Best free password manager for 2025
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As of November 2024, I recommend NordPass as the best free password manager. With smooth password importing/exporting, autofill, secure password sharing, and more, NordPass is ideal for securing your online accounts. Its free version is more than enough for your basic needs, while the 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to try out the unlimited premium version risk-free.
Password managers are becoming increasingly more common, particularly because of how they make our lives a little easier. However, convenience isn’t the main reason why you should start using a password manager – it’s security.
Storing your passwords in a secure vault has many advantages. Most importantly, it allows you to create strong passwords without having to worry about remembering them. But are free password managers capable of securely storing your passwords? Nothing is truly free, and by using a free service, you could be putting your accounts at even bigger risk. While free password managers are certainly tempting, they are prone to security vulnerabilities and limited functionality. Opting for a free version of a premium password manager will give you enhanced security, more features, and, most importantly, peace of mind.
Read on to find our list of the best free password managers and learn about their features, security, compatibility, and free plan features.
5 best free password manager apps
- NordPass – best free password manager for 2025 overall
- 1Password – secure and feature-rich free password manager
- RoboForm – user-friendly password management
- Dashlane – most versatile free password manager
- Keeper – free password manager app for any device
Our in-house research team thoroughly analyzes password managers, and our team of experts uses the gathered insights and hands-on experience to evaluate each provider accordingly. Find out how we assess password managers.
Can you trust free password managers?
Whether the password manager is reliable differs from provider to provider. However, free password managers share a few downsides that make them less reliable than paid password managers. This includes:
- Fewer security features. Free password managers may employ less advanced security measures, such as weak encryption or a lack of protective measures against cyber threats.
- Lack of independent audits. Independent audits are a costly venture, so it’s no surprise that free service providers don’t invest their time or money into it. Unfortunately, this means their security claims are not verified, and by using their services, you’d be gambling on your security.
- Data storage limits. Most free password managers allow you to store a limited number of passwords, meaning you won’t be able to secure all of your accounts.
- No customer support. Free password managers generally don’t have readily available customer support, so you won't get a quick fix if something goes wrong with your account.
These limitations are why I recommend trying out a free version of a premium password manager instead. In addition, most password managers have a free trial and a money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their services risk-free.
The best free password managers of 2025 – our detailed list
I collaborated with our research team and evaluated 19 password managers to help you choose the best free password manager for your individual needs. Then, I handpicked the top five free password managers and evaluated them on security, features, and ease of use. I also provided recommendations on which password manager would work best for each type of user.
1. NordPass – the best free password manager overall
| Rating: | |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get NordPass, now 52% OFF and 1 month FREE |
NordPass is the best free password manager, as it applies both strong data encryption and MFA (multi-factor authentication), autofills your passwords, allows storing sensitive notes, and more with its free plan. Moreover, you don’t need to provide your credit card details to enjoy the free version.
Free plan features. The free NordPass plan offers the essential tools. You get an unlimited password vault and integrated password generator that, differently from any other password managers we’ve tested – including 1Password and Dashlane – can generate password phrases, also known as passphrases. In addition, NordPass includes Secure Notes in its free plan. You can even save passkeys and your card information for easy autofill with a free plan.
On the other hand, I missed several features that NordPass allows with its paid plans, including a data breach checker and emergency access. That said, none of the free-plan password managers on this list offer these tools either.
Security. NordPass is one of the few password managers that uses the advanced next-gen XChaCha20 encryption algorithm. This is one the safest and most resistant encryption algorithms, up to 3 times faster than the AES-256 that other providers on this list use. In addition, NordPass enables you to use your fingerprint instead of a master password. This form of MFA is very easy to use and, more importantly, highly secure.
Compatibility. In our NordPass review, we found that it's compatible with all popular OSs – there are apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS users, and we had no issue trying to set up our apps on different devices. In addition, it also supports the most popular browser extensions, such as Chrome and Safari. I was disappointed that the free version of NordPass doesn’t allow you to stay logged in on unlimited devices, which is available for premium subscribers.
If you need more features, like weak password detection or data breach scans, you can always opt for a premium version. Pricing starts at $1.43/month, and you can test the premium app risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who we recommend NordPass for. I recommend NordPass to individuals and businesses alike who put simplicity and ease of use at the forefront. It’s an excellent option for families and those less tech-savvy with basic password management needs.
2. 1Password – free password manager with premium features
| Rating: | |
| Free version: | 14-day free trial |
| Money-back guarantee: | Unavailable |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 50% OFF 1Password |
1Password is one of my favorite password managers for storing passwords and other sensitive data safely. It uses zero-knowledge architecture and multi-factor authentication to ensure your data and vault protection. It also includes data breach monitoring and secure password sharing. Unfortunately, 1Password doesn’t offer a truly free version like NordPass. Instead, you get a free 14-day trial to test out all premium features.
Free plan features. The trial period allows you to access all of 1Password’s features for free, including Watchtower, which monitors the websites you log into and checks for security issues. Another cool feature I enjoyed was the Travel mode, which hides any sensitive information in case you lose your phone or it gets stolen while traveling. Plus, you can easily generate new complex passwords and securely share them with people you trust.
Security. Just like RoboForm and Keeper, 1Password uses AES 256-bit encryption to keep all your passwords and other sensitive information safe. While it’s slightly less safe than NordPass’ XChaCha20 encryption, it’s still very secure. In fact, AES-256 is used by governments and militaries across the world. In addition, you can access your vault with a unique master password, and among two-factor authentication (2FA) methods, you have YubiKey, Titan, and others.
Compatibility. You are likely to get 1Password on any device you need since it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. In addition, even with all the advanced features available, the apps are easy to use and navigate, even for beginners.
Even though 1Password doesn’t have an actual free version, you still receive a reputable short-term solution to protect your credentials for free. If you end up liking the password manager, the prices are very reasonable – from just $2.00/month.
Who we recommend 1Password for. I recommend 1Password for anyone to whom security is a number one concern, especially if you deal with highly sensitive data. Features like password sharing allow you to securely share data with people in and out of the 1Password ecosystem, making it a great option for small teams.
3. RoboForm – intuitive and free password autofill tool
| Rating: | |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Current deal: | Get RoboForm, save up to 60% |
RoboForm is another great password manager that comes with a solid, user-friendly free app. It has a great autofill function, as well as unlimited login storage on 1 device, secure password sharing, and a strong password generator.
Free plan features. RoboForm has much to offer, even on its free version. The free version monitors for compromised passwords, offers 2-factor authentication, provides cloud backup, and enables you to receive Emergency Access for account recovery and securely send logins to other RoboForm users. We especially enjoyed that you can share your passwords via email even with a free plan, unlike NordPass, which only allows it with the premium plan.
Although RoboForm allows you to store unlimited logins, with the free version, you can do it on one device only. When testing RoboForm, we could not access our vault on a few devices simultaneously and on the browser. Receiving encrypted passwords from other users was also impossible. Plus, the credentials could only be stored on the provider’s servers, while paid users can choose to store their data locally on a device.
Security. While testing RoboForm, we noted that our passwords were protected with a market-leading AES-256 cipher. The data is uploaded to their servers encrypted, and only a unique master password can unlock it. To enhance your security with the free plan, you can also set up 2FA via email, SMS, or authentication apps. RoboForm has been audited by Secfault Security.
Compatibility. RoboForm no longer offers a dedicated app for Windows and macOS users. Instead, you have to use the browser version. It is updated more often; however, we enjoyed other providers like NordPass and Keeper options to manage and navigate the desktop apps better. Alternatively, the mobile apps still work really well and are easy to navigate.
Overall, RoboForm is a great password manager, even as a free version. But if you want to access passwords on multiple devices, have your data stored locally instead of on RoboForm’s servers, or utilize Secure Shared Folders for sharing data with other users, then you should consider a premium version. RoboForm’s premium plans start at $0.99/month. As per usual, you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who we recommend RoboForm for. Considering that autofill is one of RoboForm’s strengths, I recommend RoboForm for anyone who needs to fill out forms on the daily. Its form filler is great for online shopping, making filling in details a breeze.
4. Dashlane – a super versatile free option
| Rating: | |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Current deal: | Get Dashlane, save up to 25% |
Dashlane is a great free password manager that is entirely web-based. The free Dashalne plan includes advanced security, up to 25 password storage, and secure password sharing. It is perfect for anyone who prefers working exclusively on the browser.
Free plan features. Dashlane’s free version allows storing up to 25 passwords and login details. The service has an advantage over NordPass, 1Password, and others on this list since the free version has security alerts informing you if it notices your account is affected by a data breach. It also includes password sharing with 5 people, a password generator, and a password health tool, which we found very useful during testing since it detected all our weak passwords.
One of the perks of Dashlane is the additional security features, like a VPN and dark web monitoring, along with the password manager. However, these tools are available only with a premium account.
Security. Dashlane offers high-grade AES-256 encryption. It also offers two-factor authentication, yet we found it odd that the only option was to authenticate your login through your computer’s browser.
Compatibility. As mentioned, Dashlane has forgone their desktop apps and instead has gone browser only. I found it a bit odd since an app usually feels more intuitive. On the other hand, mobile users can still enjoy Dashlane mobile apps that are intuitive and very easy to navigate.
Putting it all together, Dashlane offers one of the most flexible free versions among the competitors. Nevertheless, if you need such features as a VPN for Wi-Fi protection or live chat support, consider upgrading to a premium plan. Plans start from $3.75/month, and you can use a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who we recommend Dashlane for. I recommend Dashlane for those looking for a full package to secure their online browsing. Aside from a highly secure password manager, Dashlane adds an extra layer of security and privacy with its built-in VPN and dark web monitoring, making it a solid, all-in-one cybersecurity solution.
5. Keeper – basic free-of-cost password management
| Rating: | |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 50% OFF Keeper Unlimited and Family plans |
Keeper is a free password manager that offers highly personalized apps. While there is a completely free plan, it doesn’t offer a lot in terms of features and functionalities. However, there’s a 30-day free trial that allows you to safely test all that this password manager is capable of for free before committing to a long-term subscription.
Free plan features. Keeper’s free version is very limited. All you get are the basics: storing passwords and other sensitive information on one device, generating strong passwords, protecting your account with 2FA, and exporting passwords. Even these features are highly simplified. For example, the password generator is limited to passwords, unlike NordPass, which also allows generating passphrases. I was also disappointed that it didn’t include the autofill feature. However, I appreciate that you can store as many passwords as you want, even on the free version.
Alternatively, you can try the 30-day free trial version, which allows you to test the password manager for free for a limited time. Then, you’ll get all the features, including secure password sharing (we found it very easy to use), autofill, emergency access, and others.
Security. Keeper uses the industry-standard AES-256 encryption to secure your data. I liked that Keeper includes various multi-factor authentication options, like a hardware key, RSA token, fingerprint, retina scan, or facial recognition.
Compatibility. You can get Keeper for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. In addition, it works with various browsers, such as Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Firefox, Opera, and Brave. Based on our tests, we’ve found that it’s a bit easier to use Keeper on a desktop device and navigate the app. The mobile version is quite a bit different and requires a bit of time to figure out.
All in all, Keeper is a great free password manager if you use its unlimited 30-day free trial. But things get worse if you decide to stay with a completely free plan that lacks such basic features as autofill or multi-device sync. Fortunately, Keeper prices start at only $1.46/month.
Who we recommend Keeper for. I recommend Keeper for those who are tech-savvy, allowing them to take full advantage of Keeper’s advanced features. With offline vaults and MFA options, Keeper is a great alternative with added security, particularly for those who are concerned about malicious actors accessing their online accounts.
How did we test and rank free password managers?
Choosing a free password manager can be tough, considering that they're usually pretty limited. To help you out, we’ve tested over a dozen of free password managers.
Here are the criteria we used to determine the best ones:
- Free features. Free password managers tend to offer limited features. With this in mind, we looked for those providers that include more than password storage in their free plans. The inclusion of such features as a password generator, secure sharing, data breach monitoring, and a password health checker helped us make the final shortlist.
- Free version conditions. Even though free plans are common among password managers, not all of the providers apply the same conditions to them. When testing the services for this list, we prioritized completely free password managers first. Then, we looked into free trial options and money-back guarantees as alternatives to free plans.
- Encryption. Password managers should protect your data and login credentials, so it’s important that they’re encrypted with some of the most secure ciphers, such as AES-256 or XChaCha20.
- Multi-factor authentication. If a cybercriminal could figure out your master password, they could easily breach all of your accounts. Having 2FA enabled adds a layer of protection if your master password becomes exposed. Thus, we looked for password managers with plenty of MFA options.
- Compatibility. It’s important that whichever device you use, you can use the password manager on it. That’s why we looked for providers that ensure compatibility with various operating systems and browsers.
- Pricing. Although we are speaking of free providers here, upgrading to a premium plan is possible if you suddenly require more features. That’s why we have reviewed each password manager’s prices to ensure it offers a fair price-to-quality ratio after you switch from a free plan.
Note: Although not a top priority, we also looked into additional features and functionalities that may improve user experience. For instance, if we found the free plan to offer customer support or enable other advanced features, such as unlimited password storage, for free, we took that into consideration as well.
Best free password managers compared
| Password manager provider | NordPass | 1Password | RoboForm | Dashlane | Keeper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | |||||
| Free version | Yes | 14-day free trial | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced encryption | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-factor authentication | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Secure notes | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Unlimited password storage | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Customer support | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Other free password managers worth the spotlight
Although the detailed list of free password managers is already full of reputable options, we have tested a few other providers that may catch your eye. We would have liked to test LastPass as well; however, due to its multiple security breaches and very limited free version, it didn’t make our list at all:
- Enpass. A free plan allows you to access your vault on unlimited desktop devices and one mobile device. The free Enpass plan includes secure password sharing, password security audit, a TOTP generator, and a biometric login option. Nevertheless, if you want to use data breach monitoring, 2FA, or have unlimited items on all devices, you’d need to subscribe to the paid plan starting from $0.79/month.
- Bitwarden. Unlike many free providers, Bitwarden doesn’t limit the possibility of accessing your vault on multiple different devices. You can also store as many logins, notes, and other data as you want. Apart from that, you receive a password generator, Bitwarden Send for text, a self-hosting option, 2FA, and, of course, unbreakable encryption. For just $0.83/month, you can build collections, send encrypted attachments, receive password health reports, and have emergency access.
Free vs paid password managers
Free password managers are great, especially those with a lot of features. However, premium password managers often offer a lot more than just password storage. Here’s how free password managers compare to paid providers:
| Features | Free | Paid |
| Advanced encryption | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-factor authentication | ✅ | ✅ |
| Secure storage | ✅ | ✅ |
| Password generator | ✅ | ✅ |
| Autofill | ❌ | ✅ |
| Secure sharing | ❌ | ✅ |
| Password health checker | ❌ | ✅ |
| Data breach monitoring | ❌ | ✅ |
| Emergency access | ❌ | ✅ |
| Credit card storage | ❌ | ✅ |
Keep in mind that some free providers will include more features than others. The table above offers a general comparison and does not necessarily represent every single free password manager.
Video review
If you prefer watching a video instead of reading, check out our best free password manager review on YouTube. You'll learn everything about the top free solutions – from features to interface, value, and more.
Best free password managers: wrap-up
Free password managers are unreliable – they lack advanced security options, offer limited features, and may even sell your sensitive data. Instead, I recommend going for a free version of a premium password manager, like NordPass, which is highly secure and includes essential features such as unlimited passwords, autofill, and a strong password generator. Most importantly, it regularly undergoes independent audits and has never been breached, further showing that NordPass is committed to your security. You can try out all of its premium features by signing up for a 30-day free trial.
Related password manager guides from Cybernews:
LastPass Free Alternatives to Consider Right Now: price meets features
Are Password Managers Safe to Use: find all the answers
NordPass Review: is this truly the best password manager on the market?
FAQ
Which free password manager is best for you?
Based on our testing, NordPass is the best free password manager to use. It offers excellent protection for sensitive data, has several different multi-factor authentication methods, stores unlimited passwords, and you can upgrade your subscription for $1.43/month to get even more features, like data breach and password health checkers.
What are the best free password managers for Android?
NordPass is one of the best free password managers for Android users. That's because it lets you store an unlimited amount of passwords, notes, or credit cards. Plus, there's a password generator that will help you create complex passwords. Not to mention that your data is going to be secured with XChaCha20 encryption, making your data accessible to your eyes only.
Can you get a premium password manager for free?
Most premium password managers have free versions. However, some offer solid premium version trials, most commonly in the form of a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can subscribe for a month and cancel before you're charged. You'll get a full refund.
Does Google have a free password manager?
Yes, Google has a free password manager, which is called Google Password Manager. The tool is synced with your Google account and is built into the Google Chrome browser. It automatically captures your logins and generates strong passwords. Unfortunately, the tool lacks security features, like MFA or data breach protection.
Should I use a free password manager?
Yes, you can use a free password manager if all you need is to generate and store passwords on one account. For basic password management, a reliable free password manager – such as NordPass – will do the job. However, if you need more features (e.g., weak password detection or multi-device sync), you might want to upgrade to a premium version.
Is there a free password manager for businesses?
Some open-source password managers are also free to businesses. This includes Bitwarden, Passbolt, and others. However, they will require appropriate configurations, including the hosting location. So, it really won't be free, you'll just be paying for hosting instead of the license. Here are our recommendations for the best password managers for businesses.
What is the safest free password manager?
NordPass is the safest and most secure free password manager. It uses advanced XChaCha20 encryption and multi-factor authentication to secure your passwords. Additionally, the premium version includes a secure password generator, password health checker, and data breach monitoring.
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