Best Password Managers for 2024 and How to Use Them

With so many password manager options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. CNET has thoroughly tested dozens of password managers over the years, and we’ve developed a pretty good idea of ​​the types of things to look for in a quality service. Here are the most important things to consider when choosing a password manager:

Security

You rely heavily on your password manager to keep your logins safe, so the security of the service should be your biggest concern. Look for a password manager that operates on a zero-knowledge basis and secures user vaults with industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption. Independent security audits can also help build trust in a password manager. As you research password managers, it’s important to consider the company behind the service. Has the company been involved in any security incidents that may have compromised user data? If so, you may want to look elsewhere.

Price

Password manager pricing can vary by provider, so you’ll want to choose a service that fits your needs and budget. Most password managers have pricing plans for individuals, families, and businesses. Family and business plans are more expensive than individual plans, but family and business plans cover multiple users, while individual plans are limited to a single user. Many password managers also offer free plans, but these almost always have limitations on features or device allocation. Some services, like Bitwarden, allow unlimited vault access on unlimited devices on their free plan. Most password managers also offer a free trial or money-back guarantee, so you can try them out risk-free.

Cross-platform compatibility

One of the most important aspects of using a password manager is that it is available on all the devices that you use. Before you purchase a subscription for a password manager, make sure that it is compatible with all the devices, operating systems, and browsers that you regularly use. The password manager should also automatically sync your passwords and other vault items across all your devices. This helps ensure that you can access your passwords from any device at any time.

Features

Make sure your password manager has standard features like multi-factor authentication, a password generator, secure sharing, and automatic syncing. Other useful features to look for include secure file storage, autofill logins, vault health reporting and data breach and dark web monitoring. Many password managers also give you the ability to store things like credit card numbers, bank account numbers, health information, PINs, and secure notes, in addition to storing your online login credentials.

Secure sharing options

It’s never a good idea to share passwords or other highly sensitive information via email or text message, but most password managers include secure sharing features that let you securely share vault items with others. Some password managers only allow secure sharing with other users of the same service, while others allow secure sharing with anyone, regardless of whether they use a password manager. Secure sharing features are also typically customizable, allowing you to set limits on how often a shared vault item can be accessed or for how long. If you plan on sharing certain passwords with family members, friends, or coworkers, it’s a good idea to check the secure sharing options of the password manager to make sure they meet your security needs.

Secure file storage

Some password managers offer secure file storage options that allow you to securely store documents such as medical records, bank statements, insurance cards, and property deeds. Some offer 1GB of secure storage, while others can provide up to 10GB. Depending on whether you need to store files and how much space you need, it’s a good idea to look at the secure file storage options and allowances of the password manager you’re considering.

Surcharge for family subscription

If you want to share a password manager subscription with family or friends, it’s a good idea to opt for a password manager family plan. With a family plan, one subscription fee covers between five and ten individual accounts, depending on the provider. A family plan is a convenient and cost-effective option for anyone who wants to easily and securely share vault items with trusted contacts.