1Password vs Zoho Vault: which password manager will keep your credentials safe?

If you’re shopping around for a password manager, it’s highly likely that you’ve come across 1Password and Zoho Vault.

1Password is an incredibly popular password manager known for its fiendishly-tight security, powerful features, and user-friendly platforms. Meanwhile, Zoho Vault also comes with excellent security measures and a very cheap entry plan. It also has a free version.

However, Zoho Vault is, first and foremost, a business-oriented password manager. Plus, it’s not exactly feature-rich. So, will these two factors be its undoing?

That’s what this 1Password vs Zoho Vault comparison seeks to answer. Read on to find out how the two password managers stack up when it comes to security, features, pricing, usability, and more.

1Password vs Zoho Vault – an overview

	1Password	Zoho Vault
⭐ Rating:	4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
🥇 Overall rank:	#2 out of #19	#17 out of #19
🔥 Coupons:	1Password coupon 50% OFF	Cybernews Password Manager Coupons
💵 Price:	From $2.99/month	from $0.90/month
✂️ Free version:	14-day trial	Yes
🔒 Encryption:	AES-256	AES 256-bit
🖥️ Platforms:	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Web app, Android, iOS
🌐 Browser extensions:	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Safari	Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi, Safari, Opera

1Password vs Zoho Vault: Which one is more secure?

1Password is the more secure password manager in the 1Password vs Zoho Vault security comparison. 1Password covers all the ground with impenetrable 256-bit AES encryption coupled with a Secret Key, flexible multi-factor authentication (MFA), clear-cut privacy policy, and frequent as well transparent independent security audits.

Meanwhile, Zoho Vault also uses the unyielding 256-bit AES encryption and very flexible MFA to guard your credentials. However, its vague shared privacy policy and lack of transparency when it comes to third-party security assessments knocked it down a few pegs.

Encryption

1Password and Zoho Vault are at the top of their game encryption-wise. Both use 256-bit AES encryption, which is one of the most secure encryption methods around. However, 1Password has the advantage here because its Secret Key kicks things up a notch.

With 1Password, the 256-bit AES encryption is used alongside PBKDF2, which hardens account passwords and makes them extremely difficult to guess through brute-force attacks. Additionally, you also get a 128-bit Secret Key, which means that no one can decrypt your data even if they somehow got ahold of it.

Similarly, Zoho Vault guards your data with 256-bit AES encryption. This is paired with PBKDF2 with HMAC-SHA256 to protect your master password against brute force attacks.

It’s also worth noting that both password managers were built on zero-knowledge architecture. Hence, all data is encrypted locally before even reaching their servers, and the companies have no way to access your data without authorization.

Multi-factor security

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a crucial additional layer of security to your account. If enabled, you’ll need to verify your identity using two or more methods before you can access your vault. Between the two password managers, Zoho Vault offers more authentication methods.

1Password supports the most common two-factor authentication (2FA) methods. To start, authenticator apps Authy and Microsoft Authenticator are allowed. Apart from that, FIDO2/WebAuthn security keys like YubiKey and Titan are supported, too. Alternatively, you can also enable push notifications to confirm sign-in requests using Duo Security.

Zoho Vault, meanwhile, is even more liberal and supports many authentication methods. This includes:

• Zoho OneAuth – its proprietary MFA app
• Google Authenticator
• Push notifications
• QR code
• Time-based OTP
• Voice call or SMS

Plenty of options to choose from, but it’s best to steer clear of SMS verification as it’s one of the least secure MFA methods.

Data storage

Besides storing credentials, most password managers also double as secure cloud storage vaults for sensitive files, and that’s also the case with 1Password and Zoho Vault. Unfortunately, both have imposed low limits in terms of sizes. Between them, Zoho Vault is the more restrictive provider.

1Password’s Personal and Families plans come with 1GB of storage, while Business plans get 5GB of storage. In any case, each file must be under 2GB in size. That’s quite a tight fit for resource-hogging items like high-definition photos and videos. However, it should be enough if you only store things like passwords, financial statements, and other documents.

Zoho Vault, meanwhile, lets you store items like documents, files, images, digital certificates, and more as attachments. However, there’s a big caveat here in that the maximum file size is capped at a ridiculously low 2MB. For perspective, 2MB is only about 1000 pages of text or a single high-quality photo.

Privacy policy

As far as privacy policies go, 1Password and Zoho Vault’s versions are quite standard for the industry and relatively mild.

In 1Password’s case, it logs account and usage information in addition to personally identifiable information. Logins, payment methods, number of vaults, IP addresses, names, and email addresses are all within acceptable bounds.

In contrast, Zoho Vault shares a general policy with the entire Zoho company. This is somewhat frustrating since Zoho offers quite a few products, and it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact terms/clauses that apply specifically to Zoho Vault. Plus, legally, it also leaves a lot of room for interpretation.

Among other things, you can expect it to store:

• Personal data like name and contact information
• Billing details
• Interaction and usage data
• Information collected from third parties

In brief, 1Password has the lead here solely because it has its own privacy policy while Zoho Vault’s shared policy could give rise to disputes and uncertainty.

Third-party security audits

With 1Password, you get a very clear and detailed account of its many security assessments. To start, 1Password is SOC 2 Type 2 certified, and it also engages Bugcrowd for a public, ongoing bug bounty program. Beyond that, it’s regularly audited by various third-party firms, including:

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

In contrast, you can only get a glimpse of Zoho Vault’s security assessments on Zoho’s website. Even then, the compliance and audit information is lumped together with other Zoho products, so it’s nearly impossible to pin down the ones that apply to Zoho Vault specifically.

1Password vs Zoho Vault: features overview

In the 1Password vs Zoho Vault feature comparison, 1Password has a clear win. Although both providers offer comprehensive password management-related features, 1Password’s features are more functional and flexible.

Zoho Vault’s features, on the other hand, are comparatively limited as well as restricted. Additionally, many of its features – even core ones – are reserved only for users on its most expensive plans.

Password importing

Like all reputable password managers, both 1Password and Zoho Vault provide convenient password-importing features to make it easier for users to switch to their services. Here, 1Password got the better of Zoho Vault with its long list of supported applications.

1Password supports data importing from all the major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Additionally, it also allows imports from many other password managers, including Dashlane, KeePass, LastPass, and RoboForm. Alternatively, you can import using CSV, 1pux, or 1pif files as well.

Meanwhile, Zoho Vault supports password importing from fewer applications. For instance, importing from browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge is allowed but not Safari.

Moreover, it also supports imports from a comparatively shorter list of password managers like 1Password, Keeper, NordPass, and RoboForm. That said, for the other applications that didn’t make it to the list, a CSV file would do the trick.

Account and password recovery

1Password’s main account and password recovery option is the Emergency Kit – a PDF document that contains your account details and passwords. You should have both digital and physical copies stored somewhere safe.

Those on its Family, Teams, Business and Enterprise plans have it even easier. The family organizer or team administrator could simply restore access when requested.

In contrast, there’s no option for password recovery for Zoho Vault’s Free or Standard users. You can only reset your master password but, in this case, you’ll lose access to all personal passwords. An encrypted HTML file of the vault content will then be sent to your email. So, you can still recover the passwords later if you somehow recall the forgotten master password.

Meanwhile, Zoho Vault’s emergency contact feature is reserved only for its Professional and Enterprise users.

In brief, both providers have limited account and password recovery options. However, between them, 1Password is the more accommodating provider.

Password generator

A password generator is vital to create unique and uncrackable passwords quickly. Both 1Password and Zoho Vault’s generators pass muster, but 1Password has the lead because of its more versatile generator.

In 1Password’s case, it offers an excellent password generator that can spit out random passwords, PINs, and passphrases immediately. The ability to generate passphrases is a huge advantage since they’re considerably easier to remember than a long string of random characters.

The generator allows various customizations like capitalization, types of characters included, and password length, too. It allows a maximum of 15 words for passphrases or 100 characters for passwords.

Similarly, Zoho Vault also has a customizable password generator that can create passwords of up to 100 characters. Here, you can set the parameters to include/exclude numbers, special characters, and more.

Password sharing

When it comes to password-sharing, 1Password’s feature is available to all plans and easy to use, while Zoho Vault’s version is more advanced but comes with strings attached.

With 1Password, you can share passwords and other data using just a link. When generating the link, you can configure permissions and set an expiry date. Additionally, 1Password’s Families and Team & Business plans users can share a vault, too. Here, the family organizer or the team administrator will manage each user’s permission and access level.

In contrast, Zoho Vault has a sophisticated sharing feature that gives you full control over user management. However, the feature is only available to paid users, and even then, only Enterprise users get the full-blown feature. For instance, folder sharing is only allowed for Professional and Enterprise plans users.

Some of its most noteworthy perks include password requests, access trackers, multi-level access filters, request-release workflows, and password transfers.

Autofill

Autofill is one of the most helpful features that comes with a password manager. It helps to simplify login, payment, and other form-filling processes.

1Password’s version automatically fills in passwords, usernames, addresses, credit card numbers, and other saved credentials. Simply click on the 1Password icon, select the correct saved item, and you’re done.

In contrast, Zoho Vault’s autofill feature for passwords is clunkier. You need to right click on the login field, select Zoho Vault, pick the password, and then click either Login or Fill to log in to the website or fill in the credential.

Additionally, note that Zoho Vault’s autofill feature only works on login forms but not other forms. That said, Zoho Vault’s team has indicated that it “will try to roll it out in 2022.”

In brief, 1Password dominates this round of Zoho Vault vs 1Password with its more intuitive and functional autofill feature.

Plans and pricing

1Password is more recommended compared to Zoho Vault when it comes to pricing, but things can get a bit tricky. For starters, both have a variety of plans and even free trials.

However, 1Password has a balanced lineup of plans for personal and business uses. And, while its single-user plan is priced slightly higher, it has significantly cheaper multi-user plans. Plus, all of 1Password’s plans come with generous features.

Plan	1Password	Zoho Vault
Free	-	$0.00
Premium/Standard	$2.99/month (1 user)	$0.90/month (1 user)
Family/Professional	$4.99/month (5 users)	$4.50/month (1 user)
	Try 1Password	Try Zoho Vault

Zoho Vault’s business-focused approach, meanwhile, means that it restrictively only has one plan for personal use. It does have the advantages of offering both a free plan and a cheaper single-user plan, but the features included are on the slimmer side. And, if you have multiple users, the price shoots up a fair bit.

1Password pricing

1Password offers 2 plans for personal use:

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

For solo users, 1Password Personal is the ideal fit. The plan supports unlimited devices as well as unlimited passwords and comes with features like 1GB file storage, autosave and autofill, 2FA, 1Password Watchtower, secure sharing, a digital wallet, and travel mode.

To fit in more users, upgrade to 1Password Families. It supports up to 5 users and comes with everything in 1Password Personal. Plus, it also allows access/permission management and account recovery.

Visit our 1Password review to learn more.

Zoho Vault pricing

Zoho Vault offers 2 plans for general users:

• Free Forever – $0.00
• Standard – $0.90/month for 1 user

Free Forever is great to get a taste of Zoho Vault, but you need Standard to access more features. It supports one user and comes with secure password-sharing, password expiration alerts, cloud backup, and G Suite and Office 365 integration.

But, if you have more users, you’ll need to get its business plan, Professional. The plan costs $4.50/month for each user, and there must be a minimum of 5 users. It comes with everything in Standard as well as features like folder sharing, command line interface, and breached password alerts.

Visit our Zoho Vault review to learn more.

Platforms, interface, and ease of use

The duo works on all the commonly-used operating systems and browsers on the market. The password managers’ apps and browser extensions are also rather evenly-matched in terms of functionalities and ease of use.

However, 1Password has the upper hand in this round of 1Password vs Zoho for one very important reason: 1Password has functional yet user-friendly desktop apps. Meanwhile, Zoho Vault completely skipped out on offering desktop apps.

	1Password	Zoho Vault
Supported OS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Browser extension	Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Brave	Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi
Number of users	Up to 5	-

Desktop apps

1Password’s desktop apps are supported on all Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. Setup is as simple as it gets, and you just need to click when prompted.

The password manager’s desktop apps for the different operating systems look rather different from each other. However, all around, the apps are sleek, modern, and intuitive. It’s a little full, but the navigation should be easy enough even for a complete beginner since everything is labeled clearly.

In stark contrast, Zoho Vault doesn’t offer any apps for desktop users, which is a huge hit to its user-friendliness. Instead, your only options here are its web application and its mobile apps.

To sum it up, there’s no contest here. 1Password’s desktop apps gain victory in the 1Password vs Zoho Vault match merely by showing up.

Browser extensions

Both 1Password and Zoho Vault have browser extensions for all the mainstream browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. Either way, you can add the extension to your browser with just a few clicks.

As for functionalities, it’s wise to keep your expectations low. Just like most browser extensions, their functionalities are heavily tied to their web apps. So, you only get core features like password generator, autosave, and autofill on the extensions. All other functionalities require a trip to their web apps.

Mobile apps

To install and set up either 1Password or Zoho Vault’s mobile app on your mobile device, simply download the app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

With 1Password, you’ll find that its mobile apps for iOS and Android look very alike. Interactive, responsive, and intuitive, both versions are great for managing passwords on the fly. However, do note that only key features like autofill, password generator, auto-sync, and data sharing are available on the apps.

As for Zoho Vault, the functionalities that you get depend on whether you have an Android or an iOS device. The app for Android is stripped down, and you only get a handful of features like autofill and password generator. Meanwhile, the iOS app comes with a few more options. This includes password sharing, vault locking, and Siri shortcuts.

Customer support

1Password’s extensive knowledge base has the answers to the most basic questions. Here, you’ll find scores of articles on all-things password management.

You can also reach out via email or Twitter for agent assistance. Don’t expect instantaneous replies, but, fortunately, the wait time is generally short. Otherwise, you could try its active community forums in a pinch, too.

Meanwhile, Zoho Vault’s team is available via email, ticket, and phone. However, phone support is limited to weekdays and the call centers are only in the US, UK, India, and Australia. Great for time zones but not so much for your phone bills.

For independent problem-solving, its knowledge base is it. However, this is a general Zoho knowledge base shared amongst multiple products. So, you’ll need to do some intense digging and checking to ensure that the articles are meant for Zoho Vault.

Overall, 1Password has the more helpful customer support – whether we’re comparing agent assistance or knowledge base.

1Password vs Zoho Vault – which one to choose?

All things considered, 1Password is a better password manager than Zoho Vault. It checks all the right boxes with its well-rounded security, flexible features, and great ease of use. Plus, its affordability is a definite perk as well.

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

In contrast, Zoho Vault is better suited for businesses. While it shines in certain aspects like flexible MFA and advanced password sharing, its pros aren’t enough to compensate for its cons for most casual users.

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