Pick Bitwarden or 1Password. Stop overthinking it.
We've tested password managers for years. The differences between good ones are minor. The difference between using one and not using one is massive—Security.org's 2024 survey found 78% of Americans reuse passwords while only 36% use a password manager. That gap is how accounts get compromised.
Here's how to decide.
Security Is Table Stakes
Every major password manager uses AES-256 encryption and zero-knowledge architecture. Translation: even if their servers get breached, attackers get encrypted blobs they can't read. 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane—all do this. Security isn't the differentiator.
The real differences:
- Price: Free to $60/year
- How nice it feels to use
- Platform support (some work better on Apple, others on Android)
- Whether you can self-host
The Password Reuse Problem
The average person has 100+ online accounts but uses only 6-10 unique passwords across all of them. — Security.org, 2024
1Password: $36/Year, Nicer to Use
1Password costs $36/year for individuals, $60/year for families (up to 5 people). No free tier. That's the knock against it.
What you get: the most polished experience available. The apps are consistently excellent across Mac, Windows, iOS, Android. Watchtower alerts you to breached passwords. Family sharing lets you share specific passwords without exposing your whole vault. The Secret Key system adds extra protection—even if someone steals your master password and 1Password's servers, they still can't get in without the key stored on your device.
We recommend 1Password for families and anyone who values polish over price.
Bitwarden: Free and Open-Source
Bitwarden's free tier is legitimately useful—unlimited passwords, unlimited devices. No catch. Premium is $10/year (not a typo) and adds emergency access, advanced 2FA options, and 1GB encrypted storage.
It's open-source. Security researchers audit the code regularly. You can self-host on your own server if you want complete control. The interface is functional but not beautiful. The browser extension occasionally hiccups. Works fine, just doesn't feel as smooth as 1Password.
Bitwarden is our pick for budget-conscious users and privacy advocates.
Apple Keychain and Google Password Manager: Fine, but Limited
Built-in, free, and already on your devices. They'll generate and store passwords. Good enough?
Problem is ecosystem lock-in. Apple Keychain barely works on Windows. Google Password Manager barely works outside Chrome. If you switch platforms or use multiple, you'll hit friction. Also missing: secure notes, password sharing, breach monitoring beyond basics, travel mode.
If you're 100% Apple or 100% Chrome and just need basics, these work. Otherwise, get a real password manager.
Skip LastPass
LastPass had multiple breaches in 2022-2023. Encrypted vaults were stolen. The company's response was slow, communication was poor. Security professionals widely recommend against it now. If you're using LastPass, switch to Bitwarden or 1Password. We're not being dramatic—this one actually matters.
Quick Decision Guide
- Don't want to pay → Bitwarden free tier
- Family of 2-5 → 1Password Families ($60/year total)
- Want the smoothest experience → 1Password ($36/year)
- Privacy-focused or want self-hosting → Bitwarden
- Currently on LastPass → Switch immediately to either option
We'd pick Bitwarden if price matters, 1Password if it doesn't. Both are excellent. The worst choice is still using the same password everywhere.
*Stay sharp.*