With cyberattacks, phishing, and data leaks on the rise, a secure password manager is no longer optional—it’s essential.
For years, 1Password has been recognized as one of the top tools in the category, praised for its user-friendly design and robust security model. But with stiff competition from LastPass, Dashlane, and Bitwarden, the question remains: Is 1Password still worth it in 2025?
In this detailed 1Password review, we’ll break down its features, security, ease of use, pricing, and how it compares to its biggest competitors. By the end, you’ll have a clear answer on whether 1Password is the right password manager for your personal or business needs.
Highlights
- 1Password is one of the most secure password managers in 2025, combining AES-256 encryption, a unique Secret Key, and zero-knowledge architecture to keep your vault protected—even compared to competitors like LastPass and Dashlane.
- Its standout features include digital vaults, Travel Mode, Watchtower security alerts, and cross-platform syncing, making it easy to organize, protect, and access sensitive data across unlimited devices.
- 1Password is built for individuals, families, and businesses, with shared vaults, role-based permissions, and admin controls that simplify secure collaboration without exposing credentials.
- Pricing starts at $2.99 per month for individuals and $4.99 per month for families, with business plans offering advanced reporting, integrations, and 5GB of encrypted document storage per user. No free plan is available, but all tiers include a 14-day free trial.
- Final verdict: 1Password remains a top-three password manager, delivering the best balance of usability, advanced security, and family or team collaboration. It’s well worth the cost for users who value peace of mind.
TL;DR 1Password Review
If you’re short on time, here’s the bottom line on 1Password:
- Best For: Families, teams, and businesses that want simplicity and top-tier security
- Strengths: Excellent user experience, Travel Mode, Watchtower, advanced security model, seamless cross-platform syncing
- Weaknesses: No free plan, slightly higher cost compared to open-source options
- Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 for usability and security, 4.5/5 for value)
What is 1Password?
1Password is a password manager and digital vault that stores, generates, and autofills secure passwords across all your devices. Launched in 2006 by AgileBits, it has grown into one of the most trusted tools for individuals, families, and businesses worldwide.
Key functions include:
- Secure notes, payment card storage, and document vaults
- Team and business sharing with advanced permissions
- Secure password storage with AES-256 encryption
- Password generator for strong, unique credentials
- One-click autofill for logins and forms
Unlike competitors that rely solely on a master password, 1Password also uses a Secret Key. A secret key is a unique, device-based code that adds another layer of protection against brute-force or phishing attacks.
Complete 1Password Review for 2025
The 2025 World Password Day Survey from Bitwarden shows how different generations manage their passwords. Gen Z is the most likely to use a password manager.
While LastPass and Bitwarden are the most popular password managers with free tiers (not counting Google and Apple), 1Password is the most popular password manager without a free tier (Source: Security.org)
Let’s get granular and see what makes 1Password one of the best password managers available, and how it’s remained top-of-the-line for years.
1Password features
1Password comes packed with tools designed to simplify online security while keeping your data safe and secure. From generating strong passwords to protecting sensitive information while you travel, here are the seven features that set it apart.
1. Password storage and autofill
At its core, 1Password stakes its name and reputation on digital security and protection. It securely stores all your login credentials in an encrypted vault and makes them instantly available across your devices. Instead of memorizing dozens (or even hundreds) of unique passwords, you only need to remember your master password and use your Secret Key for authentication.
When you visit a website or open an app, 1Password automatically detects login fields and offers to fill them with the correct credentials. This isn’t limited to usernames and passwords alone. It also supports the following:
- One-time passcodes (TOTP): 1Password can store and generate two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, so you don’t need a separate authenticator app.
- Addresses and forms: Save time on sign-ups and shipping info.
- Payment cards: Quickly fill in credit card details at checkout.
The browser extensions (available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Brave) make the process seamless. On mobile, Face ID, Touch ID, or biometrics allow you to unlock your vault without retyping your master password.
For added control, you can organize your logins into multiple vaults (e.g., personal, work, or shared family accounts) and search them instantly. With Watchtower (more on that in a bit) monitoring weak or reused passwords, your stored credentials don’t just stay safe—they stay healthy.
2. Watchtower security alerts
Watchtower is 1Password’s built-in security monitoring system, designed to help you stay ahead of evolving online threats. Instead of waiting until after a breach happens, Watchtower proactively scans your vault and alerts you to potential risks.
Here’s what it keeps an eye on:
- Weak or reused passwords: Identifies accounts using short, simple, or duplicate credentials.
- Compromised logins: Cross-references your accounts against known data breaches via Have I Been Pwned integration.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Flags accounts that support 2FA but don’t have it enabled, nudging you to strengthen protection.
- Expired or soon-to-expire items: Monitors saved credit cards and documents, so you don’t get caught with outdated details.
- Vulnerable sites: Alerts you if a website you use is flagged for insecure practices, like unencrypted HTTP.
The alerts are delivered in a clear, actionable format—no confusing jargon. For example, if Watchtower finds that you’re reusing a password across multiple sites, it provides a direct option to generate and save a stronger replacement.
For businesses, Watchtower extends its monitoring to team-wide password hygiene, helping admins enforce stronger credential practices across the organization.
In short, Watchtower transforms 1Password from a passive vault into an active security assistant, providing you with real-time visibility into the health of your digital life.
3. Strong password generator
According to Exploding Topics, only 27% of adults in the U.S. use a password generator to create strong passwords. When tools like 1Password offer this tool for free, why wouldn’t you?
Instead of relying on weak or recycled passwords, you can create unique, complex credentials for every account with just one click.
The generator lets you customize passwords based on your needs:
- Compatibility: Adjust settings to meet specific site requirements, like excluding symbols or numbers. Or choose a password style, including random, PIN, or memorable.
- Readable options: Create passphrases made of random words (e.g., “purple-bird-sunset-train”) for accounts where memorability matters.
- Length: Choose long, random strings (up to 100+ characters) for maximum protection.
- Character types: Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special symbols.
Each time you use it, the password generator produces a completely random result, reducing the risk of brute-force or dictionary attacks. Best of all, 1Password automatically saves these new logins directly into your vault, so you never have to remember or manually copy and paste them.
4. Digital vaults
1Password doesn’t just store individual logins—it organizes them into digital vaults, giving you structure and flexibility in how you manage sensitive information.
Each vault is an encrypted container that can hold:
- Secure notes (like Wi-Fi passwords, software keys, or server details)
- Important documents such as IDs, contracts, or tax records
- Payment cards and bank account information
- Website and app logins
- And more
You can create multiple vaults to separate different areas of your digital life. For example:
- A Personal Vault for private accounts, financial info, and notes
- A Work Vault for client logins, server credentials, and professional tools
- A Shared Family Vault for streaming services, household utilities, or shared subscriptions
For families and businesses, vaults make collaboration simple. Each person gets their own private vault while also having access to shared vaults with the appropriate permissions. This keeps sensitive data organized while maintaining strict control over who can see or edit each entry.
The best part? All vaults are end-to-end encrypted, so even 1Password can’t see what’s inside. Whether you’re managing a handful of logins or hundreds across multiple categories, vaults keep everything organized, accessible, and secure.
5. Travel Mode
Travel Mode is one of 1Password’s most unique and practical security features, designed for individuals who frequently cross borders or travel with sensitive data on their devices.
When activated, Travel Mode temporarily hides selected vaults from your devices. These vaults are completely removed from local storage, leaving only the logins and information you’ve marked as “safe for travel.” To anyone inspecting your phone or laptop (e.g., airport security, customs, or malicious actors), it appears as though the hidden vaults simply don’t exist.
Once you’re safely at your destination, you can toggle Travel Mode off with a single click in your 1Password account, and all your vaults reappear instantly.
Key benefits of Travel Mode include:
- Remote activation: For businesses, admins can remotely enable or disable Travel Mode for team members—ideal for consultants or employees working overseas.
- Peace of mind at borders: Protects sensitive client files, financial records, or personal documents during inspections.
- Customizable control: You decide which vaults remain visible and which are hidden.
By limiting what’s visible on your device during travel, 1Password ensures that even if your laptop or phone is searched, your most important data remains inaccessible and invisible.
6. Cross-platform syncing
1Password works seamlessly across different devices and operating systems. Whether you’re on a Windows PC at work, a MacBook at home, or an Android or iPhone on the go, your vault stays perfectly in sync.
By default, 1Password uses end-to-end encrypted cloud syncing to keep your data updated in real time. This means when you add or update a login on one device, it’s instantly available everywhere else, without you having to think about it. For users who prefer not to use the cloud, 1Password also supports local vaults and Wi-Fi sync, giving you more control over where your data lives.
Some highlights of 1Password’s syncing capabilities include:
- Offline access: Even if you’re not connected to the internet, you can still view saved passwords and notes locally. Updates sync automatically the next time you’re online.
- Business control: For teams and companies, admins can manage vault sharing and sync policies to ensure everyone has the right level of access.
- Browser extensions: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, and Brave all support 1Password, with built-in autofill and password generation features.
- Mobile convenience: Unlock your vault with Face ID, Touch ID, or Android biometrics for quick, secure access.
- Unlimited devices: Use one account across as many devices as you like.
In practice, this means you can start filling out a login on your laptop, switch to your phone mid-process, and finish without missing a beat. It’s a huge advantage for people who work across multiple environments, or for families and teams with a mix of devices.
7. Secure document storage and secrets management
Beyond acting as a high-security vault for personal documents, 1Password extends its protection and convenience to modern development workflows through its Secrets Management tools, making it equally powerful for individuals, teams, and developers.
Secure Document Storage (Personal and Business)
- Store and encrypt sensitive files, including government IDs, tax documents, business contracts, banking details, insurance records, or software licenses with AES-256 end-to-end encryption.
- Only authorized users (e.g., yourself, family members, or team collaborators) can access these files; not even 1Password can decrypt them.
- Business plans include dedicated encrypted storage quotas, for instance, 5 GB per user (files may be up to 2GB in size), ideal for centralizing high-value documents across teams.
Secrets Management for Developers and Infrastructure
1Password goes beyond file storage by offering a robust Secrets Management solution to handle developer credentials and infrastructure secrets:
- Securely store, manage, and automate secrets, such as SSH keys, API tokens, database passwords, certificates, and environment variables across your development lifecycle.
- Use Service Accounts, 1Password CLI, SDKs, or Connect Servers to authenticate and access secrets programmatically. This eliminates manual credential management and hard-coded secrets in code repositories, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities.
- Centralize secrets under a single management layer to maintain a single source of truth and enforce least-privileged access.
Security: Is 1Password safe?
Security is where 1Password really stands out. Here’s why:
- Zero-Knowledge Encryption: Only you have access to your vault data. Even the 1Password team can’t see or decrypt it. This protects your data at all times, including in the event of a data breach.
- Secret Key + Master Password: Your account is protected by both, reducing the risk of phishing or stolen credentials. Your “Secret Key” is a unique code generated upon your first login. When you receive it, write it down on your 1Password Emergency Kit and place it in a secure location, such as a safe or lockbox. 1Password does not store it anywhere and cannot retrieve it for you.
- AES-256 Encryption with PBKDF2: 1Password secures your vault with AES-256-bit encryption, the same standard used by banks, governments, and the military. This level of encryption is effectively unbreakable with current computing power. On top of that, 1Password uses PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256 (Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2) to make brute-force attacks extremely difficult. Combined with the Secret Key, this creates a powerful barrier against password-cracking attempts.
- Secure Sharing: 1Password makes it safe to share credentials, documents, or vaults without exposing sensitive data over email, chat, or other insecure channels. With 1Password Families and Business plans, you can create shared vaults that grant members controlled access to logins, payment details, or notes. Permissions can be customized. For example, you can allow one user to view but not edit credentials, while another has full admin rights. For businesses, this prevents the risky habit of sending passwords in Slack or spreadsheets. And if someone leaves your team or no longer needs access, you can instantly revoke their permissions. This combination of encryption, access control, and flexibility ensures that credentials remain secure while still allowing for collaboration.
Ease of use
One of 1Password’s standout features is its user-friendliness.
- Cross-device sync: Works seamlessly whether you’re on desktop, mobile, or browser
- Onboarding: Guided setup makes it quick to get started, even for non-tech users
- Family sharing: Easily add up to 5 family members under one subscription
- Clean interface: Simple for beginners, but powerful for advanced users
1Password pricing tiers
1Password doesn’t have a free plan, but its pricing is straightforward, and each plan offers a 14-day free trial. Here is a brief summary of each pricing tier and the features each includes.
- Individual: $2.99 per month (billed annually)
- Best for solo users who want premium security.
- Unlimited password storage and autofill.
- Works on unlimited devices with cross-platform sync.
- Watchtower alerts for weak, reused, or breached passwords.
- Travel Mode and secure document storage.
- Best for solo users who want premium security.
- Families (5 users): $4.99 per month (billed annually)
- Perfect for households and small groups.
- Includes everything in the Individual plan.
- Up to 5 family members (with the option to add more for a fee).
- Shared vaults for streaming services, Wi-Fi passwords, and household accounts.
- Family Organizer role to manage accounts and recovery.
- Perfect for households and small groups.
- Teams Starter Pack: $19.95 per month (up to 10 users; billed annually)
- Designed for freelancers, small agencies, or startups.
- Includes everything from the Families plan.
- Centralized admin controls for team management.
- Role-based permissions for secure sharing.
- Activity logs to monitor access.
- Designed for freelancers, small agencies, or startups.
- Business: $7.99 per user per month (billed annually)
- For growing businesses that need more advanced security.
- Everything from Teams, plus:
- Unlimited users and vaults.
- Advanced reporting and activity tracking.
- Integration with tools like Okta, Duo, and Azure AD.
- Dedicated account manager and onboarding support.
- 5GB document storage per user.
- Enterprise: Custom Pricing
- Tailored for large organizations.
- Everything in Business, plus custom onboarding, VIP support, and compliance-focused features.
- Requires direct consultation with 1Password’s sales team.
- Tailored for large organizations.
While slightly more expensive than Bitwarden (which has a free tier), 1Password’s pricing is competitive given its extensive list of features.
Pros and cons
Despite its array of helpful features, 1Password does have some drawbacks to consider. Let’s compare the good and the bad.
Pros
- Family and team plans are well-designed
- Excellent user interface across devices
- Unique Travel Mode for added privacy
- Strong security model with Secret Key
- Reliable Watchtower alerts
Cons
- Advanced features may feel overwhelming at first
- Slightly higher pricing than some competitors
- No free tier
Who should use 1Password?
While the pros clearly outweigh the cons, it’s worth taking a closer look at who benefits most from 1Password’s strengths and who might find its limitations frustrating. Let’s examine the types of users who will get the most value from 1Password.
- Individuals who want premium security and don’t mind paying a few dollars a month
- Businesses that need advanced permissions, vaults, and secure sharing
- Freelancers and agencies managing client credentials
- Families looking to share logins securely
Side-by-side comparison: 1Password vs. competitors
Here’s how 1Password stacks up against the competition:
| Feature | 1Password | LastPass | Dashlane | Bitwarden |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ (limited) | ✅ |
| Security Model | Master + Secret Key | Master only | Master only | Master only |
| Travel Mode | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Breach History | None | Multiple | None | None |
| Price (Individual) | $2.99/mo | $3.00/mo | $4.99/mo | $0 (free) |
| Best For | Families & Teams | General users | Premium users | Budget users |
Our verdict: 1Password offers the best balance of usability, features, and security, making it an excellent choice for families and businesses.
1Password review: Final verdict
1Password remains one of the top three password managers in 2025, excelling in security, design, and reliability. While it lacks a free plan, its Secret Key encryption model, Travel Mode, and excellent usability make it a solid choice for families, professionals, and businesses alike.
If you value security and simplicity and are willing to pay for peace of mind, 1Password is an excellent investment.
FAQs about 1Password
Is 1Password free?
No, 1Password does not offer a permanent free plan. However, it offers a 14-day free trial on all plans, so you can test the service before committing. If you’re looking for a free option, Bitwarden or LastPass might be better alternatives.
How secure is 1Password compared to LastPass?
1Password uses a two-part security model: a master password plus a unique Secret Key. This means that even if your master password is compromised, your data is still protected. LastPass, by contrast, relies only on a master password and has experienced multiple security breaches.
Can I use 1Password on multiple devices?
Yes. 1Password works seamlessly across macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and major browsers. Your data syncs automatically via the cloud, and you can also set up local vaults if you prefer not to use cloud syncing.
Does 1Password work for families?
Yes. The Family plan ($4.99/month) allows up to five users. Each member gets their own private vault, plus access to shared vaults for common logins, like streaming services, Wi-Fi passwords, or banking information.
What is 1Password Travel Mode?
Travel Mode lets you temporarily hide specific vaults when traveling. This protects sensitive information if your device is searched at an airport or border crossing. Once you’re safe, you can restore access with one click.
Is 1Password worth the price?
If you value security, simplicity, and peace of mind, yes. While it costs more than some alternatives, unique features like Travel Mode, Secret Key, and Watchtower alerts justify the price—especially for families and businesses.