Bitwarden ranks first for open-source security and affordability, ideal for privacy-conscious users. 1Password scores second, excelling for teams and businesses needing advanced sharing. LastPass claims third for mainstream consumers seeking ease of use and broad platform support.
RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM
1BitwardenOnly mainstream password manager with fully open-source code for independent security audits95.0NEWFree 21PasswordZero-knowledge architecture ensures 1Password staff cannot access user data even with legal requests92.7NEW£2.99 per month 3LastPassOver 33 million users globally, making it one of the most widely deployed password managers90.3NEW£2.45 per month 4DashlaneIncludes built-in VPN and dark web monitoring as standard on premium plans88.0NEW£2.99 per month 5KeePassEntirely offline by default, suitable for users with extreme privacy requirements or no internet access85.7NEWFree 6KeeperSpecifically designed to meet stringent compliance standards for healthcare and financial institutions83.3NEW£24 per user per year 7NordPassCreated by NordVPN developers, leveraging their encryption expertise and security reputation81.0NEW£1.99 per month 8RoboFormOne of the earliest commercial password managers, operating since 1999 with proven track record78.7NEW£1.49 per month 9Sticky PasswordUniquely offers both cloud and offline local storage options within the same subscription76.3NEW£1.99 per month 10EnpassOffers both perpetual one-time purchase licenses and subscription options for maximum flexibility74.0NEW£9.99 one-time The ranking, in detail
01
Open-source password manager with military-grade encryption
Bitwarden offers transparent, auditable security through open-source code. It supports unlimited password storage, secure sharing, and works across all major platforms. The free tier provides full functionality including sync across devices.
From FreeBest for Security-focused users and those seeking open-source solutions
95.0
02
Enterprise-grade password management for teams and individuals
1Password combines strong encryption with intuitive design and excellent team collaboration features. It offers advanced vault sharing, activity logs, and conditional access controls. Available for individuals and businesses with dedicated support.
From £2.99 per monthBest for Teams, businesses, and users prioritising seamless cross-platform experience
92.7
03
Popular cloud-based password manager with broad compatibility
LastPass stores encrypted passwords in the cloud and auto-fills credentials across browsers and apps. It provides emergency access, password auditing, and basic team sharing. Available on all major platforms with excellent browser integration.
From £2.45 per monthBest for Mainstream users seeking convenient multi-device synchronisation
90.3
04
User-friendly password manager with integrated dark web monitoring
Dashlane emphasises ease of use with strong password generation, automatic form filling, and dark web monitoring for compromised credentials. It includes VPN functionality on premium plans and supports all major platforms.
From £2.99 per monthBest for Non-technical users valuing simplicity and integrated security features
88.0
05
Open-source local password manager with no cloud requirement
KeePass stores passwords in a local encrypted database file rather than the cloud. It is fully open-source, requires no account, and offers maximum control. Users manually sync via cloud storage or portable devices if desired.
From FreeBest for Advanced users prioritising local control and offline functionality
85.7
06
Enterprise-focused password manager with robust compliance features
Keeper provides military-grade encryption with emphasis on compliance certifications including HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. It offers zero-knowledge architecture, dynamic role-based access, and detailed audit trails for regulated industries.
From £24 per user per yearBest for Regulated enterprises and organisations with strict compliance requirements
83.3
07
Password manager by NordVPN creators with integrated security tools
NordPass combines password management with breach monitoring and data breach scanning. Built by the established NordVPN team, it emphasises security with military-grade encryption and zero-knowledge architecture. Available on all platforms with competitive pricing.
From £1.99 per monthBest for Users seeking bundled password management and cybersecurity features
81.0
08
Veteran password manager with emphasis on form filling and autofill
RoboForm specialises in intelligent form filling and password generation, storing credentials in encrypted cloud vaults. It offers multi-platform support, family plans, and straightforward synchronisation. One of the oldest password managers still actively maintained.
From £1.49 per monthBest for Users who frequently fill complex forms and prioritise affordable plans
78.7
09
Privacy-focused password manager with optional cloud or local storage
Sticky Password offers flexibility with both cloud and local storage options, allowing users to choose their preferred synchronisation method. It features strong encryption, password auditing, and support for all major platforms with reasonable pricing.
From £1.99 per monthBest for Privacy-conscious users who want flexibility in storage and synchronisation options
76.3
10
Flexible password manager supporting both cloud and local storage
Enpass allows users to store encrypted password vaults locally or sync via personal cloud storage services like Dropbox or iCloud. It emphasises user control without mandatory cloud accounts. Available across all platforms with one-time or subscription pricing.
From £9.99 one-timeBest for Users wanting low-cost permanent licenses with flexible storage options
74.0
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between cloud-based and local password managers?
Cloud-based managers like LastPass and 1Password synchronise passwords across devices via encrypted servers, enabling convenience but requiring account creation. Local managers like KeePass store passwords solely on your device, maximising privacy but requiring manual synchronisation. Most modern solutions use hybrid approaches combining convenience with zero-knowledge encryption ensuring providers cannot access data.
Are password managers truly secure?
Reputable password managers employ military-grade AES-256 encryption and zero-knowledge architecture, meaning even company staff cannot access stored passwords. However, security depends on your master password strength. Independent security audits by firms like Cure53 validate implementations. The main risk is the master password itself, so choose a uniquely strong passphrase and never reuse it elsewhere.
What features should I prioritise when choosing a password manager?
Essential features include strong encryption, cross-platform support (browser, mobile, desktop), autofill accuracy, and password generation. Additional considerations are breach monitoring, family sharing, emergency access, and offline access. For businesses, audit logs and admin controls matter. Assess whether you prefer open-source (transparency), cloud-based (convenience), or local storage (control) based on your priorities and threat model.