In an age where new data breaches are reported almost daily, using a dedicated password manager has become critical for anyone who regularly browses the web and shops online. Relying solely on memory or unencrypted documents to store usernames, passwords and other sensitive information is extremely risky.
Major password leaks like the 2021 LinkedIn breach (700 million records exposed), the Collection #1 dump (770 million emails and passwords) and the Twitch leak (125GB of data) have underscored the importance of keeping credentials secure. This is where dedicated password managers come in – they provide encrypted repositories for securely storing all your passwords and logins.
This comprehensive guide examines some of the best password managers available for Google Chrome in 2024 based on security, features and pricing.
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Why Use a Third-Party Password Manager?
Google Chrome does include a built-in password manager that can save and autofill credentials for sites you visit in the browser. However, it has some limitations:
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Passwords are not encrypted locally before syncing across your Google account. They are stored on Google‘s servers in decrypted form.
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It is not available on other browsers or platforms – the passwords saved on Chrome won‘t carry over to your iPhone or Windows PC.
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There is no password generator to create strong, unique passwords for you automatically.
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Sharing saved passwords securely with other users is not possible.
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You don‘t get alerts about compromised or reused passwords that prompt you to take action.
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Additional security via two-factor authentication is missing.
Dedicated password manager services like 1Password, Dashlane and Lastpass address these limitations by providing:
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Secure encryption – Passwords are encrypted locally using AES-256, ChaCha20 or similar algorithms before syncing across devices. This prevents the service provider from accessing passwords.
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Cross-platform availability – Manager apps and browser extensions work across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.
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Password generator – Creates strong, random unique passwords for each of your accounts automatically.
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Auto form-filling – Securely auto-fills usernames, passwords, credit card numbers into online forms.
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Password sharing – Allows securely sharing credentials with family, team members when required.
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Two-factor authentication – Provides extra login security via options like Yubikey, Google Authenticator.
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Security alerts – Alerts you about weak, reused or compromised passwords and prompts you to take action.
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Breach reports – Checks if your information was exposed in known data breaches.
Top Password Managers for Chrome in 2024
Here are some of the top password managers to consider for use with Google Chrome in 2024:
| Password Manager | Free Version | Starting Price | Platforms Supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Password | No | $2.99/month (individual) $4.99/month (family) |
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| Dashlane | Yes | $4.99/month (premium) | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| LastPass | Yes | $2.90/month (premium) | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera |
| Keeper | Yes | $2.91/month (individual Personal plan) | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| Bitwarden | Yes | $10/year (individual premium) | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge |
| RoboForm | Yes | $1.39/month (individual 3-year plan) | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera |
1Password
1Password is consistently rated as one of the best password managers by reviewers thanks to its powerful encryption, ease of use and intuitive design. It is available on all major platforms like Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
It uses AES-256 bit encryption to secure your passwords and data locally before syncing across devices. This means only you have access – 1Password itself cannot decrypt your credentials.
Key Features:
- AES-256 bit end-to-end encryption
- Auto form filling for web sites and iOS apps
- Strong password generator
- Secure password and document sharing
- Biometric login with Touch ID, Face ID or Windows Hello
- Travel Mode to remove passwords from devices when traveling
- No evidence of hacks or breaches of 1Password servers
Pricing:
- Individual plan – $2.99/month
- Family plan – $4.99/month for 5 users (additional users $1/month)
- Business plans from $7.99/user/month
Platforms Supported:
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Native iOS and Android apps
- Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge
- Apple Watch support
Pros
- Powerful AES-256 bit encryption
- Intuitive design across all apps
- Handy features like Travel Mode, password inheritance
- Strong reputation with no known breaches
Cons
- No free version available
- Advanced features like VPN cost extra
Verdict:
1Password offers one of the best all-round password management solutions focused on strong security and ease of use. Unique capabilities like Travel Mode for securely storing passwords when traveling really stand out. The only downside is the lack of a free option.
Dashlane
Dashlane is a feature-packed password manager with very tight security. It offers premium plans starting at $4.99/month but also has a free version available. Apps are available for all major platforms.
It uses zero-knowledge AES-256 bit encryption to secure passwords locally before syncing. All passwords are encrypted and decrypted on your devices only.
Key Features:
- Zero-knowledge AES-256 encryption
- Auto password changing and form filling
- Generous free version with unlimited passwords on 1 device
- Paid plans include VPN service
- Emergency access for trusted contacts
- Dark web monitoring alerts if credentials are leaked
Pricing:
- Free version with unlimited passwords on 1 device
- Premium Individual – $4.99/month billed annually
- Premium Family – $6.99/month for up to 5 users
Platforms Supported:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
- Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari
- Apple Watch and Android Wear support
Pros
- Very strong AES-256 bit encryption implementation
- Tons of useful features like auto password changer
- Unlimited and generous free version available
- Built-in VPN service in paid plans
Cons
- Free plan limited to use on only 1 device
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors
Verdict
With its very strong security foundation and wealth of useful features like a built-in VPN service, Dashlane is a great choice for security-focused users. The availability of an unlimited free plan makes it easy for anyone to try it out first.
LastPass
LastPass is one of the most popular and ubiquitous password managers with millions of users worldwide. It offers convenient apps for both business and personal use across all devices.
LastPass uses AES-256 bit encryption along with PBKDF2 SHA-256 strengthening to secure stored passwords. A zero-knowledge architecture ensures LastPass itself cannot access your data.
Key Features:
- AES-256 bit encryption with PBKDF2 SHA-256
- Built-in password generator and auto form fill
- Biometric authentication via fingerprint or face recognition
- Shared folders and seamless team access
- Dark web monitoring alerts in premium plans
Pricing:
- Free version for unlimited passwords on 1 device
- Premium plans from $2.90/month billed annually
Platforms Supported:
- Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
- Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari
- Wear OS and Apple Watch support
Pros
- Strong AES-256 encryption with PBKDF2 strengthening
- Very easy to use with tons of features
- Generous free version available
- Great for business and personal use
Cons
- Recent high-profile data breaches hurting reputation
- Free version limits sync to just 1 device
Verdict
LastPass continues to be one of the most convenient and feature-rich password managers available despite some recent breaches impacting trust. The unlimited free version makes it easy for anyone to try.
Other Top Options
Some other highly rated password managers to consider for use with Chrome include:
Bitwarden – Open source password manager with a very generous free version. Paid plans start at just $10/year.
Keeper – Offers robust security features and extensive enterprise password management capabilities.
NordPass – Great security at low cost from the makers of NordVPN. Intuitive interface.
RoboForm – A long-standing and trusted password manager with a solid free offering.
Enpass – One-time purchase rather than recurring subscription model. Encryption meets strict European data protection standards.
How to Choose the Best Password Manager
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a password manager for Chrome:
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Security – Look for AES-256 bit or ChaCha20 encryption at minimum. Features like 2FA, biometric login, breach alerts enhance security.
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Pricing – Paid versions offer advanced capabilities but free ones can suffice for basic use. Compare pricing tiers.
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Platform support – Convenience of apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android. Browser extensions.
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Sharing features – For securely sharing passwords across family members or teams.
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Auto form filling – Quick access to passwords, credit cards, identities for easy online checkout.
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Reviews – Pick an established, reputable password manager with positive reviews and active development. Avoid new or dubious products.
Installing a Password Manager Browser Extension in Chrome
Installing leading password managers like LastPass, 1Password or Dashlane in Chrome is simple:
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Open the Chrome Web Store and search for the password manager – "LastPass" for example.
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Find the official extension from the manager‘s developers. Look for a high rating and lots of users.
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Click "Add to Chrome" to install.
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A permissions pop-up will ask for access to data on websites you visit. Click "Add Extension".
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The extension‘s icon will show on the toolbar. Click to configure and begin using!
Most managers offer unlimited passwords for free on one device to try out before opting for a paid plan.
Why Password Managers Beat Chrome‘s Built-In Password Manager
While Chrome‘s built-in password manager provides basic functionality, dedicated managers like 1Password and LastPass are far more secure and convenient:
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They use end-to-end encryption so passwords stay secure from hackers and the service itself.
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Cross-platform apps make passwords accessible on all your devices like PC, Mac, iPhone, Android tablet. Chrome‘s passwords only work in the browser.
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Handy features like a password generator, auto changer and two-factor authentication boost security.
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Biometric login via fingerprint or face recognition offers quick, secure access.
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Breach alerts tell you if your passwords have been compromised prompting you to take action.
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Emergency access allows granting trusted contacts access to your passwords if you are unavailable.
For both enhanced security and convenience, third party managers are clearly superior to Chrome‘s limited built-in option.
Closing Thoughts on Password Managers for Chrome
As our digital footprint expands across more devices, accounts and online services, securing our credentials has become critically important. Relying solely on memory is unsafe. The numerous data breaches of recent years have demonstrated that writing down passwords unencrypted is risky as well.
This is where leveraging a dedicated password manager like LastPass or 1Password helps. It takes just minutes to install but then offers immense security and convenience benefits like:
- Encrypted and synchronized storage for passwords, logins and sensitive data across all devices.
- Auto password generation and form filling to make online checkout fast.
- Extra security via two-factor authentication and biometric login.
- Alerts about compromised credentials prompting you to take action.
- Secure password sharing with family members.
Top password managers like 1Password cost around $2.99 a month while still offering free trial periods. This is a small price to pay for vastly enhanced online security.
For individuals and families alike, adopting a dedicated password manager is one of the best investments that can be made to protect finances, identities and sensitive information in 2024 and beyond.
