Choosing a password manager
A plain-English comparison of the most popular password managers to help you pick the right one for your business.
Once you decide to use a password manager, the next question is: which one? There are several excellent options, and the right choice depends on your team size, budget, and whether you use Apple, Windows, or Android devices.
Quick summary
For most small businesses, 1Password or Bitwarden are the best choices. 1Password is polished and beginner-friendly. Bitwarden is free for personal use and very affordable for teams. Apple's built-in Keychain is excellent if your team uses only Apple devices. All three are trustworthy and well-established.
What to look for
Before comparing options, here are the features that matter most:
- End-to-end encryption — Your passwords are encrypted before they leave your device. The company cannot read them.
- Cross-device sync — Works on your phone, laptop, and tablet.
- Browser extensions — Fills in passwords automatically in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.
- Team sharing — For businesses: the ability to share specific passwords with team members.
- Two-factor authentication support — Protects your vault itself.
- Breach monitoring — Alerts you if a stored password appears in a known data breach.
The main options compared
| Manager | Best for | Free plan? | Team features | Starting price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Password | Businesses, teams, beginners | No (free trial) | Excellent | ~$3/month personal |
| Bitwarden | Budget-conscious, tech-comfortable users | Yes (personal) | Good | ~$3/month personal |
| Dashlane | Beginners wanting a polished experience | Limited | Yes | ~$5/month personal |
| Apple Keychain (iCloud) | Apple-only households/teams | Yes (built-in) | None | Free |
| Google Password Manager | Android/Chrome-only users | Yes (built-in) | None | Free |
| LastPass | Previously popular; had major breach in 2022 | Limited | Yes | Varies |
About LastPass
LastPass experienced a serious data breach in 2022 in which encrypted password vaults were stolen. While they claim the encryption protects users, many security professionals now recommend choosing a different manager. We mention it here because many people still use it, but we do not recommend it for new setups.
Our recommendations
For most small businesses: 1Password
1Password is the gold standard for business use. It is polished, very easy to use, has excellent team-sharing features, and has a strong security track record.
Key features:
- Clean, beginner-friendly interface
- Travel Mode (hides sensitive vaults when crossing borders)
- Excellent team and family sharing
- Watchtower feature alerts you to weak, reused, or breached passwords
- Works on all platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux
For budget-conscious users: Bitwarden
Bitwarden is free for personal use and very affordable for teams. It is open-source, meaning its code is publicly audited. It has all the features you need, though the interface is slightly less polished than 1Password.
Key features:
- Completely free for personal use
- Open-source and independently audited
- Affordable business plans
- Works on all platforms
- Self-hosting option for the technically adventurous
For Apple-only teams: Apple Passwords (iCloud Keychain)
If everyone on your team uses iPhones, iPads, and Macs — and no Windows or Android devices — Apple's built-in password manager is excellent and completely free. In iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, Apple launched a dedicated Passwords app that makes this even easier.
Limitation: It does not work well across platforms or for team sharing.
How to get started
Choose your manager from the options above. If unsure, start with 1Password's free trial or Bitwarden's free personal plan.
Create your account. When prompted for a master password, create a strong passphrase — see How to create strong passwords.
Save your emergency recovery kit. 1Password and Bitwarden both generate a recovery key or emergency kit. Print it and store it somewhere physically safe, like a locked drawer.
Install the browser extension for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. This is what fills in your passwords automatically.
Install the mobile app on your phone. Enable the autofill service in your phone's settings.
Start saving passwords as you log into sites. Within a few weeks, all your important accounts will be in the manager.
Common questions
Related guides
- Why you need a password manager
- How to create strong passwords
- Two-factor authentication, explained
- Your business security checklist
Need a hand?
Learn more
Why you need a password manager
Password managers solve the hardest part of online security — having unique, strong passwords for every account — without the mental overhead.
Two-factor authentication, explained
What two-factor authentication is, why it matters so much, and which type to use for the best protection.