Best Password Manager for Mac

Why you need a password manager for Mac

Managing passwords can be a tedious process, but it doesn’t have to be. Password managers are software tools designed to simplify your life. They securely store all your passwords and allow you to access them easily whenever you need.

A note from our experts: 

 

MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard is the solution you need to protect your personal data from being compromised. Whether it’s related to passwords, credit card details, or phone numbers, safeguarding your private data with confidence is crucial. Notably, our tool monitors data breaches 24/7.

 

Find our instructions below to use MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard:

1. Open MacKeeper on your Mac or MacBook.
2. Select ID Theft Guard from the left-side menu.
3. Click Check for Breaches.
4. Choose your email address, then hit Send Code.
5. Verify your email address and click Enter.
6. Review any data breaches found.

Top password managers for Mac

How to save passwords on Mac securely? Passwords are sensitive information, so it’s important to trust them only to reliable software that provides strong protection. We also recommend choosing a tool that actually simplifies the login process without requiring you to remember all your passwords.

What is the best password program for Mac?

• iCloud Keychain
• 1Password
• Dashlane
• Bitwarden
• NordPass
• RoboForm
• Keeper

1. iCloud Keychain

iCloud Keychain is a macOS password manager developed by Apple. It was introduced in 1999 and has been refined over the years. While some experts criticize its simplicity, we believe it’s ideal for users seeking basic password management functionality.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

One significant advantage of iCloud Keychain is that it’s free for Mac users since it comes as a built-in tool within macOS. There are no different plans with varying features. All users have access to the same functionalities.

Key Features

Originally designed as a password management service for Mac, iCloud Keychain is also available on iPhones, making it easy to share passwords between your Apple devices, including those of family members. Despite its basic nature, it employs 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your passwords, two-factor authentication codes, credit card details, addresses, and other information are secure. Notably, Apple’s app also alerts you if your data has been leaked or is at risk of being leaked.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Free for Mac users
• User-friendly and streamlined experience on macOS and iOS devices
• 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption
• Compatible with Passkeys and 2FA codes

Cons:

• Maybe too basic for power users
• Other options offer enhanced security features
• Limited to sharing passwords only with family members or trusted friends
• Challenging to import data from other password managers

2. 1Password

1Password is a password manager developed by AgileBits Inc., first released in 2006. It’s available for macOS, iOS, and other operating systems. Many users consider it to be one of the best password managers on the market, thanks to its excellent performance.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

AgileBits Inc. offers several subscription plans for 1Password. The basic plan costs $3.99 per month, and families can choose a plan for up to five members for slightly less than double that price. There are also options tailored for small and large businesses, as well as annual plans. While we’re sad to see there’s no free version of 1Password, a 14-day free trial is available to help you decide if it meets your needs.

Key Features

One of 1Password’s main advantages is its commitment to user security. It employs AES end-to-end encryption to safeguard your passwords. It also utilizes the Secure Remote Password protocol, ensuring that your information isn’t transmitted to an external server. AgileBits Inc.’s extensive industry experience contributes to a smooth, fast, and intuitive user experience supported by a well-designed app. Users can also conveniently categorize their passwords by different sections, such as work or home.

Additionally, 1Password allows you to store important personal information, including documents like your passport, driver’s license, medical records, and membership cards. This password manager also offers free browser extensions for popular browsers like Safari and Chrome, making it easier to use.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Robust security features
• Easy to navigate and store passwords by category
• Capability to save important personal documents
• Free browser extensions for enhanced usability
• Touch ID and Face ID support

Cons:

• No free option available (beyond the 14-day trial)
• A browser extension must be installed to use it on Mac
• Limited customer service options: only email support is available, with no phone or live chat assistance

3. Dashlane

Dashlane, which launched in 2012, is widely regarded as one of the most popular password managers due to its impressive range of features. While it doesn’t support Linux users, Mac users will appreciate its compatibility with both macOS and iOS.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Dashlane operates on a freemium pricing model. This means a free option is available, but it comes with limitations–specifically, you can only store 25 passwords, which is likely not enough for most users. If you need unlimited password storage and device access, you can choose the Premium plan for $4.99 per month (with a free trial available) or the Friends & Family plan for $7.49 per month, which allows sharing the subscription with 10 users. There are also various plans tailored for businesses.

Key Features

Dashlane stands out for its comprehensive suite of tools. In addition to storing passwords, you can also save logins, payment methods, IDs, and personal information such as delivery addresses. The password generator enhances security, and with 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption, your passwords can be kept secure.

Moreover, Dashlane functions as an authenticator for those who enable two-factor authentication. Other notable features include password monitoring and dark web monitoring to alert you to potential data breaches. However, what differentiates Dashlane from many other password managers is the inclusion of a VPN for extra protection.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wide array of security tools  
• Includes a VPN and dark web monitoring
• Impressive password generator
• Allows sharing accounts with up to 10 friends or family members at a competitive price

Cons:

• The free option is limited to 25 passwords, which may not suffice for most users
• Lacks native desktop apps

4. Bitwarden

Bitwarden is an excellent choice for Mac users seeking a password manager, particularly if they’re looking for a reliable free option. Developed by Kyle Spearrin in 2016, it’s since attracted a large user base worldwide.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Bitwarden stands out as one of the best free password managers for a good reason: it offers unlimited functionality and top-notch security features without requiring you to enter your credit card information. If you want to access more advanced features, such as an authenticator or encrypted file sharing, you can do so for less than $1 per month. Affordable plans are also available for families and businesses.

Key Features

We’re surprised to see that Bitwarden can provide such impressive features at no cost. This password manager utilizes high-level technology, including 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption, PBKDF2 cryptography, and salt hashing. You can enjoy this level of protection for all your passwords and devices completely free of charge. Additionally, there’s a function for securely sending encrypted files and text, although the file feature is limited to paid users.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent security features at no cost
• Encrypted sharing system, although it’s limited to text for free accounts
• Incredibly affordable paid subscriptions

Cons:

• While the interface is simple, it’s not always intuitive or easy to navigate
• Lacks some features, such as password monitoring

5. NordPass

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use password manager, NordPass is one of the best options available. Its good reputation partly stems from the fact that it was developed by the same company behind NordVPN, one of the leading VPNs on the market.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

NordPass operates on a freemium model, offering a free lifetime plan. However, this plan is limited to a single user and basic functions. For access to all features, you can subscribe for just $1.29 per month with a two-year plan or $1.69 per month for a one-year plan. If you want to share the account with others, the Family subscription costs $2.79 or $3.69 per month, depending on the plan duration. Business options are also available.

Key Features

NordPass includes everything you need in a password manager. You can easily import passwords from Chrome and iCloud Keychain, and it features autofill for websites and apps. In addition to passwords, you can store passkeys, credit cards, and personal details and organize them by category. The service includes a password generator, and premium users can also benefit from email masking to create temporary email addresses.

A standout security feature is its use of XChaCha20 encryption, which is considered more secure than the AES-256 alternative, which is more commonly used in the industry. NordPass also encrypts and decrypts data locally, which is an important consideration for user privacy. Additionally, the password manager will notify you of data breaches, though this feature is only available for Premium accounts.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong security features with XChaCha20 encryption
• Easy to install and user-friendly interface
• Well-optimized app for macOS
• A basic free plan with an affordable premium plan

Cons:

• Most advanced features require a paid subscription
• The browser extension must be installed to use the autofill feature

6. RoboForm

Another good option for storing all your passwords is RoboForm. Although it’s lesser known compared to other password managers, it’s been on the market for a long time. In fact, it was developed by Siber Systems in 1999. The business model has evolved over the last two and a half decades.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Like other password managers, RoboForm offers a limited free plan. If you want access to all features, you’ll need to subscribe to the Premium plan, which is currently discounted to $1.66 per month. Families can opt for a plan that covers up to five accounts at a special price of $2.66 per month. Businesses of all sizes and large enterprises can also find tailored plans.

Key Features

RoboForm utilizes three main security technologies: 256-bit AES encryption, PBKDF2 SHA256 cryptography, and a zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring robust security for your passwords. It provides standard features expected from a password manager, such as password importing, auto-fill, and storage for passwords, phone numbers, addresses, and ID documents.

While the interface is functional, it’s somewhat basic. However, this doesn’t detract from other valuable features, including the password manager and the browser extension. The extension is particularly useful as it allows you to log in automatically simply by opening the page.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive features available
• Strong encryption and cryptography technologies
• Ability to import passwords
• Offline access

Cons:

• The free option is somewhat limited
• The app’s interface is basic, especially on desktop
• No live chat support for free users

7. Keeper

Keeper is often considered the weakest option on this list, but that doesn’t imply it’s a bad password manager. In fact, quite the opposite. Developed by Keeper Security, Inc. in 2009, it works effectively on macOS.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Keeper offers one of the most extensive ranges of subscription options available. Plans are available for individual users, families, students, businesses, enterprises, as well as military and medical sectors. While there isn’t a free plan, a 30-day free trial is offered. The Personal plan provides unlimited features for $2.92 per month for a single user, while the Family plan costs $6.25 per month.

Key Features

Keeper utilizes 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring robust security. This encryption encrypts and decrypts data locally, meaning that your information isn’t sent to any external service. As such, Keeper doesn’t have direct access to your passwords or any other stored information, although you can share them with trusted contacts. In addition, Keeper supports two-step authentication through your Apple Watch. Touch ID and Face ID are also supported.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong encryption system
• Highly optimized for macOS and other Apple operating systems
• Two-factor authentication compatible with Apple Watch

Cons:

• Limited options for exporting passwords
• More expensive than some other password managers on the market

Key features to look for in Mac password manager

To find passwords on a Mac effectively, it’s best to use a password manager to store them safely. However, not all password managers available in the market are equally effective. So, what should you consider when choosing a password keeper for Mac?

Our top recommendations include:

• Consider security features
• Check for cross-platform support
• Look for ease of use & UI
• Pricing & subscription plans

1. Consider security features

When choosing a password manager, the most important aspect to consider is its security features. In our opinion, it’s crucial to pay attention to the type of encryption used, with AES-256 encryption being the most trusted standard for data protection.

You might also be interested in how to see Wi-Fi passwords on Mac to protect it from hackers.

2. Check for cross-platform support

If you’re reading this article, you likely need a password manager for Mac. Start by verifying that the software is compatible with your Apple computer. Additionally, we recommend choosing a tool that can be accessed on your other devices, as this will enhance your overall experience.

3. Look for ease of use & UI

When choosing a password manager, we advise you to opt for an app with a user-friendly interface. This is a key factor, especially when comparing two options that offer similar features. We suggest you to avoid software with complex user interfaces and instead choose one that prioritizes simplicity.

4. Pricing & subscription plans

We understand that each reader may have a different budget, but many prefer products that offer the best value for money. Some password managers stand out as being superior in this regard. We also appreciate those that provide a variety of payment options, allowing consumers to select the plan that best fits their needs, whether it be a one-time payment, monthly, or annual subscription.

The ultimate Mac password keeper: Best password software for Mac

Choosing a password manager can be challenging. We recommend considering four key factors when making up your mind. Look for software that offers strong encryption and security technology, cross-platform support for all your devices, an intuitive and user-friendly interface, and good value for your money.

To further enhance the security of your Mac, we advise using MacKeeper’s ID Theft feature, which is a helpful tool for protecting your email and addressing potential leaks of personal data. Don’t compromise on your password security!