Password managers store your usernames, passwords and email addresses and protect them from unauthorized access.
Beyond helping to generate strong passwords and sync them across all your devices, the best ones have additional features, like dark web monitoring, email masking and secure password sharing.
CNBC Select reviewed dozens of password managers and picked the best ones in a variety of categories. (See our methodology for more information on how we chose the best password managers.)
Best for beginners: Keeper
Who’s this for? Keeper offers quick-start guides and more in-depth educational content, making it an appealing option if you're new to using password managers.
Standout benefits: Keeper offers password importing from 25 other password managers, plus popular web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari and more. It also comes with unlimited secure password sharing and support for biometrics with its paid plan. Its BreachWatch tool helps you monitor the dark web for any leaked information.
Keeper
Cost
Keeper Free: $0; Keeper Unlimited: $3.58 per user per month; Keeper Family: $7.67 per month; Business plan: $2.00 to $6.00 per month
Standout features
Allows importing from other password managers, adjusts auto-fill preferences for individual websites and allows for one-time password sharing
Offers free version
Yes
Availability
Available for web, desktop, and mobile devices.
Security features
Uses a zero-knowledge approach, government-standard AES-256 encryption, supports multi-factor authentication and biometrics, and performs quarterly third-party security penetration testing
Terms apply
Pros
- Helps you securely share passwords and files
- Offers unlimited password storage
- Supports fingerprint and Face ID login
- Password strength report
Cons
- Free version is limited to one mobile device
- Less Intuitive Interface
- Dark web monitoring and file storage only available on paid plans
Best for advanced features: 1Password
Who’s this for? 1Password is one of the most popular password managers on the market. In addition to common features like auto-fill and password generation, it offers a unique Watchtower program that tracks account breaches, weak passwords and other potential security threats.
Standout benefits: Travel Mode allows you to disable syncing and access passwords securely if you're in an area with compromised networks. The family plan allows multiple users to share a vault and manage passwords together.
1Password
Cost
Individual plan-$3.99 per month; Family plan-$5.99 per month; Business plan-$7.99 per month; Enterprise plan-Contact for pricing
Standout features
1Password's Watchtower feature actively monitors for weak passwords and potential security breaches. Travel mode, unlimited password generation, easy-to-use interface across all devices.
Free version
No
Availability
Available for web, desktop and mobile devices.
Security features
Information uses a zero-knowledge approach, government-standard AES-256 encryption, multi-factor authentication, support for biometrics and has passed third-party security audits.
Terms apply.
Pros
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Allows for offline access
- Will sync passwords across devices
- Support an unlimited number of passwords
- Watchtower provides real-time security feedback
Cons
- No free version, only a free trial
- Limited customer support
Best for VPNs: Dashlane
Who’s this for? Dashlane is one of the few services that pairs a virtual private network (VPN) with its password manager subscription.
Standout benefits: Dashlane also has phishing alerts and comes with a 30-day free trial.
Dashlane
Cost
Premium: $5.42 per month, includes VPN; Friends & family: $8.13 per month; Business plan: $8.00 per month; All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Standout features
The premium plan provides access to VPN, password health checker, dark web monitoring and allows you to securely store sensitive documents.
Offers free version
Yes
Availability
Available for web and mobile devices.
Security features
Uses a zero-knowledge approach, government-standard AES-256 encryption, multi-factor authentication, support for biometrics and has passed third-party security audits.
Terms apply
Pros
- Includes VPN in subscription
- MFA support
- Dark web monitoring
- Offers file storage
- Real-time scam protection
Cons
- Free version is limited to one device and 25 stored logins
- More expensive than some other competitors
- Lacks desktop app
Best free service: Bitwarden
Who’s this for? An open-source password manager, Bitwarden is ideal for users looking for a comprehensive no-cost option. The free tier includes unlimited password storage and device access, as well as cross-platform syncing.
Standout benefits: The premium plan adds more reporting features, as well as access to Bitwarden Authenticator, a program to help with sites and apps that use two-step logins.
Bitwarden
Cost
Basic plan: Free; Individual plan: $1.65 per month; Family plan: $3.99 per month; Business plans: $4.00 per month for teams, $6.00 for enterprises; All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Standout features
Free version offers passkey management and unlimited devices. Paid tiers include emergency access, integrated authenticator, unlimited sharing and up to six premium accounts
Offers free version
Yes
Availability
Available for Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.
Security features
Uses a zero-knowledge approach, government-standard AES-256 encryption, open-source code and regular third-party security audits.
Terms apply
Pros
- Open source code
- Regular security audits
- Extensive free version
- Supports biometrics and two-factor authentication
- Lower price for a premium plan
Cons
- Advanced security reports are limited to the paid version
- Some aspects can be less intuitive to users
Best for offline storage: Enpass
Who’s this for? Enpass is a great password manager for those who want more control over where their information is stored. It doesn't store your data on its servers, but allows you to store it encrypted on your local devices or through a supported cloud provider, like as Google Drive or iCloud.
Standout benefits: The Individual plan issues security alerts for any website breaches and will identify any accounts in your vault that support multi-factor authentication. Users can store and sync an unlimited number of vaults and entries across countless devices.
Enpass
Cost
Standout features
Users can choose where their data is stored, create and sync passkeys and create multiple profiles. Enpass automatically scans passwords for vulnerabilities
Free version
Yes
Availability
Available for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android desktops and for mobile devices on the Apple app store and Google Play.
Security features
Zero-knowledge approach with government-standard AES-256 encryption and support for biometrics. Enpass periodically performs independent security audits.
Terms apply
Pros
- Built-in password generator
- Unlimited number of devices and passwords
- Biometric authentication
- Smartwatch support
- Doesn't require an internet connection
Cons
- Free version is limited to one mobile device with 25 item limit
- Breach monitoring only available on paid plans
- Doesn't offer traditional multi-factor authentication
What is a password manager?
A password manager securely generates, stores and manages passwords for a variety of sites and platforms. It allows you to use strong, unique passwords for different accounts without having to memorize them all.
The best password managers keep passwords in a secured encrypted vault to be accessed on multiple devices.
How do password managers work?
Password managers generate and save unique, complex passwords. While any service you choose should have strong security features, it also needs a user-friendly interface to be effective.
Other things to look for in a good password manager:
Pricing: The program should have a variety of paid tiers for different personal and business needs, including potentially a free plan for basic protection.
Features: Standard features should include autofill, multi-platform support and flagging weak or duplicate passwords. Useful additional features for password managers include dark web monitoring, document storage and passkey support for password-free logins.
Syncing: While you should be able to secure cloud sync across all devices, there should also be the option for local storage.
Emergency access: Review the manager's emergency access options for the ability to share passwords with team members or family.
Security: Your manager should use strong end-to-end encryption (AES-256 or better), with multi-factor authentication and zero-knowledge architecture (meaning only you can access your data). It should also have open-source or transparent security practices and a reliable reputation with independent security audits.
How much does a password manager cost?
The cost for password managers varies greatly depending on the company, the plan and the number and type of features you want. Among the programs we've recommended here, the price range is from $2.99 for an individual plan up to $11 monthly for a business plan.
In many cases, you can save money by paying for a year in advance rather than monthly, and several top companies have free plans with limited options.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
Plans from $10 to $32 per month, billed annually
Protects against identity theft, fraud, spam calls and websites, viruses and malware. Offers three-credit-bureau monitoring, VPN, dark web monitoring, password manager, email aliases and instant credit lock.
On Aura's site
From $7.50 to $25.00 per month, billed annually on individual plans and $12.50 to $33.33 per month, billed annually on family plans
Up to $1 million in insurance for eligible losses from identity theft
On Identity Guard's site
Password manager FAQs
Can a password manager be hacked?
Many password managers operate on a "zero-knowledge" system, which means they never see your stored information. Even if a bad actor breached a password manager's servers, they would be unable to decrypt any information.
Do security experts recommend password managers?
Many top security experts, as well as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), recommend using a password manager.
Is Google password manager safe?
Google Password Manager is generally considered both convenient and secure. It employs encryption and requires your Google account password or device authentication for access. However, it lacks the transparency and robust features of the password managers we selected here.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every password manager review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of password management products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Our methodology
CNBC Select compared dozens of password-managing tools, focusing on those geared toward individuals and small businesses. All the programs we selected use 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption or stronger and a zero-knowledge system.
They are compatible with various devices and browsers and have not had a major data breach within the last two years.
When choosing the best password managers, we considered:
Security: We limited our choices to password managers that use a 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption or better, have a zero-knowledge system and multi-factor authentication (MFA), with support for biometric security like fingerprint readers or face-scanning. Our picks have not had a major data breach within the last two years.
Cost: We considered a program's monthly, yearly and multi-year subscription rates, and considered whether there was a free tier, a free trial period or money-back guarantee.
Compatibility: We gave more weight to password managers with applications for both PC and Mac, that offered browser extensions and have downloadable apps for both iOS and Android users.
User experience: Password managers should be easy and streamlined for users to pick up and understand quickly.
Features: We noted if a password manager offered dark web monitoring, a virtual private network (VPN), and password sharing.
Storage: We leaned toward programs that don't limit the number of passwords they can store and noted if they allowed unlimited storage.
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
Based on these criteria, our picks for best password managers are:
- Best for beginners: Keeper
- Best for advanced features: 1Password
- Best for VPNs: Dashlane
- Best free service: Bitwarden
- Best for offline storage: Enpass
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