Best Password Manager for Families in 2024: Paid and Free Digital Vaults
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Best Password Manager for Families in 2024: Paid and Free Digital Vaults
Having a weak password, duplicating passwords across multiple accounts or sharing passwords makes you vulnerable to cyberattacks. The best password manager for families helps you safely share sensitive data and protects your family’s online assets.
Bitwarden — The best open-source password manager.
Facts & Expert Analysis About Password Managers:
Strong passwords keep you safe: As the number of online accounts and passwords per person increases, password security remains paramount to cybersecurity.
Passwords are a weak spot: Passwords are a weak link in cybersecurity, and 80% of hacking-related breaches can be traced to stolen credentials.1
Essential features: The ideal password manager for families should be easy to use, affordable and have robust security features like safe password sharing and multi-factor authentication.
The best password manager for families helps you manage all your online credentials without a struggle. In the digital world, your social media, email, bank account and more require top-notch password security to help fight cybercrime. You also need to be able to safely share credentials with family members.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to password security. Weak passwords can expose you to cybercrime, as cybercriminals can break weak passwords without much effort using brute force. If you duplicate your password for multiple accounts, one security breach will mean all those online accounts are exposed.
We researched multiple password managers to come up with this list of the best password managers for families. We highlight the features, security, usability and pricing of each option to help you pick the best one for your family.
05/21/2024 Facts checked
Updated to include current information about features, pricing and company news.
Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: 1Password
Our editor’s choice is 1Password. This user-friendly, secure and feature-loaded password manager has multiple plans that cater to individuals, families, teams and businesses alike.
1Password is affordable and syncs seamlessly across multiple devices. It helps users create strong, unique passwords and save them for future use. You can try it out with the 14-day free trial.
Why Do You Need a Dedicated Password Manager App for Families?
The main reason why you need a dedicated password manager is for password security. A reliable password manager stores all your passwords in one place. You can then share passwords securely with family and be alerted in the event of a data breach or compromised passwords. These tools also offer two-factor authentication for better online security.
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The autofill feature on password manager apps helps young children and the elderly easily access their accounts. Autofill saves them the stress of having to remember or manually fill in passwords every time they log in. In addition, password generators can help individuals create strong passwords.
How to Choose the Best Family Password Manager
Family password managers work well when they’re accessible to multiple users and simple enough for kids and the elderly to use. Consider the following factors when choosing the ideal family password manager.
Multi-platform availability: A good password manager for families will be accessible on multiple devices and web browsers. Each family member will use the same manager on their own individual devices.
Secure password generation: An effective password manager will generate strong password suggestions whenever you create a new account.
Two-factor authentication: This secures your password vault by ensuring the person logging in is authorized to use the password manager account.
Robust security: Your passwords should be secured through encrypted file storage, passkeys, frequent security audits and data breach notifications. Look out for biometric authentication options to ensure that only authorized family members are using the password account.
Emergency access: In the event that your family needs to access your passwords in an emergency, an excellent password manager will allow automatic access without manual triggers.
Easy to use: The best family password managers are easy enough for children, adults and even the elderly to use.
Password autofill: Autofill saves time and energy since it logs you in immediately after you enter your master password or use biometric authentication. It also makes the password account easy for all family members to use.
Customer support: Since passwords are a sensitive issue, you need to be able to contact support whenever something goes wrong. Good password managers offer responsive phone, chat, email and ticket support.
Affordability: We’re sure you don’t want to break the bank on a password manager for your family. Choose one that fits your budget and offers all the essential features.
1Password is the best password manager on our list. Its robust security features and easy-to-use interface make it ideal for family use. The family plan accommodates up to five users, with the option to add more members for $1 per user per month. Each user gets 1GB of storage, and you can add unlimited items and devices to your account.
You can activate travel mode while crossing borders where customs officers require access to your devices. This lets you specify the password vaults they can access. 1Password has a zero-knowledge policy, 2FA and AES-256 encryption to firmly secure your data. You can also create shared vaults with family members, eliminating the need to share your master password.
1Password Hands-On Testing
We found 1Password to be user-friendly and simple to navigate. Everything you need is easy to find, making it a good pick for children and adults alike. You can add family members with just a few clicks and modify account settings without breaking a sweat.
If you run into an issue, customer support is available to assist 24/7 via email, social media and a forum platform. However, there’s no live chat or phone support to get help fast. 1Password also lacks one-click password updates and a password inheritance feature that lets a designated member take over your accounts and login credentials in the event of an emergency.
1Password Security Analysis
1Password applies a zero-knowledge policy, meaning no one else can view your credentials. AES-256 encryption firmly secures your data from cyberattacks and breaches. 1Password is GDPR-compliant and sends users security alerts from the “watchtower” dashboard if it detects suspicious activity.
1Password Pricing & Value
1Password offers no free plan but does have a 14-day free trial. There’s no money-back guarantee, so we recommend using the free trial to test the tool out before buying a plan. The Individual plan goes for $3.99 per month and accommodates only one user. Other plans include Family, Team Starter Pack and Business. Our 1Password review has more details.
per user per month; Includes Teams Starter Pack, plus: Integrates with Okta, Entra ID, OneLogin, Duo, and more; Advanced reporting, granular admin controls, end-to-end encryption; Friendly, expert phone support
Dashlane is as easy to use as 1Password and includes a VPN to help you access your favorite websites from anywhere in the world. Unlike other password managers, Dashlane offers a free plan. However, it’s limited to just 25 logins and is only accessible from one device at a time. You’ll get 1GB of file storage and secure autofill features with the free version.
Dashlane lets you reset your master password using biometric account recovery. The Family plan accommodates up to 10 users and unlimited simultaneous devices, and has access to live chat support. The Business and Enterprise plans have access to email support seven days a week and a customer success manager. However, Dashlane is pricier than its competitors.
Dashlane Hands-On Testing
We had an easy time setting up and using Dashlane. Its web version and apps have a similar flow, making the platform easy to use across devices. To get the app, you can simply scan a QR code on your desktop or download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Dashlane Security Analysis
Dashlane sends users personalized security alerts and phishing alerts that help identify potential breach points. The Family plan offers dark web monitoring that identifies compromised passwords and potential vulnerabilities. Single sign-on (SSO) is also available, but only for Business and Enterprise plans.
Dashlane Pricing & Value
The free version is free forever and offers 25 logins from one device at a time. The premium version comes with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Paid plans start from price [id=”24479-UPGX”] and include Premium, Friends and Family, Business and Enterprise. Our Dashlane review has more details.
Free
One device at a time,
25 passwords and login details,
Autofill fields,
Password Generator,
Set up account without a master password
Everything in Standard, plus:
Unlimited employees
Granular sharing controls
Real-time phishing alerts
Single sign-on (SSO) integration
SCIM provisioning
SIEM integration
Advanced Activity Logs
Security policies
VPN for WiFi protection
Free Friends & Family plan for each user
Keeper offers a generous 10GB of file storage and five private vaults with its Family plan. The KeeperFill feature lets you autofill passwords and automatically log in to your accounts. In addition to offering unlimited password storage and secure cloud backup, Keeper can be used on unlimited devices, and passwords can be shared securely with family members.
The emergency access feature lets loved ones log in to your accounts in case you’re unable to. There’s a ticketing system for all plans except Business, which enjoys 24/7 live chat, phone and email support. You’ll have to accept cookies to use the live chat, though. The free plan is limited to one mobile device and only saves up to 10 passwords and passkeys.
Keeper Hands-On Testing
We found Keeper’s new dashboard simple to navigate and user-friendly. Its theme colors (black and yellow) are easy on the eyes, making the platform pleasant to use. You can integrate Keeper with Dashlane if you already have an account with them. Importing your current passwords requires nothing more than the click of a button.
Keeper Security Analysis
Keeper is the most secure password manager we researched. Not only does it use AES-256 encryption, but the platform is also FIPS 140-validated. What’s more, it supports multi-factor and SSO authentication. Keeper has a zero-knowledge policy and lets you conduct security audits to see how strong your passwords are or whether you’ve already used them.
Keeper Pricing & Value
Keeper has a limited free plan and designated paid plans for personal, family and organizational use. The Personal and Family tier is divided into two plans: Personal for $2.08 per month and Family for $5 per month. Keeper doesn’t have a money-back guarantee, but you can take it for a spin with the 30-day free trial before paying for it. Our Keeper review has more details.
Personal
*Prices are in GBP
Price per month, billed annually
Single user
NordPass is the easiest password manager to use for non-technical and tech-savvy individuals alike. It has browser extensions so you can access your passwords in a jiffy while using the app or web version. NordPass lets you save unlimited passwords and passkeys, and it syncs your data across multiple devices.
The email masking feature hides your credentials, preventing your email from being exposed online. You can store up to 3GB of documents in DOC, PDF, MP4 or JPEG format. It detects weak or reused passwords and alerts you to change them to prevent a breach.
NordPass Hands-On Testing
NordPass has a friendly interface and a left-hand drop-down menu with all the features you’ll need. However, you’ll have to upgrade to a premium plan to access advanced features like email masking. The mobile apps are visually appealing and let you access all the features available on the desktop apps.
NordPass Security Analysis
The “password health” tool checks for weak, reused and old passwords to avoid potential breaches. You can securely share your passwords through an encrypted channel and control each user’s level of access. NordPass also offers a complex password generator, biometric login, multi-factor authentication and emergency access.
NordPass Pricing & Value
NordPass offers a basic free version that provides access to one user account, autosave, autofill, password import, a password generator, multi-factor authentication and automatic sync across devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee covers all plans except Business. The Personal and Family tier offers Free, Premium and Family plans.
The Family plan breaks down to $2.79 per month and provides up to six premium user accounts. Read our NordPass review for more details about the service.
Bitwarden password manager is the only open-source manager we found worthy of featuring on this list. It offers free cloud hosting, unlimited vault items and encrypted data exports. Bitwarden has a password autofill feature, but form autofill is not available.
Both Android and iOS apps are available, in addition to browser extensions for Firefox, Safari, Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers. The only customer support options with Bitwarden are a ticketing system, a help center and a forum, which are quite limited compared to its competitors.
Bitwarden Hands-On Testing
We found Bitwarden’s interface to be airy and easy to navigate. You can send passwords securely with the click of a button and use the password generator to create secure passkeys. Reports inform you of exposed, reused or weak passwords, as well as insecure websites and data breaches.
Bitwarden Security Analysis
Bitwarden is one of the only password managers that has never experienced a breach. It applies zero-knowledge encryption, AES-256 encryption and two-step login. The service is GDPR- and CCPA-compliant, which reassures users that their passwords and data are secure at all times.
Bitwarden Pricing & Value
Similar to its Premium plan, Bitwarden’s free plan provides two user accounts and two vaults. Up to six people can use the Family plan, which offers unlimited collections and sharing. In addition, you get 1GB of personal and 1GB of organizational storage. Take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to test it out. Our Bitwarden review has more details.
Yes, you can use a free password manager for families, as some premium password managers have free plans. However, the free versions offer limited features and may not be secure, since they don’t provide advanced security capabilities. For instance, only two people can use a single free Bitwarden account, and there’s no emergency access or priority support.
The best free password manager is Bitwarden. It has a free tier that’s easy to set up and is loaded with features. In fact, the features on its free plan can comfortably compete with some premium plans from other providers. It applies zero-knowledge encryption, AES 256-bit and TLS secure connections.
You get a free password generator and can store unlimited passwords in your account. That said, Bitwarden’s free version is less secure than premium plans. For example, it lacks vault health reports, which makes it challenging to see whether you have a weak password and how to strengthen it.
Community Feedback on Reddit: Top Family Password Manager Apps
1Password has received multiple positive reviews on Reddit. Users find the multi-layer vault security especially handy. The service has added passkey support to help users sign in to websites and apps more securely. Users also like the TOTP feature and the fact that 1Password has apps for all device types. One user said:
“I have used Dashlane, Bitwarden, LastPass, to 1Password in the past 5 years for personal [use]. 1Password is by far my favorite and I highly recommend it for personal [use]. The multiple layers of vault security, plus passkey support and TOTP support make it a dream.”
Final Thoughts
Password managers help you keep all your passwords safe in one place while securely sharing them with loved ones. We consider 1Password the best password manager for families. It’s loaded with features and is easy for family members of all ages to use.
Though free password managers can secure your credentials, they may not perform as well as paid versions. Their dashboards may also lack the features and capabilities available on premium plans, limiting their effectiveness.
Do you use a password manager in your family? Have you ever tried any of the apps listed above? Which one do you like the most? Let us know in the comments, and thank you for reading.
FAQ: Password Manager with Family Plans
The best password manager for sharing with family is 1Password. It’s affordable, feature-packed and simple enough for children, adults and the elderly to use.
Yes, you can share a password manager with family through encrypted channels that secure your passwords from prying eyes.
Yes, Google Password Manager recently introduced a feature that lets you share passwords with family members. However, it’s a basic password manager and is not ideal if you’re seeking more advanced features.
Keeper is the safest password manager. It uses elliptic curve cryptography in addition to AES-256 encryption to secure your passwords and personal data.
Waricha is a writer for Cloudwards, and her writing and research focus largely on project management software. She originally graduated in engineering, but after she found her true passion in writing, she became a tech writer. She excels at simplifying complex tech topics and is passionate about creating helpful content. Outside of writing hours, Waricha enjoys reading books, working out and learning new things.
Brett is a freelance journalist with 10 years of experience in the tech industry. Brett has covered everything from smartphones to cameras to software while holding the roles of Tech Columnist and Gear Editor. He writes about project management for Cloudwards. When not behind his desk writing, Brett can be found out and about with one of his many cameras, hiking in the wilderness, playing with his dogs, or playing video games. Brett is a self-confessed coffee addict and will do nearly anything for a good cup of Joe.
Igor is one of the fact-checking editors for Cloudwards. As a man of many talents, he has worked in customer service and SEO, is proficient in video and audio editing, and is also a trained opera singer, gracing European stages with his hometown church choir. Outside of work, Igor's passions encompass music performance, fitness and capturing moments through travel photography. With a life enriched by diverse pursuits, Igor's story unfolds rapidly, with many of the chapters yet to reveal themselves.