Top 5 Password Managers (December 2024)

Each and every year, scores of data breaches resulting in the theft and dissemination of sensitive and/or private content occur.  Notably, many of these incidents are entirely preventable and occur for one simple reason – poor password management.

With nearly every site, company, and service requiring customers and employees to create accounts, the mere thought of remembering yet another password can cause anxiety.  The result?  Poor passwords used over and over.  Just look at the top 5 passwords for 2023.

1. 123456
2. 123456789
3. qwerty
4. password
5. 12345

Interestingly, a recent look at the issue by GoodFirms found in a survey that out of the various options available meant to strengthen password habits, IT cybersecurity experts recommended the use of a password manager as they simplify robust security.  This is achieved through,

Strong, Unique Passwords:  Managers easily generate and store complex, unique passwords for each account, reducing the use of weak or repeated passwords across multiple sites.
Convenient Security Updates:  Managers typically remind users when it’s time to change a password or if a password has been compromised in a data breach, ensuring continued security.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):  Many password managers support or encourage the use of 2FA, adding an additional layer of security.
Cross-Platform Accessibility:  Managers typically work across different devices and platforms, promoting consistent security regardless of the device or browser.
Phishing Protection:  By auto-filling passwords on recognized sites, managers can greatly reduce the risk of entering credentials into a counterfeit, phishing website.

Unfortunately, surveys also show that password managers are only being used by roughly 15% of the population.  Now that you have learned about a few of the conveniences and boosts to security such services can offer, take the time to consider 5 of the top options available today for business and/or personal use.

1. Keeper

Keeper Security Password Manager excels as a versatile and robust tool for managing passwords and has managed to distinguish itself within a growing crowded field of similar solutions.  It shines particularly in its ability to cater to a diverse range of users, from individuals to large enterprises, offering scalable solutions that adapt to various needs.

Distinguishing Features

1. Customizable Vault Entries and Secure File Storage: Keeper offers detailed and customizable templates for storing a wide range of personal data, including the ability to attach files or photos to each entry, offering more detail and customization than most password managers.
2. Passkey Support: Keeper incorporates passkey technology, providing a more secure and convenient alternative to traditional passwords for user authentication.
3. KeeperChat: An encrypted messaging service exclusive to Keeper, offering more privacy features than typical messaging apps, and it's unique among password managers to include a messaging service

One of its standout features is its high-level security architecture, which employs advanced encryption methods to safeguard user data effectively.  In addition, Keeper's Password Manager boasts a user-friendly interface with seamless integration across the following platforms.

• Android
• iOS / iPadOS / Mac
• Linux
• Windows

The software also offers additional layers of security, such as two-factor authentication and secure file storage, further bolstering its claim as a top-tier password manager.  Overall, its balance of security, flexibility, and user-friendly design makes Keeper an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and comprehensive password management solution.

2. Roboform

Roboform has officially emerged as a highly recommended password manager that is now known for its robust security, user-friendliness, and affordability. It employs strong 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard user data, ensuring safety even in the event of server breaches alongside its standout feature – form-filling.  Here, Roboform particularly excels in detail and efficiency, significantly easing the process of navigating and completing complex web forms.  Additionally, RoboForm's password vault offers extensive customization options, including the ability to organize data into various folders and subfolders, enhancing user convenience.

Distinguishing Features

1. Advanced Form-Filling: RoboForm excels in its form-filling capabilities, allowing users to fill complex web forms quickly and accurately, a feature that is more detailed than many of its competitors.
2. Customizable Password Vault: The password vault in RoboForm is highly customizable, enabling users to organize their data into multiple folders and subfolders for efficient management.
3. Security Center: RoboForm's Security Center provides password auditing, analyzing each password's strength and indicating compromised or reused passwords, although it offers a more basic version of data breach monitoring compared to some competitors

The tool also simplifies the authentication process with ‘passkey support', reducing the need for remembering complex passwords.  Meanwhile, RoboForm's Security Center audits password strength.  It should be noted that certain features, such as dark web monitoring, remain absent at time of writing.

Overall, RoboForm's affordability and the inclusion of essential features like two-factor authentication (2FA) and a user-friendly password generator make it a strong contender in the password management space, particularly for budget-conscious users seeking reliable security

3. NordPass

NordPass is another option widely recognized as one of the best password managers available today.  This is, no doubt, due to its ability to offer a secure and user-friendly interface alongside noteworthy features such as XChaCha20 encryption, a zero-knowledge policy, and multi-factor authentication.

Distinguishing Features

1. Passkey Support: NordPass supports the creation and usage of passkeys for account creation and logging in.
2. Trusted Contacts: Adds an additional layer of security for sharing passwords.
3. Data Breach Scanner: Notifies users in real-time if their email addresses appear in any data breach.

While not as feature-rich as some competitors (i.e. Travel mode), it offers robust password management across various devices and platforms, with intuitive password vaults, customizable folders, and data breach monitoring.  NordPass's browser extensions facilitate easy access and auto-filling, and it includes innovative features like passkey.  Despite some reported limitations in auto-filling personal details and storing certain items, NordPass stands out for its simplicity, security, and user-friendly design, making it a solid choice for secure password management.

4. Dashlane

Dashlane is another leading password manager notable for its end-to-end encryption, ease of use, and unique features like a VPN and real-time dark web monitoring.  Its comprehensive password vault, compatible across all devices and browsers, securely stores a wide array of data, from passwords to personal information.

Distinguishing Features

1. Built-in VPN: Provides unlimited secure web browsing, a feature unique to Dashlane among password managers.
2. Live Dark Web Monitoring: Scans the dark web in real-time and provides instant alerts for leaked email addresses.
3. Virtual Payment Cards: Creates virtual cards to hide real debit card numbers during online transactions.

The browser extension offers seamless auto-fill and access to Dashlane's full range of features.  Included features span from passkey support to various two-factor authentication options, including biometrics, to enhance security.  Additionally, Dashlane's password health checks and versatile sharing options, coupled with effective account recovery methods, make it a highly secure and user-friendly choice for password management​

5. 1Password

1Password spiked in popularity in 2023 due to its exceptional security features, user-friendly interface, and a range of additional tools, making it another top choice among password managers.  It offers customizable vaults for organizing various types of data, including personal, work, and travel information, and includes unique features like Travel Mode, which hides sensitive passwords during travel.  Its Watchtower feature efficiently monitors password strength and security, alerting users to any vulnerabilities.

Distinguishing Features

1. Customizable Vaults: Allows users to create multiple vaults for different categories like Personal, Financial, Travel, Work, etc.
2. Travel Mode: Unique feature that hides important passwords when traveling abroad.
3. Watchtower Feature: Monitors passwords for weaknesses and alerts users about compromised, reused, or vulnerable passwords

1Password also supports passkeys, providing a more secure and convenient login method. The browser extension is highly intuitive, enhancing the auto-filling and saving of logins, although it lacks a one-click sign-in feature found in some competitors. Overall, 1Password stands out for its combination of high-level security, ease of use, and innovative features.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, any of the options listed above are a good choice for business and personal use alike.  What is most important is recognizing and acting on a need for such services.  With data breaches increasing in frequency over time, it is only prudent to take a step as simple as utilizing a password manager to ensure robust security of online data.