1Password vs LastPass: which one is better?

In my 1Password vs LastPass comparison, both password managers showed that they’re capable of providing password management basics. It is the advanced features where the differences really show, mostly in favor of 1Password due to its better usability and excellent features like Travel Mode. That said, if you’re looking for a basic password manager with solid autofill functionalities, LastPass is also a good choice.

At Cybernews, we’ve spent the last 5 years testing and reviewing cybersecurity products, including password managers. Drawing from this experience, in this article, I’ll show you the similarities and differences between the two password managers – 1Password and LastPass – to help you decide which will better protect your data and passwords.

1Password vs LastPass – at a glance

1Password and LastPass both offer very solid password management basics. However, while 1Password shines in its advanced features, LastPass remains pretty basic. Unfortunately, it’s also hard to recommend LastPass, given its data breach in the past.

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1Password vs LastPass: which is more secure?

When it comes to overall security, 1Password stands out as the safer option. Its use of a 34-character Secret Key for login adds a critical extra layer of protection, reinforcing its defense against unauthorized access. Additionally, 1Password undergoes frequent independent audits by reputable security firms, solidifying its reputation for reliability.

In contrast, LastPass relies on standard encryption practices and offers various authentication methods, but it lacks the additional secret key safeguard. More concerning, LastPass has not been independently audited and has experienced multiple security breaches in recent years, raising questions about its long-term reliability.

Wrapping up

After extensive testing, 1Password is the clear winner in this security comparison. With security audits and additional secret key encryption, 1Password simply offers more security than LastPass. The fact that LastPass was hacked in 2022, exposing user data to threat actors, also raises concerns about its security, even though the company has taken steps to mitigate future issues. Because of its high-level security and transparency, I’d suggest 1Password to all security-conscious users.

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Encryption

1Password and LastPass use top-notch 256-bit AES encryption, making them highly secure. However, 1Password adds an extra safeguard with a Secret Key, which is required alongside your master password to access your vault. This additional step doesn't mean stronger encryption, but it does make 1Password's overall security tighter, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access to your encrypted data.

This dual-layer approach ensures that even if someone manages to guess or obtain your master password, they still cannot access your data without the Secret Key. In contrast, LastPass relies solely on encrypting the master password, which is less secure than the 1Password’s Secret Key. It's an effective way to add extra protection, making 1Password a particularly secure choice over LastPass for safeguarding sensitive information.

Multi-factor security

Both 1Password and LastPass offer a variety of multi-factor authentication options, ranging from authentication apps to biometrics. Ultimately, LastPass allows for more variety – it includes TOTP (time-based one-time password) apps, physical authenticators, and smart cards.

In 1Password’s case, multi-factor security is built into the client because it requires two passwords on every new device. Aside from this Secret Key, setting up two-factor authentication via authenticator apps like Authy or Microsoft Authenticator is possible.

There’s an option to send push notifications to confirm login requests via Duo Security. It’s also possible to use Windows Hello (fingerprint recognition) or Apple’s Face ID. You can also use a YubiKey as a 2FA layer.

1Password

LastPass

What LastPass does well are its multi-factor authentication options. Ultimately, it has the most options of all password managers. The list includes TOTP apps, physical authenticators, smart cards, and more. The best part is that you can use several authentication options. You can even enable them all and be required to use the TOTP app, biometrics, PIN, and smart card – all at the same time.

On the other hand, from multi-factor authentication options, I’ve seen that Face ID sometimes doesn’t work well with 1Password.

Privacy policy

Being privacy and security products, both LastPass and 1Password use zero-knowledge architecture, which means that neither can access passwords or other information that users store in their vaults. However, both password managers still collect some user data.

1Password is transparent about how it operates, storing data securely in encrypted form and not selling customer information. 1Password also follows strict GDPR standards to ensure user data protection and privacy.

On the other hand, LastPass, owned by LogMeIn, has a less clear privacy policy. It's uncertain what data LastPass collects, but it mentions using it for marketing.

Overall, 1Password's approach to privacy is more straightforward and transparent than LastPass’.

Third-party security audits

1Password has undergone several security audits. You can familiarize yourself with each of them, including the detailed 1Password audit reports. Here are some of the most noteworthy audits:

• Service Organization Control Type 2 certificate
• Private bug bounty program for Bugcrowd, Inc.
• Independent Security Evaluators penetration and code test

By contrast, LastPass only has one audit focused on internal compliance rather than thorough software testing.

Security breaches

LastPass had two data breaches in 2022, while 1Password has never been breached. LastPass confirmed a data breach in August 2022. It was reported that the incident didn’t compromise any of the users' data and that the threat actor exfiltrated portions of internal data back then.

However, in late November of 2022, LastPass confirmed another breach. After this breach, LastPass admitted that the threat actor gained access to certain elements of the customers' data. Moreover, in 2015, threat actors managed to access LastPass’ network, and the provider asked users to change their master passwords.

By contrast, 1Password undergoes regular strict security audits, the most recent taking place in February 2025. Therefore, it is more credible than LastPass.

Security features

1Password and LastPass both offer standard password manager features like password generators, sharing options, password importing, vaults, and password recovery. However, each has some unique features as well. For example, 1Password offers data breach monitoring (Watchtower) and travel mode, while with LastPass, you can generate one-time passwords. I tested these features to see how well they function and how easy they are to use.

Account and password recovery

Both 1Password and LastPass have recovery methods if you accidentally lose your private key (master password).

1Password offers a Windows Hello (biometric identification) recovery option. If you have the Families plan, other members can recover your account. However, it’s recommended to print out the Emergency Kit with all the login details.

LastPass provides a Recovery One-Time Password, and you can log in with it if you forget your master password. You can also add a recovery phone number or set up a mobile account recovery with biometric authentication.

Having compared the recovery methods that both of the password managers offer, LastPass seems to provide more choices and beats the one option that 1Password offers.

Password generator

Both 1Password and LastPass offer password generators. 1Password’s password generator has up to 100 characters. You can generate passwords from random symbols or PIN codes. Also, it supports memorable passwords (passphrases containing 3 to 15 unrelated words) to create safe passwords that are easier to memorize.

Meanwhile, the LastPass password generator is rather simple. You can create a password containing up to 99 characters.

Both providers have good generator features, but 1Password has more options to work with.

Password sharing

In terms of password sharing, LastPass and 1Password offer options to share passwords with other people. However, where 1Password allows sharing passwords with both users and non-users, LastPass password sharing works only with other LastPass users.

With 1Password, you can share items with recipients that aren’t 1Password users. The feature for that is called Psst! (Password Secure Sharing Tool). All you need to do is just open an item to get a link, which you can share with anyone. This feature lets you set passwords to expire after a chosen time or use them just once (one-time links).

With LastPass, you can share credentials only with other LastPass users. You can also manage the access to the login credentials. A downside is that LastPass asks you to verify your email address before letting you share anything quite frequently.

Password security audits

Both password managers offer features for assessing how secure your passwords are and ways to level up your data security. 1Password calls this feature the Watchtower, while LastPass provides the Security Challenge feature.

1Password’s Watchtower comprehensively summarizes the overall password strength, logins with two-factor authentication, and items that might expire soon. Overall, I found this dashboard informative, and the alert function helped me update compromised or expired passwords in time.

In comparison, LastPass’ Security Challenge displays a similar summary of your passwords' overall security and suggests actions to take. For example, you can easily view and update passwords at risk and take specific actions like enabling multi-factor authentication. I found this feature to be just as useful and informative as 1Password’s.

Plans and pricing

Both 1Password and LastPass are similar in pricing across all tiers, although 1Password offers more features and flexibility with each plan.

Neither password manager offers money-back guarantees, making it harder to pick one as you’re committing long-term. However, 1Password comes with a free 14-day trial, while LastPass offers a 30-day trial, so you have some time to decide whether you want to stick with it. Overall, 1Password has better pricing options than LastPass, which gives you better price value considering its more advanced security, features, and more.

On the other hand, LastPass offers a free version. You get unlimited password storage in your vault, support for any device type, a password generator, multi-factor authentication, and 50MB of data storage. However, you’ll be restricted to one device – desktop or mobile.

In terms of premium plans, both 1Password and LastPass are very similar. Both password managers offer unlimited passwords on unlimited devices, 1GB of storage, and two-factor authentication. The prices are almost the same – 1Password costs $2.99/month, while LastPass costs $3.00/month.

Both password managers also offer plans for families. 1Password pricing for families starts at $4.99/month, and the LastPass family plan costs from $4.00/month. Both managers offer almost identical features and include access to unlimited devices, private user accounts, password sharing, and account recovery. However, LastPass allows more users than 1Password.

Wrapping up

Overall, 1Password offers better value for money, with standout features like Travel Mode, more convenient password sharing, and payment card autofill, making it an all-around more robust option. While LastPass does offer more flexibility with a higher number of users on the Families plan, 1Password’s superior security and advanced features give it a long-term edge. For business plans, both services offer a comprehensive suite of tools at an affordable price, but 1Password remains the more secure and reliable choice in the long run.

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1Password vs LastPass for business

While both 1Password and LastPass offer similar business features, giving you access to most of the things you’d expect from a password manager for teams, there are a few key differences.

Multi-user plans are also useful for companies, and both 1Password and LastPass offer two plans suitable for businesses. The plans adapt to limited and unlimited user counts and permit manager controls and secure sharing between team members. 1Password’s plans for businesses start at $7.99/month for 10 users and go up to $19.95/month per user depending on your business needs. Meanwhile, LastPass offers two business plans: $4.25/month per user for up to 50 employees and $7.00/month per user for unlimited user accounts.

Platforms, interface, and ease of use

Both 1Password and LastPass support multiple platforms and browsers, which is a great choice for users who have multiple devices. You can see how they compare here:

Wrapping up

I found that 1Password and LastPass are well-designed, user-friendly apps that work across many devices and browsers. However, I feel that 1Password’s app and extensions are more feature-rich and polished. LastPass’s web client is great for those who love simplicity and accessibility but can be frustrating if you require more advanced functionalities.

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Desktop apps

1Password and LastPass desktop apps are easy to install, well-designed, and include all the features each password manager offers. However, 1Password excels over LastPass in desktop app functionality, offering advanced features and seamless integration with third-party apps on Mac. With dedicated versions for newer and older computers, 1Password provides a more versatile and user-friendly experience than LastPass.

What I found interesting about 1Password desktop apps is that if you have a newer computer, you can download 1Password version 7. If you have an older computer, you can use 1Password 4. It’s rare that a password manager willingly extends support for older machines. With that said, they are no longer fully supported and only receive the most critical security updates. All the current apps are available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Overall, the 1Password desktop app is the same for Mac and Windows – really easy to install, and the design and interface navigation simply makes sense. The app operates via the command line for Linux, which is somewhat less convenient.

The 1Password app includes all core features, such as the Watchtower, multiple vaults, a password generator, and privacy cards. The only notable difference is that the Travel Mode is only available via the web client or mobile apps.

1Password

LastPass

By contrast, the LastPass desktop app is nearly identical to the web client. When testing the applications, I realized that the web client is even more convenient to use than the desktop app, as it allows for better multi-factor authentication management and allows you to switch to different subscription plans easily.

Browser extensions

Both password managers offer browser extensions for various browsers, including Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox. 1Password also offers an extension for Brave, while LastPass is available on Opera.

The 1Password browser extension is one of the best password manager extensions overall, as it includes basic features like a password generator and more unique ones. For example, I was pleasantly surprised to find that you can lock the extension so no one else can use it, and travel mode is available together with more import options. However, it was a bit inconvenient that when I wanted to add a new item, I would be forwarded to the desktop app.

As for LastPass, the browser extension is pretty simple and includes almost all the features you can find in the web client and desktop app. You can add items, access the Security Dashboard, and manage your account. However, some users reported that the extension slows down the browser a bit – fortunately, I did not experience that during testing.

Mobile apps

1Password is a better choice than LastPass because it offers wider Android compatibility and unique iOS features like Apple Watch integration, making it a more comprehensive and appealing option for users across different platforms.

1Password apps are available for iOS and Android devices. Both are identical from the feature perspective: you can set up both apps to autofill passwords not only on the web but also on apps.

In the iOS case, everything is relatively straightforward. You’re asked to switch to 1Password instead of the iCloud Keychain. If you’re using Android, it depends on your version. Currently, 1Password supports autofill on apps and browsers from Android version 5 to the current 15. So, 1Password pretty much covers all bases.

Feature-wise, the most noteworthy iOS addition is the possibility of adding items to the Apple Watch keychain. That way, you can store passwords in the storage on your watch. It protects your items with your Apple Watch rather than your master password. Android devices don’t have an equivalent feature.

1Password

LastPass

LastPass also features autofill for Android and iOS. However, the difference is that it requires the Android 8 framework to work. If your phone runs on an older build of Android, you’re out of luck. You can also set up biometric authentication if you don't want to use your master password.

Web client

1Password and LastPass both have web client interfaces where you can sign up, create an account, and access your vault and different password manager features.

I found 1Password’s web client to be similar to the desktop app. The sign-up process was easy – I simply needed to confirm my email and enter the additional Secret Key for authentication. To log in the second time, I needed only my master password. 1Password’s web client offers more or less the same vault management options as those available on the apps. There’s also an option to use a QR code to set up or retrieve your account.

LastPass web client also functions like its desktop app and offers the same features. The advantage of using the web client as a primary way to access your vault and passwords is that you can use it on any device, independent of your operating system. Other than that, the interface looks the same as with the desktop apps, and I found it easy to navigate.

Customer support

Since 1Password is positioning itself as a premium password manager, it offers more customer support options. You can contact it via Twitter, email, or community forums. Email seems like a no-brainer, but many users report getting in touch faster by using Twitter or the forums. Live chat would be the best option, but seeing how little password manager providers can do to help you out, this is no surprise.

When it comes to LastPass, if you’re using the free version, you’re left without customer support. You’ll only be able to read the FAQ section. Paid users can get Premium Support tickets. So, essentially, customer support in LastPass' case is left behind a paywall.

Wrapping up

I don’t have much negative to say about either product’s support, as they both offer reliable and prompt support. However, 1Password’s community forums and social media support give it the lead. I was also disappointed that LastPass doesn’t provide customer support to free users, essentially paywalling help. This means that 1Password takes the narrow win in terms of support.

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1Password vs LastPass: final verdict

Both 1Password and LastPass offer strong security features and streamline the login process. Nevertheless, 1Password is the preferred choice, as it provides Travel Mode, Watchtower, and robust multi-factor authentication, among other features. By emphasizing privacy, consistent third-party evaluations, and a comprehensive selection of tools, 1Password provides exceptional overall value for different audiences.

While LastPass is valued for its easy-to-use interface and cost-effective pricing, it has been affected by security and data breaches in the past. Considering this, users who value security, reliability, and long-term reputation should opt for a provider different from LastPass.

If you prioritize security and the ability to choose from various features, 1Password should be your first choice. For users opting for a reputable and more secure solution, 1Password ensures considerably greater security.

How we tested LastPass vs 1Password

The Cybernews research team and I reviewed 19 password managers and performed extensive password manager testing and analysis to conduct the comprehensive LastPass vs 1Password comparison. Here’s a short summary of how the testing and evaluation process works:

1. Security and privacy (30%). I looked into and evaluated the overall security and privacy practices of both providers by looking at their encryption and authentication methods, application structure, privacy policies, and third-party audits.
2. Functionality (25%). To test the features and overall app functionality, I downloaded and installed the apps. I tested the main features like password generators, autofill, and password security checkers.
3. Features (20%). I also tested and evaluated additional unique features, such as password sharing and password auditing.
4. Customer support (15%). By contacting customer support, I could gather more information about each provider and assess the response times and effectiveness of the answers.
5. Pricing (10%). To summarize the results, I evaluated the price-quality ratio of each provider by looking at their overall offers and usability and comparing the subscription pricing to market averages and each other.

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