Password managers are more popular than ever—for good reason. These services make it easy to store and manage unique passwords for all of your digital accounts across all your devices. LastPass and 1Password are popular choices in this space because of their affordable pricing, robust security features and intuitive user interfaces. Check out our comprehensive 1Password vs. LastPass comparison to learn which of these two password managers is better for your needs and budget.
Editor’s note: Since this article was published, LastPass has confirmed that it had been breached and users’ password vaults were compromised in August 2022. A class action lawsuit was filed in January 2023 for “failure to exercise reasonable care in securing and safeguarding highly sensitive consumer data.” This is a red flag worth investigating and possibly taking action on. LastPass recommends changing passwords and remaining alert for phishing scams. For more details, visit the LastPass blog and learn more about how to share passwords safely.
LastPass vs. 1Password: At a Glance
Both 1Password and LastPass offer similar features with their paid versions but only LastPass offers a totally free version. The limitations on LastPass’s free version might prompt you to upgrade to a paid plan. Both services are competitive in terms of cost, features, and usability.
Here we will look at the key features users care about most—pricing, usability, security, device compatibility and scope of services.
How LastPass and 1Password Stack Up
LastPass | 1Password | |
---|---|---|
Pricing | • Free option available | • No free option available |
Ease of Use | • Busier user interface because of additional features available | • Cleaner, more streamlined look |
Security | • Multifactor authentication | • Two-factor authentication |
Device Compatibility | • Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, iOS, Android | • Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, Darwin, FreeBSD, OpenBSD |
Scope | • Unlimited passwords with the free version | • Unlimited passwords |
Learn More | ||
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If you’re willing to pay for a password manager, LastPass and 1Password are comparable. When it comes to the core functionality of LastPass and 1Password, they are also comparable. While 1Password doesn’t offer a free version, the starting prices of its paid plans are nearly identical at $35.88 per year for 1Password and $36 per year for LastPass.
The biggest differences between the two platforms come not in their core functionality but in their extra features. For example, LastPass comes with a secure notes module that lets you store digital versions of documents, such as identification cards and driver’s licenses, safely. Meanwhile, 1Password comes with features, such as the ability to authenticate your login with a quick response (QR) code. Both services offer unique functionality that is perfect depending on how you intend to use your manager.
Pricing
LastPass’ and 1Password’s single subscription plans are similar in price and features. Both offer unlimited passwords, 1GB of file storage, unlimited devices, password sharing tools and more at $36 a year for LastPass and $35.88 a year for 1Password. Technically, one could say that 1Password’s Individual plan is the better deal but only by a handful of cents.
However, LastPass gains a slight edge over 1Password by offering a cheaper family plan that covers more users. LastPass’ family plan costs $48 per year and covers up to six users compared to 1Password’s family plan which costs $59.88 per year and only covers up to five users.
Additionally, LastPass offers a free version that comes with most of the premium plan’s features, but it can only be used with one device type—either desktop or mobile. Users looking to spend zero money on a password manager might find value in LastPass’ free version, but its device limitation makes it less desirable for most users who inevitably use multiple types of devices throughout their daily lives.
With all that in mind, what’s the better value proposition? At the time of this writing, LastPass is still dealing with the fallout from a deeply troubling security breach in November 2022 that led to sensitive customer vault data—such as IP and billing addresses—being accessed by hackers. With these two services so close in features and cost, we think 1Password’s track record of never experiencing a security breach tips the scale in its favor considerably.
Ease of Use
The main tasks of a password manager are to assist with logging in to existing accounts and to generate passwords. Both 1Password and LastPass handle these functions well. When either manager recognizes a login field in a browser, it creates a small interactive logo within the field. The logo can be clicked to open a menu that presents a list of available accounts to sign in with.
However, 1Password makes signing in to desktop apps easier. Pressing the keyboard shortcut ctrl/command + shift + space will open the Quick Access bar that allows users to search for passwords and copy them. This allows 1Password users to log in to desktop apps without lifting their fingers off the keyboard.
To generate passwords, both apps have users click an icon in the password field, which creates a random password. LastPass allows users to tweak the parameters of the password such as password length and whether the password has numbers or special characters.
Generating passwords with 1Password is slightly more rigid because passwords generated in a password field cannot be customized. Rather, users need to click the 1Password extension icon in the browser toolbar, generate a password there and then customize the parameters.
LastPass ends up being a better experience for dealing with special password requirements, but 1Password’s Quick Access bar makes signing in to desktop apps easy and fast.
Security
LastPass and 1Password both use 256-bit AES encryption (the industry standard) and PBKDF2 password hashing to protect users’ master passwords from brute force attacks. Additionally, both managers never send unencrypted data outside of a user’s device to ensure data is always protected.
1Password takes an extra precaution with a 128-bit secret key in addition to the master password to lock user vaults. This key and master password are required for logging in to new devices, which can be a little inconvenient; however, the extra security it offers seems worth the pain as 1Password has yet to experience a security breach to this day.
LastPass experienced two big security breaches near the end of 2022, the second of which resulted in sensitive user vault information being accessed by hackers. This breach was particularly concerning because not all customer vault information was being encrypted by LastPass (something 1Password does). This meant that the hackers could both access and read user information such as billing addresses, IP addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
In hindsight, it’s hard to understand why LastPass wasn’t encrypting all vault information for situations such as this. While LastPass has since taken measures to beef up its security protocols and be more transparent with its customer base regarding its efforts, its reputation has suffered considerable damage—elevating 1Password in terms of security superiority (at least for now).
Device Compatibility
1Password and LastPass are comparable in terms of their device compatibility. Both are compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, iPhone, iPad and Android. Each service’s respective browser extensions or plug-ins are also compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge and Opera.
Unique Features
LastPass has a unique feature that is worth mentioning: account recovery. This handy tool allows users to reset their password using SMS, email or biometrics in the event that a master password is forgotten or lost.
1Password’s unique feature is Travel Mode. This feature has users designate two separate vaults: one that is “safe for travel” and the other “remove for travel.” When Travel Mode is active, the “remove for travel” vault is temporarily deleted until Travel Mode is turned off while the “safe for travel” vault is made available throughout.
Both 1Password and LastPass also have useful sharing services that allow users to securely share items such as credit card numbers, passwords, passport information and more with others. However, 1Password’s service is unique because it can share items with anyone, whereas LastPass’ sharing service is limited to sharing with LastPass users only.
More Password Manager Alternatives
If you’re unsure whether LastPass or 1Password is right for you, check out some viable alternatives.
Account Recovery | Security Breach Scanner | Two-Factor Authentication | Starting Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
NordPass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free, $1.29 per month |
Dashlane | Yes | Yes | Yes | $4.99 per month |
Norton | No | No | Yes | Free |
NordPass
NordPass is a feature-rich, affordable password manager that helps users secure not only passwords but also other information such as credit card information, shipping addresses and private notes. NordPass comes with a data leak scanner, and its zero-knowledge architecture keeps user vault information private. NordPass’ competitive pricing for both its personal and business plans makes it an excellent choice for individuals or businesses looking for a full-featured premium password manager that won’t break the bank.
Dashlane
Dashlane is user-friendly and comes with a plethora of useful features such as unlimited password vaults and password storage, dark web monitoring, a password health checker and more. All of Dashlane’s paid plans also come with a virtual private network (VPN). The VPN keeps user activity private while browsing the web and adds an extra layer of security when using public Wi-Fi connections. Users who are looking for a password manager that also boosts privacy and security should consider Dashlane.
Norton
Norton is a straightforward, no-frills password manager offering unlimited password storage, a password generator, two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric mobile login capabilities. Its useful safety dashboard will notify users of duplicate and weak passwords, and it makes changing passwords quick and easy. While Norton may seem basic compared to other password managers, it’s completely free. Anyone looking for a free but solid password manager should consider Norton.
Bottom Line
All told, both services are solid choices that will help you stay more secure when you use all of the different services in your life. While LastPass’s free option might be better for those who want to try out a password manager for the first time, both systems offer a solid set of features and affordable pricing. The best choice for you will depend on what unique features you like better, such as QR code authentication or digital document storage.
When Should You Choose 1Password?
- You log in to desktop apps frequently
- You travel often and want to keep your password vault safe
- You need a password manager with extra security measures
When Should You Choose LastPass?
- You want to save money on the Families plan
- You need a password manager with a free option
- You want a password manager with multiple account recovery options
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is LastPass better than 1Password for small business?
While LastPass and 1Password are comparable in features and price, LastPass was part of a significant data breach that might shake the confidence of small business customers. Since 1Password has never been a victim of a data breach and takes extra measures to keep user vaults secure, we consider 1Password better than LastPass for small business.
Have LastPass or 1Password been hacked before?
At the time of this writing, 1Password has never been hacked. LastPass experienced two hacks near the end of 2022 that resulted in unencrypted, sensitive user vault information being accessed by hackers.
Do LastPass or 1Password have free plans?
1Password does not have a free plan. LastPass does offer a free plan; however, users are limited to using it on only one device type—either computer or mobile.
Can I use a 1Password account on all my devices?
Yes, 1Password is compatible with all major operating systems and mobile platforms. Just download the right mobile and desktop app or browser extension and get started.
Can I store digital records in my LastPass database?
Yes. In addition to helping you store and manage your passwords, LastPass allows you to store all sorts of digital records including insurance cards, memberships, credit cards, driver’s license numbers and passport records.
What happens if I forget my master password for my password manager?
With a “zero knowledge” policy, some password managers will find it difficult or impossible to recover your account if you forget your master login credentials. Be sure to understand any necessary steps you would have to take before signing up.