Passwords are both a curse and a blessing. Although they protect our digital data, each service requires its own user ID. Facebook, Google, PayPal, eBay, Amazon, Steam – at some point even the most creative will run out of password imagination and quickly lose track. In the worst case, one and the same password is used for all commonly used online services. It’s easy for hackers, especially if the user uses public WiFi.
To protect data in the best possible way, a password manager is the perfect tool. Whether managing passwords, saving passwords or creating new passwords – all this works easily with a password manager. Most programs on the market also allow synchronization with multiple devices, so that security is also guaranteed when traveling in travel mode with the smartphone.
In the password manager comparison, 8 providers are presented, which were compared in terms of price, features and compatibility with different operating systems. The subsequent guide deals with the different functions of a password manager and provides an overview of important purchase criteria. An FAQ section provides competent answers to questions that are asked again and again in relation to password managers. The conclusion is an overview of possible password manager tests by Stiftung Warentest and the consumer magazine Öko-Test.
Best 9 Password Managers Software
1Password Password Manager
1Password is a well-known password manager that is currently available for an affordable annual price. Unsure buyers can first try out a 14-day trial version to see whether the software and its functions suit their own requirement profile. In terms of operation, the manager is not very different from others: the software allows all passwords to be saved in an encrypted file. A master password is then created, with which the administrator gains access to the data.
The manufacturer, who has been working with Accel since 2019, says it attaches great importance to security – this is already shown by the use of six cryptographic encryption routines. Not only access data for websites can be saved and secured, but also other data such as credit card information or software licenses. It is practical that the data can be sorted into categories such as “registrations” and “wallet” and can be structured in folders.
Other important functions: Managing and using your own online banking account can be made easier with 1Password with TAN list management. The password manager also allows reading out password fields. Anyone who forgets their password can make it visible again in the same way.
In comparison, installing your own software is not absolutely necessary with this password manager, it is sufficient to create an account with the provider and download add-ons. In a few steps, standards such as the storage location or the creation of a desktop icon must be selected. The password manager is compatible with all known operating systems. These include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSand ChromeOS. The software is available as a special business version for companies, families and private users should use the family version. The manufacturer offers 24/7 support for all customers who have problems while using it.
Dashlane Password Manager
Dashlane Password Manager is available as a browser extension, desktop program or mobile app. According to the manufacturer, it is a very simple password manager that is user-friendly and suitable for beginners. As with any password manager, users must set a master password in the first step, then a tutorial guides them through the program and allows them to download the appropriate browser extension at the end. The password manager automatically saves passwords and login data while surfing in the browser and independently synchronizes the data with all devices – whether Apple or Android.
Addresses and other forms can be filled out with just one click. According to Dashlane, payment details can be saved to make online payments faster. The password manager warns of data breaches and hacks that affect personal data and at the same time gives advice on what those affected can do about it. The software uses the modern encryption technology AES-256. The manager is available as a free version or as a premium version for a small additional charge.
Dashlane itself has no access: Dashlane claims to have designed its password manager in such a way that the company itself cannot see the data that customers save in the manager. This means that customers retain full control over their data and do not have to worry about it being passed on to third parties.
The password manager is available as a premium version for an additional charge. A special function is the “Password Changer”, with which many saved passwords can be changed with just one click. The password manager has a VPN function for additional data protection, especially in public networks. Login to Dashlane can be made even more secure with two-factor authentication. It can be set whether the authentication should take effect with every login or only when logging in with a new device.
Keeper Password Manager
The Keeper password manager is a digital data vault that securely stores passwords, financial information and other sensitive data, among other things. It is aimed at private individuals and companies with one variant each. The password manager is available as a desktop extension for the operating systems Windows, macOSand Linux, as a mobile version for Android, iOS, WindowsPhone and Blackberry and as a browser add-on for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edgeand Opera available. Keeper doesn’t come in a free version, but you can try it free for 30 days.
The password manager encrypts the stored data according to the modern AES-256 standard. According to the manufacturer, password security is based on the so-called zero-knowledge principle: Keeper does not know the set master password and does not store any unencrypted information on its own servers. The account can be protected using two-factor authentication. For example, the password manager supports the following 2FA options:
- SMS
- Fingerprint/TouchID
- FaceID
- U2F security key, for example YubiKey
With a secure messenger service: With “KeeperChat”, the Keeper password manager offers a way to improve Internet security through encrypted message transmission to any device. This protects confidential communication from hackers and unauthorized access.
With the “BreachWatch” function, the password manager from the comparison can scour the Internet and the dark web for stolen passwords and, in an emergency, notify the user or emergency contact so that he or she can take the necessary steps. Keeper offers a cloud -based solution, the “SecurityVault”, to protect digital assets in a secure manner. Other useful features include a general security check, an autofill option, and sharing records on your own terms.
Keepass Password Manager
The Keepass password manager is an open source application developed by the German Dominik Reichl, which aims to be simple and clearly structured. It is freeware that all users can use for free. But there is the possibility to support the website with donations. As open-source software, the program works like a modular system and offers options for installing your own extensions. It is therefore primarily suitable for IT inventors who enjoy programming. The password manager is available in different versions that build on each other and become more and more complex.
According to Keepass, the user interface has a Windows-like design. Important: Not every version of the password manager is for other operating systems such as macOSor Linuxsuitable. The main function of Keepass is to insert passwords, security codes and usernames into the browser. According to the provider, the data can be entered by dragging and dropping from the clipboard or using an automatic fill-in function. This should work in all browsers as an add-on. The range of functions of the password manager includes a password generator with many setting options.
With secure encryption: The Keepass password manager uses modern encryption AES-256, which is considered secure and is approved in the USA, for example, for files and documents with the highest level of confidentiality. Banks also use the encryption algorithm.
If you want to create a new database with Keepass, you have to decide how the data should be decrypted. In addition to a classic master password, decryption via your own Windows account or a key file is available in the 2.x version. The open-source program requires hardly any resources when downloading. The password manager has an integrated password generator. The German version of the software must be installed later, the original download is in English according to the provider.
Kaspersky Password Manager
The Kaspersky Password Manager is for the operating systems Windows, macOS, iOSand Androidavailable. The Russian manufacturer has specialized in security software for years and offers its password manager in a free and a paid version. The password manager relieves users of the work of remembering secure passwords and offers the option of saving access data such as username, password or website URL manually or when entering them in the browser. According to the manufacturer, the software can also secure passwords for installed apps and for bank cards or accounts.
Access to the data store is via a master password specified during registration. Kaspersky relies on the zero-knowledge principle for its password manager: This means that the provider never saves the password and therefore does not know it. A folder structure should ensure a simple organization of the data. Since the data is synchronized across devices, according to Kaspersky, access to all devices is possible with just one license. The manager has a built-in password generator that is supposed to warn you about passwords that are used more than once and are insecure.
With AES-encrypted algorithm: The Kaspersky Password Manager saves all data in a memory that is encrypted according to AES-256. However, according to the manufacturer, there is no two-factor authentication that rounds off the security concept.
The two most important features of the password manager are password checking and application password storage. According to its own statement, the Moscow company offers an FAQ area and email support as support. Alternatively, there is a sub-forum where all Kaspersky users can clarify questions. The password manager is operated via a desktop app, a browser extension or a mobile app.
NordPass password manager
NordPass is a password manager from the makers of NordVPN, one of the best VPN apps out there. The password manager is available as a free or paid version and in a version for business customers. The software is available as a browser extension for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Microsoft Edge, and as a mobile version for Androidand iOSand as a desktop app for Linux, macOSand Windows. It is a digital data store that, in addition to passwords, can also store financial data and the like.
Otherwise, NordPass claims to have all the essential functions of a good password manager. With a password generator, maximum security passwords can be created, the length and composition of which can be freely selected. Even more practical: With the “automatic detection” function, according to NordPass, the program recognizes password columns in the browser and automatically fills them with a self-generated password. The password manager secures data according to the modern AES-256 standard. Further protection is possible through the combination with authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator and Authy through two-factor authentication.
With biometric authentication via Face or Touch ID: According to the manufacturer, the NordPass password manager offers the option of using your own fingerprint or face as a password to unlock the data safe.
According to NordPass, the password manager can store an infinite number of passwords and synchronizes them across all devices so that they are always available. The security of the password manager was therefore checked by the German cyber security company Cure 53. As with all password managers, managing your own account works via a master password that is set at the beginning. According to NordPass, importing data from a password manager that is already in use works with the programs 1Password, Bitwarden and LastPass, among others.
Avira Password Manager
The Avira Password Manager is a password manager from the well-known German antivirus developer that can be used to generate, save and manage logins. The software is in the components Web Dashboard for Windowsand macOS, browser add-on for all possible browsers and mobile app for Androidand iOSdivided. All functions can be used free of charge and synchronized with each other via the cloud or expanded with a Pro version for a fee. Users only have to remember the master password, the software takes care of the rest, according to the manufacturer. When registering, an account must be created with Avira.
Avira uses the highest possible AES encryption of 256 bits to store the data. Other security features such as 2-factor authentication are also included. The password manager should be clearly designed and available in German. A useful feature of the password manager is a security test that makes statements about the security status of the passwords – according to the manufacturer, however, the function is only available in the Pro version. Features such as password sharing or sending records once are not included.
With AutoFill option: The Avira Password Manager enters the login data for the customer. The so-called AutoFill function is also available for Android smartphones and iPhones with the iOS 12 operating system.
Avira relies on the well-known zero-knowledge principle: Only the user knows the passwords, Avira itself has no access to them. There are no recovery methods like other password managers, making Avira one of the most secure products out there. Avira does not maintain a support chat. Users must fill out a contact form in German. You can also search for questions already asked by other users in the Avira help area. There is currently no business tariff for the Avira Password Manager.
F-Secure Key Password Manager
F-Secure Key Password Manager is a software with all the essential features of a password manager. This includes, for example, the secure storage of passwords, e-mail addresses, login data, PINs and access data for credit cards and online banking. The manager provides password status for improving password security and alerts on security breaches on compatible Android mobile devicesor iOS. In the paid premium version, the passwords can also be synchronized on all devices – so they can be accessed from any location.
The password manager is compatible with desktop applications from Windows onwards7 and macOS10.14, browser extension for various internet browsers such as Mozilla Firefoxand Google Chromeand mobile app from Android 4.1 or iOS11. According to the manufacturer, all data is stored locally on the device and encrypted with the AES-256 algorithm. Each password is encrypted with a separate key derived from the master key. The manufacturer relies on the zero-knowledge principle, which means: The master password is never stored anywhere.
Available in many languages: The F-Secure Key password manager is available in many languages, including German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Danish or Finnish.
With the password manager from the security software manufacturer F-Secure, passwords are imported from other managers or entered manually and directly into the system; there is no automatic save function. The manager has an integrated password generator that is supposed to create passwords with a secure length of up to 32 characters. According to the provider, it can convince with a simple and intuitive user interface. Alternatively, a corporate version is available.
Steganos Password Manager
The Steganos password manager can save passwords and bundle them in virtual keychains. It’s for Windowsand in the mobile version for Androidand iOSavailable – there is no Mac version yet. Browser extensions are for Mozilla Firefox, Google Chromeand Microsoft Edgeaccessible. The German company, which has been active for more than 20 years, offers a manager that can save not only passwords, but also other login and credit card data and much more. It offers automatic data synchronization with Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, GoogleDrive or via MagentaCloud.
According to the manufacturer, an encryption algorithm stores all access data securely with 256-bit AES encryption. Another security feature is two-factor authentication, which supports “third-party apps” such as Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, and Authy, among others. The software can first be tested free of charge and then purchased inexpensively for life for up to five devices. Free apps for iOS and Android should enable secure access to PINs and passwords on the go – including automatic entry in the in-app browser.
With PicPass: PicPass is an alternative method of password creation offered by the Steganos password manager. Instead of letters, numbers and special characters, a fixed series of predefined images is clicked to gain access to the keychain.
However, PicPass is significantly less secure than passwords created by the integrated password generator – but on the other hand it is also easier to remember. In order to be able to use the customer service of the German company, the serial number of the password manager is required. This takes some time, but according to the manufacturer, it allows for even more customer-oriented advice. There is no chat function on the website, but there is a small FAQ area and a help center.
