Alternatively, you can opt for a business plan at $8 per seat per month or a fixed price of $11 per month for additional features.

Who should look elsewhere: Users note that premium options are expensive. While the features are worthwhile, the price may deter some customers outside of sales events. Potential future price hikes are worth remembering.

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Keeper Password Manager and Digital Vault is the best password manager for security, with its multi-platform syncing, multi-factor authentication, and available templates.

Why we like it: Keeper takes security seriously, using leading encryption technology 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: An easy-to-use password manager

When it comes to two-factor authentication (2FA), Keeper supports time-based one-time password (TOTP), short message service (SMS), fingerprint and face ID, and WebAuthn security keys.

Who it’s for: Anyone, especially business users, who wants to put security first and user support second.

The software is Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 validated. The software also supports self-destructing one-time shares, which allows the 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, but some features require a paid plan.

Personal accounts start at $3.33 per month, whereas Keeper Business costs $2 per user per month for between five and 10 seats.

Who should look elsewhere: Anyone who wants ongoing customer support.

If you are willing to use your email for self-verification, you can get a free trial without inputting your credit card information. 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: 3.7 | Passwordless features available

Screenshot of Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault interface

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The best password manager of 2025 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	$3+ per month	A user-friendly interface, an autofill feature, and account protection tools	Yes
Bitwarden	Free or $1+ per month	A user-friendly interface, fast uploads, smartphone compatibility, and other advanced security features	Some features available
NordPass	Free or $1.39+ per user per month	Secure sharing, health reports, multi-factor authentication, and advanced encryption	Yes
Dashlane	$2+ per month	Generous storage, VPN protection, dark web monitoring, and Chrome integration, passwordless options	Yes
Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault	$3.33+ per month	Multi-platform syncing, multi-factor authentication, available templates, and top encryption technology	Some features available

Note: Prices and features may vary based on the plan selected.

Choose this password manager…	If you want…
1Password	A family-friendly, one-stop-shop password manager. 1Password has features that allow you to easily share passwords with family members and manage multiple accounts. It’s one of the best options out there.
Bitwarden	A free or 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 will help you strengthen your online security.
NordPass	A password manager suitable for work. Its features, such as secure sharing and centralized billing, make it a great choice for teams and small businesses. Its personal plans are also worth exploring.
Dashlane	Multi-faceted features. Dashlane includes features like a VPN and dark web monitoring, which go beyond the typical functions of a password manager, with a focus on security and passwordless technologies.
Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault	A security-focused solution. Keeper has features like secure file storage, making it an ideal choice if you want to keep your data as safe as possible. Biometric access is a great additional feature.

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.
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.
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.
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.
Accounts: If you want to assign a person more than one identity or online account, consider whether the family — or business — accounts are worth the money.
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.
Open source: Open-source options should be considered when possible as the code is open to outside auditing for security vulnerabilities and flaws. This can boost trust in a product.

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 get to know how usable a service is.

When selecting the best password managers of 2025, there are a number of crucial factors that must be considered:

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.
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 being conducted on a frequent basis to back the security claims of password management vendors.
Passwordless: While often still in the testing stages, in the name of longevity, we like to see services trying out these technologies. 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.

Latest news

A researcher developed an exploit that hijacks passkey authentication.
Google is set to fix a loophole that allows biometric authentication before autofilling passwords to be bypassed. The patch will expand biometric protection from apps to apps and browsers.
Google is testing out a Chrome feature that could allow users to switch from passwords to passkeys.

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.

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.

Yes, password managers are 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.

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.

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.

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.

I would recommend 1Password or NordPass for seniors. They are both user-friendly and do not overcomplicate the password storage or sharing process.

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.

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.

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.

Also: The best security keys you can buy: Expert tested

Latest updates

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.
August 2025: In ZDNET’s August update, we performed editorial changes, updated the latest news on VPNs, and added additional information on our top picks and alternatives. We also removed the TP-Link Archer GX90 from our top picks.
June 2025: In ZDNET’s June update, we performed substantial editorial and layout changes. We also removed out-of-stock options.

Alternative password managers worth considering

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Enpass is a reliable, secure password manager alternative that allows you to store and sync passwords and passkeys from multiple services. This service is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, and provides unlimited vaults. Pricing begins at $2 per month.

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LogMeOnce offers advanced security features like anti-theft protection and multi-factor authentication (MFA). It has a free option, which we consider an excellent alternative. Alternatively, personal plans start at $2.50 per month or $4 per month per user for businesses. Students can get 50% off.

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Proton Pass is an open-source password manager with unlimited logins and notes. Premium plans start at $2.49 per month, and family packs are available for $5 per month, with pricing cheaper during the end of summer sale. A free plan is also available.

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ExpressVPN Keys is a password manager built into the popular VPN service ExpressVPN. If you would like to combine a VPN that encrypts and disguises your online activities with a robust password manager, this could be an excellent choice.

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Our favorite password managers of 2025 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.

The best password managers of 2025: Expert tested

What is the best password manager right now?

Best password managers of 2025

Latest news

Latest updates

Alternative password managers worth considering

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