- NordPass: Best overall
- Norton Password Manager: Best free option
- Dashlane: Best for advanced security features
- Bitwarden: Best open source password manager
- 1Password: Best for ease of use
- Keeper Password: Best for businesses
Struggling to remember countless passwords? You’re not alone. In 2022, the leading reason for Americans adopting a password manager was to tackle this very problem. Now, imagine having the best iPhone password manager at your fingertips, combining convenience with top-notch security. The desire for complexity, a preference expressed by 51% of users, makes these tools invaluable for individuals and businesses alike. Let’s delve into the world of iPhone password managers, where complexity meets simplicity, and remembering passwords becomes a thing of the past.
The Best iPhone Password Managers of 2024
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To find the best iPhone password managers, we considered eight of the top iPhone password managers in the space and narrowed it down to six, which we then evaluated across four key categories and 14 different metrics. Our ratings consider factors such as whether it has two-factor authentication, if it’ll autofill web forms, does it have a biometric function, will it import data from browsers and can you unlock it with a mobile PIN? All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Forbes Advisor Ratings
Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Pricing starts at | Autofill web forms | Import data from browsers | LEARN MORE | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NordPass | 4.9 | Free (Personal & Family); $3.59 per user per month (Business) | Yes | Yes | Learn More | On NordPass' Website | |||
4.8 | Free | Yes | Yes | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | ||||
Dashlane | 4.2 | Free (Personal); $8 per seat month (Professional) | Yes | Yes | Learn More | On Dashlane's Website | |||
4.2 | Free (Personal); $4 per seat per month (Business) | Yes | Yes | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | ||||
1Password | 4.2 | $2.99 per user per month (Individual); $19.95 for 10 users per month (Teams Starter Pack); otherwise, $7.99 per user per month (Business)7.99 | Yes | Yes | Learn More | On 1Password's Website | |||
Keeper Password | 3.6 | $2.92 per month (Personal); $2 per user per month (Organizations; five-user minimum) | Yes | Yes | Learn More | On Keeper's Website |
How To Choose the Best Password Manager for iPhone
When it comes to choosing a password manager for your iPhone, there’s a bit of homework to do. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the must-have features, explore the various types available, assess the overall user experience and then dive deep into the nitty-gritty details of security measures, integration possibilities and the quality of customer service.
Essential Features
- Autofill: An effective password manager has an autofill capability, which automatically inputs your login credentials when accessing an app or website. This feature enhances user convenience and eliminates potential input errors.
- Password generator: A high-quality password manager should possess the capability to generate secure, random passwords, elevating your overall cybersecurity position.
- Secure notes: This functionality allows for the encrypted storage of sensitive non-password information such as banking details or secure notes, further broadening the utility of the password manager.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Incorporating 2FA significantly boosts security by necessitating a second form of identification to access your password vault.
Ease of Use
The interface of the password manager should be user-friendly, with straightforward navigation and an intuitive user experience. Consider how simple it is to add, modify and organize your passwords, and ensure it integrates seamlessly with the iPhone operating system, providing fluid transitions between apps and websites.
Security
Confirm that the password manager uses robust encryption standards, such as AES-256, to safeguard your data. Also, it should follow a zero-knowledge protocol, which ensures the service provider cannot access your master password or stored data.
Integrations
Ascertain that the password manager can integrate with other commonly used services. Compatibility with different browsers and applications on your iPhone is a significant consideration.
Customer Support
Optimal customer service should be readily accessible and resourceful. Check for multiple channels of support such as email, live chat and phone, and look for valuable resources including tutorials, FAQs and user forums.
Types of Password Managers
Password managers can generally be classified into three main categories to choose from:
- Cloud-based: These solutions store encrypted password information on the service provider’s servers, enabling you to access your passwords from any device with internet connectivity.
- Local: These variants store your encrypted passwords directly on your device. Although they provide an increased level of privacy, they may not be as convenient for those needing access across multiple devices.
- Token-based: These password managers utilize a physical token for authentication, offering an additional layer of security, albeit potentially at the expense of convenience.
Methodology
To identify the Best iPhone Password Manager, we developed a comprehensive methodology that involved evaluating a variety of password managers against a weighted set of categories. Each password manager was assigned a score in each category, and these scores were then used to calculate a product’s total score, with a possible maximum score of five stars:
- Pricing and fees (25%): We considered the cost of each password manager, examining both monthly and annual pricing plans. The variety of plans offered, the features included in each plan and the relative affordability for users, whether individuals or businesses, were all factors in scoring this category. This category accounted for 25% of a product’s total score.
- General features (35%): This consisted of an evaluation of several key features that are commonly expected of a good password manager. We assessed each product for its two-factor authentication, the ability to autofill web forms, data import capabilities from browsers, support for multiple forms of data (e.g., credit card information, secure notes), biometric functionality (such as Face ID or fingerprint recognition) and mobile PIN unlock feature. Each feature was scored on its implementation, reliability and user-friendliness. This category accounted for 35% of a product’s total score.
- Reviews and ratings (15%): Accounting for 15% of the total score, this category involved a careful analysis of user reviews and ratings on trusted platforms such as G2 and Trustpilot. We specifically looked for products with a rating of 3.5 or above on these platforms, highlighting the password managers that users found reliable, effective and user-friendly.
- Expert score (25%): The final category, accounting for 25% of a product’s total score, involved our own expert evaluation. Here, we reviewed each password manager for its unique or standout features, assessed its overall value for money, considered its popularity among users and evaluated its ease of use. The aim of this category was to identify password managers that offered something extra beyond the basics, whether that be innovative features, exceptional value or superior user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should I use a password manager on my iPhone?
A password manager for iPhone not only stores your passwords securely but also generates strong, unique passwords for your accounts. This significantly enhances your security and reduces the risk of cyber threats.
What makes a password manager “the best” for iPhone?
The best password manager for iPhone is one that is secure, user-friendly and offers features such as autofill, two-factor authentication and biometric functionality. It should also be affordable and offer a good variety of plans for different user needs.
Is it safe to store all my passwords in a password manager?
Your passwords are secure in a password manager. These tools use encryption to secure your data and many also offer two-factor authentication for added security. They are designed to be a secure place for password storage.
Do I have to pay for a good password manager for my iPhone?
While there are free password managers available, they often come with limitations. Paid password managers generally offer a more comprehensive set of features, such as secure sharing, digital wallet and priority customer support.
How does a password manager work on an iPhone?
A password manager on an iPhone stores and manages your passwords in a secure vault. It autofills your login information when you visit websites or use apps. Some also offer password generation, data breach alerts and secure sharing.
What happens if I forget my password manager's master password?
The master password to your password manager is the key to your secure vault. If forgotten, the process to recover it varies by the service. Some providers may not allow recovery at all, emphasizing the importance of remembering your master password.
Can I use the same password manager on multiple devices?
Most password managers allow syncing across multiple devices. This means you can access your stored passwords from any device where you have the password manager installed, including your iPhone, iPad and even your desktop or laptop.
Can a password manager fill in passwords for mobile apps on my iPhone?
Many password managers feature autofill capabilities not only for websites in your browser but also for various mobile apps on your iPhone. This feature further streamlines the process of logging in to your accounts securely.