Choosing the right password manager can feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially with the myriad of options available in today’s market. CNET has meticulously evaluated numerous password managers over the years, honing in on essential criteria that define a quality service. Below are key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a password manager:
Security
Your password manager is entrusted with safeguarding your logins, making security the foremost priority. Seek out a service that operates on a zero-knowledge principle, ensuring that only you have access to your data. Look for robust security measures, such as industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption, to protect your vault. Additionally, independent security audits can enhance your confidence in the service. As you explore different options, consider the reputation of the company behind the password manager. If the company has a history of security breaches that may have compromised user data, it may be wise to look for alternatives.
Price
The cost of password managers varies significantly among providers, so it’s crucial to find a service that aligns with your financial plan. Most password managers offer pricing tiers for individuals, families, and businesses. While family and business plans tend to be pricier, they accommodate multiple users, unlike individual plans, which are limited to one. Many services provide free tiers, though these often come with restrictions on features or the number of devices. Notably, some, like Bitwarden, offer unlimited vault entries across unlimited devices on their free plan. Furthermore, most password managers provide free trials or money-back guarantees, allowing you to test their offerings without financial risk.
Cross-platform compatibility
Accessibility across all your devices is a critical factor when choosing a password manager. Before committing to a subscription, ensure that the service is compatible with the devices, operating systems, and browsers you regularly use. An ideal password manager should seamlessly sync your passwords and other vault items across all devices, ensuring you can access your credentials anytime, anywhere.
Features
When evaluating a password manager, confirm that it includes essential features such as multifactor authentication, a password generator, secure sharing options, and automatic synchronization. Additional functionalities worth considering include secure file storage, login autofill, vault health reporting, and monitoring for data breaches and dark web activity. Many password managers also allow you to store sensitive information, such as credit card details, bank account numbers, health data, PIN codes, and secure notes, alongside your online login credentials.
Secure sharing capabilities
Sharing passwords or sensitive information via email or SMS is not advisable; however, most password managers offer secure sharing features that facilitate safe exchanges of vault items. Some services restrict secure sharing to users of the same platform, while others allow sharing with anyone, regardless of whether they use a password manager. These features typically come with customizable options, enabling you to set limitations on access frequency or duration. If you plan to share passwords with family, friends, or colleagues, it’s prudent to assess the secure sharing capabilities of the password manager to ensure they meet your security requirements.
Secure file storage
For those needing to store documents securely, some password managers provide options for secure file storage. This feature allows you to safely keep important documents such as health records, bank statements, insurance papers, and title documents. Storage capacities can vary, with some services offering 1GB and others providing up to 10GB. Depending on your storage needs, it’s advisable to investigate the secure file storage capabilities of the password manager you are considering.
Family plan allowance
If you intend to share a password manager subscription with family or friends, opting for a family plan can be a smart choice. These plans typically cover anywhere from five to ten individual accounts under a single subscription fee, making them a convenient and cost-effective solution for securely sharing vault items with trusted contacts.
