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

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.

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

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.

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.

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:

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: