10 Best Password Managers for Mac in 2024 + Coupons

Katarina Glamoslija
Katarina Glamoslija Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Updated on: October 29, 2024
Fact-checked by Kate Davidson
Katarina Glamoslija Katarina Glamoslija
Updated on: October 29, 2024 Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Fact-checked by Kate Davidson

Short on time? Here’s the best password manager for Mac in 2024:

  • 🥇 1Password : Comes with bank-grade encryption, a zero-knowledge protocol, advanced two-factor authentication, multi-device sync, dark web monitoring, and excellent cross-platform compatibility. Its Mac app is highly intuitive, it offers some of the cheapest plans around, and it’s the only password manager that lets you add as many users as you want under 1 family account for a small additional fee.

I tested the top password managers on the market to find the best one for macOS in 2024. I researched, used, and compared each password manager, looking for apps that are highly secure, easy to use, and provide useful additional features for Mac users — all for a good price.

iCloud Keychain, Apple’s built-in free password manager, is decent, but it’s far from great. Its biggest downside is that it doesn’t have some of the advanced features that I want to see in a password manager, such as cross-platform compatibility, two-factor authentication (2FA), password vault auditing, and extensive dark web monitoring.

Additionally, relying on iCloud Keychain creates a single point of failure, where a compromise could jeopardize all of your stored passwords and sensitive information. Using a password manager removes the single point of failure by giving you a dedicated app that’s independent of your Apple ID.

The password managers on this list all provide significant improvements over iCloud Keychain, thanks to additional tools and features like better dark web monitoring, emergency access, and 2FA compatibility — as well as excellent integration with the macOS ecosystem. And my #1 pick (1Password) even has a Travel Mode that lets you hide password vaults for extra security.

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Quick Summary of the Best Password Managers for Mac

Editor’s Choice
Quick Summary of the Best Password Managers for Mac
Best overall Mac password manager in 2024 with unique extras and multiple vaults.
Most of our readers choose 1Password
Quick Summary of the Best Password Managers for Mac
Intuitive password manager with advanced security extras (including a VPN).
Quick Summary of the Best Password Managers for Mac
User-friendly Mac app with great security and unique XChaCha20 encryption.
Quick Summary of the Best Password Managers for Mac
Feature-rich password manager with strong security and encrypted chat.
Quick Summary of the Best Password Managers for Mac
Best at filling web forms, includes a unique bookmark storage feature.

🥇1. 1Password — Best Overall Password Manager for Mac in 2024

Approved by our experts
1Password
Approved by our experts
Most readers pick 1Password
Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
Yes (5 users)
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
No (14-day free trial)
1password.com

1Password provides an excellent balance of security and convenience for Mac users. It has industry-leading features, including 256-bit AES encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, and two-factor authentication (2FA). Its Mac app and Safari extension are both easy to use, and it syncs across macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android devices — so you can access your credentials no matter what device you’re using.

During my tests, I found it very simple to use 1Password. I could easily import my saved passwords from iCloud Keychain, access all of the provided features, auto-save and auto-fill login credentials, credit cards, and even addresses. I could also share credentials with anyone I wanted. With iCloud Keychain, you can only share passwords with other Apple users.

1Password also has:

  • Vault auditing & breach monitoring (Watchtower).
  • Family vault sharing.
  • Passkey authentication.
  • Account recovery.
  • Hidden vaults (Travel Mode).
  • Built-in TOTP authenticator.
  • Dark web monitoring.
  • And more…

🥇1. 1Password — Best Overall Password Manager for Mac in 2024

1Password’s Watchtower feature is really good — it audits your vault for weak and repeated passwords and also performs active scans to make sure none of your saved information has been leaked to the dark web. Most password managers offer some sort of password auditing, so this isn’t unique, but Watchtower is a particularly easy-to-use feature, and the dark web monitoring is an important extra. Other password managers such as Keeper charge extra for dark web monitoring, so it’s great that 1Password offers it at no extra cost.

1Password supports passkeys, too. This technology replaces traditional passwords for a more secure and convenient login process. During my tests, I found using them smooth and effective — never struggling to register or log into accounts with them. I also appreciate how Watchtower lets you know when passkeys are available for existing logins in your vault.

1Password also allows you to create multiple vaults, which is one of my favorite features. It’s one of the very few password managers to offer this. Another completely unique feature is Travel Mode, which allows you to hide chosen vaults from your account entirely when traveling — providing you with an extra level of security. There are also Privacy Cards, which are virtual payment cards that hide your real card number when making an online purchase (which prevents your sensitive data from ever getting compromised), but these are only available to users in the US.

🥇1. 1Password — Best Overall Password Manager for Mac in 2024

1Password Individual ($2.99 / month) provides all of the above features for a single user, while 1Password Families ($4.99 / month) adds shared vaults, permission management, and account recovery options between family members, and covers 5 users with the option to add more users for an additional fee. 1Password is the only password manager on this list that doesn’t have a limit on the number of users that can share a family plan (which is just one of the reasons why we think it’s the best password manager for families). 1Password has a 14-day free trial, but there’s no money-back guarantee.

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Bottom Line:

1Password is the best password manager for macOS. It provides advanced security features, a user-friendly interface, and low-cost plans for both individual users and families. It has a lot of useful tools, but my favorite is the Watchtower feature which audits password strength and scans the dark web for compromised data. I also really like 1Password’s shared vaults (with user permissions) in the family plan and its account recovery options. 1Password doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, but both 1Password Individual and 1Password Families are available with a 14-day free trial.

Read the full 1Password review >

🥈2. Dashlane — Intuitive With Advanced Extra Features

Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
Yes (10 users)
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
dashlane.com

Dashlane has a huge range of well-designed and intuitive features that Apple’s iCloud Keychain doesn’t offer, including an integrated VPN and expansive dark web monitoring. While it doesn’t have a desktop app, I found its browser-based app easy to use during my tests.

The browser-based app integrates easily with Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and a variety of other browsers. It makes it easy to perform the essential password management functions, like auto-saving and auto-filling. There’s also intuitive mobile apps for iOS and Android, which allow you to access your passwords anywhere.

🥈2. Dashlane — Intuitive With Advanced Extra Features

Dashlane also comes with a wide range of additional features, like:

  • 2FA (two-factor authentication).
  • Unlimited password sharing.
  • Passkey authentication.
  • VPN (virtual private network).
  • Dark web monitoring.
  • Anti-phishing protection.
  • Account recovery key.

Dashlane is the only standalone password manager to include a VPN, and it’s as fast and secure as some standalone VPNs. It’s provided by Hotspot Shield, one of the most popular VPN providers on the market. Avira is the only other brand on this list that offers a VPN, but only as part of its full internet security suite.

🥈2. Dashlane — Intuitive With Advanced Extra Features

I really like the dark web monitoring, which goes beyond most competitors by employing real people to infiltrate and monitor dark web forums. Other top password managers also include dark web monitoring, but they use external databases to scan for leaks.

I also think it’s great that Dashlane provides anti-phishing protection, which alerts you if you’re trying to paste a password into a site not associated with your account, or if you’re visiting a fake Dashlane site. While it’s not as comprehensive or advanced as the tools offered by top antivirus programs, I have to commend Dashlane for the effort, as this is a rare feature to find in a password manager.

Dashlane Free is one of the best free password managers thanks to its range of features, but it’s limited to 25 passwords on a single device. If you need to store passwords on more devices, Dashlane Premium allows unlimited passwords across unlimited devices and it includes all of Dashlane’s features including the VPN and advanced phishing protection. While this plan is a bit pricier than some competitors, with our exclusive discount you can get it for just $4.99 / month. Dashlane Friends & Family includes 10 licenses and a family management dashboard for $7.49 / month, but the family admin is the only one with access to the VPN. Dashlane has a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Bottom Line:

Dashlane combines an intuitive user interface with a wide array of security features. In addition to standard password management features like 2FA, password sharing, and password vault auditing, Dashane also offers more additional tools than most competitors — including standout features like a VPN and live dark web monitoring. Dashlane’s cross-platform compatibility makes it so you can securely access your passwords on any device, too. Dashlane Free includes a 30-day free trial of Dashlane Premium, and all of Dashlane’s paid plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Dashlane review >

🥉3. NordPass — User-Friendly Mac App With Excellent Security

Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
Yes (6 users)
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
nordpass.com

NordPass is one of the most user-friendly password managers for Mac. It lacks some of the advanced features that competitors like Dashlane include, but it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a more streamlined password manager. It easily syncs passwords across macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android devices, too, so you always have your credentials on hand.

NordPass has excellent security — it’s the only password manager that uses XChaCha20 encryption. This type of encryption isn’t necessarily better than 256-bit AES (which all of the other brands on this list use), but it’s more modern and quicker for computers to process.

NordPass also includes:

  • Password sharing between users.
  • Password vault auditing.
  • Data breach scanning.
  • Email masking.
  • Biometric authentication (Touch ID).
  • Passkeys.

🥉3. NordPass — User-Friendly Mac App With Excellent Security

I particularly like NordPass’s data breach scanning. It automatically monitors any email addresses associated with your NordPass account and alerts you to any leaks on the dark web involving that email address. When NordPass alerts you to a leak, it gives you clear details about it and provides you with a link to the compromised website so you can change your password.

I wish you could create separate password vaults with NordPass like you can with 1Password. NordPass for Mac does have a Folder feature where you can store and organize individual pieces of information, but it’s not as intuitive as 1Password’s individualized vaults.

That said, I like how NordPass includes password auditing — most of the competitors on this list have this, but NordPass’s auditing feature worked particularly well in my tests. What’s more, because NordPass is made by the team behind NordVPN (which is one of 2024’s top VPNs), I’m confident in its ability to keep your passwords secure and safe from vulnerabilities.

🥉3. NordPass — User-Friendly Mac App With Excellent Security

NordPass Free provides syncing across multiple devices, but you can only be logged into NordPass on 1 device at a time. NordPass Premium lets you access your password vault on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously for $1.24 / month, while NordPass Family adds up to 6 users (each user can have unlimited device connections at once) for $3.69 / month.

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Bottom Line:

NordPass is a streamlined password manager for Mac. It comes with extra-strength encryption and a growing number of useful features. NordPass does basic password management well, and its password sharing, vault auditing, and data breach monitoring features are well-built, too. NordPass Free is a decent free plan, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on the NordPass Premium and Family plans.

Read the full NordPass review >

4. Keeper — High-Security Features (Including an Encrypted Messenger)

Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
Yes (5 users)
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
No (30-day free trial)
keepersecurity.com

Keeper is one of the most secure password managers on the market, and it comes with a wide range of excellent features for Mac — including unique ones like KeeperChat, an encrypted messaging app that ensures all the messages and media files you send and receive remain 100% secure and private.

I really like KeeperChat — during my tests, I was able to send encrypted messages and files, set up private groups, retract any sent files or messages, and set “self-destruct” timers on my messages. The options for retraction and self-destruct make KeeperChat superior to other encrypted messengers like Signal.

4. Keeper — High-Security Features (Including an Encrypted Messenger)

Keeper also offers tons of additional protections, including:

  • Dark web monitoring.
  • Password vault auditing.
  • TOTP, biometric, and USB 2FA compatibility.
  • Passkey support.
  • Emergency access.
  • Secure password sharing.
  • Encrypted file storage (10-100 GB).

I’m a huge fan of the password vault auditing tool, which makes it simple to see which of your passwords need to be updated. If you want to prevent having vulnerable passwords across your accounts, it helps ensure they’re all strong and unique. iCloud Keychain offers some basic password auditing, but it isn’t nearly as comprehensive as Keeper’s tool. Keeper also offers a dark web monitoring tool which is very good. However, unlike competitors such as 1Password and Dashlane that include this in their standard paid plans, Keeper offers this as an optional add-on for an extra fee.

4. Keeper — High-Security Features (Including an Encrypted Messenger)

Keeper’s Mac app is extremely easy to use, highly intuitive, and very functional. During my tests, all login fields were quickly identified and auto-filled, and it was easy to generate and store very strong passwords. The app also provides Touch ID compatibility for accessing your vault. Additionally, Keeper syncs across macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android devices, so you have access to your credentials on any device.

Keeper Unlimited starts at $2.92 / month and comes with unlimited passwords on unlimited devices, 2FA, password sharing, vault auditing, and emergency access. Keeper Family ($6.25 / month) adds up to 5 licenses and 10 GB cloud storage, and optional add-ons for both plans include dark web monitoring and up to 100 GB cloud storage. Keeper does have a free plan, but it’s only offered at the end of your free 30-day trial or when your subscription ends, and it has limited functionality.

Bottom Line:

Keeper is an extremely secure password manager with tons of useful features, including unique ones like an encrypted messaging app. It also has dark web monitoring, more cloud storage than any competitor, and many other extras that will keep all of your passwords as secure as possible. I appreciate how the password auditing makes it easy to see which of your passwords need updating, too. Keeper has several plans to choose from as well, and you can try out most of its features with a 30-day free trial.

Read the full Keeper review >

5. RoboForm — Best for Advanced Form-Filling Capabilities

Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
Yes (5 users)
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
roboform.com

RoboForm has the best form-filling functionality of any app on this list. Lots of password managers can fill out address fields and credit card information, but RoboForm takes form-filling to another level, providing 7 templates for things like passports, vehicle registration, and even business information. In my testing, RoboForm accurately filled out complex tax forms and visa applications in seconds — and it didn’t miss a single field.

RoboForm also includes:

  • Unlimited passwords across unlimited devices.
  • Two-factor authentication.
  • Passkey support.
  • Secure password and note sharing.
  • Password vault auditing.
  • Secure bookmarks storage.
  • Emergency access.
  • Password generator.

5. RoboForm — Best for Advanced Form-Filling Capabilities

RoboForm’s bookmark feature is pretty cool, and not something offered by any other password manager on this list — I use Chrome on my gaming PC, and Safari on my MacBook, so I really appreciated being able to save bookmarks across browsers and platforms with RoboForm’s browser extensions.

RoboForm also syncs across macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android devices, so you can access your credentials and the form-filling features on any device. On my Mac, I could quickly and accurately fill out complex forms, and if I had to leave one half done due to an interruption, I could easily fill it out on my phone later without having to manually enter in every piece of information. This saved me a lot of time and reduced the likelihood of making mistakes, as RoboForm ensured all the details were correctly entered.

That said, RoboForm lacks some advanced features offered by the likes of Dashlane, such as secure storage. However, it’s one of the cheapest password managers available, and the features it does have all work extremely well.

There are several plans to choose from. RoboForm Free includes unlimited passwords, 2FA, form-filling, password sharing, password security auditing, cloud backup for your data on 1 device, and bookmarks storage. Priced at only $0.99 / month, RoboForm Premium adds syncing across all devices, biometric login, cloud backup for your data on unlimited devices, and emergency access, while RoboForm Family expands that coverage for up to 5 users and costs $1.59 / month. You can try RoboForm with a free trial, and there’s also a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee on the paid plans.

Bottom Line:

RoboForm is an excellent password manager for Mac users who often fill out online forms. It provides the most accurate and useful form-filling functionality of any password manager on this list. It makes it extremely simple to fill out even the most complex web forms, including tax forms. And I also really like RoboForm’s secure bookmarks storage. RoboForm’s cross-platform compatibility ensures you can securely access your passwords and other data on any device, so you’re not dependent on a single account. RoboForm offers a 30-day free trial, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its paid plans.

Read the full RoboForm review >

6. LastPass — Good Free Mac Plan With Easy-to-Use Features

Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
Yes (6 users)
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
No (30-day free trial)
lastpass.com

LastPass integrates really well with macOS — it’s easy to install, set up, and even comes with Touch ID functionality for compatible devices. Using my MacBook Pro’s Touch ID scanner, I was able to quickly log into my LastPass vault using my fingerprint instead of manually entering my master password.

LastPass also has a reliable app for your iPhone, Windows, and Android devices, so you can stay connected across different platforms. Plus, you don’t have to rely solely on your Apple ID to protect all of your credentials.

LastPass also comes with a wide range of features, including:

  • Secure password sharing.
  • Dark web monitoring.
  • Password auditing.
  • Password generator.
  • Emergency access.
  • Account recovery options.
  • 1 GB encrypted file storage.
  • TOTP generator (separate free app).

6. LastPass — Good Free Mac Plan With Easy-to-Use Features

LastPass has a good range of features that all work really well. I particularly like that LastPass includes a range of account recovery options, meaning you can recover your account if you forget your master password. Not all password managers offer account recovery — Enpass and Sticky Password don’t — which means that if you forget your master password there’s no way of recovering your passwords or other data.

LastPass has several plans, including a really good free plan. Although Dashlane’s free plan is my favorite, LastPass Free includes unlimited passwords and one-to-one password sharing, which is more generous than most free password managers. However, LastPass Free users are limited to just one device type: desktop computers or mobile devices. But you can at least use multiple Macs when you choose to use it for desktop.

I like LastPass’s free plan a lot, but upgrading to LastPass Premium is a good deal — you get one-to-many password sharing, password auditing, biometric logins, emergency access, and 1 GB of encrypted storage for just $2.40 / month. LastPass Families covers up to 6 users and provides a helpful family sharing dashboard for $3.20 / month. LastPass offers a 30-day free trial, but there’s no money-back guarantee.

Bottom Line:

LastPass has many great features and works well with Macs. LastPass Free is one of the better free plans available on the market, while LastPass Premium and Family come with the full range of features and unlimited password storage across unlimited devices. LastPass doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, but the free plan includes a 30-day free trial of LastPass Premium.

Read the full LastPass review >

7. Total Password — User-Friendly and Affordable

Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
No
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
totalpassword.com

Total Password is a cost-effective and safe password manager that works well on Mac. With strong security and an easy-to-use interface, it’s a reliable way to handle your passwords and personal details. However, unlike most other options on this list, Total Password doesn’t include a Mac app, which is a bit disappointing. Instead, you have to rely on a browser extension for Safari, Chrome, or Edge, and a mobile app for iOS and Android. While these options allow you to manage your credentials across all of your devices, the lack of a dedicated app makes it less convenient than competitors (such as 1Password and NordPass) that do provide one.

Total Password uses unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption to protect your data, offering an extra layer of security. It also has a no logs policy that ensures only you can access your stored passwords — giving you complete control over your accounts. Just remember that you need to keep your master password safe as Total Password can’t help you retrieve it if you lose it (unlike LastPass, which offers a range of recovery options).

There are quite a few features included with Total Password, such as:

  • Two-factor authentication (2FA).
  • Password history.
  • Password generator.
  • Secure Me (remote logout).
  • Security report.
  • Data breach monitoring.

7. Total Password — User-Friendly and Affordable

While all of these features worked well in my tests, Total Password lacks dark web monitoring, passkey support, and password sharing. However, it handles the essential password management tasks well, and I do like the Secure Me feature, which lets you log out remotely from your vault and any websites you’re logged into. This is really helpful if you accidentally leave your Mac unlocked at another location.

The Total Password browser extensions and mobile apps are simple and intuitive, too. But, they have one drawback — transferring data from other password managers is difficult. This could be an issue if you’re thinking about switching password manager services (I never had any issues importing data from other password managers with 1Password).

There’s 1 dedicated Total Password plan, and it’s pretty good. It includes syncing across unlimited devices, password history, security checks, and data breach alerts. It might not have all the features of some competitors, but it offers good value for money at $1.99 / month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also choose to get TotalAV Total Security for $49.00 / year, which includes TotalAV’s antivirus, the password manager, an unlimited-data VPN, an ad blocker, and more.

Bottom line:

Overall, Total Password is a dependable password manager, particularly for those looking for a budget-friendly choice with important security features. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free to see if it meets your needs.

Read the full Total Password review

8. Avira Password Manager — Highly Secure With a Streamlined Interface

Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
No
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
60 Days
avira.com

Avira is a basic but highly secure and easy-to-use password manager which works perfectly with macOS. There are no desktop apps; instead, everything is done via a web dashboard, and the browser extensions then give additional functionality.

There are browser extensions for Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge. Unfortunately, I couldn’t log into the Safari extension in my tests, but I didn’t have any issues logging into the extensions for the other web browsers. As soon as I did, the auto-fill and auto-save functions worked perfectly — automatically offering to save my credentials each time I created a new account and filling out my login credentials for all saved accounts.

Avira Password Manager’s other features include:

  • Unlimited password storage across multiple devices.
  • Account breach alerts.
  • Website security checks.
  • Password audit tools.
  • 2FA (two-factor authentication) and biometric logins.
  • Built-in 2FA authenticator.
  • Password generator.

8. Avira Password Manager — Highly Secure With a Streamlined Interface

I’d like to see more advanced features included — Avira’s password manager doesn’t have as many as other password managers on this list. It lacks password sharing, emergency access, encrypted storage, account recovery, and other unique features that are offered by competitors such as 1Password. However, Avira’s password manager has clearly been designed with both simplicity and security in mind, and this makes it a great option for non-technical users who want a password manager that works well on Macs as well as other devices.

Avira’s free password manager is also pretty decent. It offers unlimited password storage across unlimited devices. Bitwarden is the only other free password manager that allows use across unlimited devices on its free plan. However, you will need to upgrade to Avira Pro ($2.66 / month) if you want access to the more advanced features of password auditing, data breach monitoring, and website security checks. There is no family plan.

Avira’s password manager is also available as part of Avira’s full internet security suite, Avira Prime ($59.99 / year), which includes Avira’s antivirus suite and VPN in addition to the Pro version of the password manager. Avira offers a generous 60-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans.

Bottom Line:

Avira Password Manager is a high-performing and secure option that works well across all devices. While it lacks some features that its competitors have, its 2FA, breach monitoring, and password auditing are all good. It also offers a solid free version and reasonably-priced paid plans.

Read the full Avira Password Manager review >

9. Sticky Password — Best Local Password Storage Option

Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
No
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
stickypassword.com

Sticky Password provides a decent range of security tools for macOS — including the option to only synchronize data via trusted networks. You can set Sticky Password to only sync passwords across devices via trusted Wi-Fi connections — such as password-protected home networks. There is also a cloud sync option for users who want to sync data between devices from any location.

Sticky Password is a good beginner-friendly option, but it doesn’t include as many features as other top competitors — there’s no secure file storage, and it doesn’t have unique extras like 1Password’s Travel Mode or Dashlane’s VPN. That said, it does offer basic password manager features and extras like dark web monitoring.

9. Sticky Password — Best Local Password Storage Option

Overall, Sticky Password has a good range of features across its different plans. Sticky Password Free includes unlimited password storage, secure notes, a password generator, credit card auto-fill, and 2FA — but only for 1 device. Priced at $1.66 / month, Sticky Password Premium adds local Wi-Fi sync, cloud sync and backup, secure password sharing, emergency access, and priority support — all across multiple devices. Plus, 10% of every purchase of Sticky Password goes to benefit the Save the Manatee Club! Sticky Password has both a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Bottom Line:

Sticky Password has a good range of password management features, including a local data storage option. I like Sticky Password’s password sharing, bookmarks storage, and easy credit card auto-fill — plus 10% of every Sticky Password purchase benefits the Save the Manatee Club. Sticky Password’s free version includes a 30-day free trial of Sticky Password Premium, and there’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Sticky Password review >

10. Password Boss — Good Range of Password Management Features

Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
No
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
passwordboss.com

Password Boss provides a decent product for Macs — it’s not the best, but it’s secure, and it handles all of the basics well. Plus, Password Boss comes with a pretty good range of additional tools, including unique features like remote data deletion (in case of a stolen Mac).

Password Boss also includes:

  • Password and note sharing.
  • Emergency access.
  • Dark web scanning.
  • Local data storage.
  • 2FA (two-factor authentication).
  • Password health monitor.
  • Password generator.

10. Password Boss — Good Range of Password Management Features

Password Boss isn’t one of the most feature-rich password managers available, but it has more features than the likes of Avira, and all of its tools worked well during testing. Its auto-fill isn’t as good as others, particularly RoboForm, but it still did a good enough job.

The premium plan includes all of the above features for just $2.50 / month. There’s also a free plan, but it isn’t the best — it’s only available on 1 device, and it’s very limited. You can try Password Boss with a 30-day free trial, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Bottom Line:

Password Boss offers secure password storage and a decent array of security features. All of Password Boss’s features are well-made, but there are other products on this list that provide more features for a similar price. Password Boss offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free 30-day trial of its premium plan as part of its free plan, so you can try it out risk-free.

Read the full Password Boss review >

Bonus. Enpass — Offline Password Manager for Advanced Users

Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
Yes (6 users)
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
enpass.io

Enpass is a fully offline password manager that stores and encrypts all data locally on your Mac. This is perfect if you don’t want your sensitive information stored online. There are also options to back data up to a USB drive or connect Enpass to a third-party cloud platform of your choice, like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive, so you can still sync your data across your devices.

Here’s what Enpass includes:

  • Unlimited password storage across multiple vaults.
  • Password generator.
  • Auto-save and auto-fill.
  • Password sharing.
  • Passkey support.
  • Password vault auditing.
  • Data breach alerts.
  • Biometric logins.
  • TOTP code generator.

Bonus. Enpass — Offline Password Manager for Advanced Users

Enpass is missing some of the more advanced features offered by its competitors, such as 2FA, encrypted storage, and emergency access. Being completely offline makes Enpass incredibly secure, but it does lack the convenience of automatic syncing. Top competitors like 1Password and Dashlane automatically sync data across all devices without sacrificing security thanks to their zero-knowledge architecture, while others like Sticky Password let you choose whether you want to store your data locally or on the company’s servers.

Enpass’s free desktop app for Mac includes everything except data breach monitoring and identification of 2FA-compatible logins. If you want to access these features or to use Enpass on your mobile device you’ll have to get one of the paid plans, which start at $1.99 / month. There’s also a family plan for up to 6 users, which costs $2.99 / month, and an incredible one-time purchase offer for just $99.99 — a similar price to most competitors’ annual plans.

Bottom Line:

Enpass is a highly secure, fully offline password manager — it doesn’t have as many features as some of its competitors and lacks the convenience of automatic syncing across devices, but its basic password management functions work well. Enpass for Mac is free, but you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to use the mobile apps and to get data breach alerts.

Read the full Enpass review >

Bonus. Bitwarden — Best Open-Source Password Manager

Security
High
Number of devices
Unlimited
Family plan
Yes (6 users)
OS compatibility
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
bitwarden.com

Bitwarden provides good password management for a cheap price — but it’s not as user-friendly as the other products on this list. Bitwarden has a clean and functional design that suits tech-savvy users who prefer more customization. It might not have the same polished, beginner-friendly design as some competitors like 1Password or NordPass, but it offers options like self-hosting and open-source transparency, which advanced users value.

Bitwarden includes:

  • Password security auditing.
  • Local or cloud-based data sync.
  • Auto-fill and auto-save.
  • Passkey support.
  • 1 GB encrypted storage.
  • Emergency access.
  • Password generator.
  • Password sharing.
  • 2FA (two-factor authentication).
  • TOTP authenticator.

Bonus. Bitwarden — Best Open-Source Password Manager

Bitwarden Free offers generous unlimited password storage across unlimited devices. However, to access most of the other features — including password security auditing, emergency access, and encrypted storage — you’ll need to upgrade to Bitwarden Premium for $1.00 / month. Bitwarden Families ($3.33 / month) covers up to 6 users and additionally offers password sharing.

Bottom line:

Bitwarden is secure and affordable, but it’s not as easy to use as the other products on this list. Bitwarden has a pretty good free version — like LastPass Free, Bitwarden Free provides unlimited storage, but you can also sync it across all of your devices. Bitwarden Premium and Families add the full range of other features and are both available with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Bitwarden review >

Quick Comparison Table

Password Manager Starting Price
Free Plan Unique Features Cross-Platform Compatibility
Money-Back Guarantee
1.🥇1Password $2.99 / month No free plan Travel mode, family vaults, virtual payment cards Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux 14-day free trial
2.🥈Dashlane $4.99 / month 1 device, 25 passwords VPN, live dark web monitoring, anti-phishing Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chromebook 30 days
3.🥉NordPass $1.24 / month Unlimited passwords, 1 device at a time Touch ID login, dark web monitoring, passphrase generator Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chromebook 30 days
4. Keeper $2.92 / month 1 device, 10 passwords Encrypted messaging Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux 30-day free trial
5. RoboForm $0.99 / month 1 device, unlimited passwords Many form-filling templates, bookmark saving + sharing Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chromebook 30 days
6. LastPass $2.40 / month One device “type” — mobiles or desktops, unlimited passwords Advanced 2FA settings, multiple account recovery options Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux 30-day free trial
7. Total Password
$1.99 / month No free plan Secure Me Mac, iOS, Windows, Android 30 days
8. Avira $2.66 / month Unlimited devices, unlimited passwords Antivirus and a VPN if you upgrade to Prime Mac, iOS, Windows, Android 60 days
9. Sticky Password $1.66 / month 1 device, unlimited passwords Wi-Fi Sync, local or server storage options Mac, iOS, Windows, Android 30 days
10. Password Boss $2.50 / month 1 device, unlimited passwords Local data storage Mac, iOS, Windows, Android 30 days
Bonus. Enpass $1.99 / month Unlimited desktop storage for 1 Mac/PC, 25 password limit for mobile devices Fully offline, local-only data storage Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux 30 days
Bonus. Bitwarden $1.00 / month Unlimited devices, unlimited passwords Open-source Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chromebook 30 days

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

To rate these password managers for Mac and ensure they offer top-tier protection, I employed our rigorous testing methodology that involved real-life testing scenarios. The criteria focused on essential features such as security measures, ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, additional features, customization options, regular updates, and customer support. Here are the specifics:

  • I chose products that are built with advanced security measures. The safety of your passwords and data should be a top priority. I looked for password managers that offer robust encryption (AES 256-bit or comparable), adhere to zero-knowledge policies, and are compatible with a range of 2FA methods, such as biometric scanning, TOTP (temporary one-time password) generators, or USB tokens. An example of a product that meets these standards is 1Password, which provides top-tier security and performs really well.
  • I tested each product for ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, and integration with Apple programs. All the password managers on this list make it quick and easy to generate new passwords, have smooth and accurate auto-fill and auto-save capabilities, include simple auto-syncing across platforms, and easily integrate with Apple-related apps like Safari. Cross-platform compatibility ensures you can access your passwords on any device, reducing the risk of having a single point of failure tied to your Apple ID.Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
  • I assessed the additional features included with each password manager. Different password managers have different extra features, so I checked if a password manager has the features that are most important for your needs, and how well they actually work. Useful additional features include things like password sharing, advanced form-filling tools, dark web monitoring, encrypted storage, VPNs, and encrypted messaging.
  • I looked for good customization options. A great password manager offers customization options, allowing you to tailor security settings and organize your data. For example, 1Password gives you the option to have multiple vaults and Sticky Password lets you choose between storing your data online or offline.
  • I picked password managers that are updated regularly. I chose password managers that prioritize security through regular updates and independent audits. This ensures strong defense against emerging threats and maintains the integrity of your data.
  • I evaluated the overall value provided by each password manager. Some password managers are much cheaper than others, but I took into account all their features and functionality to ensure you get the best value for your money. I also considered free trials and money-back guarantees so you can make sure you’re satisfied before committing to anything long-term. All my top picks offer money-back guarantees, so you can try them out risk free.Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
  • I chose password managers with good customer support. Opting for password managers with excellent customer support, including live chat and email, and vibrant community forums, is crucial. These resources are invaluable for troubleshooting and leveraging the full potential of your password manager. Dashlane, for example, provides a deep knowledge base, live chat, email support, and Reddit support.

macOS’s Built-In Password Manager vs. Third-Party Password Managers

Apple products all come with a free built-in password manager called iCloud Keychain. It’s automatically built into macOS and iOS and is linked to your Apple ID. iCloud Keychain saves logins & passwords, email addresses, credit card details (except the CVV code), Wi-Fi passwords, and residential addresses, and it includes the following features:

  • Secure end-to-end encryption.
  • Unlimited password storage.
  • Sync between Apple devices on the same iCloud account.
  • Password generation.
  • Auto-fill and auto-save.
  • 2FA.
  • Password strength/security checker.
  • Password sharing.

iCloud Keychain isn’t bad — it’s secure, it’s convenient, and it works well. From the Passwords section in your main System Preferences, you can view and manage all your passwords, which includes seeing if you have any weak, reused, or compromised passwords. You can also share a password with other Apple users (via Airdrop), so long as they are in your contacts. However, iCloud Keychain’s features are a far more basic version of those offered by third-party password managers, and it’s also missing a lot of other very useful features.

iCloud Keychain’s main disadvantages compared to third-party password managers are:

  • Works on Apple products only, meaning you can’t sync to PCs or Android, or view/access passwords when not on your Apple devices.
  • Only works on Safari, plus Google Chrome if you have Sonoma (the latest version of macOS).
  • Password sharing is limited to other Apple users and doesn’t include options to conceal the password or define ‘rights’ access.
  • Limited 2FA options.
  • No emergency access option.
  • Basic password auditing.
  • Basic password generator.
  • No user-friendly app/interface.

These aren’t the only disadvantages of iCloud keychain. Third-party password managers provide a level of customization and flexibility that the former lacks. With a third-party password manager, you can create custom categories for organizing various types of data beyond just passwords and payment details. You also get more control over auto-fill settings, enabling you to decide when and where your information is automatically entered. Additionally, third party password managers often feature customizable security alerts, such as personalized notifications based on the security of stored credentials

That said, the main limitation of Keychain is its confined compatibility — if you don’t exclusively use Apple products, you might encounter challenges accessing your passwords elsewhere. This confined compatibility not only limits access but also poses a risk if your Apple ID is compromised, as all your passwords are tied to one account. Its limited features make it less versatile and user-friendly compared to standalone password managers.

What Is the Best Password Manager for Safari?

The best password manager for Safari is 1Password. In addition to offering industry-leading security, 1Password has an intuitive and easy-to-use browser extension for Safari. You can set it up and import all of your passwords from your iCloud keychain in just a few minutes.

With 1Password, you can auto-fill information in Safari with a single click. This isn’t just limited to passwords — you can also auto-fill credit card information, addresses, and other personal data from your vaults. 1Password’s vaults are also secured with 256-bit AES encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, and two-factor authentication (2FA), ensuring that your data is safe.

I like how 1Password is compatible with Touch ID on Mac too, which makes logging into your accounts easier and more secure. You can simply use your fingerprint to unlock the 1Password app and Safari extension.

A unique feature that sets 1Password apart is Travel Mode. This feature can conceal chosen vaults on your device while you’re traveling, ensuring your data remains secure in scenarios where you might be forced to unlock your password vault, like at border checks.

It may not be the cheapest on the market, but it delivers excellent value for its cost, offering a wide range of useful features for Mac and Safari users.

That said, other password managers like Dashlane and NordPass also offer good integration with Safari. But 1Password’s exceptional compatibility with Apple products makes it stand out as the best password manager for Safari in 2024.

How Do Passkeys Work on Mac?

Passkeys on Mac, introduced with macOS Ventura, function as a more secure alternative to traditional passwords and eliminate the need to create or remember complex strings of characters. This simplifies the login process and enhances your security against phishing attacks.

When setting up an account with a passkey, a pair of cryptographic keys is generated: a public key stored on the server and a private key kept on your Mac and synced across your devices via iCloud. Logging in then simply requires authentication through Touch ID on your Mac or Face ID on an iPhone or iPad​​.

When you log into an account with a passkey, the system uses the pair of cryptographic keys generated during account setup. The private key on your Mac, protected and synced via iCloud, works with the public key on the server. Authentication with Touch ID or Face ID triggers the mechanism — securely verifying your identity without the need for a traditional password.

Many third-party password managers have adopted and enhanced this passkey feature by offering broader compatibility and additional security benefits. For example, Dashlane and 1Password both support passkeys, but they facilitate easier and more secure logins across various platforms not limited to Apple devices. These managers also enhance the passkey experience by offering features such as advanced two-factor authentication options and secure sharing capabilities, making the process of managing and using passkeys even more seamless and secure for users across different ecosystems.

Moreover, third-party password managers like Dashlane and 1Password are innovating beyond foundational passkey support — weaving it into a comprehensive security architecture. By using passkeys in coalition with a password manager on Mac, you’ll get access to features like encrypted storage for vital documents and emergency access — broadening your security beyond the simple logins provided by iCloud’s Keychain.

Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut

  • KeePass: KeePass is very secure and has lots of great features. However, its steep learning curve, unattractive user interface, and slow customer support make it too user-unfriendly to be featured on this list.
  • True Key: I was expecting a lot more from True Key (a McAfee brand). However, it was so buggy during my tests that I uninstalled it after struggling with it for just a few minutes.
  • Zoho Vault. Zoho Vault is a decent password manager, but it was created for business use, so it’s not the best option for home users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best password manager for Mac users?

1Password is my favorite Mac password manager in 2024. It includes unlimited password storage on unlimited devices, encrypted cloud storage, password security auditing, dark web monitoring, hidden vaults, and more.

There are a lot of other good Mac password managers, too. For instance, Dashlane comes with standout features like a VPN and live dark web monitoring, and NordPass is highly secure and comes with good extras.

Is Apple’s Keychain password manager good enough?

Apple’s iCloud Keychain is a very basic password manager in terms of functionality compared to the Mac password managers on this list. You can easily save and fill passwords, credit cards, and personal info on Safari, but that’s it. iCloud Keychain is also really hard to sync across platforms — if you also use a PC or Android device, or browsers like Chrome or Firefox, syncing from iCloud can be a real headache.

The Keychain Access macOS app is nowhere near as user-friendly as it could be. It allows you to view your collection of saved passwords, but it’s missing important features like password vault auditing and dark web monitoring, which are included with third-party password managers like 1Password.

Are password managers safe to use?

Yes, but it depends on which one you choose. Although most password managers are highly secure, you have to be careful that you don’t pick one of the bad ones.

All of the password managers on this list use zero-knowledge protocols, so not even the company’s developers can access your data. They also all use AES 256-bit encryption or better to safeguard user data — meaning no one will be able to hack your password manager. In short, if you choose one of the password managers here, then not only are they extremely safe to use, they’re safer than if you don’t use them!

What are the risks of using Apple’s built-in password manager for all my data?

Relying solely on Apple’s built-in password manager can pose serious risks if your device is lost or stolen. With all your data stored in one place, unauthorized access to your device could compromise all of your sensitive information. Third-party password managers like 1Password reduce this risk by providing an additional layer of security and are designed with dedicated features to protect your data across various platforms and scenarios, offering a safer and more versatile solution.

How do password managers protect against phishing attacks on Mac?

Password managers on Mac combat phishing by securely storing website URLs along with your login details. When you auto-fill credentials, the manager checks the website’s URL against the stored one. If there’s a mismatch, suggesting a phishing attempt, the manager won’t auto-fill the login information, preventing you from inadvertently entering your credentials on a malicious site. Dashlane enhances this phishing protection by actively sending alerts when you attempt to enter credentials on a potentially dangerous site.

Can a password manager auto-fill passwords in all browsers on Mac?

Most password managers are designed to work across various browsers on Mac, including Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and others. They come with browser extensions that enable auto-fill functionality, ensuring you can use them seamlessly regardless of your browser choice. However, compatibility may vary slightly between different password managers, so it’s worth checking the specifics for the one you choose. That said, all of the password managers on this list worked with the majority of browsers on Mac.

Do I need to pay for a password manager?

While there are decent free password managers, most of them lack important features, such as multi-device sync, password sharing, dark web monitoring, emergency access, and 2FA. But if you’re only in the market for a free password manager, you can check out our recommendations here.

However, if you’re looking for premium protection, an intuitive user interface, and advanced security features, you’re going to have to spend some money. My favorite Mac password manager is 1Password — it uses advanced encryption, has a user-friendly web app, and comes with tons of extras, including password security auditing, dark web monitoring, Travel Mode, and more.

Does Mac have a built-in password manager?

Yes. iCloud Keychain is Mac’s built-in password manager. It comes as standard on all Apple products, and it syncs seamlessly between macOS and iOS. However, it isn’t compatible with PCs or Android, and it only works with the Safari browser, which makes it pretty limited unless you are a devoted Apple and Safari user.

iCloud Keychain is also missing a lot of the more advanced functionality and features that other third-party password managers tend to include as standard. So while it’s not a bad option — particularly as it’s free — it’s not as good as standalone password managers.

Is there a free password manager for Mac?

Yes — most of the password managers on this list offer a free plan, and they are all compatible with macOS. However, the free plans offered by standalone password managers are usually quite limited — with caps on the number of passwords you can store, limited device syncing, and fewer features than their paid plans.

Apple also has a built-in password manager, called iCloud Keychain, which is free. However, it’s only compatible with Apple products (including browsers) and has far more basic features than most standalone password managers. Ultimately, if you want a secure, easy-to-use, and feature-rich password manager, I’d recommend paying for a premium product.

Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:

Our Rank
Our Score
Best Deal
1
9.8
save 25%
2
9.6
save 35%
3
9.2
save 58%
4
9.2
save 30%
5
9.4
save 60%
The listings featured on this site are from companies from which this site receives compensation and some are co-owned by our parent company. This influence: Rank and manner in which listings are presented. 
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About the Author
Katarina Glamoslija
Katarina Glamoslija
Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Updated on: October 29, 2024

About the Author

Katarina Glamoslija is Lead Cybersecurity Editor at SafetyDetectives. She has more than a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing cybersecurity products and investigating best practices for online safety and data protection. Before joining SafetyDetectives, she led several tech websites, including one about antiviruses and another about VPNs. She also worked as a freelance writer and editor for tech, medical, and business publications. When she’s not a “Safety Detective”, she can be found traveling (and writing about it on her small travel blog), playing with her cats, and binge-watching crime dramas.

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