I Tested 7 Password Managers: the BEST of 2024 is…

Summary

The video script offers a detailed comparison of six popular password managers, focusing on factors like trust, ease of use, features, and pricing. It highlights the security concerns with LastPass, the open-source options of Bitwarden and Proton Pass, and the longevity of RoboForm and 1Password. The comparison includes mobile app usability, the ability to store various data types, and unique features like Proton Pass's email aliasing and 1Password's integration with Privacy.com. The video concludes with recommendations based on user preferences and the importance of investing in a password manager for enhanced security.

Takeaways

• 🔒 The user compared 7 popular password managers, eliminating LastPass due to multiple security incidents.
• 📋 Open-source options are limited with only Bitwarden and Proton Pass being open source, while 1Password, NordPass, and RoboForm are closed source, and Dashlane is partially open source.
• 🛡️ Trust factors such as company transparency and years on the market were considered, with RoboForm and 1Password having the longest track records.
• 📱 All tested password managers offer easy import managers, good mobile apps, and ease of use across devices.
• 💡 Bitwarden uniquely allows self-hosting of the password vault, catering to advanced users.
• 🔑 Password managers can store various sensitive information beyond passwords, such as credit card numbers and encrypted notes.
• 🔄 RoboForm uniquely offers free storage of 2FA authenticator codes, while others include this in paid plans or not at all.
• 🌟 Unique features set password managers apart, like Proton Pass's email aliasing and 1Password's integration with Privacy.com for virtual credit card numbers.
• 💰 Pricing considerations vary, with Bitwarden being the cheapest for individuals and NordPass offering the best value for family plans.
• 🌐 Dashlane includes a VPN for WiFi protection in their individual plan, while others may offer this through their ecosystems.
• 👍 The user recommends paying for a password manager, highlighting the value of services like 1Password for its user interface and Proton Pass for its suite of secure apps.

Q & A

How many password managers were initially purchased for comparison?

The user initially purchased subscriptions to 7 of the most popular password managers.

Why was LastPass removed from the list of password managers being compared?

LastPass was removed from the list due to multiple security incidents over the past two years, which led to a loss of credibility as a security software.

What are the trust factors used to compare the remaining 6 password managers?

The trust factors include company transparency, years on the market, ease of setup, and usability of the software.

Which password managers are open source?

Bitwarden and Proton Pass are open source, while 1Password, NordPass, and RoboForm are closed source. Dashlane is partially open source.

What is unique about Proton Pass in terms of features?

Proton Pass has a unique feature of native email aliasing, which allows users to create and store secure email usernames and passwords. It also works best when used in conjunction with other Proton security apps.

Which password manager allows self-hosting of the password vault?

Bitwarden is the only password manager on the list that allows users to self-host their password vault, suitable for advanced users.

How do the password managers handle the storage of 2FA authenticator codes?

RoboForm offers free storage of 2FA codes, while 1Password, Proton Pass, and Bitwarden include a built-in authenticator on their paid plans. NordPass only offers this feature for business and enterprise plans.

What is the significance of the password managers' years in the market?

RoboForm and 1Password have the longest track records with 23 and 18 years respectively, indicating their longevity and experience in the market. Dashlane, Bitwarden, and NordPass also have a respectable number of years, while Proton Pass is the youngest, having launched in June 2023.

What are some of the unique features of 1Password?

1Password offers features like integration with Privacy.com for virtual credit card numbers, a Travel mode for protection on the go, and Watchtower, which alerts users to security breaches and weak passwords.

Which password manager is recommended for advanced users who value control over their password vault?

Bitwarden is recommended for advanced users due to its open-source nature and the ability to self-host the password vault.

What is the cost range for the recommended password managers?

The cost range for the recommended password managers is between $1 to $4 a month.

Where can users find a full breakdown of the password manager comparison?

A full breakdown of the comparison can be found at AllThingsSecured.com/passwordmanagers, which the user will keep updated after the video goes live.

Outlines

00:00

🔑 Comprehensive Comparison of Password Managers

The video script begins with the narrator's experience of purchasing subscriptions to seven popular password managers to compare their features, security, and cost. The narrator eliminates LastPass due to recent security incidents and focuses on the remaining six. The comparison criteria include trust factors like company transparency and market presence, ease of setup and use, extra features, and pricing. The script discusses the importance of source code transparency, with Bitwarden and Proton Pass being open source, and the longevity of RoboForm and 1Password. It also covers rapid-fire feature comparisons, such as import managers, mobile app usability, self-hosting options, and the ability to store various types of sensitive information. The narrator highlights unique features of each password manager, like Proton Pass's email aliasing and 1Password's integration with Privacy.com, and concludes with pricing recommendations, emphasizing the value of investing in a password manager.

05:05

🛡️ Choosing the Right Password Manager for Privacy and Security

The second paragraph emphasizes the importance of selecting a password manager that aligns with the user's privacy and security needs. The narrator suggests considering Proton Pass due to its suite of secure apps like Proton Mail and Proton Calendar. The script encourages viewers to choose a password manager, with the narrator providing affiliate links for ease of access. The narrator acknowledges that there might be omitted details and invites viewers to share their thoughts in the comments. For a comprehensive breakdown, the narrator directs viewers to a dedicated website that will be updated post-video release.

Keywords

💡password managers

Password managers are digital tools designed to securely store and manage login credentials, such as usernames and passwords, for multiple online accounts. In the video, the user compares different password managers based on various features, security, and cost-effectiveness, highlighting the importance of these tools in maintaining online security and convenience.

💡security incidents

Security incidents refer to any event that compromises the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of a system or data. In the context of the video, the user mentions security incidents related to LastPass, which have affected its credibility as a secure password management software.

💡open source

Open source refers to a software whose source code is made publicly available, allowing users to view, use, modify, and distribute the software. This transparency can be beneficial for security as it enables independent verification of the software's code. In the video, Bitwarden and Proton Pass are highlighted as open-source password managers.

💡trust factors

Trust factors are criteria used to evaluate the reliability and credibility of a product or service. In the context of password managers, these factors include company transparency, years on the market, and the ease of setup and use. The video emphasizes the importance of trust factors in selecting a password manager.

💡2FA authenticator codes

2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) authenticator codes are time-sensitive, one-time use codes often used as a second layer of security in addition to passwords. These codes are generated by an app or sent via SMS and must be entered during the authentication process. The video discusses the storage and autofill capabilities of different password managers for 2FA codes.

💡unique features

Unique features refer to the distinct capabilities or characteristics that set a product or service apart from its competitors. In the context of password managers, these can include things like email aliasing, virtual credit card numbers, or built-in VPNs. The video highlights the unique features of each password manager to help users make an informed choice.

💡pricing

Pricing refers to the cost associated with purchasing or subscribing to a product or service. In the video, the user compares the pricing of different password managers, considering both the subscription fees and the value provided by each service.

💡self-hosting

Self-hosting refers to the practice of hosting a service or software on one's own servers rather than relying on a third-party hosting service. In the context of password managers, this option is typically for advanced users who prefer to have complete control over their data storage. The video mentions that Bitwarden is the only password manager on the list that allows self-hosting of the password vault.

💡VPN

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that creates a secure and encrypted connection over the internet, allowing users to protect their online activity from monitoring and potential data breaches. In the video, Dashlane is noted for including a VPN with their individual plan for WiFi protection.

💡master password

A master password is the primary and most important password used to access and unlock a password manager. It is the key to all other stored credentials and sensitive information. The video discusses a feature of RoboForm that allows the restoration of the master password using biometrics from an iOS device, as a solution for forgetting the master password.

Highlights

Comparison of 7 popular password managers conducted using an anonymous persona to maintain objectivity.

LastPass was excluded from the list due to multiple security incidents in the past two years.

Evaluation criteria include trust factors, ease of setup, usability, extra features, and pricing.

Bitwarden and Proton Pass are open source, while 1Password, NordPass, and RoboForm are closed source; Dashlane is partially open source.

RoboForm and 1Password have the longest market presence with 23 and 18 years, respectively.

Proton Pass, despite being the youngest, is backed by Proton's decade-long experience in security.

All password managers provide easy import managers for transferring passwords from other sources.

Each manager has mobile apps and is easy to use on various devices.

Bitwarden uniquely allows users to self-host their password vault, suitable for advanced users.

All managers can store and autofill more than just passwords, including credit card numbers and encrypted notes.

RoboForm offers free storage of 2FA authenticator codes, while others include this in paid plans or not at all.

Proton Pass's unique feature is native email aliasing, enhancing security and privacy.

1Password offers integration with Privacy.com, Travel mode, and Watchtower for security breach alerts.

Bitwarden is the cheapest option for individuals, with a price of less than $1 per month.

NordPass provides the best value for family plans, covering up to 6 accounts.

Dashlane includes a VPN for WiFi protection in their individual plan.

RoboForm features a Master Password restore option using iOS biometrics for users who forget their master password.

The recommendation is to choose a password manager based on individual needs and preferences, with a range of 1 to 4 dollars a month.

Transcripts

Last month I spent $219 buying subscriptions  to 7 of the most popular password managers  

on the market using an anonymous persona  so they wouldn’t know who I was. Why? I  

want to compare the differences between these  password managers side by side: how they work,  

their key features, and how much they cost.

Not surprisingly, there’s plenty to  share, including the fact that - you  

know what - I’m just going to go ahead  and knock LastPass completely off this  

list because they’ve had multiple security  incidents over the past two years and have  

lost any credibility as a security  software. So that leaves us with 6.

For this series of tests, I’m going to  compare each of the remaining 6 password  

managers based on trust factors including the  company transparency and years on the market,  

as well as how easy it is to  setup and use the software.

Finally, we’ll compare the extra features that set  

each password manager apart and  the pricing investment for each.

Let’s start with source code. For some users,  it’s a big deal to build transparency by way  

of publishing the software source code  for users to independently verify. There  

are benefits to both an open and closed  source model that I won’t dive into here,  

but I will add that I have no problem  using a closed-source system. Of this list,  

only Bitwarden and Proton Pass  are open source. 1Password,  

NordPass and RoboForm are all closed sourced  and Dashlane is just partially open source.

In terms of longevity, though, RoboForm  and 1Password have 23 and 18 years of  

proven track record respectively, while  Dashlane, Bitwarden and NordPass all have  

a respectable number years in the market.  Proton Pass is the only outlier here,  

having been launched in June of 2023, but  Proton as a company has been around for  

a decade now and their young age in  this case doesn’t really bother me.

Let move on to rapid fire feature comparisons.  First, every password manager on this list  

provides an easy import manager to move your  passwords from your browser, your operating  

system or whatever other password manager you’re  currently using to your new password vault.

All of them have good mobile apps and are  very easy to use on any device you have.

As far as I can tell, Bitwarden is  the only one on this list that allows  

you to self-host your password vault.  This would be for advanced users only,  

and I’m not taking into account business  plans that may or may not allow this.

Each password manager I tested has  the ability to store and autofill  

more than just passwords. You  can keep credit card numbers,  

encrypted notes, passport numbers, and  even upload specific documents or scans.

When it comes to storing 2FA authenticator codes,  which is that 6-digit number that changes every  

30 seconds, RoboForm is the only one on this list  that offers it for free. Dashlane includes 2FA,  

but their free plan sucks so I don’t think it  counts. 1Password, Proton Pass and Bitwarden  

include a built-in authenticator on their  paid plans and NordPass is weird in that  

they only offer this for their business and  enterprise plans. I’m not sure why that is.

Before we end with pricing, let’s  talk about the features that make  

each of these password managers unique.  For example, Proton Pass launched with a  

native email aliasing feature that nobody else  has. It allows you to create and store secure  

passwords and secure email usernames. It’s  also one of many Proton security apps that  

work best when used together, which is how I  would recommend most people try Proton Pass.

1Password has a number of cool  features including an integration  

with [Privacy.com](http://Privacy.com)  to help you create and autofill virtual  

credit card numbers, a Travel mode  to protect vaults while on the road,  

and a feature called Watchtower that alerts  you to security breaches and weak passwords.

Bitwarden, other than being the only open  source software on this list, is also the  

cheapest for individuals at less than $1 a month.

If you want to protect your whole family,  though, NordPass is the low cost winner,  

both for one and two year  plans with up to 6 accounts.

Dashlane includes a VPN for WiFi protection  on their individual plan which, to be fair,  

you can easily get with Proton or Nord if you buy  into their ecosystems. I haven’t tested this VPN,  

though, so I can’t tell you  whether it’s any good or not.

Finally, RoboForm provides you with a password  audit and has an interesting feature called  

Master Password restore, which allows you  to use your iOS device with biometrics to  

restore your password vault if you forget  your master password. Now to be honest,  

I’m not sure I like that feature and would  probably turn that off personally, but if  

forgetting your master password is a major fear  of yours, that might be an attractive feature.

At the end of the day, I realize you probably  want to know what I recommend. First,  

this stuff is worth paying for, but if  you absolutely refuse to spend money on  

a password manager, Bitwarden, Proton  Pass, NordPass and RoboForm all have  

reasonable free plans with unlimited  stored passwords. Just take your pick.

Beyond that, it depends on a number of things.  Bitwarden is a favorite for more advanced  

users who value controlling and owning their  password vault. I personally think 1Password  

has the best user interface, which is  why I’ve used them for so many years.

But if you want to take this moment to  really built extra privacy and security,  

it makes sense to consider Proton Pass  from the perspective of all the other  

secure apps they offer such as Proton Mail,  Proton Calendar, Proton Drive and more.

Listen, we’re talking about 1  to 4 dollars a month here, guys,  

so my advice is to just pick one and go  for it. I’ve linked to each service below,  

which is an affiliate link that  helps to support this channel.

I’m sure there are other things I’ve  forgotten to include in this comparison  

which you can leave in the comments,  but if you want to see a full breakdown,  

visit AllThingsSecured.com/passwordmanagers which  I’ll keep updated long after this video goes live.