As a cyber security expert with over a decade of experience securing cloud data, I‘ve seen countless individuals and organizations fall victim to preventable password-related hacks. Weak, reused, and compromised passwords are responsible for over 80% of data breaches, according to the 2020 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report.
Using a password manager is one of the most impactful steps you can take to bolster your online security. For iPhone users, Apple‘s iCloud Keychain provides a basic built-in option for password storage. However, the best third-party password management apps offer more advanced features to enhance security and convenience.
I‘ve thoroughly tested and evaluated the top password managers based on their security, ease of use, feature set, and suitability for iPhone users. Here are my top 7 recommendations for the best iPhone password managers in 2024:
1. 1Password
1Password is my top overall pick for its exceptional security coupled with an intuitive, feature-rich iOS app. Having never suffered a known data breach, 1Password uses secure 256-bit AES encryption to protect your data at rest and PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256 key derivation to safeguard your master password.
Some standout features of 1Password for iPhone users include:
- Watchtower: scans your vault for weak, reused, or compromised passwords and alerts you to any breached websites where you have an account
- Travel Mode: lets you temporarily remove sensitive data from your devices when traveling and easily restore it later
- Privacy Cards: generates unique virtual payment cards for masking your real credit card details during online purchases
- Extensive 2FA support: secures your 1Password account with two-factor authentication methods like Face ID, TOTP, and hardware security keys
While 1Password doesn‘t have a fully free version, its paid plans are reasonably priced at $2.99/month for individuals and $4.99/month for families of up to 5. You can test out 1Password risk-free with a 30-day trial.
Compared to iCloud Keychain, 1Password offers a more extensive feature set, wider cross-platform compatibility, and more robust security architecture. It‘s the best all-around choice for security-conscious iPhone users.
2. Dashlane
Dashlane boasts one of the most generous free tiers of any password manager. Free users get access to:
- Storage for up to 50 passwords
- Autofill and auto-capture of new credentials
- Security alerts for data breaches and leaked passwords
- VPN for protecting your internet connection on unsecured WiFi
- Two-factor authentication (U2F, TOTP, and biometric)
Paid plans, starting at $4.99/month, add unlimited password storage, dark web monitoring, secure notes, and encrypted file storage up to 1GB.
One minor downside is that Dashlane‘s free plan is limited to a single device. To sync your passwords across multiple devices, including your iPhone and computer, you‘ll need a paid subscription.
I found Dashlane‘s iOS app interface to be very sleek and intuitive. It also offers some handy features for iPhone users like an automatic password changer and a virtual private network (VPN) for secure browsing over untrusted networks.
If you‘re looking for a robust password management solution with a usable free tier, Dashlane is an excellent choice for iPhone. However, users with more than 50 passwords will likely need to upgrade to a Personal plan.
3. LastPass
LastPass is a popular password manager that has recovered from some past security stumbles to become a solid option for iPhone users. While no password manager is 100% immune to threats, LastPass appears to have strengthened its internal security controls and practices.
LastPass Free offers a generous set of features, including:
- Unlimited password storage across unlimited devices
- Autofill for quickly logging into sites and apps
- Security dashboard for auditing your password health
- Multi-factor authentication via authenticator apps, SMS, and biometric
Stepping up to LastPass Premium ($3/month) or Families ($4/month for 6 users) adds 1GB of encrypted file storage, dark web monitoring, security breach alerts, and one-to-many password sharing.
One of LastPass‘s standout features is its wide range of supported multi-factor authentication methods, including biometric logins like Face ID on iPhone. It also offers more extensive password sharing capabilities compared to iCloud Keychain.
LastPass‘s iOS app is generally well-designed and easy to use, though some users may prefer Dashlane or 1Password‘s interfaces. Overall, it‘s a feature-rich choice for iPhone users who want a trusted password manager with cross-device sync.
4. Keeper Password Manager
Keeper is a highly secure password management solution with a robust feature set for iOS users. All Keeper data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption and PBKDF2, with keys derived from your master password.
Some of Keeper‘s most notable features include:
- KeeperFill: automatically fills in your login credentials across websites and apps on iPhone
- Security Audit: scans your accounts for weak and reused passwords and provides an overall security score
- Encrypted File Storage: securely store sensitive documents, photos, and videos (up to 10GB on paid plans)
- KeeperChat: send encrypted messages and share files with other Keeper users
While Keeper does offer a limited free plan, you‘ll need a paid subscription (starting at $2.91/month) to access premium features like sync across unlimited devices, secure record sharing, and priority 24/7 support.
In my testing, I found Keeper‘s iPhone app to be well-designed and easy to navigate. It offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to organize your records with folders and tags.
Compared to iCloud Keychain, Keeper offers more robust security features, customizable organization options, and the ability to securely share records with other users. It‘s an excellent choice for security-conscious iPhone users, particularly those who also need encrypted file storage.
5. Bitwarden
Bitwarden is a secure, open source password manager offering both free and low-cost paid plans. As an open source solution, Bitwarden‘s code is publicly auditable, adding an extra layer of transparency and trustworthiness.
Notable features of Bitwarden include:
- Open source codebase: Bitwarden‘s code is available on GitHub for public auditing and contributions
- Self-hosting option: tech-savvy users can host their own Bitwarden server for maximum control over their data
- Secure file attachments: paid personal plans ($10/year) include 1GB of encrypted file storage
- Biometric login: unlock your Bitwarden vault using Face ID or Touch ID on iPhone
Bitwarden‘s free plan is one of the most generous among password managers, including unlimited vault items and syncing across unlimited devices. Paid personal plans are also very affordable at just $10/year.
One potential downside for less technical users is that Bitwarden‘s interface is a bit more spartan compared to some competitors. However, it still offers all the essential password management functionality and is easy to use on iPhone.
For users who prioritize open source solutions and low costs, Bitwarden is an excellent password manager for iOS. It offers a solid feature set and security model at a very affordable price point.
6. RoboForm
RoboForm is one of the longest-standing password managers, having been around since 1999. While its desktop interface feels slightly outdated, the RoboForm iOS app provides a solid user experience for iPhone.
Some of RoboForm‘s key features include:
- Wide cross-platform support: RoboForm is available on all major operating systems and browsers
- Application logins: save and autofill credentials for desktop and mobile apps in addition to websites
- Local-only storage mode: paid users can opt to keep all data stored locally on their device for enhanced privacy
RoboForm offers a limited free plan that includes storage for unlimited logins on a single device. To sync across multiple devices, you‘ll need a paid plan starting at $1.99/month. Stepping up to RoboForm Family ($3.98/month) adds licenses for 5 users and premium features like 2FA and emergency access.
In my testing, I found RoboForm‘s autofill functionality to work smoothly across both Safari and other apps on iPhone. The password generator and security audit features were also easy to use.
While RoboForm may lack some of the advanced features found in competitors like 1Password or Dashlane, it covers all the password management essentials at a reasonable price. For users seeking a straightforward, cross-platform solution, RoboForm is a solid choice.
7. NordPass
Created by the team behind NordVPN, NordPass is a relative newcomer to the password management space. However, it offers a very user-friendly solution for iOS with all the core functionality you‘d expect.
Standout features of NordPass include:
- Clean, modern interface: NordPass has one of the most visually appealing designs of any password manager
- Biometric authentication: log into your NordPass account on iPhone using Face ID or Touch ID
- Actionable password health report: your password health score comes with tips to improve it
- Data breach scanner: NordPass alerts you if your email address or passwords appear in a known data breach
NordPass has a very limited free plan that only includes storage for unlimited passwords on a single device. Most users will need to upgrade to the Premium plan ($1.49/month) to access multi-device sync and features like secure item sharing and trusted contacts.
One minor complaint is that NordPass‘s free plan is a bit stingy compared to competitors like Bitwarden. However, its Premium plan is still quite affordable at less than $2/month.
I found NordPass‘s iOS app to be very intuitive to set up and use. Its autofill functionality worked smoothly, and I appreciated the inclusion of a data breach scanner to proactively alert you to compromised accounts.
If you‘re looking for a user-friendly password manager with a clean, modern interface, NordPass is definitely worth considering. It covers all the password management essentials and offers affordable paid plans.
How to Choose the Best Password Manager for Your iPhone
With numerous high-quality options available, choosing the best password manager for your needs ultimately comes down to your specific priorities and preferences. Here are some key factors I recommend considering during your evaluation process:
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Security: A password manager is only as good as its security model. Look for solutions that use strong, industry-standard encryption (256-bit AES), have a zero-knowledge policy (meaning the company can‘t access your master password or data), and support multi-factor authentication. Bonus points for password managers that have undergone (and passed) independent security audits.
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Compatibility: In addition to having a well-designed iPhone app, consider which other platforms and browsers you need your password manager to support. Broad compatibility ensures you can access your credentials across all your devices. All the password managers featured here have iOS apps and support the major platforms and browsers, but it‘s still worth double-checking before you commit.
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Features: Password managers offer a wide range of features beyond basic credential storage. Think about which capabilities are most important to your workflow, such as:
- Secure password sharing
- Password health auditing
- Data breach/dark web monitoring
- Encrypted file storage
- Biometric authentication
- VPN for securing network traffic
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Usability: A password manager can have the most impressive feature set, but it won‘t do you much good if the interface is confusing or clunky. Look for a solution with an intuitive, easy-to-navigate iOS app so that you‘ll actually enjoy using it. Be sure to take advantage of any free trials to get hands-on experience before making a decision.
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Price: Password managers range from completely free (usually with limited functionality) to around $5-$6 per month for premium plans. If you need more than the basic features offered by free tiers, look for a paid plan that fits your budget. Keep in mind that even $3/month is a small price to pay for the dramatic security benefits of a full-featured password manager. Many of the best options, like Bitwarden, cost even less.
Once you‘ve settled on the right password manager for your iPhone, getting started is simple. Install the iOS app, create your master password, and start saving credentials as you log in to various sites and apps. Most password managers offer a built-in generator to create strong, unique passwords. You can also go back and replace weak or reused passwords with stronger ones over time.
Password Manager Security Best Practices
Using a password manager is a huge step in the right direction for your online security, but it‘s not a silver bullet. Here are some tips to maximize your protection:
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Choose a strong master password: Your master password is the key to all your other credentials, so make it as strong as possible. Aim for 16+ characters including a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Some password managers let you use a passphrase instead, which can be easier to remember.
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Enable multi-factor authentication: Most password managers offer some form of 2FA (two-factor authentication) to secure your account. I recommend enabling the strongest 2FA method supported, such as U2F security keys or TOTP (time-based one time password) authenticator apps.
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Avoid sharing your master password: Your master password should be known only to you. If someone gains access to your master password, they could potentially access all your other credentials. Never share it via unencrypted channels like email or text message.
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Keep your devices updated: Install updates to your password manager app, iPhone operating system, and browsers as soon as they become available. Updates often include important security fixes and improvements.
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Be wary of phishing attempts: Password managers can help protect against phishing by only autofilling credentials on legitimate sites. However, you should still be cautious about clicking links in unsolicited emails or text messages, as they could lead to fake login pages designed to steal your credentials.
By following these best practices and using a reputable password manager, you can dramatically reduce your risk of falling victim to password-related attacks.
Other Password Managers Worth Considering
While the seven password managers highlighted here are my top recommendations for iPhone users, there are a few other options worth mentioning:
- Enpass: With a one-time fee instead of a subscription, Enpass is a good option for users who prefer to avoid recurring costs. It has a solid feature set and supports all major platforms, including iOS.
- Zoho Vault: Zoho Vault offers a good free tier and affordable paid plans, making it a budget-friendly option for individuals and teams. It has a clean interface and integrates well with other Zoho apps.
- Sticky Password: Sticky Password offers a unique "portable USB" mode that lets you sync your passwords across devices without the cloud. It also supports biometric authentication on iPhone.
These password managers may not have made my top 7 list, but depending on your specific needs and preferences, they could be worth a closer look.
The Bottom Line
In today‘s digital world, using a password manager is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your online security. By generating strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and storing them securely, you can dramatically reduce your risk of falling victim to credential-related attacks.
While Apple‘s iCloud Keychain is better than nothing, I strongly recommend iPhone users consider a more full-featured password management solution. With advanced features like secure sharing, dark web monitoring, and robust multi-factor authentication support, third-party password managers provide a far more comprehensive security solution.
Of the password managers I‘ve tested, 1Password is my top overall recommendation for its excellent security, broad feature set, and user-friendly iOS app. Dashlane is a great choice for users who want a fully-featured free tier, while open source Bitwarden offers the best mix of security and affordability.
With numerous high-quality options available, there‘s no excuse for not using a password manager on your iPhone. Take a few minutes to evaluate the top contenders, settle on the best fit for your needs, and enjoy greater peace of mind knowing your credentials are secure. Your future self will thank you!
