How Much Do Password Managers Cost in 2024? (All Options)
Reading time: 15 min
Updated on December 21, 2023
Having a password manager is more critical than ever. However, picking the best-value password manager is hard because so many options are available. In this article, I will provide essential details about how much they cost and how to choose the best one.
Various factors affect the cost of a password manager, such as security, features, storage, and more. Also, it’s vital to ensure you pick a password manager with all the necessary safety features. Otherwise, your sensitive data and passwords may remain at risk.
After researching the best apps available, I found that Dashlane delivers the best value for money. It offers AES 256-bit encryption, auto-save and auto-fill, dark web monitoring, a built-in VPN, and more. Plus, it’s very well-priced, considering its security and convenience.
Try Dashlane risk-free for 30 days
What Is a Password Manager and What Does It Do?
Password managers are tools designed to enhance online security by efficiently managing and securing passwords. They let you easily create, store, and use unique passwords for online accounts.
Password Manager Features
Here’s a breakdown of the key features you can expect from a password manager:
Password Generation. Password managers can generate strong, complex passwords that are challenging for hackers to decipher. This eliminates the need for users to create strong passwords on their own. The best apps even let you see a history of all passwords you’ve previously generated.
Secure Storage. Password managers securely store login credentials, ensuring that sensitive information is protected behind advanced encryption algorithms. This centralized storage eliminates the need to memorize multiple passwords for different accounts, so you don’t need to store them in insecure places like a note on your phone or a piece of paper.
Auto-Save and Auto-Fill. One of the key features is the ability to auto-save login credentials, streamlining the login process. Password managers also offer auto-login capabilities, reducing the time and effort required to access various online platforms.
Cross-Platform Synchronization. Password managers can sync across multiple devices, allowing users to access their passwords seamlessly on computers, smartphones, and other gadgets. This ensures consistent security across all platforms.
Password Auditing. Some password managers offer a password auditing feature, which evaluates the strength and uniqueness of existing passwords. This helps you identify and update weak or duplicated passwords so that each account has its own.
Password Manager Benefits
You get the following benefits from the above features:
Enhanced Security. By encouraging the use of complex and unique passwords, password managers significantly improve overall online security. The encrypted storage adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
Convenience. Password managers simplify the login process by auto-filling credentials, saving time and reducing the frustration of forgotten passwords. This convenience encourages users to adopt more secure password practices.
Reduced Password Fatigue. With the ability to manage numerous passwords effortlessly, users experience less password fatigue. This leads to a more positive and less stressful online experience.
In summary, password managers are valuable tools that simplify the complexity of password management and significantly bolster online security.
How Much Do Password Managers Actually Cost?
Every password manager is priced differently, and the final pricing is based on various factors. The following table shows the prices you can expect when picking a password manager:
| Password Manager | Lowest Price | Money-back guarantee |
| Dashlane | $4.99/month | 30 days |
| 1Password | $2.99/month | 14-day free trial |
| NordPass | $1.39/month | 30 days |
| RoboForm | $0.99/month | 30 days |
| Keeper | $1.46/year | 30-day free trial |
| Panda | $2.99/year | 30 |
| Bitwarden | $1/year | 30 |
Something to note is that you can get more value if you get a password manager’s family plan. They aren’t the cheapest options, but they’re worthwhile because they allow multiple members. For example, Dashlane allows 10 accounts on the family plan, thus making it worth the slightly increased cost.
Do You Need a Password Manager in 2024?
I firmly believe that having a password manager is crucial in 2024. The following are some of the key reasons you should have one nowadays:
Rising Cyber Threats
With the continuous growth of cyber threats, including phishing attacks, data breaches, and identity theft, robust password security is more important than ever. I’ve frequently had situations where a password manager helped secure my accounts by alerting me about breached credentials.
Increased Digital Dependency
As our lives become more digitally interconnected, the number of online accounts we manage also rises. Juggling multiple passwords without compromising security is a challenging task.
Sophisticated Hacking Techniques
Cybercriminals are employing increasingly sophisticated techniques to exploit weaknesses in online security. A strong and unique password for each account is a fundamental defense against such threats.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Password Managers
Several factors determine the cost of password managers. The following are the key factors affecting the overall price:
- Number of Users. The cost of a password manager often depends on the number of users covered by the subscription. Larger user counts usually lead to higher pricing.
- Feature Complexity. Advanced features, such as secure file storage, emergency access, or biometric authentication, can impact the overall cost of a password manager. Evaluate features based on your specific needs.
- Device Compatibility. Some cheap or free password managers can only be used on mobile phones or browser extensions. Premium password managers are available on all your devices in multiple forms to make things more convenient.
- Storage Capacity. The amount of secure storage a password manager provides can influence its cost. Assess your data storage needs, especially if you plan to store sensitive documents or files in addition to online credentials.
- Plan Types. Password managers often offer different subscription plans, such as individual, family, or business. The type of plan you choose will affect the overall cost, so pick one that aligns with your requirements.
- Customer Support Quality. Password managers offering robust customer support services may have slightly higher costs. Consider the importance of responsive customer assistance when evaluating the overall value of a manager.
![It’s easy to get help via Dashlane’s live chat support]()
It’s easy to get help via Dashlane’s live chat support - Additional Services. Some password managers include extra services like VPN access or dark web monitoring. While these services can enhance security, they may contribute to a higher overall cost.
- Subscription Length. The length of your subscription commitment can affect the cost. Some managers offer discounts for longer-term commitments, while monthly plans may be slightly more expensive.
- Promotions and Discounts. Keep an eye out for promotions and discounts, as they can significantly impact the cost of a password manager.
Are Cheap or Free Password Managers Worth It?
You can choose from various free password managers if you want password safety without purchasing a subscription. However, cheap or free options come with various pros and cons.
Benefits of Cheap or Free Password Managers
You’ll get the following benefits from a free or cheap password manager:
- Cost Savings. The most apparent advantage of cheap or free password managers is cost savings. For budget-conscious users, these options can provide basic password management functionalities without the financial commitment.
- Basic Password Management. Cheap or free password managers offer basic password management features, including password generation, secure storage, and basic encryption.
Weaknesses of Cheap or Free Password Managers
Besides their strengths, free password managers have various issues that hold them back from being truly worthwhile. Some of these include:
- Limited Features. Free password managers may lack advanced features offered by premium alternatives, such as secure file storage, emergency access, or biometric authentication. Assess your specific needs against the limitations of these budget-friendly options.
- Security Concerns. While many free password managers have basic security, the level of encryption and overall security infrastructure might not match that of premium counterparts.
- Data Privacy. Free password managers might generate revenue by other means, such as collecting and monetizing user data. Be cautious of the privacy policies associated with these tools to ensure your sensitive information isn’t compromised.
- Customer Support Quality. Cheap or free password managers may offer limited or no customer support. The lack of dedicated support could be an issue if you have questions or concerns.
Overall, it’s clear that there are more negatives to using a free or cheap password manager than there are positives. So, using a top premium password manager is best if you want airtight security for your credentials and sensitive data.
How To Choose and Get A Good Password Manager
Many factors determine whether a password manager is good. However, a good password manager always has the following characteristics you should look for:
- Unbreakable encryption. The best password managers always use military-grade encryption standards like AES 256-bit or XChaCha20.
- Zero-knowledge architecture. Top password managers have zero-knowledge architectures, meaning even the company doesn’t know what’s in your vault.
- Feature variety. Always get a password manager with useful features like auto-save, auto-fill, password auditing, dark web monitoring, and more.
- Customer support. Pick a password manager with responsive customer support via 24/7 live chat and other options.
- Value for money. Choose password managers that offer good value for money with their plans. Getting family plans is usually worthwhile, as they offer the best value by allowing multiple members.
- Money-back guarantee. Always get a password manager with a money-back guarantee — or at least a free trial. This lets you try the app’s features risk-free.
Avoid These Buying Mistakes
Lots of people make mistakes while buying a password manager. You should avoid the following common mistakes when choosing a password manager:
- Disregarding device compatibility. People often buy password managers without checking whether they’re compatible with the devices they plan to use them on. Always ensure you pick a password manager compatible with all mainstream platforms.
- Buying only based on price. While a cheap password manager might sound worthwhile, this isn’t always true. Instead of focusing on just price, analyze the value a password manager offers for the money by checking its security, features, and other aspects.
- Not checking privacy policies. Since password managers store passwords and other sensitive data, checking their privacy policies before buying is critical. You should always pick a password manager that never shares your data with advertisers or third parties.
- Ignoring reviews. You should always read reviews from reputable sources before purchasing a password manager. In-depth reviews shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of each password manager and inform you whether an app is worth getting. For instance, our in-depth Dashlane review discusses everything you need to know about the app.
How to Stay Safe Online
There are many ways to stay safe online. The tips below should drastically improve your safety against cyber threats:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication. Adding an extra layer of safety to your accounts is crucial; make sure to activate two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
![It’s easy to set up Dashlane’s two-factor authentication]()
It’s easy to set up Dashlane’s two-factor authentication - Regularly Update Your Software. Keep your software, apps, and systems up-to-date to promptly patch vulnerabilities that cyber threats could exploit.
- Create Strong and Unique Passwords. Crafting passwords that are both complex and unique for each account is essential. This practice significantly deters unauthorized access.
- Stay Alert for Phishing Attempts. Use caution when clicking suspicious links, and always verify emails before sharing personal information.
- Secure Your WiFi with a Strong Password. Protect your home network with a robust password, preventing unauthorized access to your WiFi.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Enhance your online security by using a reliable VPN, providing anonymous and secure browsing.
- Enable and Update Your Device’s Firewall. Ensure your device’s firewall is activated and regularly updated. This provides an additional layer of protection against potential cyber threats.
- Regularly Back Up Your Important Data. Mitigate the risk of data loss in cyber incidents by consistently backing up crucial information.
- Review and Adjust Your Privacy Settings. Take the time to review and adjust privacy settings on social media and other online platforms. This simple step can help you control the information you share.
- Utilize Secure Browsing Habits. Prioritize using HTTPS websites, and exercise caution when sharing personal information online.
- Use an antivirus. Using a top antivirus lets you secure your device against malware. Plus, the best antiviruses defend against unsafe websites and offer various other protection features.
The Overall Best Value Password Manager
Dashlane — Delivers Airtight Password Security and Excellent Value for Money
Key Features:
- Uses AES 256-bit encryption to ensure unbreakable vault security.
- Informs about any passwords leaked on the dark web.
- Includes a VPN for added online security.
- Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS.
- Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For the best value, there’s no better option than Dashlane. It isn’t the cheapest password manager, but Dashlane is worth the price, considering the security and feature variety it provides.
Dashlane uses state-of-the-art security measures, including AES 256-bit encryption and a zero-knowledge architecture to keep your data safe. Dark Web Monitoring adds an extra layer of protection, keeping you informed if your credentials appear in compromised databases. You’ll also get the following safety features:
- Two-factor Authentication — Enhances login security, requiring an additional verification step.
- Built-in VPN — Protects your online activities with encrypted connections, shielding your data from potential threats.
- Auto-Save and Auto-Fill — Streamlines your experience by automatically saving and filling passwords for websites and apps.
- Password Health — Analyzes and provides insights into the strength of your passwords, guiding you to create more secure ones.
- Encrypted File Storage — Stores sensitive documents safely, ensuring they remain private and secure.
Dashlane is also compatible with all major platforms and has a beginner-friendly design. The apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android are intuitively crafted, ensuring a seamless experience for securing and managing your passwords across devices.
For personal use, Dashlane offers the Premium and Family plans. While you can subscribe to Dashlane for as low as $4.99/month, I found that Dashlane’s Family plan offers the best overall value. It offers all the app’s features and allows up to 10 members on the same plan.
Best of all, you can test Dashlane’s features yourself risk-free. It has a 30-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you’ll get a long time to try all its features and see if it suits your needs.
Try Dashlane risk-free for 30 days
Keep Your Passwords Safe With a Well-Priced Solution
In conclusion, many password managers are available at various prices, but it’s important to pick the best-value password manager. This ensures you get reliable password protection and excellent value for money thanks to great features.
The apps listed above are all well-priced and worthwhile password managers. However, Dashlane delivers the best safety and value for money. It has a zero-knowledge architecture, secures vaults with AES 256-bit encryption, offers encrypted file storage, and allows up to 10 members on its family plan.
You can try Dashlane risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and has a 30-day free trial, meaning you’ll get lots of time to try all its features and see if it’s right for you.
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