Is a password manager worth it? That's an easy one

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Maintaining a strong password is one of the most important things you can do to keep your online safety game on lock. You owe it to yourself to make sure that every single password you make is unique. That way, no matter whether you're logging in to Facebook or paying off your car, your data is as safe as can be.

It's a lot smarter than writing passwords on your hands or keeping a physical "password journal" and scribbling everything down.

We've done all the research on why you should be using a password manager to keep everything organized, and keep yourself safe online. It's some of the best money you can spend, save from investing in a VPN.

Password managers, like 1Password, are made with the express purpose of keeping all your passwords safe. If you happen to forget one, you won't have to trigger a dozen password reset emails just to get back into your precious accounts. With the right manager, all you really need to remember is just one password.

After you set up your password manager app, it can handle everything else you need. You can keep your manager on your computer, phone, or other mobile device, and it'll handle logging you in to all your accounts with the press of a button. No more typing things in when you go to eBay or Facebook -- the password manager will do it for you with you so much as having to think of the password you set. It's safe, affordable, and super simple to use.

You're probably asking by now: Which service should you go with? There are plenty of of great password managers, each with their own special features. Some password managers, like NordPass, come as part of packages from well-established brands like NordVPN, a private network that lets you use a free on-board password manager in addition to its main services. In cases like that, you can trust the parent company since it makes software you already trust. But checking online reviews and communities for ideas on whether the password manager is actually reliable is a good move, too.

Encryption is the backbone of a good password manager. Would-be hackers trying to peek at your data just see unreadable nonsense, which means no one can steal it. The best password managers typically use a technology called AES-256 encryption, commonly used by banks and other large institutions. If a password manager doesn't have much to say about its encryption methods or uses a lesser-known standard, that's a major red flag.

Functionality matters, too. A good password manager offers more than just storage. Can it create strong, random passwords for you? Does it alert you if one of your passwords is weak or if it's been compromised in a data breach? All of these options can be super valuable.

Having two-factor authentication (2FA) available is another huge plus. With 2FA, even if someone cracks your master password, they won't be able to get in elsewhere. They'd need a second piece of verification, like a code texted to your phone or generated from an authenticator, to log in. A password manager that supports 2FA means the password manager you're using is serious about security.

Lastly, while we all love a good freebie, you do get what you pay for. Look extra hard at the pricing tiers for the password manager you choose. Does the paid version have significant upgrades? How's the customer support? Good support can make a huge difference, especially when it concerns your digital safety. Don't bother with any companies that won't take care of you both before and after your purchase.

Below, we'll delve into more in-depth reasons why using a password manager is a good idea and how you can tell it's worth it for you.

1. What is the best password manager? Start with reputation

One way to determine whether a password manager is worth it is by exploring the service's reputation. Most established brands have undergone hardcore testing both by users and security experts. Online reviews, especially those from tech-focused websites and cybersecurity experts can be helpful, especially if they're somewhere that cannot be removed by the company, like Google.

User reviews on app stores or platforms like Trustpilot can give insights into user experiences and potential issue, too. It's also worth noting if the password manager has undergone any third-party security audits and passed them with flying colors. If so, you've likely stumbled upon a password manager that should be worth investing in.

If you prefer to lean on a reliable shopping guide to do the research for you, you're in luck. We've done much of the vetting for you.

1Password

1Password is the gold standard when it comes to password managers. It combines an easy-to-read interface with a host of features as well as a free trial to give it a shot. Travel mode lets you hide sensitive data while on the go, and it's great for any type of user, no matter their skill level.

Pros: It has a great user interface and plenty of useful features that work well together. Lengthy free trial. Highly secure with two-factor authentication. Travel mode is great for absences.

Cons: No data-breach monitoring tools to help find compromised personal info.

$$3 monthly at 1Password

2. What encryption does a password manager use?

Encryption turns your stored passwords into unreadable strings of characters. Even if someone were to breach the manager, they wouldn't easily access your passwords. A trustworthy password manager will employ end-to-end encryption, meaning your passwords are encrypted on your device before being sent to the cloud for storage. The gold standard for encryption is AES-256, a top-tier method used by governments and financial institutions around the world.

If your password manager of choice isn't using AES-256, it's a good idea to ditch it. An huge amount of damage could be done to your personal accounts and information if you happen to suffer a breach, so doing everything you can to prevent these potential problems is extremely important. If you aren't going to worry about the type of encryption the service uses, you may as well not even use a password manager.

3. What features does a password manager have?

A good password manager should be not only secure but also user-friendly. If you can't get it set up to work correctly, you won't want to use it, and you'll be too frustrated to care if it actually works. That gets you nowhere. Features like password generation, which creates strong passwords for you, and password assessments, which check the strength of your existing passwords, can be useful.

Additionally, the ability to securely store other sensitive details, such as credit card information or secure notes, adds value. Cross-device syncing, allowing you to access your passwords on your phone, tablet, and computer, is also a hallmark of top-tier password managers. And if the service offers data breach monitoring tools, those are always great to have around. You never know when your info is going to be shared around, after all. Not these days!

NordPass

NordPass offers a great free version of its service that's nearly as good as the subscription-based service. It works well with multiple different platforms and has a lengthy trial period to see if it's right for you. It also comes with the added bonus of being an offshoot of a reputable parent company: NordVPN.

Pros: There's an excellent free option and a generous trial period. It offers seamless multi-platform compatibility. It's highly secure. It has a reputable parent company (NordVPN).

Cons: The free version, while viable, has fewer features than others in the same space. It's also newer to the market, which means less history with password security.

$2 monthly (free option available)

4. Does a password manager offer two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most useful tools you can use when you're dealing with passwords. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification alongside the master password. Most of the time, this is a code sent to your phone or generated with an authenticator -- physical or app-based.

If a password manager supports 2FA, that means the company is committed to the latest and greatest in security features across the board, not just for your passwords' sake. This feature ensures that even if someone did get your master password, they'd still have a hard time accessing your vault without that second verification step. And you'd still have time to change the master password if you were in danger of having your entire account being breached, too. It's not an infallible process, but it's certainly better than nothing.

5. How much does a password manager cost?

While there are decent free password managers out there (NordPass offers a fantastic one), many premium services offer advanced features and better support for a monthly or yearly fee. Make sure you know what you're getting for the price. Is there 24/7 customer support? Are updates and new features rolled out regularly? It might not be ideal for all budgets, but spending a small amount on a premium password manager service can pay off in the long run.

Be wary of all free options that aren't attached to a name you recognize, and make sure you do your research on the ones you do. They aren't all made equal, and you could find your information stolen because you insisted on a free option. Usually, when the product is free, what's actually being sold is you. Be smart about the programs you use and you shouldn't run into any huge issues. But given that password managers are pretty affordable, you should be good in this regard.

Dashlane

Dashlane is a fantastic password manager that comes with unlimited password storage, so you never have to worry about having too many to keep. It's affordable, secure, and can even help you generate new passwords. While said generator is a bit limited and there are some issues with the app crashing for OS users, it's still a tip-top pick as far as password managers go.

Pros: It has unlimited password storage, and a customizable password generator. It also includes an ntegrated VPN with Hotspot Shield. It's widely supported on most platforms.

Cons: There are limited options for the password generator. Several issues with bugs and crashes plague the MacOS version.

$5 monthly at Dashlane