Top Password Managers for Windows

Think about how many apps you use and how many accounts you've got. There are probably quite a few, right? Each one of those accounts has its own password you better not forget. Maybe you just write down their passwords or save login data in your browser. You probably use the same passwords on multiple sites - one of the worst things you could do security-wise.

The good news is that you don't have to choose between security and convenience: Password managers save and remember login information for you which makes logging in easy-peasy and protects your data. But which password manager for Windows is the best for you?

Chances are good that a more established password manager offers apps for the two main operating systems, Windows and Mac. Many apps are only available for Linux or other more obscure platforms. Every now and then, you can tell that a developer prefers one platform which can result in features, interfaces, user experience, and other aspects being different from platform to platform. This article lists some of the best password managers for Windows so you can find the right one for you.

The list of available providers is long; choosing the right one isn't easy. Most password managers are pretty similar in regard to features, interface, and pricing but small differences can make a big difference to individual users. As a result, the many competing apps have each accrued their own fan base who are all on their own missionary mission on various tech platforms and review forums. But we can't be swayed by some proselytizing, so we've put together our own list of the three best-performing password managers you can get for Windows.

Dashlane is the undisputed test winner among the password managers we at EXPERTE.com have tested. Its Windows app cuts a mighty fine figure. It's intuitive, user-friendly, flawlessly designed, super easy to install, and comes with an unparalleled array of features. Dashlane's browser extension is one of the best on the market and complements its big brother on the desktop brilliantly.

One of Dashlane's greatest advantages is the many features it comes with, some of which aren't offered by other providers. Dashlane users will sorely miss its convenient Password Changer feature that automatically changes passwords at the click of a mouse when using other providers. Dashlane, however, changes multiple passwords simultaneously in one fell swoop. The app's newest version even comes with a VPN and its standard features such as the security dashboard and password generator are superbly executed.

Most of those features are reserved to premium users. In our opinion, Dashlane's paid service is the best password manager a Windows user can wish for.

If you opt for our value king, you'll have to do without some of the great features Dashlane offers such as its Password Changer. In turn, LastPass offers a wonderful and comprehensive package that focuses on the basics rather than overwhelming users with an excessive amount of features. The German localization is poorly done, but we're willing to overlook problems of a cosmetic nature if the rest is worth it. And with LastPass, it's definitely worth it.

Users should keep in mind that LastPass doesn't offer a desktop application; everything happens within the browser. That's where the user-friendly vault, the straightforward security test, and the dull but functional browser extension are located.

If you don't want to pay for a password manager, you'll be happier with LastPass's free version than that of pretty much any other app we tested. Hardly any of the important features are behind a paywall, so the free version is more than enough for private users.

At first glance, 1Password is an unlikely contender for a top three list of the best password managers available for Windows. After all, the app was initially developed for Mac only. Admittedly, some of the Windows version's features lag behind.

Still, 1Passwords's performance leaves a strong impression. Its filled-to-the-brim function pallet entails a Watchtower function that provides users with a comprehensive overview of their general password security and a Travel Mode that, we think, other apps should include, too. With it, you can precisely determine which vaults are available on which device when you're away on a trip.

But 1Passwords wants to see some money for those functions: A free version of the app doesn't exist.

When we test password managers, many of the available applications compete for our favor in a tight head-on-head race. Compiling a top three list of password managers is always subjective and a bit random. There are no universal standards that dictate what features or designs aspects are to be considered important or good. And that's why it can really pay off to look at alternatives to Dashlane, LastPass and 1Password because every application has its strengths and weaknesses. So, look at all the apps available before you make a decision!

You can find an in-depth comparison of the passwords managers listed here in our password manager review and comparison.