Security16.12.2023

Best password managers to protect your login credentials

By Myles Illidge

Having secure and variable passwords can help keep your accounts protected from cybercriminals who attempt to access your credentials.

However, several reputable password managers are available to South African residents, with some of the best being 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, NordPass, and Norton Password Manager.

According to Forbes Advisor, the above five password managers were the best in the world as of December 2023.

“Forbes Advisor evaluated the best password managers available today. We selected these options based on cost, features, usability and other factors,” it says.

While more than five options are listed, we took the top five, each with a Forbes Advisor rating greater than 4.2 out of five.

Norton Password Manager is the top-rated option with a score of 4.8 out of five stars, while Bitwarden takes fifth place with a score of 4.2

Other notable password managers not included in our list are KeePass, Keeper, and LastPass.

The top five password managers in the world are listed and briefly described below.

Norton Password Manager (4.8/5)

Norton’s free-to-use password manager browser extension covers all the basics, including complex password creation, secure storage, and the ability to spot weaknesses in users’ login credentials.

“Create new, hard-to-break passwords with one click with Password Generator. Update and save them easily with Autochange,” it says.

The Norton Password Vault syncs across all registered devices, and credentials are secured using biometrics like Face ID and fingerprints for iOS and Android.

In addition to mobile compatibility, Norton Password Manager supports various browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.

Editorial credit: monticello / Shutterstock.com

NordPass (4.5/5)

With prices from $1.79 (R33) per month over two years, NordPass offers a range of features that are critical to keeping your login credentials and payment information secure.

NordPass’ key features include:

The ability to save unlimited passwords and passkeys
Autosave and autofill functionality for login credentials and payment information
Complex password generation
Web scanning for data leaks
Auto-sync across registered devices
Multifactor authentication

It should be noted that the provider also offers a plan that is free for life. However, it limits the features offered substantially.

Dashlane (4.2/5)

Dashlane boasts that it has never suffered a data breach — a strong selling point for those looking for a reputable password manager.

Pricing for the product starts at $3.33 (R62) per month, billed annually for the Premium plan, which lets one member register an unlimited number of devices and store and autofill unlimited passwords.

The Premium plan includes a password generator, dark web monitoring for leaks, and a virtual private network (VPN).

Dashlane also offers a Friends & Family plan for $4.99 (R92) per month billed annually, which expands the number of members allowed to ten. However, it only includes a VPN for one user.

Editorial credit: monticello / Shutterstock.com

Bitwarden (4.2/5)

Bitwarden boasts backing from a community of knowledgeable security experts and allows users to store unlimited passwords, card details, and notes, even with its free tier.

The free tier also includes a complex password generator to secure user accounts. However, it isn’t as expansive as its paid options.

For $1 (R19) per month billed annually, users get access to Bitwarden’s login authenticator, security reports, and encrypted file attachments.

The provider also offers a family plan that allows users to register up to six accounts, enables unlimited sharing and collections, and includes storage organisation functionality.

Editorial credit: Maor_Winetrob / Shutterstock.com

1Password (4.2/5)

1Password says its product helps users protect themselves, their families, and their global workforces by securing their passwords, passkeys, and sensitive information.

Starting at $2.99 (R55) per month billed annually, customers can use 1Password on all of their devices and store unlimited items, provided they fit within the 1GB storage allocation.

1Password offers a Families plan for $4.99 (R92) per month, also billed annually, which lets customers register five family members.

Its password manager for business boasts over 100,000 companies, including IBM, Slack, GitLab, and Under Armour.