Better Safe Than Sorry: These Are the Best Password Managers
With these password managers, you don't have to worry about your data.
- What is a password manager and how does it work?
- The reasons to use a password manager
- What types of password managers are there?
- How to find the right password manager for your own needs?
- What are the disadvantages of using password managers?
- What are the best password managers?
- Password Managers: A Central Component of Cybersecurity
To enhance the security of your data, you should create a unique password for each account. However, in reality, this is often not the case: Many users use a single password for all their accounts. Once this password is cracked, it's an open field for cybercriminals. Since you probably can't remember countless passwords, what you need is a central storage location.
You will find this in a password manager. The application helps you keep track of your passwords and generate secure passwords using a random number generator. In this article, we answer all the important questions about password managers and introduce you to the seven best tools.
What is a password manager and how does it work?
With the help of a password manager, you can store and manage your passwords in an encrypted format. You can also use these programs as a generator for secure passwords. The applications have features that allow passwords to be generated at random.
All your passwords are stored in a database of your password manager. And while some passwords accumulate there over time, you only need a master password to log in to the different sites. However, your passwords are not protected solely by the main password, but are also encrypted using various algorithms.
The reasons to use a password manager
Password managers make surfing the World Wide Web safer on both a private and business level. This is especially the case when you have to access many different applications. In addition to protection, password managers also simplify the login processes: After all, you no longer have to remember numerous passwords and only need the master password. In addition, thanks to the autofill function, passwords no longer have to be entered by hand.
Here are the advantages of a password manager at a glance:
- Passwords are stored in a central location
- Easy searching of passwords
- Automatic generation of secure passwords
- Time saving when logging in
- Passwords can be shared or synchronized depending on the provider
- Passwords can be adjusted without consequences for employees
- Termination of password share at any time possible
What types of password managers are there?
Cloud Password Manager
This is one of the most popular options for individuals and companies. Cloud password managers encrypt your login data and store it on their own servers. The main advantage of such a password manager is easy access from any location and device. This promotes secure collaboration in teams working from different locations. Since cloud password managers are hosted and maintained centrally by the provider, access is quick.
Native Password Manager
These applications are particularly preferred by individuals and companies who want to host and manage a password manager in their own closed environment. They usually offer similar administrative functions as a cloud password manager. However, they are a bit more expensive. Native password managers are therefore often used by companies that have access to resources and financial means to maintain their own infrastructure.
Mobile Password Manager
While there are many cloud password apps for smartphones, iOS and Android also have their own native password managers like Apple Keychain and Google Password Manager. With these, users can securely store their password on their mobile devices. They help with automatic filling of access fields on websites and in apps.
Password Manager as a Browser Extension
Popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge have integrated password managers. They help users store and manage their passwords. The passwords stored there can be synchronized with all devices that support these browsers. A great advantage is that these tools are free. However, due to the lack of extensive features, they are limited to personal use.
How to find the right password manager for your own needs?
On today's market, you will find countless paid and open-source password managers. So what should you consider when choosing a suitable tool?
The main focus of your decision-making should be your own demands: Should the application only run on a local computer? Or should it also be used on a foreign device via a mobile storage medium (e.g., USB stick)? You also have to decide whether the program should contain a generator function.
Password managers also differ in terms of their algorithms: When selecting, make sure that your application has a current encryption method. Another criterion is the storage location of the password database. Some programs automatically store passwords in the manufacturer's cloud, which allows constant access. To have even more control, you should opt for solutions that allow local storage on your system.
What are the disadvantages of using password managers?
Password managers are used to generate secure passwords and manage your login data. But as helpful as these applications may be - there is always a small residual risk. After all, all your passwords are managed through a program. If you forget or lose the master password, you lose access to all accounts.
Also, you are always dependent on the database. If you use local software, you can only access the database from your home PC. However, if you opt for a mobile or cloud solution, the security risk increases again. In this case, you are always dependent on a individual provider.
What are the best password managers?
1. LastPass
The first password manager on our list is Lastpass. The tool offers a secure vault for storing all your login data. LastPass also automatically fills out web forms for you. In addition, it generates strong passwords for all websites and devices you use.
LastPass Features
- Unlimited number of passwords and devices
- Automatic synchronization of devices
- Secure password vault
- Save and auto-fill passwords
- Password Generator
- Sharing of passwords
- 1 GB Database
- Integrated Dashboard
- Dark web monitoring
- Two-factor Authentication
LastPass Prices
LastPass is available for free for a single device. If you have more devices, you can use LastPass Premium. The subscription costs $3 per month and is billed annually. More information about the LastPass prices can be found on OMR Reviews.
LastPass Alternatives
LastPass doesn't meet your requirements? No problem! An overview of LastPass alternatives can be found at OMR-Reviews.
2. Keeper
Keeper is an intuitive, highly secure password manager with many useful features. The browser extension from Keeper automatically enters passwords and payment details into various web forms. It also has a secure messaging app that is available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices.
Keeper Features
- Password vault
- Browser extension for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Safari
- Sharing of passwords
- Autofill and save function
- BreachWatch for monitoring the dark web
- Encrypted messaging app
- Multi-factor authentication
- Unlimited number of passwords and devices
- 10 GB Database
Keeper Prices
For businesses, Keeper is available at €2 per month per user. Privately, you can use the tool from €42 per year. More info on the Keeper prices can be found on OMR Reviews.
Keeper Alternatives
Keeper doesn't meet your requirements? No problem! An overview of Keeper alternatives can be found at OMR-Reviews.
3. Sticky Password
Next up is Sticky Password. The program stores your passwords in a central and encrypted database. This way, you can synchronize your login data across a range of devices. With the security dashboard of Sticky Password you can also replace weak and old passwords.
Sticky Password Features
- Supports Windows, macOS, iOS and Android
- Password Generator
- Sharing of passwords
- Autofill and auto-login
- Browser extensions for Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Opera
- Secured shared use of notes
- Offline mode
- Several options for two-factor authentication
Sticky Password Prices
Sticky Password offers a free version with basic features. For additional features, you can purchase the Premium subscription. This costs €39.95 per user per year or €99.95 for lifetime use. Business users pay €29.95 per user per year.
More info about the Sticky Password Prices and user reviews related to price can be found on OMR Reviews.
Sticky Password Alternatives
Sticky Password doesn't meet your requirements? No problem! An overview of Sticky Password alternatives can be found at OMR-Reviews.
4. RoboForm
RoboForm is one of the oldest password managers on the market. It not only securely stores your passwords and personal data. It also stores your credit card details for online purchases and automatically fills out web forms. In addition, RoboForm monitors the strength of your used passwords.
RoboForm Features
- Unlimited number of passwords
- Automatic filling of web forms
- Password Generator
- Password Rating
- Monitoring of the dark web
- Sharing of passwords
- Emergency access
- Two-factor authentication
- Cloud backup
RoboForm Prices
RoboForm offers you a free version with limited features. If that's not enough, you can use RoboForm Everywhere. This subscription costs $16.68 per year and is valid for one user. Depending on the company size and subscription duration, business customers get the tool starting from $22.95 per user per year.
More info about the RoboForm prices and user reviews related to price can be found on OMR Reviews.
RoboForm Alternatives
RoboForm doesn't meet your requirements? No problem! An overview of RoboForm alternatives can be found at OMR-Reviews.
5. KeePass
Are you looking for a free open-source password manager? Then KeePass is the right tool for you: The program allows you to store login data locally and not in the cloud. This minimizes the risks of data misuse and hacking attacks. Furthermore, KeePass offers more than 100 plugins with which you can expand the tool's functions.
KeePass Features
- Password Generator
- Two-factor Authentication
- Mobile app available
- Portable Database
- Autofill for web forms
- Importing data from browsers
- No software installation required
KeePass Prices
Using KeePass is completely free. The application supports Android, iOS, Windows, Linux and macOS. More info about the KeePass prices can be found on OMR Reviews.
KeePass Alternatives
KeePass doesn't meet your requirements? No problem! An overview of KeePass alternatives can be found at OMR-Reviews.
6. 1Password
When it comes to user-friendliness, 1Password is way ahead. The tool is not only quick to install and easy to set up. It also has a very intuitive dashboard for managing your passwords. In addition, you can import login data from other 1Password accounts or even other password managers.
1Password Features
- Supports macOS, iOS, Windows, Android and Linux
- Unlimited number of devices and passwords
- Guest accounts
- Account recovery
- Two-factor authentication
- 1 GB document storage per user
- Travel mode
- Shared vaults
1Password Prices
1Password offers two subscriptions for private use from $2.99 per month and different company solutions from $7.99 per user per month. More info about the 1Password prices can be found on OMR Reviews.
1Password Alternatives
1Password doesn't meet your requirements? No problem! An overview of 1Password alternatives can be found at OMR-Reviews.
7. Avira Password Manager
Last but not least, we have the Avira Password Manager for you. The tool was developed by the German antivirus software developer Avira Operations. It allows you to create, store and manage login data. You can also secure payment data and add notes for sensitive documents.
Avira Password Manager Features
- Password Generator
- Autofill web forms
- Mobile app for Android and iOS devices
- Unlimited number of passwords and devices
- Password Synchronization
- Sharing of passwords
- Two-factor Authentication
- Browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Opera
- 1 GB storage space
Avira Password Manager Prices
Avira provides a free password manager with basic functions. For further features like Breach Alerts, there are two paid subscriptions for €24.95 (Pro) or €69.95 (Prime) per year.
Further information about the Avira Password Manager Prices and user reviews related to price can be found on OMR Reviews.
Avira Password Manager Alternatives
The Avira Password Manager doesn't meet your requirements? No problem! An overview of Avira Password Manager Alternatives can be found at OMR-Reviews.
Password Managers: A Central Component of Cybersecurity
Whether private individuals or companies - we disclose numerous confidential data on the internet. These are protected by passwords. To manage all the different passwords, password managers are used. They secure your passwords in a central location and provide more clarity. Most tools also have a password generator.
Which password manager you ultimately choose always depends on your requirements:
- Do you need a generator function?
- Paid vs. open-source software?
- Should the tool be accessible locally or also on foreign devices?
- Should the passwords be stored locally or in the manufacturer's cloud?
If the right password manager wasn't in our list, you'll find many more tools to ensure the security of your data on OMR Reviews. With real user reviews, you'll definitely find the right software.