NordPass vs Norton Password Manager: which one reigns supreme?
NordPass and Norton Password Manager take very different approaches to password management. NordPass offers more advanced security and privacy features alongside paid plans, while Norton Password Manager is completely free and focuses more on core features such as password storage, autofill, password health, and cross-device syncing.
In this comparison, I tested NordPass vs Norton Password Manager across security, features, ease of use, compatibility, and overall value. Beyond that, I used each tool in real-world scenarios to see how it performs in daily tasks like logins, password storage, and autofill reliability. Read on to learn how these tools compare when put side by side and which would be the better choice for you.
NordPass vs Norton Password Manager – an overview
Both NordPass and Norton Password Manager are reliable options for securely storing and managing passwords. They use strong encryption and provide reliable basic protection for anyone looking to improve their online security. However, in my testing, NordPass outperformed Norton Password Manager. NordPass offers stronger overall security, more advanced features, and a smoother, more consistent experience across devices.
| NordPass | Norton Password Manager | |
| ⭐ Rating: | ||
| 🔥 Coupons: | NordPass coupon 61% OFF | No |
| 💵 Price: | From $1.29/month | Free |
| ✂️ Free version: | Yes | Yes |
| 🔒 Encryption: | XChaCha20 | AES 256-bit |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| 🌐 Browser extensions: | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Brave, Vivaldi | Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge |
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Key differences between NordPass and Norton Password Manager
NordPass and Norton Password Manager both cover the basics of secure password storage, but they differ significantly in depth, features, and overall flexibility. NordPass provides more advanced password management and privacy tools, while Norton Password Manager keeps things simpler and provides its full standalone password manager for free.
Choose NordPass if:
- You want stronger overall security features. NordPass uses a more advanced encryption approach and offers a broader set of security tools, so it’s better suited for users who prioritize protection.
- You need more advanced functionality. It includes features such as secure sharing, password health tools, and data breach monitoring that go beyond basic password storage.
- You use multiple devices and platforms. NordPass offers a more consistent experience across desktop, mobile, and browsers, so it’s easier to manage passwords everywhere.
Choose Norton Password Manager if:
- You want a completely free solution. Norton Password Manager’s main advantage is the fact that it’s free, making it appealing for basic use.
- You only need basic password storage. It covers essential functions like saving and autofilling passwords without extra complexity.
- You already use Norton’s security ecosystem. It integrates well with other Norton tools, which can be convenient if you’re already a user.
For a full breakdown of its strengths and limitations, read our complete Norton Password Manager review.
NordPass vs Norton Password Manager: pricing overview
In terms of pricing, Norton Password Manager wins simply because it’s completely free. However, NordPass has the upper hand in the sheer value of its paid plans. NordPass offers a wide range of plans for users of all types, from individuals to families and businesses. In addition to its capable free plan, it offers a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a more flexible and risk-free option overall.
| Plan | NordPass | Norton Password Manager |
| Free | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Premium | $1.29/month (1 user) | – |
| Family | $2.32/month (6 users) | – |
| Teams | $1.79/month (10 user packs only) | – |
| Business | $3.59/month (5 users minimum) | – |
| Enterprise | $5.39/month (5 users minimum) | – |
| Try NordPass | Try Norton Password Manager |
While Norton Password Manager is completely free, that one free plan isn’t sufficient to serve all users and will inevitably leave some without a suitable solution. Moreover, its sparse features could well lead to gaps in its protection, too.
NordPass pricing
NordPass offers 6 plans to choose from:
- Free – $0.00 (1 user)
- Premium – $1.29/month (1 user)
- Family – $2.32/month (6 users)
- Teams – $1.79/month (10 user packs only)
- Business – $3.59/month/user (5 users minimum)
- Enterprise – $5.39/month (5 users minimum)
The free tier is generously equipped with features, such as unlimited password storage, autosave and autofill, automatic syncing, and multi-factor authentication, along with a 30-day Premium trial. However, to unlock advanced tools such as Secure Item Sharing, Emergency Access, Password Health, and Data Breach Scanner, you’ll need to upgrade to NordPass Premium.
For households, NordPass offers a Family plan that includes all Premium features while supporting up to six user accounts. Businesses can choose between Teams, Business, and Enterprise plans depending on their needs. The Teams plan is designed for groups of up to 10 users and includes features such as secure sharing, activity monitoring, and Google Workspace SSO.
Meanwhile, the Business plan adds advanced capabilities, including shared folders, password health monitoring, breach monitoring, and admin controls for managing permissions and security policies. The Enterprise plan expands on this further with advanced provisioning, integrations with Okta, Entra ID, Microsoft Sentinel, and Splunk, as well as dedicated onboarding and support for larger organizations with more complex security requirements.
Norton Password Manager pricing
Norton Password Manager is completely free to use, which helps explain its more limited feature set compared to premium password managers. Even so, it still includes essential features such as unlimited password storage, a password generator, a Safety Dashboard, autofill, biometric unlock, and encrypted vault syncing across devices. Norton also offers a Vault Access Recovery key that can help you regain access if you forget your vault password.
Alternatively, Norton Password Manager is included in the broader Norton 360 security suite. Depending on the Norton 360 plan you choose, you may also get extras such as antivirus protection, a VPN, dark web monitoring, firewall protection, identity monitoring, and additional privacy tools, in addition to the password manager.
Which one is more secure?
NordPass is the more secure password manager due to its advanced encryption, flexible multi-factor authentication options, and more transparent privacy practices. Norton Password Manager provides solid encryption for basic protection, but it falls behind with limited desktop MFA support, no secure file storage, and less transparency around privacy policies and independent audits. If you want a broader look at the risks and protections involved, read our full guide on whether password managers are safe.
Encryption
NordPass and Norton Password Manager use different encryption methods, but both provide strong vault protection. NordPass uses XChaCha20, while Norton Password Manager uses AES-256.
In NordPass’s case, it veered from the industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption and opted for the more sophisticated and secure XChaCha20. XChaCha20 is a stream cipher that encrypts data individually rather than in blocks. It’s considered to be more secure and efficient compared to AES-256.
Speaking of AES-256, that’s the encryption algorithm that Norton Password Manager uses to guard your vault. While it’s a rung below XChaCha20, 256-bit AES encryption is virtually impenetrable and still one of the most secure encryption algorithms out there.
Additionally, both NordPass and Norton Password Manager are zero-knowledge password managers. So, their end-to-end encryption prevents the companies and their employees from intercepting, accessing, and leaking your data.
Multifactor security
MFA is one of the best protective measures for your vault. It provides an additional layer of security by requiring two or more identity verification methods before granting access to the vault. Both services support additional authentication for account access, although NordPass offers a more complete setup for password manager users.
NordPass supports several MFA options:
- Authenticator applications including Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy
- Security keys like YubiKey and MultiPass FIDO
- Backup codes
Norton can also protect the Norton Account used with Password Manager through 2FA, including authenticator apps, security keys, SMS or voice verification, and backup codes. Norton Password Manager also supports Passwordless Vault Unlock, which lets you approve access to your desktop vault from a registered mobile device.
Data storage
NordPass Premium lets you attach files directly to items in your encrypted vault. Premium users get 3GB of encrypted file attachment storage. Individual attachments are limited to 40MB on desktop and 50MB on mobile.
In contrast, Norton Password Manager doesn’t offer storage for anything other than passwords, notes, addresses, and payment details. NordPass therefore has the advantage if you want to keep documents or other files alongside your saved credentials.
Privacy policy
While both NordPass and Norton Password Manager have a zero-knowledge infrastructure, they do collect certain personal user data. Of the two, Norton Password Manager is the more aggressive provider.
With NordPass, you can expect it to collect:
- Account information, such as your email address
- Transaction and order information
- Diagnostic data if you enable crash reporting
NordPass says most app logs remain on your device, while optional crash reports aren’t tied directly to your account. More importantly, your Master Password, encryption keys, and decrypted vault data don’t reach NordPass’ servers.
As you can see from above, nothing too intrusive is collected. Additionally, NordPass clarifies that there are workarounds to conceal your identity, and you have control over how your data is shared.
In contrast, Norton Password Manager’s privacy policy is trickier because it shares a general policy with other Norton products. This makes it much harder to pinpoint the specific clauses and terms that apply to Norton Password Manager.
Norton Password Manager is also bolder with the data it collects. Among other things, it collects:
- User data like name, email address, billing information, and account-related identifiers
- Administrative data, such as usage information
- Security data that may include financial transactions
Third-party security audits
Regular independent audits are essential to evaluate a password manager’s security and eliminate any vulnerabilities that could be exploited. While NordPass isn’t exactly the most prolific password manager in this respect, it still easily triumphs over Norton Password Manager.
NordPass has passed multiple independent security audits, including a SOC 2 Type 1 audit. On top of that, the password manager has also been externally audited by the security firm Cure53. While Cure53 found nine vulnerabilities, NordPass solved the issues before the firm completed the full audit.
In very stark contrast, Norton Password Manager doesn’t share any information about whether it has been independently audited. That said, most – if not all – password managers that have undergone third-party audits are usually keen to share the results with the public. So, in this case, it’s very likely that Norton Password Manager’s silence indicates that it hasn’t been independently audited.
NordPass vs Norton Password Manager: features comparison
NordPass clearly comes out ahead in the NordPass vs Norton Password Manager feature comparison. It offers a much broader selection of both core and advanced tools, including secure sharing, password recovery options, breach monitoring, and more polished autofill and password management functionality. By comparison, Norton Password Manager focuses mainly on basic password storage and lacks many of the advanced features and refinements found in NordPass.
Password importing
NordPass and Norton Password Manager both support multiple options for bulk password import to make it easier to migrate your passwords. Between the two password managers, NordPass supports more applications.
In NordPass’s case, it automatically recognizes the saved passwords on your browser and allows you to migrate them over to its platform with just a few clicks. Furthermore, it also supports password importing from a long list of password managers like Keeper, Dashlane, and RoboForm. The commonly used CSV file is supported, too.
Meanwhile, Norton Password Manager is far more restrictive with its password-importing feature. It still supports bulk password import from familiar apps like Chrome, Firefox, Dashlane, and 1Password. However, Norton Password Manager supports fewer import methods and compatible applications than NordPass, making migration less flexible overall.
Account and password recovery
Both password managers offer ways to recover access if you forget your vault password, although NordPass provides more options.
When you sign up for a NordPass account, you must generate a unique 24-symbol Recovery Code. This code is the key to your account recovery. Without the code, you’ll have to reset your NordPass account.
NordPass Premium also includes Emergency Access, which lets a trusted NordPass user request access to your passwords and secure notes after a waiting period.
Norton Password Manager now also lets you create a one-time Vault Access Recovery key through its browser extension or mobile app. Biometric password reset remains another option on a previously configured mobile device, but Norton doesn’t offer a trusted-contact feature equivalent to NordPass Emergency Access.
Password generator
Both offer a password generator to help create strong, unique, and difficult-to-crack random passwords (read our guide on how to create a strong password). However, where NordPass’s password generator nailed the assignment, Norton Password Manager’s version has a few damning flaws.
NordPass’s password generator lets you customize the length of the password. It’s set to 12 characters by default, but you can go up to 64 characters. Besides that, you can also include/exclude upper and lower cases, symbols, and numbers. Another huge plus is that the generator can create passphrases of up to 10 words.
In addition, NordPass includes Password Health, which is a tool for detecting weak passwords. The recent update also introduced the Exposed Passwords feature. It scans the dark web for your stored login details that might have been leaked.
Meanwhile, Norton Password Manager’s version can create passwords of between 4 and 64 characters. You can also include/exclude letters, mixed cases, punctuation, and numbers.
However, you can’t edit the generated passwords. And there’s no option to create passphrases either. Additionally, Norton Password Manager’s mobile password generator offers fewer customization options than NordPass. For those caught unaware or unfamiliar with password safety, those short passwords could leave them open to attacks.
Password sharing
Regarding NordPass vs Norton Password Manager for password sharing, it’s another triumphant conquest for NordPass. NordPass lets you easily share your saved items, like passwords and secure notes. You’ll also be in the driver's seat and control each recipient’s access level completely.
Select the item you want to share, tweak the access level accordingly, and insert the recipient’s email address. Once sent, your recipient will receive a notification about the shared item.
Recently, NordPass introduced time-limited sharing, which allows you to share items for a specific period of time ranging from 1 hour to 1 month.
For trusted contacts, there’s also a Transfer Ownership option in which you, as the name suggests, transfer all rights to another user.
In marked contrast, Norton Password Manager doesn’t offer a password-sharing feature. Instead, your band-aid solution is setting up an account and sharing the login details with the relevant parties. Naturally, this is far from ideal, given the necessary compromise regarding security and user-friendliness.
Autofill
Autofill is a convenient feature that automatically fills out login, payment, and other online forms for you. NordPass’s autofill feature is an excellent example of how it should work, but unfortunately, Norton Password Manager’s version falls short of expectations.
NordPass’s autofill has all the makings of a great tool. It’s accurate, intuitive, and fast. Instant Login is the latest addition to NordPass, allowing you to log in with one click. This feature can be disabled for certain websites.
Moreover, if you log in with a weak password, you'll receive a prompt to change your password and secure your account. It's a great feature if you forget to change your passwords, and it can be disabled in settings at any time.
Now, most free password managers tend to skip out on autofill. So, Norton Password Manager should be applauded for even including the feature. But, at the same time, its autofill feature tends to frustrate and delay rather than simplify form-filling processes. More often than not, clicking on its icon doesn’t trigger the feature. And, at other times, it simply doesn’t work.
Email masking
Email masking is when you use an alternative email that reroutes your mail to your real email without giving away your real email address. It's a way to increase privacy, and both NordPass and Norton Password Manager offer it.
NordPass includes Email Masking directly in the password manager. Norton Password Manager doesn’t offer an equivalent feature. Norton has a separate Private Email tool through Norton AntiTrack, but it’s not a Password Manager feature.
Data Breach Scanner
NordPass includes a Data Breach Scanner, which is an additional feature for improved security and privacy. Its main purpose is to detect if any of your stored information has been leaked. NordPass can monitor selected email addresses and credit cards for known breaches. Norton Password Manager has a Safety Dashboard that can identify compromised or weak passwords, but it doesn’t offer a direct equivalent to NordPass’s broader email and credit card monitoring.
Platforms, interface, and ease of use
When it comes to NordPass vs Norton Password Manager for compatibility, NordPass emerges as the victor again. NordPass works with all the major operating systems and web browsers. Meanwhile, Norton Password Manager has browser extensions and mobile apps, but completely neglects to offer desktop apps.
| NordPass | Norton Password Manager | |
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, and Edge | Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge |
| Number of users | Up to 6 | 1 |
Compatibility aside, both password managers’ platforms and interfaces are intuitive and user-friendly.
Desktop apps
NordPass’s desktop apps work on all Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. And, don’t worry about setup. The process takes only minutes, and you’ll be closely guided through the steps.
Whether you’re using a Windows, macOS, or Linux device, you’ll see very similar desktop apps on all three operating systems. Across the board, they’re intuitive, responsive, and well-designed. All the essential features are also right at your fingertips and carefully organized under a sleek menu.
Meanwhile, Norton Password Manager is no threat to NordPass’ winning position whatsoever since it doesn’t even have a desktop app.
Browser extensions
The pair’s extensions work on all the common browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. To add the extension to your browser, you just need to click when prompted.
Since their functionalities are heavily tied to their web apps, you won’t be able to access all of the features on the extensions. Instead, you can expect to see only core features like autosave, autofill, and password generator. While annoying, this is quite typical for browser extensions.
Mobile apps
To set up NordPass or Norton Password Manager’s mobile app, just download the app from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
In NordPass’s case, its mobile apps for Android and iOS devices look very similar to each other. Both versions are easy to navigate, responsive, and neat despite being packed to the brim with all the same features as NordPass’s web and desktop apps. Either way, you shouldn’t have any issues finding exactly what you need.
Norton Password Manager’s mobile apps remain simpler than NordPass's, but it still offers more than just basic password storage. Alongside autofill and biometric access, you can use the mobile authenticator, approve Passwordless Vault Unlock requests, and access recovery options. The app itself is mostly uncluttered and beginner-friendly.
Customer support comparison
NordPass and Norton Password Manager offer multiple customer support options, including 24/7 live chat. However, you’ll see vastly different experiences with the two password managers.
With NordPass, you can contact its support team 24/7 via live chat and email. Generally, its agents are helpful and well-trained to assist. Otherwise, you could also visit NordPass’s online help center. Here, you’ll find a wealth of articles, detailed guides, and tutorials on password management.
As for Norton Password Manager, you’ll need to visit Norton’s main page to get to customer support. Your options are 24/7 live chat, phone support, and a community forum. However, unfortunately, its support quality leaves much to be desired.
For starters, its live chat agents have difficulties answering simple questions about the password manager. Additionally, its community forum isn’t very well-moderated or active, and most questions go unanswered. Instead, your best bet is to check out Norton’s shared Knowledge Base and FAQ.
NordPass vs Norton Password Manager – which one to choose?
NordPass and Norton Password Manager are two capable password managers that improve security compared to relying on browser storage or reused passwords. Norton Password Manager stands out for being completely free and easy to use, making it a reasonable choice for users who only need basic password storage and autofill functionality. It’s also a convenient option if you already use other Norton security products and want everything inside one ecosystem.
However, NordPass delivers a more complete password management experience overall. In my testing, it performed better across features, platform support, autofill reliability, and overall usability. Its secure sharing, encrypted file attachments, Password Health, breach monitoring, email masking, and dedicated desktop apps make it a much more capable long-term solution for both individuals and families.
If you simply want a free and lightweight password manager for basic use, Norton Password Manager can still get the job done. But if you want stronger protection, more advanced tools, and a smoother experience across all devices, NordPass is the clear winner in this comparison.
FAQ
Is NordPass better than Norton Password Manager?
Yes, NordPass is better than Norton Password Manager. NordPass offers more advanced features, broader platform support, secure sharing, encrypted file attachments, breach monitoring, and dedicated plans for different types of users. Norton Password Manager remains a good alternative if you only need a free password manager for the essentials.
Which is better for mobile: NordPass or Norton Password Manager?
NordPass is better for mobile. NordPass is better for mobile overall because its iOS and Android apps provide access to a broader set of password management features. Norton Password Manager’s mobile app has recently improved with an integrated authenticator, biometric access, Passwordless Vault Unlock, and recovery tools, but NordPass still offers more functionality.
Can NordPass import passwords from Norton Password Manager?
Yes, NordPass can import passwords from Norton Password Manager. You’ll first need to export your data from Norton Password Manager as a CSV file. Then, upload the exported CSV file onto NordPass. You can find the detailed step-by-step guide here.
