Passwords are a necessary evil in the digital age. We need them to protect our sensitive information and accounts, but they can also be a hassle to remember and keep track of. This is where password managers come in handy.
Password managers provide a secure vault for storing all your passwords in one place. They can also help generate strong, unique passwords for each account. With robust password managers like 1Password, Dashlane, and Bitwarden, iPhone users have excellent options for managing passwords.
In this guide, we‘ll compare the top password managers for iPhone to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Why Use a Password Manager?
Before diving into the top options, let‘s go over the key benefits of using a dedicated password manager:
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Store passwords securely – Password managers encrypt your data and keep it safe behind one master password. This protects your passwords if your phone is lost or hacked.
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Generate strong passwords – The built-in password generators create unique, complex passwords for each account. This prevents password reuse.
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Log in easily – Password managers can auto-fill your login credentials on apps, websites, and forms. No more fumbling around to copy and paste passwords.
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Share passwords safely – Many password managers allow secure password sharing with family, friends, or coworkers. This enables collaboration without compromising security.
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Cross-device sync – Your password vault syncs across all your devices, like iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC. You always have access to the latest passwords.
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Check for breaches – Some password managers, like 1Password, can scan the web and alert you if any of your accounts appear in security breaches.
Now let‘s compare the top three password managers for iPhone users.
1Password – Best Overall for iPhone
Price: Starts at $2.99/month
Best for: Comprehensive security features
1Password ranks as the best overall password manager for iPhone thanks to its excellent combination of security, features, design, and ease of use.
Key Features
Some of the standout features of 1Password include:
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Watchtower – Scans your accounts for weak and reused passwords, unsecured websites, and accounts involved in breaches.
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Travel Mode – Lets you temporarily remove passwords from your devices when traveling internationally.
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Biometrics – Unlock the app with Touch ID or Face ID instead of your master password.
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Item sharing – Securely share passwords, credit cards, or documents with individuals.
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1Password Families – Share passwords and vaults among up to five family members.
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Browser extensions – Auto-fill works across Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
Drawbacks
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No free version beyond 30-day trial
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Expensive compared to some competitors
Overall, 1Password is the most secure and polished password manager available for iPhone. While it lacks a free offering, the premium features and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for many users.
Dashlane – Best Free Option
Price: Free limited version. Paid plans from $4.99/month.
Best for: Free password management
For those looking for robust password management at no cost, Dashlane is a top pick. Dashlane‘s free version covers one device but still beats Apple‘s iCloud Keychain for features.
Key Features
Dashlane‘s free version includes:
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Password manager – Unlimited password storage and autofill
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Password generator – Creates strong, unique passwords
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Breach alerts – Alerts if your accounts appear in data breaches
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Secure notes – Store sensitive notes and files
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Digital wallet – Saves payment info for fast checkouts
Upgrades
The premium plans add:
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Cross-device sync – Use on unlimited devices
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VPN – Browse safely on public WiFi
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Identity management – Monitor your personal data
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Priority support – Get faster help from Dashlane
For a free offering, Dashlane certainly delivers. The paid plans offer nice upgrades for broader use and enhanced security.
Bitwarden – Best for Sharing
Price: Free basic plan. Paid plans from $1/month
Best for: Sharing passwords
Bitwarden stands out for its focus on sharing passwords. It makes it easy to share login credentials with family, friends, coworkers, or teams.
Key Features
For seamless sharing, Bitwarden offers:
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Organizations – Create shared vaults for teams and companies
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Share to a person – Securely share items with individuals
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Directory sync – Sync users and groups from Azure AD or GSuite
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Admin tools – Manage users and permissions
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Send – Securely deliver passwords via email
Even the free version supports robust password sharing options, making Bitwarden ideal for families or small teams.
Other Options
A few other password managers for iPhone include:
- LastPass – Popular but has a history of security issues
- Keeper – More business-focused
- Passbolt – Open-source password manager
- RoboForm – Has free and paid plans
However, most users will find 1Password, Dashlane, or Bitwarden offer the best experience on iPhone.
Password Manager Comparison Chart
| Password Manager | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Password | $2.99/month | Comprehensive security | 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 |
| Dashlane | Free or $4.99/month | Free option | 🏆🏆🏆🏆 |
| Bitwarden | Free or $1/month | Sharing passwords | 🏆🏆🏆🏆 |
Choosing the Best Password Manager for You
All three of our top picks are excellent choices that will securely manage your passwords on iPhone.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding:
Features – Do you need advanced security tools or just basic password management? Look at the features of each app.
Budget – Are you willing to pay a premium for added security and convenience? Or do you need a free option?
Sharing – Will you need to share passwords with others? Bitwarden excels here.
Devices – How many devices do you need to sync? Dashlane only syncs one for free.
Families – Will you share access within a family group? 1Password makes this easy.
Analyze your specific needs and one of these three should emerge as the ideal iPhone password manager.
Setting Up Your New Password Manager
Once you‘ve chosen the best password manager for your needs, here are some tips for getting started:
- Download the iPhone app and create your account
- Set a strong master password (something you won‘t forget!)
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security
- Start adding your existing account passwords into the vault
- Install the browser extension on your computer
- Turn on auto-fill in your browser settings to enable easy logins
- Use the password generator to create new strong passwords
- Replace reused or weak passwords for better security
- Set up password sharing if needed for family members or coworkers
The first couple weeks are the hardest as you transition to relying on the password manager. But soon you‘ll find it saves you time while boosting your overall security.
Remember Password Safety Best Practices
While password managers provide a simpler solution, you should still follow smart password habits:
- Never reuse passwords across accounts
- Make passwords long, complex, and unpredictable
- Use multi-factor authentication when possible
- Watch out for phishing emails and texts asking for passwords
- Never share passwords over unsecured channels
- Change important passwords every 90 days or if compromised
- Monitor financial statements and accounts regularly for fraud
A good password manager reduces the headache of password security. But you still need to use strong practices for protecting sensitive accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iCloud Keychain a good password manager?
Apple‘s iCloud Keychain is convenient but limited. It only works on Apple devices and lacks robust features offered by standalone password managers like auto-fill in third-party browsers. But it can be a decent basic option for Mac/iPhone-only users.
Are password managers really secure?
Yes – when chosen wisely. Look for trusted brands without a history of breaches like 1Password and Bitwarden. Always use a strong master password. Leading password managers use encryption and zero-knowledge architecture to protect your data, even from their own employees.
Yes, many password managers like Bitwarden and 1Password enable secure sharing of passwords or even entire vaults. This is safer than sharing passwords over unprotected channels like email or text. You maintain control over permissions.
What happens if I lose my phone?
With a good password manager, your passwords are protected by encryption and your master password. No one can access them without the master password. You can easily log into your account on a new device and restore your vault.
Conclusion
Password managers like 1Password, Dashlane, and Bitwarden make account security far simpler for iPhone users. Take the time to evaluate your needs and choose the password manager that‘s right for you. The small investment will pay off with better security and major time savings any time you need to log in or sign up for an account. Your future self will thank you for implementing a password manager today.
