Password Manager Picker
One strong password to remember. The rest are stored.
Why everyone needs one
Re-using the same password across accounts is the #1 cause of getting hacked. When ANY website you use leaks passwords (and they all do eventually), the hackers try those passwords on every other site. A password manager generates a unique, strong password for each account, and remembers them for you.
You only need to remember ONE password — the master password to the manager. That\'s it.
Bitwarden
FREE forever (premium $10/year)Best free password manager. Open source, audited, trusted by security pros. Works on every device.
Free version is perfect for most people.
Apple Passwords
FREE (built into iOS 18+)iPhone/Mac users. Now a real standalone app. Strong, simple, integrated.
Best free pick if you're all Apple.
Google Password Manager
FREE (built into Chrome and Android)Android and Chrome users. Built into Google account. Auto-fills on most websites.
Already there if you use Google.
1Password
$3-5/monthBest premium password manager. Family plan ($5/mo for 5 people). Fantastic for couples and families. Emergency access setup.
Worth the cost for households.
Dashlane
$3-5/monthIncludes a free VPN. Strong autofill.
Good middle option.
NordPass
$2-3/monthFrom the makers of NordVPN. Simple interface.
Often runs sales.
Setup (any manager)
- Install the app on every device — phone, tablet, computer.
- Make a master password. This is the only one you ever memorize. Use 4 random words: "purple-sandwich-mountain-shoes". Long is more important than complicated.
- Write the master password on paper. Put it somewhere safe (with your will, in a safe deposit box).
- Install the browser extension for Chrome / Safari / Edge / Firefox.
- Start adding passwords as you use sites. Or import from your browser\'s saved passwords (most managers offer one-click import).
Setup Emergency Access
If something happens to you, your spouse or adult child needs access. Every good password manager has this.
- Bitwarden — Settings → Emergency Access → invite a trusted person.
- 1Password — Family plan auto-includes recovery for each member.
- Apple Passwords — Apple Legacy Contact handles this.
Set up a 7-day waiting period — they request access, you have a week to deny if it\'s a mistake. After that, they can read your passwords.
If you\'ve been writing passwords on paper
It\'s OK as a starting point. But every site needs a UNIQUE password. Most retired adults have 50-100 online accounts; a notebook can\'t keep up. The password manager lets you generate fresh strong passwords as you go — without typing them.
Where to start
Bitwarden free if you\'re curious and don\'t want to pay. Apple Passwords if you only use Apple devices. 1Password Families if you and a spouse share lots of accounts and want emergency access set up properly.