Top 7 Best Password Managers for Families in 2025
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As a parent, you know better than anyone how frustrating password management can be — you're not just keeping track of your own logins, but often your partner’s and your kids' too. One day you’re drowning in forgotten password emails, the next you’re going through your notes to find your Netflix account password. All while your list of accounts keeps growing, leaving you wondering if your kids can keep themselves safe online.
As a cybersecurity enthusiast, I recommend families to use a password manager to tackle these issues. It simplifies password management by storing all of your login credentials in a virtually unhackable vault, allowing kids and older family members to login without needing to remember a single password.
Together with the research team, we spent weeks testing out the top 7 password managers for families. We evaluated their security, features, ease of use, and pricing to find the best password manager for your family.
Our top 5 family password managers
- NordPass – $2.58/month, 6 users, advanced security
- 1Password – $4.99/month, 6 users, kid-friendly
- RoboForm – $1.59/month, 5 users, super cheap
- Proton Pass – $4.99/month, 6 users, intuitive design
- Keeper – $3.54/month, 5 users, 10GB of cloud storage
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.
As a cybersecurity enthusiast with kids, I try to teach healthy digital habits and cyber hygiene, and password managers are an immense help.
We use NordPass to store our passwords for everything from school portals to social media to the family streaming account. It gives me a unique opportunity to talk about why we need to use strong passwords and why we don’t share them with anyone, even if they’re your friend.
Most importantly, having easy access to my kids' social media accounts gives me peace of mind – I can step in if something goes wrong and use it as a teaching moment about being safe online.
Best family password managers in 2025
I joined the Cybernews research team and evaluated 20 password managers to find the top 7 for family use. I used them, testing their security, features, ease of use, and price-to-quality ratio.
1. NordPass – most secure password manager for families
| Rating: | |
| Family plan: | 6 accounts |
| Price: | From $2.58/month |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | NordPass coupons |
Why I chose NordPass
NordPass is my top pick for families because of its simple and intuitive design, making it easy to organize and share passwords for up to 6 users in the household. NordPass is the only password manager on this list that uses the more advanced XChaCha20 encryption, which, some say, will become the future standard for encryption. It’s also built on a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning that even NordPass itself can’t access your passwords.
Here’s an overview of my experience with NordPass.
| Security | Advanced security features, such as zero-knowledge architecture, independent security audits, and multi-factor authentication ensure secure password sharing. | |
| Features | NordPass offers many practical features, like password health, that add an additional layer of security. | |
| Ease of use | Using NordPass is easy, so even less tech-savvy family members won’t have any issues setting up and using this password manager. | |
| Pricing | NordPass is very affordable. For only $2.68/month, you can get 6 premium accounts and use it on any device you like. |
Is NordPass safe for families?
NordPass uses the new generation XChaCha20 encryption protocol and offers a multi-user-focused set of features. To make your passwords and other information even safer, NordPass uses multi-factor authentication. This authentication method requires users to verify their identity through biometric data or security tokens to add an extra layer of protection.
I also like that the zero-knowledge architecture ensures that only the account owner (and co-owners) can access the vault. However, this is standard for most password managers. Further data safety is confirmed by independent security audits conducted by companies like Cure53. I really got the feeling that NordPass prioritizes user privacy. And while there is no parental control, it’s easy to set individual permissions for each account user. NordPass also has a bunch of features that help families secure their credentials even further. Here are some of my personal favorites:
Password Health continuously scans the vaults of each family member for old, weak, or reused passwords, and gives actionable recommendations. Combining this with the password generator is an effortless way to strengthen your passwords and monitor them for all online accounts.
Data Breach Scanner continuously scans the web for leaked login credentials such as your email and even credit card information. It’s a great feature for those with small kids who may have accidentally compromised one of your accounts.
Email Masking is a tool that lets you generate an alternative email that redirects to your real email. It’s ideal for families with kids who often sign up for games, contests, or giveaways on which later flood your inbox with promotional messages, spam, or even phishing attempts.
My experience using NordPass
Setting up NordPass was a breeze. After installing the app, I had to create a master password, which I use to unlock my personal vault. Then, I was able to import my passwords using CSV, ZIP, JSON, 1PUX, and XML formats. I appreciated the seamless process of importing passwords from other password managers. Adding login credentials manually is equally as effortless.
NordPass interface is designed with ease of use in mind. It’s simple yet intuitive. Even though NordPass has loads of features, the app doesn’t feel cluttered. Here’s my overview of its core functionalities:
Generating strong passwords is one of the most important tasks for any password manager. When you create a new account, NordPass prompts you with a Password Generator, allowing you to choose the length, characters, and symbols used to generate a complex password. Being able to modify what kind of password will be generated is particularly useful, since some websites require you to use symbols as well as upper/lower case letters, while others prohibit one or the other. After clicking Use Password, NordPass will prompt you to autosave your new account details. The whole process is intuitive and extremely convenient
Autofill is the most basic yet the most important feature of a password manager. NordPass’s autofill works seamlessly and accurately – I had no issues filling in my login details. What I like the most about its autofill feature is that you can also autofill forms such as your first and last name, address, phone number, and even credit card details, saving you both time and energy.
Sharing passwords with NordPass is super easy. Find the login details you want to share and click Share. You will then be able to modify the sharing settings. There are four, access-based settings, Can Autofill, Can View, Can Share, and Can Edit. They are particularly useful when sharing sensitive information with your kids. Selecting Can Autofill ensures your kids can access your family Netflix account but they won’t be able to see or edit the actual password and accidentally reveal the login details to strangers. I also appreciate that you can set an expiration time, making the shared item available only for a specific amount of time.
NordPass family plan pricing
You can get NordPass Family for just $2.58/month with a 2-year commitment. It’s relatively affordable, but there are cheaper options, such as RoboForm.
That said, the NordPass Family plan includes secure sharing with people who don’t have NordPass as well as additional features, such as Password Health and Trusted Contacts, for an extra layer of security.
Please note that plans with a long-term commitment, such as 1-year or 2-years, are cheaper than monthly subscriptions. It’s a standard practice but it means you’ll have to pay upfront for the entire subscription period.
| NordPass plan | Free | Premium | Family |
| 1-year plan | - | $1.99/month | $3.69/month |
| 2-year plan | - | $1.38/month | $2.58/month |
2. 1Password – password manager for families with kids
| Rating: | |
| Family plan: | 5 accounts |
| Price: | From $4.99/month |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | 1Password coupons |
Why I chose 1Password
1Password is a premium password manager designed for small families of up to 5 users, which is slightly smaller than NordPass’s 6 users per subscription at half the price. Its user-friendly apps are easy for kids to learn all while teaching healthy password habits. Unique features like Watchtower teach kids healthy password habits while Travel Mode allows parents to temporarily remove sensitive login details. 1Password is built on a zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring that only account owners can access their vaults. It’s the only password manager on this list that uses a Secret Key to add a second layer of security to your 1Password account.
Here’s an overview of my experience with 1Password.
| Security | 1Password is a very secure provider and offers standard as well as advanced security features. | |
| Features | 1Password has some unique features, like parental control that is not offered by other popular password managers. | |
| Ease of use | Using 1Password is straightforward and won’t pose any challenge even for first-time users. | |
| Pricing | Compared to other password managers, it’s one of the most expensive providers on the list. |
Is 1Password safe for families?
1Password is a highly secure password manager, employing the industry-standard AES-256 encryption algorithm and zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring that no one but you and your family members can access your vaults. It has undergone multiple security audits with the latest one performed in February of 2025, showing 1Password’s commitment to user security and privacy. In our 1Password review, we enjoyed using 1Password's unique Watchtower feature. Here’s an overview of my favorite 1Password security features:
Watchtower is the headquarters of your online security. Here, you can find an overview of your password health, including weak, reused, or vulnerable passwords. It also scans the web for leaked credentials. All in all, Watchtower is a combination of NordPass’s Password Health and Data Breach Scanner.
The standout feature of 1Password, Travel Mode removes all vaults from your device when enabled (unless they have been marked safe for travel). It’s a useful tool for families who travel a lot, ensuring that your passwords are safe in case of loss or theft.
Each account has a secret key – a 34-character code you use to set up 1Password on new devices or extensions. It adds an extra layer of security to your 1Password account.
My experience using 1Password
Overall, 1Password was easy to set up and navigate, making it perfect for users of all tech levels, especially for parents or grandparents who may be using password managers for the first time. I also found it to be one of the most visually pleasing password managers I’ve tried, comparable to NordPass.
I liked that stored items can be grouped by their categories, all features can be easily located and configured. During the testing, I appreciated the biometric login feature on the iPhone, which allows vault access without needing the master password. Here’s my experience with 1Password’s key features:
1Password has a password generator you can use to create unique and complex passwords. Just like with NordPass, you can select the number of characters, symbols, and numbers used in your randomly generated password.
I liked 1Password’s autofill feature. It was convenient and easy to use – kids and elderly should have no problem making use of it. Simply choose the login credentials from the browser extension and 1Password will do the rest.
Like NordPass, 1Password allows users to share login credentials and other sensitive information with links. Like NordPass, 1Password users can set an expiration date after which the link will no longer work. Family members can share communal passwords by simply adding them to the shared vault.
1Password family plan pricing
At $4.99/month, 1Password is one of the pricier password managers on this list. Despite the high 1Password cost, I think 1Password is worth it. It covers up to 5 family members and offers a simple interface that’s easy to navigate for first time password manager users. In addition, each family member gets up to 1GB of cloud storage.
| 1Password plans | Individual | Families |
| 1-year plan | $2.99/month | $4.99/month |
3. RoboForm – cheap password manager for small families
| Rating: | |
| Family plan: | 5 accounts |
| Price: | From $1.59/month |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Coupons: | RoboForm coupons |
Why I chose RoboForm
I chose RoboForm because it offers a simple budget-friendly solution for small families without sacrificing security. You can cover up to 5 family members with a single Family subscription, same as 1Password. Considering its low price, it’s no surprise that RoboForm provides only the basic functionalities of a password manager without going the extra step, like NordPass or 1Password. Nonetheless, not everyone needs advanced features, so if you’re looking for a simple password manager for your family, RoboForm offers the best price-to-value ratio.
Here’s an overview of my experience with RoboForm.
| Security | Roboform is a secure password manager, which employs top-notch encryption, 2FA, and monitors your password safety. | |
| Features | While RoboForm has most essential features, it lacks parental controls. | |
| Ease of use | The interface is slightly outdated, which makes navigation more time-consuming compared to passwords with a modern interface. | |
| Pricing | RoboForm is the cheapest password manager with a starting price as low as $1.59/month. |
Is RoboForm safe for families?
Yes, RoboForm is safe for families. It’s secured with the AES-256 encryption algorithm and a zero-knowledge architecture, which is standard for any good password manager. As for independent audits, RoboForm has undergone multiple security audits and penetration tests, with the latest one performed in 2025.
Since it’s a pretty basic solution, RoboForm doesn’t have many advanced security features. The only standout feature is Security Center, which works like NordPass’s Password Health and 1Passwords Watchtower combined. It gives you an overview of your password health, showing weak, reused, or compromised passwords. Security Center also has a Data Breach Monitoring feature, scanning the web for your leaked credentials. However, it relies on Have I been Pwned database.
My experience using RoboForm
Setting up RoboForm for the Family plan was quick and easy. The setup wizard guided me through creating accounts for everyone in just a few simple steps, which I really appreciated. The interface, while functional, felt a bit more dated compared to other password managers I've tried. It's not as sleek or modern, but once I got the hang of it, I found it easy to navigate. However, I found that RoboForm’s mobile app wasn’t as fluid as the desktop version, and syncing between devices sometimes took a little longer than expected. Here’s an overview of RoboForm’s core functionalities:
I liked RoboForm’s password generator, which automatically creates strong passwords for everyone, reducing the risk of weak passwords in your family accounts. You can also generate passphrases to make it easier to remember.
Overall, RoboForm’s autofill works as intended; however, I occasionally ran into some issues, like the autofill not working on some websites. I liked that you can select how autofill works – either by a prompt or automatically filling all details without any additional steps. You can also turn off autofill entirely but it’s not a unique feature and applicable to most password managers, like NordPass and 1Password.
The password sharing feature worked without any issues. Simply enter the recipient's email and they’ll receive a link with the details. It works seamlessly for sharing login credentials with family members but can be a hassle when sharing with those that don’t have RoboForm as it’s only accessible for RoboForm users.
RoboForm family plan pricing
Starting at $1.59/month, RoboForm is an affordable solution for budget-conscious families. It provides the basic functionalities wrapped up in a simple but intuitive interface.
Unlike NordPass and 1Password, RoboForm has 3-year and 5-year plans, each of which offering an even better discount. Of course, not everyone is ready to commit for half a decade, so it may not be for everyone. Nonetheless, even with a 1-year Family plan, you will be getting a great deal.
| RoboForm plan | Free | Premium | Family |
| 1-year plan | - | $0.99/month | $1.59/month |
| 3-year plan | - | $1.25/month | $2.50/month |
| 5-year plan | - | $8.30/month | $2.32/month |
4. Proton Pass – family password manager with intuitive design
| Rating: | |
| Family plan: | 5 accounts |
| Price: | From $4.99/month |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
Why I chose Proton Pass
I like Proton Pass because of its intuitive design and visually appealing apps across all devices. Its Family plan covers up to 6 users and includes an admin panel, which can serve as a type of parental controls if you have kids. In addition, it’s the only password manager with 50GB of encrypted storage for your notes, files, and documents.
Here’s an overview of my experience with RoboForm.
| Security | Proton Pass uses end-to-end encryption, AES-256 algorithm, and a zero-knowledge framework to secure your vault. | |
| Features | Seamless autosave and autofill, strong password generator, password monitoring, and some extra features. Proton Pass provides 50GB of cloud storage too. | |
| Ease of use | One of my favorites – beautiful apps that work seamlessly across all devices. | |
| Pricing | Expensive considering it offers less than its counterparts like 1Password. |
Is Proton Pass safe for families?
Proton Pass is a highly secure password manager, especially for families. It’s built on a zero-knowledge architecture and uses the industry-standard AES-256 encryption. Users are also encouraged to enable 2FA to add a second layer of security.
It’s also great for those who value transparency. All Proton apps are open-source, so anyone can review the source code.
Proton Pass stands out amongst competitors with Proton Sentinel – an AI-powered solution designed to prevent account takeovers. When Proton Sentinel is enabled, suspicious login attempts are escalated to the Proton team. This feature makes Proton Pass a viable solution for those particularly concerned about unauthorized access to their accounts. However, it could pose some issues when an account is being used by multiple users, as it would be with a Family plan.
It also has the standard security features like password health and dark web monitoring as well as email alias for more privacy. Here’s an overview:
Pass Monitor is your online security hub. It’s like NordPass’ Data Breach Scanner and Password Health combined – perfect starting point to teach your kids about cyber hygiene. Password Health shows weak and reused passwords plus accounts that are not secured with 2FA. Dark Web Monitoring notifies you about emails that have appeared in data leaks.
Family plan users get unlimited email aliases that you can use for websites you don’t trust. Email aliases are great for kids who may want to sign up for contests or sketchy games, saving your inbox from spam and phishing emails.
My experience using Proton Pass
Setting up Proton Pass is easy. All you have to do is create a Proton account – this account can also be used for any other Proton products, such as Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, Proton VPN, and Proton Wallet.
Overall, I enjoyed using Proton Pass – it’s visually pleasing and runs smoothly on both the browser extension and mobile app. However, I ran into issues with autofill on some websites, where the autofill just wouldn’t pop up. I don’t think this is a big deal since all password managers I’ve tested run into this problem sooner or later.
While there are not a lot of features oriented at families, I think families will appreciate the user-friendly design. Features like item history are great for parents to track when the password was last autofilled as well as previous passwords in case a new password was autosaved but didn’t register on the website.
Parents can dedicate an entire vault for communal passwords, such as the home Wi-Fi, Netflix, and home appliances, and then share it with all family members while keeping other vaults private.
Password generator works great, especially when creating a new account. I like that you can choose to generate a memorable password for accounts whose login credentials you want to remember – perfect for sensitive accounts like banking.
Proton Pass’ autofill feature worked well most of the time. I ran into some issues where the prompt didn’t pop up, but you can easily copy the password from the browser extension and log in that way.
Family sharing is super easy – you can share an entire vault or a specific item. I liked that you can share passwords with people who don’t have Proton Pass via a secure link. Secure link also works well if you want to share the password once.
Proton Pass family plan pricing
Proton Pass Family costs $4.99/month with a 1-year commitment, making it as expensive as 1Password but with fewer features. Even though it’s pricey, I think it’s worth it for people who want loads of cloud storage as the Family plan includes 50GB of cloud storage.
Proton Pass has a completely free tier if you want to try out the apps before committing. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to play around with the premium features as well.
| RoboForm plan | Family |
| 1-year plan | $4.99/month |
5. Keeper – password manager for families that need cloud storage
| Rating: | |
| Family plan: | 5 accounts |
| Price: | From $3.54/month |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | Keeper coupons |
Why I chose Keeper
I like Keeper because of its intuitive design and additional features, such as 10GB of cloud storage and an end-to-end encrypted messenger for secure communication with your family. Keeper follows the industry standards to maintain high security, including the AES-256 encryption, a zero-knowledge architecture, and Self Destruct. Its Family plan covers up to 5 users and allows for easy sharing. Here’s an overview of my experience with Keeper.
| Security | Keeper is a high-end security password manager that utilizes various 2FA methods and trusted encryption ciphers. | |
| Features | Some of the essential features are available for additional cost only. | |
| Ease of use | Using Keeper is easy to use, making it accessible for users of varying experience levels. | |
| Pricing | Keeper’s pricing is mid-range, so if you look for budget-friendly options you might want to consider NordPass or RoboForm instead. |
Is Keeper safe for families?
Keeper is a highly secure password manager. Aside from following the industry standard security measures, like advanced encryption and zero-knowledge architecture, Keeper has a Self Destruct feature, which deletes all passwords from your device after a number of failed login attempts. Self Destruct is useful for families who travel a lot, particularly in the case of theft. Naturally, Keeper supports 2FA and has been independently audited numerous times. Here are some of Keeper’s standout features:
Similar to NordPass’ Data Breach Monitoring and 1Password’s Watchtower, BreachWatch continuously scans the dark web for leaked login credentials and warns you to take immediate action when a data leak has been detected.
KeeperChat is an end-to-end encrypted messenger and is Keeper’s standout feature. While nowadays most messengers are end-to-end encrypted, KeeperChat includes some unique benefits like self-destruct timer for messages and integration with your Keeper vault.
My experience using Keeper
The initial setup was straightforward and efficient, with an easy-to-follow walkthrough, which guides you through the process of creating individual accounts for everyone in your family. I was surprised at how easy it was to securely store passwords, important documents, and even sensitive family information like medical records in Keeper’s encrypted vault. It’s the only password manager that provides 10GB of cloud storage with its Family plan.
One feature that stood out to me was the ability to organize passwords into categories, making it easy to find the right credentials when needed. One major downside I noticed was that the interface, while visually pleasing and functional, felt a little more complex compared to other password managers. Some Keeper features took a bit longer to find and get accustomed to, especially when managing shared access. Here’s an overview of the core Keeper features:
Keeper provides a solid password generator with plenty of options like the length and inclusion of capitalized letters, numbers, and special characters. I found it easy to use, especially when creating new accounts. Keeper suggests strong passwords and automatically saves them in your vault.
Keeper’s autofill feature, KeeperFill, works as intended, and I didn’t encounter any major hiccups. However, I was disappointed that the ability to turn off autofill for certain websites was only available for business users.
Sharing passwords with your family is seamless. Keeper gives you the option to grant access to specific vaults or individual items, a helpful feature when managing multiple accounts across different family members. I really appreciate the One-Time Share feature, which allows users to share items with people who don’t have a Keeper account.
Keeper family plan pricing
Keeper offers one Family plan for $3.54/month with a 1-year term, covering up to 5 family members with one subscription. Some of the standout features include 10GB of file storage, offline vault access, and self-destruct.
Unfortunately, Keeper doesn’t offer long-term subscriptions such as the 2-year or 5-year plans available with NordPass or RoboForm. However, it’s not a big downside because Keeper’s 1-year plan comes with a whopping 50% discount, allowing you to save big.
| Keeper plan | Free | Personal | Family |
| 1-year plan | - | $1.67/month | $3.54/month |
6. Dashlane – secure password manager for big families
| Rating: | |
| Price: | From $5.62/month |
| Family plan: | 10 accounts |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Coupons: | Dashlane coupons |
Why I chose Dashlane
I recommend Dashlane because it’s the only password manager whose family plan covers up to 10 family members – that’s double than every other password manager on this list. Dashlane is ideal for large families that need to cover more than 5 or 6 people. This aspect alone makes Dashlane significantly more expensive than the password managers above. Nonetheless, Dashlane takes robust security measures, AES-256 and zero-knowledge encryption, to secure your family’s data. In addition, it includes real-time phishing alerts and even a VPN. Here’s an overview.
| Security | Dashlane is a safe password manager that prioritizes protection. | |
| Features | Advanced features are available only with the premium version, while other password managers offer similar feature packages for lower price. | |
| Ease of use | Dashlane has a user-friendly interface that is accessible to new and advanced users. | |
| Pricing | Dashlane is considerably more expensive than other password managers. |
Is Dashlane safe for families?
Like 1Password, it employs AES-256 encryption algorithm to encrypt your passwords and zero-knowledge framework to guarantee that no one, not even Dashlane can access your vault. Independent audits are equally as important which Dashlane claims to routinely undergo; however, there are no public reports proving them. As for advanced security features, Dashlane provides Dark Web Monitoring, which has become somewhat of a standard feature, as most password managers have it in their toolkit.
Comparable to NordPass’ Data Breach Scanner and 1Password’s Watchtower, Dashlane’s Dark Web Monitoring scans the dark web for your email addresses in real time. I was most impressed that Dashlane has its own dark web database that holds over 12 billion records.
Dashlane is the only password manager on this list that includes a VPN in its Family plan. The VPN is not operated by Dashlane, instead it comes from a partnership with Hotspot Shield. While it’s a nice addition, I was a bit disappointed that only the person managing the plan gets access to the VPN.
My experience using Dashlane
Setting up Dashlane is pretty easy. The app and browser extension are user-friendly and allow for easy storage and access of passwords within the vault. My experience using Dashlane Family plan has been mostly positive, but there are a few areas that could be improved.
For example, I’ve found that the premium version, which offers more advanced features like the VPN, can feel a bit overpriced, especially when compared to other password managers with similar offerings. The free plan, while functional, lacks key features that would make it truly effective for larger families. Additionally, syncing across devices can sometimes be slow, which can be frustrating. While Dashlane is a strong tool for managing our family’s passwords, it’s not without its drawbacks.
Here’s an overview of Dashlane’s key features and my experience with them:
Like every other password manager on this list, Dashlane has a built-in password generator. It was seamless when creating new accounts, helping me generate strong passwords and immediately save them into the vault.
Overall, Dashlane’s autofill works well. I liked that you can turn off autofill for certain websites or all together, something not all password managers allow. The only problem I ran into was multi-login pages, with Dashlane’s autofill not triggering on the second page. I easily remedied this by simply copying the password from the browser extension, but some could find it a bit of a hassle.
With Dashlane, you can share login credentials and secure notes. I appreciated that I could set access permissions before sharing; however, I was disappointed that there is no expiration time you can set. Nonetheless, you can always revoke access in the Sharing Center, where you see the history of the items you’ve shared.
Dashlane family plan pricing
Starting at $5.62/month, Dashlane is the perfect solution for big families. It protects the passwords of up to 10 users. The best part? They don’t have to be part of the same household.
Dashlane’s pricing is slightly more expensive than other password managers on this list, Dashlane offers the highest number of supported accounts. So if you want to secure the accounts of your entire family or a big group of friends, Dashlane is an excellent choice.
| Dashlane plan | Free | Premium | Friends & Family |
| 1-year plan | - | $3.75/month | $5.62/month |
7. Bitwarden – open-source family password manager
| Rating: | |
| Price: | From $3.33/month/month |
| Family plan: | 6 accounts |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
Why I chose Bitwarden
Bitwarden made this list because of its open-source apps and commitment to transparency. It's a well-established password manager secured with AES-256 encryption and a zero-knowledge infrastructure – great for those particularly concerned about security.
| Security | Top-tier security with multiple 2FA methods and open-source apps | |
| Features | Great autosave, autofill, and password generator; password sharing is confusing | |
| Ease of use | Minimalistic and clean design but overall less user-friendly than other password managers | |
| Pricing | Bitwarden is at a good mid-range price |
Is Bitwarden safe for families?
Bitwarden is a safe password manager for families. Like every other password manager on this list, it’s built on a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning not that not even Bitwarden can access your vault. It’s end-to-end encrypted with the industry-standard AES-256 algorithm. 2FA is also heavily encouraged to secure your account.
Password health and data breach monitoring are also available. However, compared to NordPass or 1Password, I found Bitwarden’s data breach monitor lacking. It doesn’t scan the web in real time, and you must check it manually to see if your email appeared in a data leak.
My experience using Bitwarden
Bitwarden is a good password manager, but I can only recommend it to those that are at least somewhat tech-savvy. It’s not as intuitive as NordPass or Proton Pass, and families with kids or the elderly may struggle teaching them how to use the app.
Setting up Bitwarden is also less intuitive compared to competitors. Still, it’s relatively easy to import passwords or add new login credentials manually. Besides passwords, you can also store notes, credit cards, and identities. While it’s great that you can attach files and documents, I was a bit disappointed that there’s only 1GB of storage space.
Here’s an overview of Bitwarden’s core functionalities:
I liked Bitwarden’s password generator. You can select the length and decide what characters you want to include. There’s also an option to generate a random username if you’re out of ideas.
The autofill feature works as intended – Bitwarden pops up on the login field and all you have to do is click it to log in. It worked on most sites, but sometimes I had to copy it from the vault.
I found Bitwarden’ password sharing confusing. To share login credentials or separate vaults, you must create an organization. You can then add your family members to the organization and decide what you’ll share. The overall design is unintuitive and is not great for kids or the elderly.
Bitwarden family plan pricing
Bitwarden offers a Families plan for $3.33/month. It’s not the cheapest option but also not super expensive. You can test out the Family plan with a 7-day free trial. Plus there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with the service after purchasing it. There’s also a completely free version you can use for basic password management, but it won’t support family needs.
| Dashlane plan | Family |
| 1-year plan | $3.33/month |
Password managers for families compared
| Family password manager | Rating | Family plan price | Users | Free trial | Family management dashboard | Multiple vaults | Password sharing | Encrypted storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordPass | From $2.58/month | Up to 6 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ 3GB (with NordLocker app) | |
| 1Password | From $4.99/month | Up to 5 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ 1GB | |
| RoboForm | From $2.32/month | Up to 5 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | |
| Proton Pass | From $4.99/month | Up to 5 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ 50GB | |
| Keeper | From $3.54/month | Up to 5 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ 1GB | |
| Dashlane | From $5.62/month | Up to 10 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ 1GB | |
| Bitwarden | From $3.33/month | Up to 6 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ 1GB |
What is a family password manager?
Simply put, a password manager is an app that stores your login credentials in a secure, end-to-end encrypted vault. A family password manager is essentially a family plan that supports multiple users and lets you securely share login credentials with each other. Here’s how it works.
After creating an account, you add your login credentials. You can do this manually, by typing them directly into the vault, or you can go to a website and log in. This will prompt the password manager to ask you if you want to save these login details with a single click, also known as autosave. This feature also updates your passwords in the vault when you change them on the website.
If you’re creating a new account, a password manager will generate a strong password and save the login credentials in your vault.
This vault is highly secure – each password is encrypted on your device, meaning that even if a malicious hacker got your passwords they wouldn’t be able to read them.
Even if you lose your device, your login credentials are secured behind a master password. Plus, many of them have a self-destruct feature that can be triggered remotely or after a certain number of failed login attempts.
You can also use the password generator to update weak and reused passwords. Password generators are the staple of every password manager, allowing you to create unique and complex passwords for each of your accounts, increasing overall security.
When you visit websites that you have saved credentials in, the password manager will automatically fill in your login details – all you have to do is click log in.
Sharing is just as easy. Choose an item you want to share and enter the recipient's email. If they have the password manager, the login details will simply appear in their vault. If they don’t, they’ll get a link that can be used to log in. Either way, the actual password won’t be revealed – this feature is great when sharing access with your kids who definitely don’t need to know the actual password.
Does your family need a password manager?
While I’m a firm believer that everyone can benefit from a password manager, some are not so confident. So, I’ve compiled a list of questions you can use to find out whether your family could use a password manager. If you answer yes to most of them, you should consider trying it out.
- Do you have a lot of online accounts? The more accounts you have the bigger the hassle to keep track of them. People start writing down passwords on sticky notes or reusing the same password for all accounts, increasing the risk of unauthorized access. A password manager keeps all of your login credentials in one place for easy access.
- Do your family members forget passwords? If you constantly get Reset Password emails, chances are your family is struggling to remember passwords. Storing login credentials in your password manager allows for easy access whenever you need to login.
- Do you reuse the same password on multiple websites? Reusing the same password is a huge security risk. One compromised account means all compromised accounts. A password manager helps create strong and unique passwords for all of your accounts.
- Are you sharing passwords for streaming, Wi-Fi, or online services? Instead of texting the login details in the group chat, you can share access to accounts with your family members without having to reveal the actual password – particularly useful if you have kids.
- Do your kids or partner use weak or easy-to-guess passwords? Weak passwords make it easy for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts. Password managers come with built-in password generators you can use to create complex passwords.
- Have any of your accounts been hacked or compromised? Having one of your accounts compromised is a real wake up call, urging you to take immediate action. Most password managers have password health and dark web monitoring tools to help you build better digital habits.
- Do you worry about your kids' online safety or privacy? Password managers help build healthy digital habits and promote cyber hygiene that will set your kids up for life.
- Would you like to store sensitive info (like Wi-Fi keys or IDs) in one secure place? Many password managers let you store notes, files, and documents alongside passwords. It’s ideal for those who want to keep all of their sensitive information in one place.
Best password manager for families: final verdict
A good password manager helps families stay organized, protected, and connected. Family plans cover between 5-10 people, allowing each one to have their own, personal vault as well as a shared vault for communal use.
Based on my experience, NordPass is the best password manager for families because of advanced security, ease of use, and online security features. I found its intuitive design makes it easy to use for both young kids and older family members who may not be as tech-savvy. Moreover, NordPass allows users to effortlessly share passwords and other sensitive information, even with those who don’t use a password manager at all.
How we selected and tested family password managers
To provide the list of the best family password managers, together with the Cybernews team, I have tested 19 providers. Each password manager was tested on desktop and mobile and on different operating systems, namely Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux.When it comes to family password managers, some aspects are more important than others. Here’s how I evaluated each provider:
- Security features (30%). Security was a priority, so I evaluated encryption standards, password storage methods, and the availability of multi-factor authentication. I reviewed each provider's privacy policy to understand their data collection practices and checked for any past data breaches to ensure user data safety.
- Features (25%). During our testing, we examined providers for their family-friendly features, focusing on tools like secure password sharing, shared folders, emergency access, and easy account recovery. For a family-oriented password manager, it's beneficial to include parental controls and a user-friendly multiple-user plan control panel. I also reviewed the ability to manage multiple user accounts securely, with options to control access permissions.
- Compatibility (15%). Moreover, I checked each provider for compatibility with various platforms and devices, commonly used within the family.
- Ease-of-use (15%). Our team and I carefully, hands-on tested each provider's apps, to check how user-friendly the interface is for all family members, especially those less tech-savvy. We looked if all the features were working and easy to access.
- Plans and pricing (15%). I reviewed each provider’s plans, looking for ones that support multiple devices and are suitable for families.
FAQ
How do family password managers work?
Family password managers work by allowing you to have multiple users within the same account, with each user having a personal vault that others can’t access. The service is highly secure and enables sharing of login credentials and other sensitive information among family members.
What is the easiest password manager for families?
NordPass is the most intuitive password manager that’s easy to use even for less tech-savvy users. With a user-friendly interface, all features are easily accessible. Plus, you get excellent cross-platform functionality, so it’ll work with any device.
How do you share passwords between family members?
Password managers allow you to send an invitation link to a family member and have them accept it. A reputable service provider should then do the rest, safely storing and organizing saved passwords so they would always be secure and easily accessible.
Can two people share a password manager?
Yes, two people can share a password manager when subscribing to a family plan. Although some password managers allow storing unlimited passwords and syncing them across multiple devices, there’s only a single password vault. Hence, a couple of users should use a multi-user password manager that allows having separate vaults.
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