Norton Password Manager vs 1Password: which is the best for you?

1Password is a highly-rated password manager that offers strong security, robust features, and excellent usability at low prices. Meanwhile, Norton Password Manager gained a lot of fans because of its free yet quite solid solution. On the other hand, some couldn’t forgive nor overlook its stripped-down protection and bare-bones features.

So, is it worth paying for 1Password, or is free always better and Norton Password Manager is sufficient? This Norton Password Manager vs 1Password comparison will help you to decide which provider suits you better. Let’s see how they stack up when it comes to security, features, pricing, ease of use, customer support, and more.

Norton Password Manager vs 1Password – an overview

	1Password	Norton Password Manager
⭐ Rating:	4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
🥇 Overall rank:	#4 out of #16	#12 out of #16
🔥 Coupons:	1Password coupon 50% OFF	Cybernews Password Manager Coupons
💵 Price:	From $2.99/month	Free
✂️ Free version:	14-day trial	Yes
🔒 Encryption:	AES-256	AES 256-bit
🖥️ Platforms:	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
🌐 Browser extensions:	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Safari	Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, and Brave

Which one is more secure?

When comparing Norton Password Manager vs 1Password security, 1Password easily outperformed the former in a few vital aspects despite both password managers providing 256-bit AES encryption.

However, where 1Password races ahead is that it has a more flexible multi-factor authentication (MFA). Moreover, it also offers safe data storage and has been rigorously audited by independent agencies.

In striking contrast, Norton Password Manager doesn’t allow multi- or even two-factor authentication on desktop. Plus, the password manager doesn’t provide data storage and offers no information on whether it has been audited.

Encryption

1Password and Norton Password Manager offer 256-bit AES for encryption, which is the industry standard. This is one of the most secure encryption methods and is near-impossible to decipher.

1Password uses 256-bit AES encryption to encrypt the vault and PBKDF2 password hashing to protect your master password. On top of that, you get a 128-bit Secret Key, which is used alongside the account password to guard your data. With the virtually unbreakable vault and unguessable password, your data couldn’t be any safer.

As for Norton Password Manager, it also secures your vault with 256-bit AES encryption. However, you’re not going to find bells and whistles like Secret Key.

Additionally, both password managers’ zero-knowledge policy and end-to-end encryption mean that only you have access to your vault. Your data is free from interception and unauthorized access.

Overall, both password managers offer the gold standard 256-bit AES for encryption. However, 1Password has a slight edge courtesy of its further fortification with Secret Key.

Multifactor security

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the best protective measures for your vault. It adds another layer of protection against breaches by requiring more than just a username and password during login processes.

In 1Password’s case, it has several two-factor authentication (2FA) options. To begin with, 2FA with authenticator apps like Authy, Google Authenticator, and Microsoft Authenticator is supported. Alternatively, you can send push notifications to your mobile using Duo Security to verify login requests.

In marked contrast, Norton Password Manager doesn’t allow 2FA on its desktop version, which is concerning since it makes it the weak link. Fortunately, multiple 2FA methods are supported on mobile. Namely, authenticator apps, phone calls, text messages, and USB security keys.

In brief, it’s a clear road to victory for 1Password in this round of 1Password vs Norton password manager comparison. While its MFA methods aren’t abundant, they’re still far better than Norton Password Manager’s complete lack of options for desktops.

Data storage

Beyond just storing and managing login credentials, it’s also common for password managers to double as encrypted storage vaults for sensitive files.

That’s exactly what you get with 1Password. If you’re on its Personal or Families plan, you get 1GB of storage. That might not sound like a lot, but it’s more than enough if you limit it to just passwords and vital documents. Meanwhile, 1Password’s Business plan users get 5GB of storage. Just note that each file must be under 2GB in size.

Unfortunately for Norton Password Manager users, you’ll have to go without it. The password manager only offers storage for unlimited passwords, and that’s about it.

All in all, 1Password’s data storage capacity isn’t going to wow you, but it’s sufficient for vital documents. It’s also a big step up from Norton Password Manager’s total omission of data storage.

Privacy policy

While not terribly excessive, both 1Password and Norton Password Manager are quite aggressive with their data collection. Between the two, Norton Password Manager is the worse offender.

With 1Password, you can expect it to collect account, usage, and personally identifiable information. This includes logins, IP addresses, names, and email addresses.

Meanwhile, Norton Password Manager’s privacy policy is slightly trickier since it shares a policy with other Norton products. Among other things, it c

• User data – including name, address, email, address, phone number, and identification number.
• Administrative data – including device, system, and usage information.
• Security data – may include financial transactions and location data.

Even more concerning is how it uses the data. The data could be used for the promotions of Norton Password Manager and its partners’ products, lead generation activities, and more. The silver lining here is that you can withhold your consent for these purposes.

Third-party security audits

Regular independent audits are important to ensure that your password manager is in tip-top shape and as secure as ever. In this regard, 1Password trounced Norton Password Manager with its rigorous audits and transparency.

To start, 1Password is SOC 2 Type 2 certified. It also has a public, ongoing bug bounty program on Bugcrowd. Apart from that, it has engaged a long list of auditors to review its products and services. This includes:

• Recurity Labs – penetration tests on web-based components.
• Secfault Security – penetration tests on developer tools.
• Cure53 – penetration tests on apps, operating systems, web-based components, automation, and more.
• ISE – penetration tests and code review of the system.
• AppSec – penetration tests and code review of the app.
• nVisium – security assessment of infrastructure.
• CloudNative – best-practices guidance.
• Onica – audit of security architecture, infrastructure configurations, tools, and practices.

In comparison, Norton Password Manager doesn’t provide any information about whether it has been audited, let alone the results.

Norton Password Manager vs 1Password: features overview

1Password has an easy lead when you compare Norton Password Manager vs 1Password in terms of their features. 1Password has a wide selection of additional features to set itself apart from other password managers. Password importing, recovering, generating, and sharing as well as autofill, the provider offers them all.

On the other hand, Norton Password Manager offers only the bare minimum. You get things like a password generator and autofill, but even then, the quality and functionality are questionable. The one aspect that I’d give Norton a solid pass on is its password-importing feature.

Password importing

Both password managers support several password-importing options. However, between the two providers, 1Password supports more applications than Norton Password Manager. Either way, this should make things a lot easier when you need to migrate bulk data or passwords.

In 1Password’s case, it supports data importing from browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Safari. Apart from that, you can easily migrate data and passwords from its peers, including Dashlane, KeePass, LastPass, and RoboForm. Otherwise, you can import using CSV, 1pux, or 1pif files.

As for Norton Password Manager, you’ll see a considerably shorter list of supported applications. The list comprises Chrome, Firefox, 1Password, Dashlane, LastPass, and True Key.

Just bear in mind that it doesn’t allow you to import using generic CSV files, which is baffling since CSV is one of the most commonly used files.

Account and password recovery

In terms of account and password recovery, 1Password is the more accommodating and forgiving provider. Although, both password managers don’t have much to offer in this regard.

With 1Password, your first avenue of help is the Emergency Kit, which is a PDF document that contains your account details and passwords. Follow 1Password’s advice and store digital as well as printed copies of the Emergency Kit someplace safe.

Meanwhile, 1Password’s Family, Teams, Business, and Enterprise users have another lifeline. If you’re on one of those plans, you can request for the family organizer or team administrator to restore your access.

Unfortunately, recovery is more difficult with Norton Password Manager. To start, you can only reset your account on mobile since you’ll need to use biometrics. There’s no recovery option if you’re on a desktop. Failing that, you’re on your own.

Password generator

1Password and Norton Password Manager both offer a password generator to create strong passwords that are difficult to crack. However, where 1Password’s version is flexible and functional, Norton Password Manager’s generator feels more like an afterthought.

With 1Password’s Strong Password Generator, you get plenty of customization options and control. To start, you can create random passwords, passphrases, and pins. Beyond that, you can also adjust password lengths, capitalization, and types of characters.

Meanwhile, Norton Password Manager’s password generator creates passwords between 4 and 64 characters. You have the option to include letters, mixed cases, punctuation, and numbers.

However, you aren’t allowed to edit the generated passwords. Nor do you have the option to create passphrases, which are easier to remember. Additionally, while the generator is available on its mobile app, it suggests only the shortest possible password. For those unfamiliar with password safety, that could leave their passwords vulnerable to cracking.

Password sharing

When it comes to password sharing, there’s no competition since 1Password has a convenient sharing feature, while Norton Password Manager totally skipped this feature.

All 1Password users can share passwords and other saved items with others via a link. Before you send the link, you can also configure who gets access to the link and when it expires.

Additionally, those on 1Password’s Families or Team & Business plans get an extra perk in that they can share a vault. Here, the family organizer or team administrator will manage each user's permission and access level.

And, on the end of the scale, you have Norton Password Manager, which doesn’t provide nor facilitate secure password sharing. The best you get here is that it allows password syncing across multiple devices, which is of little help if you’re looking to share your passwords with others.

Autofill

As far as autofill is concerned, both password managers offer the feature. This is great since it helps to hasten the login, payment, and other form-filling processes. However, 1Password’s version could be slightly more intuitive, while Norton Password Manager’s autofill needs a total overhaul.

1Password’s autofill feature requires you to first click on its icon and then the login item. If there’s more than one suggested item, you’ll need to do some scrolling to get to the right one. It’s not the most seamless process in the world, but it’s also not troublesome enough to be a deal-breaker.

It’s not usual to find free password managers skipping autofill entirely, so props to Norton Password Manager for offering the feature. However, at the same time, its autofill feature isn’t exactly efficient. In fact, most times, the feature simply doesn’t work. Otherwise, the feature just doesn’t respond to your click.

Plans and pricing

1Password has the advantage in the Norton Password Manager vs 1Password pricing showdown. In its favor, 1Password has plenty of plans to suit all types of users. Additionally, 1Password is very liberal with features considering its economical price tags.

Plan	1Password	Norton Password Manager
Free	–	$0.00
Premium	$2.99/month (1 user)	–
Family	$4.99/month (5 users)	–
	Try 1Password	Try Norton Password Manager

As for Norton Password Manager, its zero cost is a definite plus. However, there’s only one plan, which would inevitably pigeonhole its prospective users. Beyond that, the password manager’s minimal features could also leave its users hanging or, worse, vulnerable.

1Password has a wide range of plans for all sorts of users. Personal users have two options:

• 1Password Personal – $2.99/month for 1 user
• 1Password Families – $4.99/month for 5 users

If you’re flying solo, 1Password Personal is the plan for you. It can be used on unlimited devices and comes with unlimited password storage, 1GB file storage, autofill, 2FA, 1Password Watchtower, a digital wallet, and travel mode.

To share the account with other users, you’ll need 1Password Families. It supports up to 5 users and comes with everything in 1Password Personal, as well as access/permission management and account recovery.

Read our 1Password review to find out more about its plans and pricing.

Norton Password Manager pricing

Norton Password Manager is a completely free solution. Taking this into account, the password manager is understandably quite stripped down in terms of features. Though minimal, its features include unlimited password storage, a password generator, Mobile Unlock, Safety Dashboard, autofill, and offline mode.

Alternatively, Norton Password Manager can also be bundled with the company’s complete security suite, Norton 360. Depending on your plan, you could get an antivirus program, a VPN, dark web monitoring, parental control, and more.

For more info, visit our Norton password manager review.

Platforms, interface, and ease of use

If we compare 1Password vs Norton Password Manager for compatibility, the former is yet again the victor. 1Password is compatible with all the major operating systems and browsers. In contrast, Norton Password Manager offers only browser extensions and mobile apps but no desktop app.

	LastPass	KeePass
Supported OS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Android, iOS
Browser extension	Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Brave	Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Brave
Number of users	Up to 5	1

1Password also has the edge when it comes to ease of use. Whether you’re setting up or managing your data, the processes are beginner-friendly and intuitive. In comparison, Norton Password Manager’s setup process will test your patience. However, once done, it’s easy enough to navigate.

Desktop apps

1Password’s desktop apps are supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. Installation and setup are painless and only require you to follow the instructions onscreen.

As for looks, it depends on your operating system. That said, overall, the apps are somewhat cramped but modern, clean, and sleek. You’ll have no trouble navigating around.

In clear contrast, Norton Password Manager doesn’t have a desktop app, only a browser extension, which makes an impossible comparison.

Quite obviously, 1Password has the lead here. Its intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces ensure that password management is accessible to all. And if you’re looking for an even more convenient-to-use provider, check 1Password alternatives.

Browser extensions

The duo’s extensions are supported on all mainstream browsers: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, and Brave. Installation requires just a few clicks, and you’re done.

With 1Password, its extensions’ functionalities are tied to its web app, so you can’t access the entire range of tools and features on there, which is pretty common for browser extensions. Instead, you get only the core features like password/credential saving, generating, and auto-filling.

Similarly, you’ll see the same thing with Norton Password Manager. You get a built-in password generator, credentials auto-save, and autofill. And that’s about all.

Mobile apps

To set up 1Password’s or Norton Password Manager’s mobile app, you just need to download the app from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

1Password’s iOS and Android mobile apps look very similar to each other. Both versions are responsive, easy to navigate, and well-organized. The one shortfall is that you only get key functionalities such as autofill and password generation.

Likewise, Norton Password Manager’s mobile apps only offer basic features. Worse, some of the features are watered down. For instance, its password generator on mobile has a default suggested password of eight characters, while the desktop version has a default of 20 characters. Yet, this only indicates that the mobile apps are clean and easy to use.

Even though 1Password’s mobile apps have better features and deployment, both password managers’ mobile apps could be more functional. Needless to say, if you don’t want to miss out on better opportunities, be sure to check the very best password managers for iPhone and Android devices.

Customer support

1Password’s winning streak continues courtesy of its well-trained agents and helpful guides. With 1Password, you should hit up its knowledge base at the first sign of trouble. It’s home to thousands of detailed articles and step-by-step guides.

Meanwhile, agent assistance is available via email, Twitter, and community forums. However, just don’t expect instant replies. That said, they’re typically quick to help.

As for Norton Password Manager, you’ll need to head to Norton’s main page for support. Here, your available channels are 24/7 live chat, phone support, and a community forum.

However, its live chat agents don’t seem to know much about the product. Its community forum is also a no-go since it’s shared with other Norton products and isn’t well-moderated. Most user problems go unanswered and unsolved.

Knowledge base and FAQ are also only available on Norton’s main support page. But, again, this is shared with other Norton products. And, when you do find an article, it’s often just a wall of text without screenshots to clear things up. Although, if you’re lucky, you might find one with accompanying videos.

Norton Password Manager vs 1Password – which one to choose?

Category	1Password	Norton Password Manager
Features	✅	❌
Pricing & plans	✅	✅
Security	✅	❌
User-friendliness	✅	❌
Customer support	✅	❌
Compatibility	✅	❌

All things considered, 1Password is a significantly better option than Norton Password Manager. While it isn’t free, the little over a dollar that you pay provides you with top-notch security, strong encryption, flexible MFA, great user experience, and robust features.

In contrast, Norton Password Manager comes with gaps in its security, scant features, and weak user experience. That said, it could be a good option if you just want a basic password manager with strong encryption and little else at zero cost.

Even though 1Password one this battle, it still has at least 1 step to go to be up to par with the very best password managers in the industry.

Best password manager deals this week:

FAQ