Best European password manager for 2025
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One problem with many of the world’s top password managers is that they are based in the US, a country with some of the broadest surveillance laws. This means your private data could be exposed to government access requests, even if you’re not a US citizen. It’s a big red flag if you care about privacy.
European password managers follow different rules. Thanks to strict EU privacy laws like the GDPR, companies based in Europe are held to higher standards when it comes to managing your data. And yes, many of them indeed are built from the ground up with privacy in mind.
For this article, the research team and I looked into the best password managers based in Europe. All of them meet strong security standards, follow EU regulations, and – most importantly – put your privacy first. If you’re looking for a safer alternative that doesn’t trade your data for convenience, keep reading below.
- NordPass – top choice for all-around performance and value
- Proton Pass – best for privacy-focused customers
- Bitdefender – best for beginners
- Dashlane – best premium, feature-rich password manager with a VPN
- StickyPassword – best for customers on a budget
I’ve been working in cybersecurity for a while now, and whenever I look into password managers, I always check where the company’s based. In the US, laws can let the government access your personal data, even if it’s stored overseas. In Europe, it’s an entirely different story – laws like the GDPR put your privacy first. That’s why I lean toward European-based options when security really matters. It’s not just where the servers are – it’s who gets to knock on the door.
European password managers compared
| Password manager | Rating | Best for | Free version | Free trial | Plan starting price | Multi-factor authentification | Secure password sharing | Password health reports | No-logs policy | Compatibility |
| NordPass | Price-to-value security and performance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, 30 days premium trial | From $1.38/month | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | |
| Proton Pass | Strong privacy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, 30 days for Proton Unlimited after you leave a Proton family group tied to a Proton Family or Duo plan | From $2.49/month | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | |
| Bitdefender | Beginners | ❌ No | ✅ Yes, 30 days | From $1.67/month | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | |
| Dashlane | Premium features and extra privacy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, 14 days | From $3.75/month | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | |
| StickyPassword | Budget-conscious customers | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, 30 days | From $59.99/year | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Best European password managers – detailed list
Together with the Cybernews research team, I tested and ranked leading European password managers. We evaluated each provider for its security features, user experience, and overall price-to-value ratio to help you find the most reliable and well-rounded option.
1. NordPass – overall best European password manager
| Rating: | |
| Based: | Panama, with offices in Lithuania |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Price: | From $1.38/month |
Why we picked NordPass
NordPass is our top choice for a reason – it’s incredibly well-rounded, meaning it's fast, easy to use, and built with privacy in mind. Originally developed in Lithuania, with the company now based in Panama, it still has offices in Europe and keeps a strong connection to GDPR-compliant practices. It uses XChaCha20 encryption, which is stronger and newer than what many other providers use. Plus, it's been independently audited by third-party security companies, so you know it’s not just talk when it comes to keeping your data safe.
Hands-on with NordPass
Getting started with NordPass was a breeze. Importing passwords took just a few clicks. The interface is well-organized and very clear. Creating strong passwords is easy with the generator, and autofill works well on most sites. I liked the breach scanner the most – it flagged a few old logins I forgot I had. However, the autofill can lag a bit on more obscure sites, but overall – I had a smooth and reliable experience.
The NordPass vault interface shows a clean list of saved logins, making it easy to organize and quickly access your accounts, with handy icons and autofill options right at your fingertips.
NordPass highlights security issues for users' accounts, showing weak passwords, reused passwords, and old passwords for multiple accounts.
Is NordPass expensive?
It’s not the cheapest provider out there, but for what you get, NordPass is fairly priced, especially if you commit to a long-term plan. The Premium plan offers great value with secure sharing, password health reports, and multi-device access. Compared to other premium password managers, NordPass is more affordable while still offering top security and a clean experience.
| Plan | Free | Premium | Family | Business |
| 1-year plan (per month) | $0.00 | $1.99 | $3.69 | From $3.19 |
| 2-year plan (per month) | $0.00 | $1.38 | $2.87 | From $2.87 |
2. Proton Pass – best for privacy-first users
| Rating: | |
| Based: | Switzerland |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Price: | From $2.49/month |
Why we picked Proton Pass
I picked Proton Pass, because it puts privacy first. Made by the team behind Proton Mail and Proton VPN, it was developed in Switzerland, a country with some of the strictest privacy laws. Proton Pass uses end-to-end encryption, for metadata (which most managers skip) as well, and is open-sourced. Plus, it’s already been independently audited, passing all the privacy tests.
Hands-on with Proton Pass
Getting started with Proton Pass was easy – it fits right into the Proton ecosystem if you already use Proton Mail or the VPN. Setup took just a few minutes, and the browser extension worked without any problems. Autofill is fast and reliable, and I liked how well the tagging system helped organize logins. The interface is clean, with a Proton-style minimalism. It’s definitely more limited than others, but if privacy, transparent services, and ease-of-use are all you need, this one delivers.
Proton Pass offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and manage multiple passwords and their associated login details all in one place.
Proton Pass provides a straightforward process for importing passwords from other password managers like RoboForm, simplifying the transition to a new security platform.
Is Proton Pass expensive?
Given what it offers, Proton Pass provides good value for the price, especially if you get it with other Proton services. Long-term plans bring the monthly price down quite a bit, and you can try the basics for free.
| Plan | Free | Pass Plus | Pass Family | Proton Unlimited |
| 1-year plan (per month) | $0.00 | $2.49 | $4.99 | $9.99 |
| Monthly | $0.00 | $4.99 | $6.99 | $12.99 |
3. Bitdefender – easy to use for password manager newcomers
| Rating: | |
| Based: | Dual-headquartered in Romania and the US |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Free version: | ❌ No |
| Price: | From $1.67/month |
Why we picked Bitdefender
Bitdefender is the perfect choice for beginners looking for a secure and simple password manager from a trusted name in the cybersecurity world, as Bitdefender is also one of the most reputable antivirus companies. Romania, where its headquarters are located, is not only in Europe but also a member of the European Union. This means that the provider follows European data protection standards, such as AES-256 encryption and zero-knowledge architecture.
Hands-on with Bitdefender
Bitdefender password manager is all about simplicity. Setup was fast, and importing passwords from Chrome and other browsers worked without issues. The vault is clean and easy to navigate, with autofill and password generation working smoothly across platforms. I liked the clear security prompts, especially when creating new passwords. That said, some users might find it a bit too basic – it’s not packed with features.
Bitdefender password generator allows users to create strong, secure passwords tailored to specific requirements. It offers customizable settings for password length and the inclusion of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, ensuring the generated password meets security standards.
The security report in Bitdefender SecurePass provides a comprehensive overview of your password health, highlighting weak, breached, and duplicate passwords to ensure improved security.
Is Bitdefender expensive?
It’s affordable for what it offers, especially if you’re just looking for the basic password management functionality. Long-term plans offer the best value, though there’s no free option.
| Plan | Free | Individual | Shared (4 accounts) |
| 1-year plan (per month) | $0.00 | $1.67 | $2.92 |
| Monthly | $0.00 | $2.99 | $5.99 |
4. Dashlane – best full-featured option with built-in VPN
| Rating: | |
| Based: | France (headquarters moved to the US but offices still in Paris) |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Price: | From $3.75/month |
Why we picked Dashlane
Dashlane makes the list for its solid feature set. It was developed in France, meaning it adheres to the EU data privacy laws, even after moving its headquarters to the US. Dashlane uses top-tier AES-256 encryption with zero-knowledge architecture. It also passed independent security audits. It’s quite powerful, but the price and a few problems hold it back from ranking it higher.
Hands-on with Dashlane
Setting up Dashlane was smooth, with easy import options and a fast install. The vault is strong but takes a bit to figure out due to the cluttered interface. I liked the password health checker and the alerts for reused credentials. Autofill worked fine in most cases, but I did run into some problems on certain forms. The built-in VPN is a nice touch, though I'd prefer more transparency about its provider, as it’s not Dashlane’s service.
Dashlane's intuitive interface offers easy access to your saved logins, secure notes, and payment information, allowing you to quickly manage all your credentials in one place.
Dashlane provides a score based on the security of your passwords. It evaluates their strength, highlighting issues like reused and weak passwords, and provides specific suggestions for improving security, such as changing at-risk passwords.
Is Dashlane expensive?
Dashlane is definitely on the premium end. It offers great features, but you will pay more than for most competitors, so it’s best suited for users who’ll actually use the extras. Also, it doesn’t matter if you choose a monthly or yearly subscription, there’ no difference in monthly spendings.
| Plan | Free | Premium | Friends & Family | Business | Business Standard |
| Monthly | $0.00 | $3.75 | $7.49 | $8.00 per user | $20.00 for 10 users |
5. StickyPassword – best low-cost option without sacrificing essentials
| Rating: | |
| Based: | Czech Republic |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Price: | From $59.99/year |
Why we picked StickyPassword
Sticky Password earns a spot on this list thanks to its solid security and unbeatable lifetime deal, making it a great pick for budget-conscious users who are willing to commit long-term. Developed by a company based in the Czech Republic, it follows GDPR standards and offers local or cloud-based storage. It uses AES-256 encryption and supports biometric logins, but lacks third-party security audits, which is something to keep in mind.
Hands-on with StickyPassword
Installing Sticky Password was simple, and importing passwords went smoothly. The interface is easy enough to understand but feels stuck in the past – it could use a refresh. Features like secure memo storage and browser autofill work reliably, though not quite as smoothly as on top-tier platforms. It’s definitely not overloaded with features, so if you just want secure password storage, it does the job.
The Security Dashboard in Sticky Password offers a clear overview of your password health, showing weak, re-used, or compromised credentials and guiding you on improving security.
StickyPassword's interface allows users to manage their saved web accounts and other secure information. The left side menu highlights various features like web accounts, app accounts, secure memos, and the security dashboard, allowing users to organize and securely access their credentials.
Is StickyPassword expensive?
Sticky Password is one of the most affordable options, especially with its lifetime plan. It’s not as full-featured as others, but if you're after simple password management at a low cost, it delivers great value. It does offer a free trial (30 days) but no free version.
| Plan | Individual | Teams |
| 1-year plan (per month) | $29.99 | $29.99 per user/year |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | ❌ No |
What is a password manager and do you need one?
A password manager is a tool that stores all your password in one place, and it does it securely. With a reliable provider, you don’t have to remember dozens of logins but only one master password. Most password managers encrypt your data, meaning only you can access it. They also help you create strong passwords to avoid using your birthdate again and keep them safe from malicious hackers.
Here’s how password managers can make your everyday life easier (and more peaceful):
- Creating and storing passwords. No need to come up with endless logins or reuse the same weak password. Password managers generate strong, random ones for you and store them in a secure vault. They also scan for weak or reused passwords and alert you if your data has been exposed in a breach.
- Autofill. This is one of the best things about using a password manager. It saves your login info, forms, and even payment details (and stores them safely), so you can fill them out instantly. It cuts down on time and makes online browsing smooth and stress-free.
- Password sharing. Need to share a login with your partner, kids, or team? You can do that directly from your password manager. There’s no need to send passwords in texts or emails, exposing them to dangers. It’s safe, fast, and really handy for families and businesses.
- Password security monitoring. Many password managers also act like your personal security watchdog. They’ll let you know if any of your passwords are weak, reused, or if they show up in a data breach – so you can fix the issues before it becomes a major problem.
If you're juggling more than a few logins (and we all are these days), a password manager isn’t just nice to have – it’s a must.
How to choose the right password manager for your needs
If you’re looking for the one password manager for you, picking the right provider can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options out there. But if you keep a few key things in mind, you don’t have to worry. Here’s what to consider to find the best password manager that fits your needs:
- Strong security fundamentals. Look for providers that use top encryption methods and have a zero-knowledge policy, which means that even the company can’t see your passwords. Third-party security audits and a clean track record are also worthwhile signs of a trustworthy tool.
- Ease of use. Remember that you’ll be using your password manager every day, so it shouldn’t feel like a chore. A clean interface and simple setup can be life-changing. The less time you spend figuring things out, the better.
- Extra features. Some password managers come with extra but incredibly handy tools. For example, NordPass offers email masking, which keeps your real email private when signing up for websites. It’s worth checking what extras each provider offers.
- Value for money. Compare pricing plans carefully. You want something that offers strong features and security without breaking the bank.
Most providers offer free plans or at least free trials and money-back guarantees, so take advantage of those to test things out before fully committing.
Final thoughts
Passwords are one of the biggest weak points in online security – people reuse them, forget them, or choose something obvious. It’s not only risky – it’s a ticking bomb for your online safety. That’s where password managers step in. They take care of the hard work by creating, storing, and securing all your passwords in one place.
With growing threats online, using a password manager isn’t just convenient – it’s an essential step in protecting your digital presence. My top pick, NordPass, strikes the balance between strong security, ease of use, and solid value, especially for users in Europe.
How we tested European password managers
Together with the Cybernews research team, I reviewed 20 password managers to narrow it down to the top five for European users. Each one was tested on multiple operating systems to see how well it really performs.
- Security (35%). It is the top priority – we focused on tools with strong encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, and clear third-party audits.
- Ease of use and compatibility (30%). We looked for apps that are simple to set up and work smoothly across all your devices.
- Plans and pricing (15%). We considered value, not just cost. We checked if the features match the price and whether there are any free trials or money-back guarantees.
- Extra features (10%). Additional features helped some tools stand out, like email masking, data breach alerts, or emergency access options.
- Customer support (10%). We checked how fast and helpful the support teams were when something went wrong.
This way, we made sure only the most secure, user-friendly, and valuable options made the final list.
What country is NordPass located in?
NordPass is based in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. However, it was originally developed in Lithuania and still has offices the re, keeping strong ties to its European roots – and European regulations.
Can I use a password manager for my entire family?
Yes, most password managers offer family plans that allow you to securely share logins and manage multiple accounts from one subscription.
What happens if I forget my master password?
If you forget your master password, many services offer recovery options like backup codes or biometric login – just make sure to set these up in advance, or you may lose access.
Are free password managers good enough?
Free password managers can be a solid option for basic use, but paid versions usually offer more features, better support, and stronger security tools.
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