Best password manager apps: Bitwarden, Proton Pass, and 1Password

If you reuse the same password everywhere, one data breach can open all your accounts. Here’s the short answer on the best password manager app: Bitwarden is the best free choice for most people, Proton Pass is a good option if you already use Proton, and 1Password is a polished paid app. All three work on iPhone and Android. A password manager makes long, unique passwords for you, and you only remember one.

Password manager apps at a glance

I compared each app’s App Store and Google Play listing and the company’s pricing page. Prices and ratings are as of October 2026 and can change.

Why use a password manager

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) says that simple passwords, like 12345 or a birthday or pet name, aren’t safe for important accounts. It recommends passwords that are long, random, and unique, at least 16 characters, and says a password manager is one of the easiest ways to make that possible. With a manager, you only need to remember one strong password, the one for the manager itself. Read CISA’s advice on using strong passwords. CISA also notes that some password managers are free, like the built-in ones in your web browser.

Bitwarden: best free password manager

Bitwarden, from Bitwarden Inc., has a free plan that, according to its pricing page, includes unlimited devices, unlimited passwords, and passkey management. Premium and Families plans cost extra.

• Pros: A generous free plan, strong ratings, and works across phones and computers.
• Cons: The layout is plainer than paid apps, and some features need Premium.
• Privacy (App Store label): Contact info and identifiers are linked to you.
• Price: Free; paid upgrades are available.

Download it from the App Store or Google Play.

Proton Pass: good for Proton users

Proton Pass is made by Proton AG, the company behind Proton Mail and Proton VPN. The free app stores logins, and the App Store lists a Pass Plus upgrade at $35.90 for 12 months.

• Pros: Very high ratings and a short privacy label on the App Store (diagnostics, not linked to you).
• Cons: Fewer ratings than the others, and a few features are behind the paid plan.
• Price: Free with optional upgrade.

Download it from the App Store or Google Play.

1Password: polished, but paid

1Password is made by AgileBits. The app is free to download, but you need a subscription. The App Store lists Individual at $4.99 a month or $47.99 a year, and Family at $7.99 a month or $71.99 a year.

• Pros: Clean design and family plans.
• Cons: No ongoing free plan, so you pay to keep using it.
• Privacy (App Store label): Location, contact info, user content, identifiers, usage data, and diagnostics are linked to you.

Download it from the App Store or Google Play.

How to set up a password manager

1. Open the App Store or Google Play and search for the app’s name.
2. Check the developer name against the one listed above, then tap Get or Install.
3. Create your account and choose a long master password.
4. In your phone’s settings, turn on the manager as your autofill service so it can fill in passwords for you.
5. Start with your most important accounts: email, bank, and Apple or Google. Change each password to a new, long, random one the manager creates.
6. Add the rest over a few weeks.

For more security guides, browse our security and privacy guides and our free app picks.

Frequently asked questions

Bottom line

• Best free option: Bitwarden.
• Best if you use Proton: Proton Pass.
• Best paid, polished app: 1Password.

Pick one, set up your email and bank first, and build from there. Prices and features change, so check each listing before you subscribe.