The identity-theft crisis over recent years has led people to lose faith in the system of passwords. Regardless of how strong a password you create, you never know when it will be hacked, and all your secrets will be out in the open. Every social media profile is protected by a password and all your personal information; private pictures are just a hack away. All this information demands a different password for each site, and this often leads to a confusing situation at the time of login.
In order to do things, the right way, it is essential to keep track of all passwords and still not reveal them in any manner whatsoever. This is where password-manager software comes in. A password manager helps to remember all your credentials and keeps them safe in vault-like software. Thus, all your passwords are protected and safe from hacks.
List of Best Password Managers
1. LastPass
One of the most well-known password managers, LastPass offers cross-platform support and cloud-only storage. In order to access all stored passwords, only a master password is required. It comes with added features of two-factor authentication, automatic password capture, form filling, free credit monitoring, and multiple identities. The software makes it quite easy to sync passwords across Windows, Mac, Android as well as iOS devices. It intelligently prevents auto-filling of data for most of the known phishing websites. Since the storage is cloud-only, it is one of the most secure password managers out there.
The only con of LastPass is that it does not allow an interface for Opera and Internet Explorer browsers. Also, some of the latest data types are rather complex for laymen. Overall, the software is apt for storing a vast number of passwords. The premium pack starts at a price of $24 per year.
2. KeePass
KeePass is an open-source password manager and is completely free for use. It stores all your passwords and information locally without uploading them to the cloud. The storage is open-source and fully encrypted. KeePass is best known for Windows, but it is also available for Mac and Linux. Open source and encryption make it one of the most robust and secure managers with added features of multi-user support, flexible password generator, and numerous plugins for easy usability. For the average user, this password manager may seem a bit complex to use at first, but for technical experts, this is the perfect password manager for daily use.
KeePass does not support form-filling, and the available plug-ins are not completely safe. Also, passwords need to be entered manually as opposed to other managers who offer automatic password filling options.
3. DashLane
The streamlined interface of DashLane sets it apart from another password manager in its class. It is simple, intuitive, and comes packed with two-factor authentication, automatic logins. It stores passwords locally and allows users to import or export credentials with merely a few clicks. It also provides a digital wallet that enables users to store debit cards, credit cards, and other payment-related details securely. It can be used on iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Mac. While users can store an unlimited number of passwords in the password vault, this feature is limited to a single device only.
Users will have to go Premium ($39.96 per year) in order to avail of this service on multiple devices, but this is a lesser price to pay. The premium option also allows cross-device syncing and online backup if you are willing to pay some extra bucks for added features.
4. True Key
The free version of True Key works for 15 passwords or less, in case of a greater number of passwords, the base price starts from $19.99 annually. Instead of a master password for login, it has been designed to use biometric login. Thus, it is absolutely perfect for phones, tablets, or any other device with a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition. If you prefer faster login options instead of manual typing, this is the way to go. It works for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and supports Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Taking password management to the next step, it comes packed with a credit card scanner.
The downside to the True Key password manager is that it does not support CVV codes which may also be an upside when considered from a security point of view. But then it also defeats the purpose of storing card information.
5. Blur
Blur is a one-in-all kind of product that manages passwords, stores payment information as well as other extra features. There is a free version available while the paid version is available at a base price of $39 per year. The software offers both local as well as cloud storage, the user has the option to choose either one. Other added features of the Blur password manager are autofill, password capture, and password generator. The way Blur protects user identity while storing credit card information is what sets its class apart from other password managers and makes it go beyond them.
Users are allowed to create a one-use credit card number without actually using the real one. Blur even provides the option of creating a virtual phone number that can be shared with others in case you prefer keeping your cell number private.
Download Blur Password Manager
6. Keeper
Keeper stores password information, payment information, and other private data using encryption with everything backed up in the cloud. The offered software development kit provides features like single sign-on and geographically isolated data which cannot be accessed in those specific regions. The web interface of Keeper is quite robust and offers password security at a price. Premium software users can share their data at the cost of $29.99 per year. It even allows you to designate an emergency contact in case a device is lost.
To avoid bulk software, it does not allow users to create a PIN for quick access which can be time-taking for some users. Specifically, those without a fingerprint sensor or facial recognition device would simply have to enter the master password every time they log in.
7. LogmeOnce
LogmeOnce is another completely-free password managing software although it does come with a professional and ultimate version at $12 and $39 each per year. The free version offers numerous features photo login options, two-factor authentication, cross-device sync, password strength determination, secure password share, biometrics, and a digital wallet. The free version even offers the option of adding a beneficiary who can, in turn, control the account in case the first user loses control. Users can choose to create a master password or a passwordless account. LogmeOnce can even help track a stolen device by determining where data is located and taking a photo of someone trying to log in.
The form-filling option has limited usability, and some of the two-factor authentication options may cost you some money. While LogmeOnce is available for Windows, Mac, Android, it is still waiting for Apple’s approval to get into iOS.
8. Zoho Vault
Zoho supports Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and runs on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox browsers. There is a free version available, but since the software is created with the intention of team use, it comes at a base price of $0.90 per user per year. The software does all the syncing for its use across all desktop, mobile, or laptop devices without any extra cost for the sync. Other than this, Zoho also offers up features like two-factor authentication but has no digital wallet.
There are no user-friendly features like auto form-filling or bulk password changer available in this software. Also, Zoho Vault tends to trip many times over Google logins, which is a kind of a software bug, and hopefully, the makers will try to work a solution soon.
9. 1Password
Originally designed for Mac, 1Password is now available for Windows, Android, iOS and runs across all major browsers. The setup process is unique; it generates a secret key that allows you to create a master password. These two work together to create a fully-encrypted key, and both are required to be entered whenever the user adds a new device. The user interface is quite intuitive, and it comes with a ‘watchtower’ service that notifies users of any ongoing website breaches. It saves all credentials, offers a password generator, stores identity profiles and credit card information in the vault.
The price for a single user starts at $35.88 per year which is a bit on the higher side. The lack of a free version of this software is a major drawback but considering the robust security and added features; it may just be worth the price.
10. Passopolis
Passopolis is the password manager acquired by Twitter and is an open-source password manager. It is available as an extension for Chrome and also supports Firefox. It is one of the most underrated password managers, yet it offers up some of the best features in its class. The user interface is extremely simple, eye-pleasing, and easy to use making it simple for first-time users to get used to password management. The software saves all your logins securely and allows all the users to log in for free. They are even allowed to share information without any extra costs.
On the downside, Passopolis has no mobile apps and does not have extensions for browsers like Safari, which is expected to come out soon.
Install passopolis Extension
Use Best Password Manager Now
Password managers are quite necessary for today’s time when hackers have access to almost everything we put up online. In order to beat them in their own game, pick a password manager of your own liking and stay secure all the way. We would recommend LastPass, LogmeOnce for those who are ready to pay some extra bucks, and KeePass, Passopolis for those on a tight budget.
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