Like most iPhone users, you probably use the same password across all your accounts. Sure, you might change the spelling a bit, but you’ll stick to similar variations to remember them easily.
After all, you have confidence in your iOS device’s security features. So you don’t fret much over hackers.
However, if you’ve been researching cybersecurity lately, you’ll know that iPhones aren’t wholly immune to cyberattacks. And they don’t compensate for weak, redundant login credentials.
On the other hand, you might also feel nervous about changing your passwords because you’ll forget them. If so, you should consider getting a password manager.
It securely stores your username-password combinations and automatically inputs them into login pages. You just need to remember your master password.
But don’t download the first app you see. You need a secure, encrypted platform that you can entrust with all your passwords.
Use this piece as a starting point for your research. Our team compiled the most critical takeaways from official sources, independent review sites, and legitimate testimonials discussing iOS password managers.
By the end of this piece, you’ll know the best password app for your iPhone.
Please read without skipping because we’ll explain the biggest reason to choose third-party apps over your built-in iCloud Keychain. Otherwise, you’ll waste time on a password manager you can’t utilize optimally.
Let’s dive into the best iOS password managers!
Top iOS password managers for your iPhone and iPad
As an iPhone user, you’d probably think iCloud Keychain is the optimal password manager for your device, but it isn’t.
Don’t worry—we’ll explain why later. For now, check out the best iOS password managers owned by widely trusted third-party developers:
1Password
Best for: Individual users who want a straightforward password manager
1Password was founded by Roustem Karimov in 2005. It paved the way for competitor password managers and currently stands as one of the most widely trusted apps on the market.
Based on the reviews we read, users love its broad range of features. You can utilize them to sync your login credentials on different devices, create strong passwords, and spot phishing threats, among other security measures.
1Password key features
Some of the most helpful features of 1Password include its:
- Phishing Site Filter: 1Password doesn’t automatically input your login credentials into every form you encounter. It scans the URLs it doesn’t recognize for potential spyware, malware, or phishing threats first, then it reports any unusual findings.
- 256-bit AES encryption: AES-GCM-256 stands as one of the most secure encryption standards. Since it uses 256 bits, hackers virtually can’t bypass this level of security using brute force.
- Multiple Vault Storage Options: 1Password lets you divide your login credentials into different vaults. For instance, you can store your Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok passwords in one vault, then your mobile wallet security pins and passwords in another.
For the full list of 1Password features you can check out its website.
1Password plans and pricing
Choose from the individual and group 1Password plans listed below:
| PLANS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 1Password: | The Standard plan comes with all the security and password management features 1Password offers. It costs $2.99 per month |
| 1Password Families: | Save 200% with 1Password Families. Instead of paying $15 for five users, you’ll only pay $4.99 per month for the exact features of a Standard plan. |
| Teams Starter Pack: | Startups should consider the Teams Starter Pack. It provides entry-level password management protection for up to 10 users. It costs $19.95 per month. |
| Business: | The Business plan provides advanced enterprise-level protection suited for SMEs. It costs $7.99 a month per user. However, you’ll also get free family plans—which you and your team can use for your personal accounts. |
| Enterprise: | 1Password offers a custom-tailored password management solution for mid-market to large enterprises. You’ll need to call the sales team for a quote. |
Before signing up for a paid 1Password account, take advantage of the site’s 14-day free trial offer.
1Password pros and cons
We compiled the most notable pros and cons of using 1Password:
PROS
- A User-friendly interface
- Plans come loaded with several features
- Affordable monthly rates
- AES-GCM-256 encryption
CONS
- The platform might seem too basic and plain
- Unimpressive group plans
- Imports only via CSV files
- Shifted to a SaaS model subscription
1Password typically receives positive reviews. In most cases, users only end up dissatisfied with it if they need complex, intricate systems for sizable groups.
Why we recommend 1Password
Based on our research, 1Password seems like the best option for the average digital native looking for their first password manager. It comes loaded with multiple features but doesn’t compromise navigability.
However, we weren’t impressed with 1Password’s group plans. Whether you need a password manager for personal or professional purposes, you’ll benefit from more complex systems that accommodate customizations.
LastPass
Best for: Users who need comprehensive password management solutions
LastPass was founded in 2008 by Joe Siegrist but was later acquired by LogMeIn in 2015. It protects more than 20 million individual users worldwide.
LastPass boasts its extensive features. Its app and browser extension serve as an all-in-one password management solution for all the confidential data you store digitally.
Newbies primarily use LastPass as a form filler and password-sharing solution. However, it actually has several different functions; you can even store website bookmarks, documents, and notes on its app and browser extension.
LastPass key features
While we were reviewing LastPass, the following features stood out the most:
- Password Sharing: You can give other LastPass users access to certain accounts without giving them your actual login credentials. Let’s say you want to share a Shutterstock plan. Instead of disclosing your username and password, set the password-sharing feature to autofill the other user’s login fields.
- Encrypted File Storage: Your encrypted storage system can store notes, documents, and even website bookmarks. Note that all of these files are only visible inside your vault.
- Identity Theft Prevention: LastPass monitors your credit score and scans the dark web for unauthorized transactions using your PII.
Check out this article by LastPass explaining the most critical differences between free and premium features.
LastPass plans and pricing
LastPass carries five different plans for individual users, families, and business teams:
| PLANS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Free | The Standard plan comes with all the security and password management features 1Password offers. It costs $2.99 per month |
| Premium | Save 200% with 1Password Families. Instead of paying $15 for five users, you’ll only pay $4.99 per month for the exact features of a Standard plan. |
| Families | Startups should consider the Teams Starter Pack. It provides entry-level password management protection for up to 10 users. It costs $19.95 per month. |
| Teams | The Business plan provides advanced enterprise-level protection suited for SMEs. It costs $7.99 a month per user. However, you’ll also get free family plans—which you and your team can use for your personal accounts. |
| Business | 1Password offers a custom-tailored password management solution for mid-market to large enterprises. You’ll need to call the sales team for a quote. |
You can test the Premium plan features for 30 days on a free account.
LastPass pros and cons
We compiled the most notable pros and cons of using 1Password:
PROS
- Extensive features apart from password management
- Families plan only costs $1 more than an individual plan
- Robust browser extension with multiple functions
- Generous 30-day free trial offer
- Secure password sharing system
CONS
- Free plan has limited features
- Doesn’t support physical authentication devices like U2F
- Autofill feature has limitations
- Business accounts only have 14-day free trial offers
Overall, LastPass is a reliable and trusted password manager. Although it has affordable rates, long-time users feel disappointed since LastPass didn’t charge for its key features up until 2021.
Why we recommend LastPass
We were impressed by the extensive features of LastPass. There are dozens of password managers on the market, but they primarily focus on filling out forms and remembering login credentials.
LastPass goes above and beyond these features. Apart from storing passwords, it also lets you share login details securely, update insecure passwords, store website bookmarks privately, and monitor your U.S. credit score.
Keeper
Best for: Users who prefer multi-layer, zero-knowledge encryption
Craig Lurey and Darren Guccione established the first beta infrastructure of Keeper in 2009 while flying to China. Interestingly, they just had nothing better to do during the flight.
The duo officially launched Keeper in 2011. They adopted a SaaS business model protected by a zero-trust, zero-knowledge encryption format.
Keeper key features
Some features of Keeper that you might find useful include its:
- 256-bit AES Encryption Keys: Keeper offers one of the most secure zero-trust, zero-knowledge encryption protected by 256-bit AES. All your data is encrypted.
- Secure Password Sharing: Give other Keeper users access to your specific accounts without disclosing your login credentials. Keeper autofills the fields on the other user’s screen. Of course, note that you can remove access any time you want as well.
- Dark Web Monitoring: Keeper offers an add-on service called BreachWatch. It notifies you about any transaction or listing on the dark web that matches your saved login credentials.
Note that Keeper offers other add-on features like file storage systems and concierge services, although you’ll also have to pay extra for them.
Keeper plans and pricing
Keeper comes with the following personal and business plans:
| PLANS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Personal | The Personal Keeper plan lets you store unlimited passwords—accessible from all your devices. Monthly rates start at $2.92. |
| Family | Save up to $8 with the Keeper Family plan. The plan only costs $6.25 a month, but it accommodates five users who’ll get their own encrypted vaults. |
| Business | SMBs can take advantage of the Keeper Business plan. It has all of the standard features of a personal plan, plus team management functionality and encrypted vaults for each user. It costs $3.75 a user per month. |
| Enterprise | Keeper offers customizable, enterprise-level password management solutions accessible from unlimited devices. It also comes with add-on features like event logging, advanced provisioning, and automated team management. You can request a sample quote from the sales team. |
You’ll be happy to know that Keeper offers a 14-day free trial on all its packages.
Keeper pros and cons
We compiled the most notable pros and cons of using 1Password:
PROS
- Zero-trust, zero-knowledge 256-bit AES encryption keys
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) ready
- Accommodates offline mode
- Layered encryption model
CONS
- Expensive basic packages
- Add-on features cost extra
- Limited free trial offers
Keeper generally receives positive feedback on its security system. However, users dislike that its paid plans still charge extra for add-on services and features.
Why we recommend Keeper
Based on our research, we can confidently say that Keeper has one of the most secure, reliable encryption models on the market.
With its zero-knowledge 256-bit AES encryption keys, you can rest assured that no one else can access your login credentials. All password decryption and encryption occur internally.
Hackers won’t benefit from bypassing Keeper’s database. In the worst case, they’ll only find your encrypted, protected data—which can only be accessed using your synced devices.
As long as you don’t fall for any phishing scams, your files are safe.
NordPass
Best for: Users who want a free, functional password manager
NordVPN released NordPass in 2019. Although its password manager is relatively new, it is a recognized leader in the cybersecurity space. Tom Okman launched NordVPN in 2012.
Based on the reviews we read, users like NordPass for its simplicity. It offers a clean, practical password manager with straightforward features that you can use intuitively.
Also, NordPass offers the most value for its free and paid plans.
NordPass key features
We feel that the following features of NordPass deserve the spotlight:
- Unlimited Password Storage: NordPass lets you store and secure unlimited passwords from various platforms for free. You can also access them on any device. However, you might have to log in every time you switch devices if you don’t upgrade to a paid plan.
- Login Field Autofill: NordPass has a robust autofill feature. It recognizes trusted websites asking for your information and asks to input the required details automatically. Beware of unverified sites. If the app or browser extension doesn’t recognize the site, it might be a phishing tactic under the guise of a trusted brand.
- Notes and Credit Card Storage: You can store your credit card details on NordPass. It will autofill the payment preference fields every time you checkout at an online store.
- Dark Web Monitoring: The premium plan comes with basic dark web monitoring services. It reports any unusual listing or transaction involving the PII you save on its database.
Check out its website to learn more about which features come with the free and paid plans.
NordPass plans and pricing
Keeper comes with the following personal and business plans:
| PLANS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Free | A free NordPass plan comes with all the basic features of a password manager. It lets you autofill login fields, secure login credentials, store credit card details, and generate strong passwords. Also, you can store as many username-password combinations as you want. |
| Premium | The Premium plan comes with all the features of a free account, plus password sharing and auditing features. It only costs $1.99 per month. |
| Family | Get all the features of the Premium plan for up to six users with the Family plan. The monthly rates start at $4.99. |
Visit NordPass for a full breakdown of its monthly and annual rates.
NordPass pros and cons
We compiled the most notable pros and cons of using 1Password:
PROS
- Super-affordable premium plans
- Free account comes with all the basic password management features
- Clean, straightforward UI
- Has free app and browser extension
CONS
- No business plans
- Limited cybersecurity features
- Doesn’t audit passwords for free
NordPass generally receives positive comments from individual users. However, business teams that need a more intricate password management solution should consider other options.
Why we recommend NordPass
Overall, NordPass is an excellent option for first-time users who want a straightforward, cheap password manager. Its free plan already lets you remember, secure, and auto-fill login credentials, so you might not even need to upgrade anymore.
And even if you get a paid plan, you’ll still save a lot. NordPass only charges $1.19 a month, while individual plans from rival brands cost at least twice as much.
Factors to consider when choosing your paid iOS password manager
Notice that all the password managers we mentioned above charge monthly fees. Although they offer trials and free accounts, you’ll need to pay at least $3 to maximize their password management services.
Admittedly, the fees won’t put a dent in your budget. But let’s face it—we would rather get premium versions of these apps for free if possible.
There’s nothing wrong with paying for a premium, reliable password manager. To ensure that your money doesn’t go to waste, choose one that meets the following factors:
- Encryption Level: Before anything else, assess the platform’s encryption level. All forms of cryptography offer some level of protection, but you’d do well to choose zero-knowledge encryption platforms. They provide users with unique encryption keys. Even if hackers bypass these systems, they’d only find encrypted versions of your data—which serve no real purpose.
- Add-On Services: You’ll get your money’s worth if your password manager offers add-on features. Dozens of free apps can autofill login fields. However, only a handful of password management platforms offer extensive cybersecurity services.
- Device Syncing Compatibility: Note that most password managers have device syncing limitations. Even if you can import your passwords as CSV files, features like autofill and website scanning only work on specific devices.
- App and Browser Extension: Look for password managers with both an app and browser extension. That way, you can quickly sync and access your vaults from your laptop, smartphone, tablet, and wearables.
Make a checklist of these factors so that you’ll know what to look for when testing different password managers.
Using iCloud Keychain as your primary iPhone password manager
Why can’t you just use Apple’s password manager iCloud Keychain? Login credentials don’t consume much cloud storage space, so you can likely store dozens of them on a free iCloud account.
Important: Yes, iCloud Keychain has its upsides. However, we can’t wholly recommend it to iPhone users because of its limited syncing functionality. It only works in an Apple ecosystem.
You can still set iCloud Keychain to autofill fields on your Apple Watch, iPad, iPhone, and Macbook, of course. Just don’t expect the same feature on non-iOS devices.
The only workaround is to import your passwords as CSV files. But we must admit, it’s a pain to scroll through these sheets, especially when options like LastPass and 1Password already offer cross-OS syncing.
Finding the best app to store passwords
Overall, iOS password managers offer the same function: store and secure your login credentials. You won’t find too many differences at a glance.
So, to find the best app to store your passwords, you need to look into each platform’s add-on features, pricing options, syncing functionality, and cybersecurity systems.
Find a password manager that matches your needs. And if possible, we encourage signing up for free accounts and trial offers before upgrading to a paid membership.
Paying $5 to $10 monthly won’t make you go bankrupt. However, you’d do well to assess your prospective apps yourself before entrusting them with your login credentials.