1Password Password Manager Review 2023
8.7 / 10
good
Features
9.4 / 10
Security
9.4 / 10
Installation & Usage
8.6 / 10
Mobile Usage
8.6 / 10
Support
7.4 / 10
Password Manager

1Password Review 2023: Is This the Right Password Manager for You?

Author
Martin Gschwentner
Last update
7. Mar 2023

One password to rule them all. Sounds a little bit like Lord of the Rings, doesn't it? In the digital realm, you won't have to worry about Orcs, Sauron, or Gollum, but unnamed rogues who are just as aggressive and dangerous. To protect against these threats, 1Password secures and encrypts all of your passwords and sensitive data.

All you have to do is remember a single master password. In this review, we'll let you know whether 1Password lives up to its name, or if you'd better look for safety elsewhere.

What Is 1Password?

1Password  is a password manager developed by AgileBits that was originally available only for macOS but is now offered for Windows, iOS, and Android. Unlike most of its competitors, 1Password doesn't provide a free version, meaning that it forfeits a certain customer segment right off the bat. It does offer a two-week trial version, allowing anyone to try out the program's features.

We assessed the program on Windows and Android.

1Password Review

Review
8.7
good
Visit Website
Features
9.4 / 10
Security
9.4 / 10
Installation & Usage
8.6 / 10
Mobile Usage
8.6 / 10
Support
7.4 / 10
  • Wide selection of features

  • Provides a high degree of security

  • Includes a convenient travel mode

  • Reliable autofill

  • No free version offered

  • Chat support is only for Business subscribers

  • Somewhat over-loaded user-interface

1.

Installation & Usage

1Password's registration process is well-thought-out, with each step explained along the way. First, you'll need to craft a master password which you'll need to access your account. Unfortunately, 1Password doesn't set any requirements for how secure this password must be. We recommend choosing one that you can remember easily, but can't be figured out by others.

The first step with 1Password is setting your master password.

Immediately after registering, it becomes fairly clear that 1Password's name isn't all that accurate. This is because you'll actually need to keep track of two passwords, the other being the so-called "Secret Key", which is required to enable 1Password on other devices, and is part of the password emergency kit. This secret key is also used to enable access on other devices. Follow the service's instructions and don't lose the secret key.

After this, you'll be taken to 1Password's web dashboard, where the program will recommend that you install the desktop version and mobile app. To do this, you'll need both your master password and the secret key. Registering for the smartphone app is easier since all you'll need is the QR code from the emergency kit.

Don't lose your secret key since you'll need this to install the service's applications.

Once you've installed all of the applications you want to, you can get to work configuring the program. Should you be switching from another password manager to 1Password, you can import all of your saved data sets. This is possible exclusively in the web dashboard since only 1Password files can be imported into the app.

1Password allows imports from some of the more popular solutions like Dashlane and LastPass, however, a number of CSV files can also be transferred. When importing a LastPass CSV file we didn't have any issues: Categories we had set became tags and all information (basically) wound up where it was supposed to.

With 1Password, you can import your data from browsers or other password managers.

As mentioned above, the browser extension needs to be installed separately. In the past, 1Password offered two of these: A rather simple browser extension, and an extension known as 1Password X, which operated independently of the desktop version. We found this to be unnecessarily complicated, and therefore, welcome the simplification to a single browser extension that offers all of 1Password X's features.

User Interface

Like most password managers, 1Password is divided between a desktop version and a browser extension. Since the web app is nearly identical to the desktop version, we've concentrated on the latter.

Desktop App

The desktop app seems to focus on showing off how many features 1Password has on offer. As a result, the three-part vertical division of the interface can leave you with the feeling that your screen is a bit cramped. On the other hand, should you like constantly having a wide selection of features and tools at your fingertips, you won't be disappointed with what 1Password makes available.

Minimalism looks a bit different: The interface of 1Password's desktop version is fairly cluttered.

You can create as many vaults as you like, securing each with an individual password. As a result, users can create multiple profiles for all sorts of purposes.

To add a new entry to your vault, click on the "Plus" sign. Probably, you'll use this most to save login data and passwords, however, it also comes in handy for securing payment methods, IDs, software licenses, WiFi router information, and even your sensitive pictures, such as those of your driver's license or passport. Each entry can be tagged or given a customizable icon. It's also possible to create user-defined fields.

1Password comes with a number of preset categories for entries.

In the upper menu bar, you can access settings, check for updates, or customize the app's appearance.

Browser Extension

The browser extension should be seen as the agile long arm of the desktop version, providing ready access to important information stored in your vault(s). With that said, for most adjustments or modifications, the extension will forward you to the desktop version. By clicking on suggestions, you can view data sets for the website you're currently visiting, as well as banking information and accounts that you've saved.

Last, but not least, you'll also find the password generator in the browser extension, which is useful for creating secure passwords.

1Password's browser extension serves as a mini version of the desktop app.

1Password's user interface is somewhat too cluttered for our preferences, meaning that it takes somewhat longer to discover all of the features offered by the program. Other password managers have more adeptly balanced features and ease of use. All the same, we felt well-taken care of by 1Password's applications.

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Installation & Usage
8.6 / 10
2.

Features

1Password comes packed with features, offering all of the basics as well as a number of nice surprises.

Watchtower

The Watchtower serves as your security dashboard, providing a comprehensive overview of the general protection afforded to you by your passwords and alerting you to any problems that might arise. The Watchtower marks re-used and weak passwords, as well as those that have been compromised in data leaks.

You won't find a handy password-changing tool like that offered by Dashlane, meaning that you'll have to manually change compromised passwords. The notification feature conveniently helps to stay on top of expiring documents like passports or driving licenses.

The Watchtower helps you keep tabs on which passwords you should change as soon as possible.

Password Generator

Like most password managers, 1Password comes with a password generator. However, 1Password's solution is unique, not only because you can adjust the symbols and number settings, but also because you can set up passphrases. For now, this feature is limited to English words.

You can also create passphrases with the password generator.

Reliable Autofill

One of the most important aspects of any password manager is its autofill, and more specifically, how reliable it is. This is responsible for automatically supplying login or other saved information to the appropriate fields on websites. Should you visit a website for which a data set is available, after clicking on the input field, the 1Password symbol should appear, allowing you to insert the proper credentials.

During our review, this worked well, even on websites that have a multi-page or pop-up login process. New registrations are automatically saved, and if needed, you can directly generate a secure password with the service.

All in all, 1Password's autofill is very reliable.

1Password's autofill proved reliable during testing.

Travel Mode

Should you want to add extra security to your account when travelling for work or pleasure, you can easily configure which vaults are available on your devices by configuring the service's Travel Mode.

With travel mode you can secure your password vaults when jetting around.

Password sharing is possible with 1Password, but only for Family or Business subscribers. Personal subscribers cannot share data sets or vaults with other 1Password users, which is unfortunate.

1Password serves up a bounty of useful features, far surpassing what its competitors bring to the table. An extensive security center, excellent autofill, plenty of highly customizable data set categories, and extras like travel mode all make 1Password one of the most comprehensive solutions on the market. The only deficit is in the area of password sharing.

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Features
9.4 / 10
3.

Security

Like most password managers, 1Password utilizes AES 256 encryption, which is highly secure. The developers embrace the zero-knowledge proof, meaning that your password isn't stored anywhere - only you know it. No options for account/password recovery are provided.

1Password offers its users the option to add two-factor authentication to their logins, making them even more secure. The service is compatible with common apps like Google Authenticator and Authy.

Two-factor authentication makes accessing your account more complicated for would-be cybercriminals.

Another area where 1Password stands out is the aforementioned "Secret Key". This 128-bit key is generated locally and not stored by 1Password. You'll need it for logins on new devices, but take care: If you lose it, it cannot be recovered and any data which it protects will be lost.

An additional advantage that 1Password offers its users is the ability to choose whether they want their data to be stored, namely, on servers hosted in the US, Canada, or Europe.

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Security
9.4 / 10
4.

Mobile Usage

The 1Password app is available for Android and iOS, being both intuitive and offering excellent autofill, like the desktop version. 1Password's app also comes with an integrated browser, which you can use to open websites automatically with your login credentials. Autofill also works with other browsers and even applications.

Data sets are clearly arranged in the app, and sortable by categories and tags. Favorites are listed separately, making it easy to access the most important entries whenever you need them.

A number of features from the desktop version, such as Watchtower, are also offered in the smartphone version.

1Password's smartphone app is a reliable companion for on the go.

Overall, we liked the mobile app quite a bit: During our last review, features like Watchtower were unavailable in the mobile version, and it wasn't possible to create new data sets, however, thankfully, that's changed in the interim.

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Mobile Usage
8.6 / 10
5.

Support

1Password doesn't offer hotline support, and only Business subscribers can take advantage of its live chat. Should you have a pressing question, you'll need to be patient and wait for an email response. Alternatively, you can try your luck on Twitter.

Despite support channels being few and far between, we did receive an answer within a few hours. If user and customer reviews are to be believed, this appears to be the rule rather than the exception.

1Password might not offer many support channels, but its response times are excellent.

Static support is also good, with plenty of articles and guides offered for DIY types.

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Support
7.4 / 10
6.

Pricing

For private users, 1Password offers Personal and Family packages. The second of these is for up to five users. Business rates are also offered, whereby 1Password differentiates between smaller groups (Teams) and larger ones (Enterprise). The first of these charges a flat fee per user, while the latter is tailored to the customer.

Below, we've included a summary of current prices:

StandardFamiliesBusiness
Set-up Fee $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Base Price per Month $2.99 $4.99 $0.00
Price per User - - $7.99
Contract Period (Months) 12 12 12
Limits
Number of Users 1 5 unlimited
Number of Passwords unlimited unlimited unlimited
Number of Devices unlimited unlimited unlimited
Features
Sync Multiple Devices
Password Sharing
Teams
Zero-knowledge Encryption
Emergency Contacts
Two Factor Authentication
Local Storage
Browser
Internet Explorer
Edge
Chrome
Firefox
Safari
Opera
Internet Explorer
Edge
Chrome
Firefox
Safari
Opera
Internet Explorer
Edge
Chrome
Firefox
Safari
Opera
Platforms
Cloud / SaaS
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Cloud / SaaS
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Cloud / SaaS
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android

Both the Personal and Business packages can be trialed at no charge for 14 days, however, the service doesn't offer a money-back guarantee.

Conclusion

Review
8.7
good
Visit Website
Features
9.4 / 10
Security
9.4 / 10
Installation & Usage
8.6 / 10
Mobile Usage
8.6 / 10
Support
7.4 / 10

1Password is a powerful password manager capable of far more than just the bare minimum. Its users benefit from an app packed with features and offering a high level of security, especially thanks to Travel Mode and the Security Key.

Unfortunately, 1Password doesn't offer a free version, even with limitations. Beyond that, its applications might appear too crowded for some users, which makes it difficult to find the features needed. Other password managers do a better job of balancing ease of use and their features. All the same, in our opinion, 1Password is one of the best password managing programs on the market.

1Password Password Manager
1Password Password Manager
(17,232 )
1Password's password vault is filled to the brim with features, including handy extras such as the travel mode. With excellent security and a solid user interface on top, 1Password is one of the best password managers out there.
zero-knowledge encryption
reliable autofill function
handy travel mode
14 days free trial
no free version
8.7
good
Passwords
unlimited
Devices
unlimited
Users
1 - ∞
Contract Period
12 months
1Password Standard
$2.99
monthly price
Visit Website »
Free 30 days trial

Customer Ratings

User reviews for 1Password are consistently positive, with the service's helpful customer support often coming in for special praise. To see how 1Password fares on reputable review portals, we've compiled a score below:

Customer Ratings
4.4 / 5
17,232 Bewertungen
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Alternatives

1Password is a premium password manager that charges users for the features it offers. If you don't want to pay and you're okay with a limitation or two, we advise trying out some of the freemium solutions on offer, foremost among them, NordPass or Bitwarden. Neither of these limits how many data sets can be saved or the number of devices that can be synced with.

The best alternatives to 1Password can be found below:

Best Overall 2023
Dashlane Password Manager
Dashlane Password Manager
(204,101 )
Dashlane is a great all-rounder that makes managing your logins and other account details as easy as pie thanks to its many features, a strong security posture, and an easy-to-use interface.
user friendly and intuitive
zero-knowledge encryption
comprehensive security center
automatic password changer
built-in VPN
9.1
excellent
Passwords
unlimited
Devices
1 - ∞
Users
1 - ∞
Contract Period
0 - 12 months
Dashlane Free
$0.00
monthly price
Visit Website »
Try for free
Keeper Password Manager
Keeper Password Manager
(263,048 )
Keeper is one of the best password managers on the market thanks to its many features, high reliability, and extensive configuration options.
customizable autofill
intuitive folder structure
good business plans
autofill for apps
no free version
8.7
good
Passwords
unlimited
Devices
unlimited
Users
1 - ∞
Contract Period
12 months
Keeper Security Unlimited
$2.04
monthly price
Visit Website »
Download Keeper
NordPass Password Manager
NordPass Password Manager
(11,194 )
NordPass stands out with its beautiful design and ease of use, and offers a fully-fledged free version that allows you to create and synchronize an unlimited number of passwords.
easy to use
flawless user interface
reliable autofill
full-featured free version
few options for customizing data sets
8.5
good
Passwords
unlimited
Devices
1 - ∞
Users
1 - 250
Contract Period
0 - 24 months
NordPass Free
$0.00
monthly price
Visit Website »
30-day money-back guarantee
Bitwarden Password Manager
Bitwarden Password Manager
(51,572 )
Bitwarden can impress with easy-to-use apps, reliable autofill, and a few handy security features. Plus, it's pretty affordable – and offers a solid, feature-rich free plan.
user-friendly applications
good security, externally tested
Self-Hosting possible
low price
paid features (e.g. password sharing)
8.4
good
Passwords
unlimited
Devices
unlimited
Users
1 - ∞
Contract Period
0 - 12 months
Bitwarden Free
$0.00
monthly price
Visit Website »
Enpass Password Manager
Enpass Password Manager
(19,217 )
Enpass offers intuitive application with solid features and reliable autofill. Handy: the connection to the cloud is optional, and you can synchronize locally if you prefer.
intuitive desktop app
one-off price instead of subscription
optional cloud connection
solid features
not great for password sharing
8.2
good
Passwords
25 - ∞
Devices
1 - ∞
Users
1 - 6
Contract Period
0 - 12 months
60%
Discount
Code:
EN498-31UQR
Enpass Free
$0.00
monthly price
Visit Website »

FAQs

What is 1Password?

1Password is a password manager developed by AgileBit. The software is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The software saves passwords, logins, credit card data, software licenses, and other sensitive information, with user security and privacy being the app's primary foci.

How much does 1Password cost?

In contrast to most other password managers, 1Password doesn't offer a free version of its app. Premium plans start at $2.99 per month (plus sales tax). 1Password offers special rates for families and businesses. The Family plan can be used by up to five family members and will set you back $4.99 a month. For businesses, fees range from $3.99-7.99 per user, per month for small to medium-sized organizations. Larger enterprises can request a personalized quote.

How secure is 1Password?

1Password is considered to be highly secure. Like many other password managers, the app encrypts user data using AES 256. Thanks to the zero-knowledge principle, the provider never has access to your passwords. To further secure your data, you can enable two-factor authentication. 1Password also comes with a few unique security features such as the "Secret Key".

How good is 1Password?

With an EXPERTE.com score of 4.3 / 5, we consider 1Password to be good. We really liked the broad array of features it comes with and its great security tools, such as Travel Mode. However, we felt that the user interface was too cluttered, and that password sharing could have been better implemented. What's more, no free version of 1Password is offered.

Author ( German Version) : Martin Gschwentner
Martin Gschwentner majored in American Studies and Media Studies in Germany, the USA and France and works as a freelance editor in Paris. He is a doctoral student at the Institute for English and American Studies at the University of Paris Diderot, where he is researching the influence of money on US politics. On EXPERTE.com he writes about IT security, data protection and software for the self-employed and small businesses.
Translator & Editor: D Bare
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