PickWisely Case files on software, opened & closed
File No. 01 · Password Managers

The password manager docket.

Six vaults, one interrogation: how well do they generate, sync, and autofill your logins — and what do they actually cost once the free tier stops being enough?

Tap a column heading to re-sort · scores out of 10
Product Security Ease of use Value Starts at Overall
Bitwarden Editor's Pick 9.4 8.2 9.6 Free / $10 yr 9.2
1Password 9.2 9.5 7.8 ~$3/mo 8.9
Proton Pass 9.3 8.0 8.7 Free / paid tier 8.6
NordPass 8.8 8.6 8.0 ~$2/mo 8.4
Dashlane 8.7 9.0 6.9 ~$3/mo 8.1
LastPass 6.8 8.4 7.5 ~$3/mo 7.4
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The dossiers

Bitwarden

OPEN SOURCE · SELF-HOSTABLE · CROSS-PLATFORM

The generalist's choice. Bitwarden's clients are open source and independently auditable, and its free tier is genuinely usable long-term rather than a trial.

Strengths
  • Open-source, audited
  • Best free tier
  • Self-host option
Trade-offs
  • Plainer interface
  • Fewer extras (no VPN bundle)

1Password

POLISHED UI · TEAM & FAMILY PLANS · NO FREE TIER

The most refined day-to-day experience, with strong family and business sharing tools. You pay for the polish — there's no permanent free plan.

Strengths
  • Best-in-class UX
  • Travel Mode for border crossings
Trade-offs
  • Subscription only
  • Pricier for solo users
Scores reflect our own testing criteria and are updated periodically. Pricing shown is approximate — always confirm current pricing on the provider's site before you buy. This page contains no affiliate links; we're supported by display advertising only.