Using a password manager is critical if you want to protect your important information and ensure that you’re covered if you forget one of those all-important codes. If you’re on the hunt for the best password manager, 1Password is worth consideration.
This app has a top-notch business pedigree, with companies like IBM, the PGA Tour and Slack trusting the software to keep passwords secure and consistent. With customers like that, it’s undeniably a top option for your family or organization.
We’ve evaluated 1Password’s family and business plans to see if this app is worth using – or if you should seek out a competitor instead. And if you want to explore those alternatives, take a look at our roundup of the and the best business password managers.
1Password: Plans and pricing
1Password’s subscription model is divided into personal and team options. Under the personal umbrella, you’ll find individual and family packages – the former costs $2.99 / £3 / AUD$5 per month when billed annually, while the latter costs $4.99 / £5 / AUD$7.50 per month and accepts five family members.
Multiple platforms are supported, including Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and Chrome OS. These packages support unlimited passwords and 1 GB of document storage. You can also restore deleted passwords up to 365 days later, and it has 2FA for security. Upgrading to the family package adds management features, account recovery and guest accounts.
Head over to the business section and you’ll find the Teams Starter Pack, which costs $19.95 / £20 / AUD$30 per month and includes support for 10 users. Each user gets 1 GB of document storage and unlimited shared vaults for secure document sharing. Team admins can manage permissions for each individual.
The business plan costs $7.99 / £8 / AUD$12 per month. It has VIP support, 5 GB of storage per user, custom security controls, and other advanced features. Large businesses can also get a custom quote for an Enterprise subscription, including a dedicated account manager, setup training, and an onboarding engineer.
It's worth seeing what 1Password promo codes are currently available for extra savings too.
1Password: Setup
You can start using 1Password after taking a few quick steps to create your account. These include setting a master password, which secures all of your information. 1Password doesn’t require credit card information during setup, so you can sign up without taking on any risk.
The setup process includes an option to create and download an emergency kit – a PDF with all the information needed to recover your account if you get locked out.
After creating an account, you can start adding items and vaults. Changes are automatically synced across all devices, so you can use 1Password seamlessly on all your devices, including your computer, tablet, and phone.
1Password: Interface and performance
1Password provides convenient access on virtually all devices. Along with mobile apps for iOS and Android, the platform also provides desktop apps for macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, and Linux, plus a command-line tool and extensions for popular browsers including Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. The latest version of the app adds support for the Apple Watch.
It’s a very intuitive app. On the left-hand side there’s a navigation column that allows users to access their private or shared vaults, tutorials and their popular passwords. Here you’ll also find the Watchtower, which keeps track of security breaches, and lets you know if your details have been compromised. In the main window you can see all your passwords, messages or alerts, and the search box – which is extremely fast.
Adding new passwords is simple and comprehensive. You’re able to choose from more than two dozen security categories – from straightforward login and credit card details to medical records and passports – and each category collects different kinds of relevant information. It makes creating passwords easier – and speeds up categorization, too.
This is a highly responsive app, too, with changes on one device showing up on other devices almost instantaneously.
1Password: Security
1Password uses a wide range of tools to keep your information as secure as possible. Accounts are locked by a master password, which is never shared with 1Password or any third parties. Beyond that, you’ve got your Emergency Kit, which includes a secure key you’ll need to use when logging in.
1Password provides two-factor authentication with Authy and Microsoft Authenticator, and it comes with security breath alerts, protection against keyloggers, and AES 256-bit encryption. Your passwords are also protected with Secure Remote Password (SRP), which adds another layer of credential authentication.
1Password: Support
With 1Password, you’ll have access to 24/7 support via email. The website states that Business users get VIP support, but it doesn’t explain the difference between regular and VIP—just that help is available “whenever you need it.” As mentioned above, Enterprise subscriptions come with a dedicated account manager and onboard engineer.
The 1Password site also provides helpful articles covering a variety of support topics. These are a great place to start if you run into technical issues or want to learn more about the service’s features. Users can also access security white papers if they’d like a deeper dive into how the service works.
1Password: The competition
Lastpass, one of the most popular password managers, comes with some notable pros and cons compared to 1Password. Unlike 1Password, Lastpass offers a surprisingly robust free plan that enables users to store and share passwords across all their devices.
Furthermore, Lastpass Emergency makes it easy to configure a digital will that automatically transfers your information in case of an emergency or death. The only way to set this process up on 1Password is to pay for a family or team plan and create multiple admins or organizers. That said, Lastpass and 1Password come with many of the same features, and their pricing is mostly similar aside from the Lastpass free plan.
1Password: Final verdict
1Password offers everything individuals and businesses need to store and share passwords and other sensitive pieces of information. The spread of pricing options means it’s a low-cost way to keep your data safe.
In addition to mobile apps, the service is also compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux along with several browsers. Its flexibility, affordability, and ease of use make it a great option for companies and home users.
