Best Password Managers in 2023

Types of password managers

There are several types of password managers on the market, each with its strengths, weaknesses, and features. Choosing the best one for your needs can be a daunting task. The following is a brief overview of some of the most common types of password managers.

Cloud password managers

Cloud-based password managers can be accessible anywhere and anytime, as long as you have an internet connection. They make it easy to store and access your passwords and are also super convenient and easy to use. Some include additional services like credit card information storage or biometric protection methods like facial recognition or fingerprint scans. They are the popular choice among many people who don’t have so much sensitive data to be stored. On the downside, they are susceptible to hacks and phishing attacks, and they can limit the number of devices you can use them on due to subscription limitations. They are also good for businesses with sensitive data that needs to be regularly accessed since they can sync the password data across multiple devices. In addition, cloud-based password managers do not eliminate the need for physical security, such as compliance. They usually have the advantage of being extremely affordable, too.

Enterprise password managers

This category is for companies that want full control over their data and demand greater control when it comes to security. These tools are a great choice for large corporations with many employees who need access to the same password databases. This group of tools has both software and hardware options. These proprietary systems also include advanced features like biometric protection methods, dual-factor authentication, encryption strength levels, and breach alert triggers. On the downside, they often have complicated interfaces, making them hard to use. They also require consistent support and maintenance, which can be costly. They can also have additional features, such as compliance features or integration with legacy systems.

Local password managers

Some people prefer local password managers over cloud options or enterprise options. This type of password manager is a good choice if you don’t want your passwords stored on third-party servers. On the other hand, accessing your data from multiple devices is more challenging since it holds all your information locally. Depending on the system, it can also restrict your access to some features like sharing or importing data into other password managers. It is also a good choice if you want to store your passwords physically, such as in an old-school notebook. On the downside, these password managers are not necessarily as secure as their cloud-based counterparts due to their weaker encryption methods. They also do not offer auto-fill on all browsers. They also don’t support cloud backups or syncing with other devices. Their biggest disadvantage is the lack of continuity since they are only available on a single device.

Multiplatform password managers

Some password managers can be used across multiple platforms and devices, making sharing passwords between family members and friends easier, even if they use different operating systems. This type of password manager is also a good choice if you have multiple devices, such as computers and smartphones. On the downside, the availability of apps that support them can be limited, and the feature set may be more limited. They are also not necessarily as secure as their single device counterparts since they store passwords in a cloud-based system.

Portable password managers

This type of software is usually available for many different devices but with a limited feature set and minimal flexibility. It works as a local password manager that can only be used on a single device. On the downside, you must remember to carry a separate password manager app on each device, which can be inconvenient and sometimes risky due to the high risk of losing it or due to theft.

Single-platform password managers

Some applications are only available for a single platform. This is a good choice if you only use one device and want to access passwords on the go, such as when traveling. On the other hand, it can be inconvenient since you will have to rely on the device’s built-in browser and finder options since a dedicated app does not support it. It can also present some interoperability issues when you want to access your passwords on a different platform. Using a browser extension is also susceptible to local browser attacks since it runs in the same environment and can be easily exploited by malicious websites. Also, single platform password managers don’t offer additional features like sharing passwords, password generators, or secure notes. These tools are generally not very secure.

Mobile password managers

This type of software is usually only available for mobile platforms. On the upside, you can access your passwords on the go without carrying a separate device around. They also possess fast auto-fill features and strong encryption methods. They are generally easier to use than their desktop counterparts or cloud-based counterparts. Mobile password managers can also offer better accessibility since they are available on mobile phones, which most people always have with them.

Factors to consider before purchasing a password manager

Before you pick a password manager that meets your needs, there are several tips to consider. These features are essential for any first-time buyer to keep in mind:

• Functionality: This is the most important factor to consider since it determines how you can use your password manager. It should have all the features that you need for optimal password security. Some of them include auto-fill, clipboard synchronization, and having multiple accounts (multiple profiles) for each device.
• Security: Look for a secure password manager that is well-protected from local attacks such as browser threats. Look for features that improve overall security, such as those related to two-factor authentication options. This is a good way to keep your password manager safe from malicious intrusions. Some of the security features you can look for include multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and secure backups.
• Open source: Some password manager apps are open source, which means that you can look through the code to verify the security. This can be especially useful if you are a developer and want to see where each line of code is deployed. It also means that you can verify the code’s encryption is strong and working correctly.
• Multiplatform support: Not everyone uses a single device. A good password manager should also offer cross-platform support, which allows you to synchronize passwords between multiple devices and operating systems. This is especially useful if you have different platforms in the same family where you want to share passwords. It can also ensure quick access when you are on the go without carrying around a dedicated device.
• Ease of use: This is often overlooked in password manager software. The features should be easy to understand and use; otherwise, they will not be effective. They should also be easy to access; otherwise, you will not be able to get the most out of them. This can be especially important for seniors or people with disabilities because it may be hard for them to access a dedicated password manager on their own.
• Cost: The price of the software may be one of the deciding factors. While cheaper options are available, they may not offer all the features you need. On the other hand, a more expensive product may not include the needed free features. Some of the features you should look for include cloud-based storage and secure backups. They may also offer unlimited synchronization and sharing options across multiple devices.
• Compatibility: Make sure that the software you purchase is compatible with the operating system on which you will use it to store passwords. This can make a difference when using different platforms, especially if they are not designed to work together. You also need to pay attention to the available user interface since some may be easier to use than others.
• Guarantee: Some companies offer a guarantee for their software. This can be useful if you need to make sure your money is well spent, especially if you are purchasing the software for the first time. You can also receive support from a promotional team.
• Trial period: Some companies offer a trial period for the password manager plan you want to purchase. It can give you a chance to test the product, ensuring that it meets your needs before purchasing. A free trial may be a good idea if you are unsure which plan is best for you, and it may also be useful when determining how much money you will spend.
• Reputation: A good password manager app has a good reputation among its users. Some companies that offer such products are known for their excellent services, with helpful and quick support teams. This can help when you are looking for a solution to sharing passwords or when you need help with any issue.
• Offline features: You may not always be able to access your passwords without an internet connection. This can make storing passwords online inconvenient and potentially dangerous since you don’t know which ones have been breached. Most password manager apps offer offline support for the most important features, allowing you to store and manage your data without accessing the internet. This protects you from losing your sensitive information and makes it easier for you to use the app.

Cloud vs. local password managers

When choosing a password manager for your computer, you may have to choose between cloud and local software. This can be an important distinction, especially if you are unsure which one is best for your needs. The following are key things to take into consideration when making this decision:

• Initial sync time: This is an important consideration, especially if you are trying to pick a password manager that can be used quickly. Since the cloud synchronization feature works on the internet, it will always be slower than local software, which only needs to connect to your computer.
• File size and speed: The local software may seem more appealing since it does not require an internet connection. However, the cloud version stores all the data in the cloud, which gives it greater security against local threats. The cloud software is also faster than the local one because it can send data between multiple users in real-time.
• Capacity: The cloud version is larger and more secure than the local version. However, this may not be the case if you are not storing multiple passwords regularly. For example, if you only need to store a few passwords that are easy to remember, then you may want to go with the local software.
• Data security: If your data is sensitive or valuable, you should use a password manager with strong encryption capabilities. Cloud software is always more secure because it can encrypt in the cloud and give you multi-factor authentication. The local software also gives you password encryption, but it can only be as strong as your computer hardware.
• OS compatibility: If you use a different operating system than the one built for the software, you might need a third-party tool to synchronize it. However, the security features of both products will be called into play. You should only use the local software if you plan to access it from the same device all the time.
• Cost: Cloud software will likely be more expensive than a traditional local software. This is due to the extra costs of using cloud services and the security and data privacy benefits that come with cloud software. However, the cost of using a password manager can vary greatly, so look at each company before making your choice.
• Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of the software for people with disabilities or those who may need to use the password manager on their own. Cloud software is always easier to access and will have options supporting this. It can also have more features and a broader range of compatibility.
• Server location: The local software will most likely have a more significant number of servers, which gives it more redundancy. In addition, the local software has fewer limitations on the available regions since the remote servers are right there in your country. However, this could be a problem if you need to access the password manager abroad. Since the cloud software is stored on remote servers, it may have fewer issues in other countries and be accessible from foreign locations.
• Support: The company that produces the local software may not offer as much support as the one producing the cloud version. In addition, you should find a company that has 24/7 support with a strong reputation for helping users when they need urgent assistance. If a password manager is an important part of your everyday life, then you need to be able to ask questions when they arise. You will want an easy-to-reach means of getting help whenever you require assistance.
• Data portability: Another important consideration is the data portability of each product. This depends on the kind of security and encryption used with each product. Cloud software gives you better data portability because you can access passwords from multiple devices. With the local software, you need to pay for a subscription every time you change your device.
• Offline support: If you use your device in areas with poor or no internet connectivity, you will need to know if the password manager supports offline access. This can be a problem for some cloud products. The local software is always better because it does not need to depend greatly on cloud sync.