If you’re already here, you probably know that a good password manager is the best way to store and manage your passwords. So why not go a step further and get one of the best password managers of 2021 to make your life so much easier.
1️⃣ Encryption
1Password uses industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption with PBKDF2 password hashing for the master password to make it resilient against brute force attacks. The provider even takes it one step further and adds a 128-bit secret key on top of the master password. The forced secret key on login might seem like overkill, but the fact remains that it’s the most secure setup you could find among password managers.
2️⃣ Multi-factor security
Multi-factor security is built into the client because it requires two passwords on every new device. Aside from this secret key, it’s possible to set up two-factor authentication via authenticator apps like Authy or Microsoft Authenticator. There’s an option to send push notifications to confirm login requests via Duo Security. It’s also possible to use Windows fingerprint or Apple’s FaceID.
3️⃣ Data storage
As is common among password managers, 1Password can hold your most essential documents in a secure vault. The limit for Individual, Families users is 1 GB and it’s 5 GB for business users. Each file cannot exceed 2 GB size, so overall you get much better flexibility considering what other password managers offer.
4️⃣ Privacy policy
Even though 1Password is a closed source project, its developers are upfront about how everything works under the hood. Your data is stored in encrypted form only, and there is no selling of customer information. It does make sense, considering that 1Password is paid-only and doesn’t have a free version. Naturally, there cannot be any capitalizing on free users’ data because there are no free users.
1Password company is in Canada, and it’s clear that they store their data in data centers in the US. It’s not clear in what data center. That might be because of the constant flux between their partners in those matters. They have been recently acquired by Accel company, which invested $200 million to the company, it didn’t change 1Password’s stance on privacy.
5️⃣ Ease of use
Web client. When you create a 1Password account, you’ll be able to manage your vault right off the bat. The sign up procedure not only requires you to confirm your email with a confirmation code, but it will also enforce a randomly generated 34-character Secret Key. Plus, your login might belong in 3 different regions: 1Password.ca, 1Password.eu, ent.1password.com, or 1Password.com.
Desktop apps. 1Password apps come in different versions. If you have a newer computer, you’ll be able to download 1Password Version 7. If you have an older computer, you can use 1Password 4. It’s rare that a password manager willingly extends support for older machines. With that said, they are no longer supported as fully and only receive the most critical security updates. All the current apps are available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Mobile apps. 1Password apps are available for iOS and Android devices. Both are identical from the features perspective: you can set up both apps to autofill passwords not only on the web but on apps as well. In the iOS case, everything is rather straightforward. You’re asked to switch iCloud Keychain in place of 1Password. If you’re using Android, it depends on your version. Currently, 1Password supports autofill on apps and browsers from Android version 5 to the current 11th. So, 1Password pretty much covers all bases.
6️⃣ Customer support
Since 1Password is positioning itself as a premium password manager, it comes with more customer support options. You can contact them via Twitter, email, or community forums. Email seems like a no-brainer, but many users report that they got in touch faster by using Twitter or the forums. Live chat would be the best option, but seeing how little password manager providers can do to help you out, this is no surprise.
00:00 Intro
00:18 What’s a good password manager?
01:19 Ease of use
01:28 Security
02:06 Features
03:13 Price
03:40 Final thoughts