With the increasing number of online accounts and devices households use today, keeping track of passwords has become a daunting task. Fortunately, the best password managers for families make protecting your loved ones’ digital lives fast, convenient, and secure with centralized vaults for storing and organizing logins and features such as unlimited device access and secure password sharing.
In this guide, I’ll take a closer look at the best password managers for families based on my own testing and research – following our comprehensive assessment methodology – to help you find the right product for your needs.
The Best Password Manager for Families Tested by Our Experts
RoboForm – Most User-Friendly Family Password Manager
The Top Family Password Managers Ranked
- 1Password – Best premium password manager for families
- NordPass – Best password manager for secure family password sharing
- ByePass – Best for families making online purchases
- Dashlane – Best password manager for large families
- Keeper – Best password manager for families for storage
- RoboForm – Most user-friendly family password manager
- Enpass – Most affordable password manager for family use
- Show Full Guide
The Best Password Managers for the Family Reviewed
To rank the best password managers for families, I’ve evaluated each provider based on criteria such as family-specific features, security measures, ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, and price.
My comprehensive testing process involved in-depth analysis and hands-on assessments to identify the providers best suited for different family needs in 2024.
Family Plan Price | $4.99/month for 5 users |
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Free Version/Trial | 14-Day Trial |
Key Features | Unlimited Shared Vaults, Account Recovery, Travel Mode |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Password Storage | Unlimited |
Pros
- Unlimited shared vaults
- Easy setup and intuitive apps
- Robust security features
- Account recovery feature
Cons
- No free version available
- No refund policy
2. NordPass – Best Password Manager for Secure Family Password Sharing
Family Plan Price | $2.79/month for 6 users |
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Free Version/Trial | Free Plan, 30-Day Trial |
Key Features | Secure Password Sharing, Data Breach Scanner, Password Health Checker |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Password Storage | Unlimited |
Pros
- Secure password sharing
- Data breach scanner
- Password Health features
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Limited free account
3. iolo ByePass – Best for Families Making Online Purchases
Family Plan Price | $1.32/month |
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Free Version/Trial | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Key Features | Virtual Credit Card, Login Guardian, Dark Web Scan |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Password Storage | Unlimited |
Pros
- Remote logout feature
- Excellent credit card protection
- Affordable pricing
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Limited device support
- Free trial service is limited
4. Dashlane – Best Password Manager for Large Families
Family Plan Price | $7.49/month for 10 users |
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Free Version/Trial | Free Plan |
Key Features | Family Management Dashboard, VPN, Encrypted Storage |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Password Storage | Unlimited |
Pros
- Covers up to ten users
- Includes a VPN for secure browsing
- Dark web monitoring
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Pricier than some competitors
- No trial option for the family plan
5. Keeper – Best Password Manager for Families for Storage
Family Plan Price | $6.25/month for 5 users |
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Free Version/Trial | 30-Day Trial |
Key Features | 10GB Secure File Storage, Encrypted Messaging, Form Filling |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Password Storage | Unlimited |
Pros
- 10GB storage
- Encrypted messaging
- Multiple private vaults
- Unlimited devices and password storage
Cons
- No money-back guarantee
- More expensive than some competitors
6. RoboForm – Most User-Friendly Family Password Manager Interface
Family Plan Price | $3.98/month for 5 users |
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Free Version/Trial | Free Plan |
Key Features | User-Friendly Interface, Form Filling, One-Click Logins |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Password Storage | Unlimited |
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Easy and secure sharing options
- Powerful form-filling capabilities
- Budget-friendly family plan
Cons
- No free trial for non-business users
- Lacks some advanced features
7. Enpass – Most Affordable Password Manager for Family Use
Family Plan Price | $2.99/month |
---|---|
Free Version/Trial | Free Plan |
Key Features | Affordable, Local Data Storage Option, Cross-Platform Support |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Password Storage | Unlimited |
Pros
- Budget-friendly family plan
- Customizable interface
- Flexible data storage options
- Unlimited password storage
Cons
- No free trial for the family plan
8. LastPass – Best Password Manager for Comprehensive Family Management
Family Plan Price | $4/month |
---|---|
Free Version/Trial | Free Plan, 30-Day Trial |
Key Features | Family Dashboard, Emergency Access, Security Dashboard |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Password Storage | Unlimited |
Pros
- Comprehensive family dashboard
- Emergency access
- Robust security features
- Affordable family plan pricing
Cons
- Security concerns
- Some features are complex
Best Password Managers for Families Compared
Here’s an overview of all the family password managers I tested, along with their key features and functionality, so you can easily compare them.
INx
Password Manager | 1Password | NordPass | ByePass | Dashlane | Keeper | RoboForm | Enpass | LastPass |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Family Plan Price | $4.99/month for 5 users | $2.79/month for 6 users | $1.32/month | $7.49/month for 10 users | $6.25/month for 5 users | $3.98/month for 5 users | $2.99/month for 6 users | $4/month for 6 users |
Max Devices | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Password Generator | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Password Storage | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Key Features | Unlimited Shared Vaults, Account Recovery, Travel Mode | Secure Password Sharing, Data Breach Scanner, Password Health Checker | Virtual Credit Card, Login Guardian, Dark Web Scan | Family Management Dashboard, VPN, Encrypted Storage | 10GB Secure File Storage, Encrypted Messaging, Form Filling | User-Friendly Interface, Form Filling, One-Click Logins | Affordable Pricing, Local Data Storage Option, Cross-Platform Support | Family Dashboard, Emergency Access, Security Dashboard |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Browsers | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Browsers | iOS, Android, Browsers | iOS, Android, Browsers | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browsers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Browsers | Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Browsers | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
Money-Back Guarantee | 14-day trial | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30-day trial | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Free Plan | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
How We Tested the Best Family Password Managers
To ensure my recommendations are accurate and reliable, I’ve put numerous family password managers through a rigorous testing process. My evaluation methodology covered the following essential criteria to identify the best family password manager.
- Security – I evaluated the encryption methods, secure sharing capabilities, multi-factor authentication options, and additional security features used.
- Features – I assessed the range of features offered by each password manager, concentrating on those that are particularly beneficial for family use, such as shared folders, individual vaults, granular access controls, robust password generation, reliable autofilling, and seamless cross-platform synchronization.
- Ease of Use – I conducted hands-on testing of each password manager’s user interface, evaluating how intuitive it was for different use cases, the simplicity of setting up family-specific features, and the convenience of accessing the password manager across different browsers and mobile devices.
- Customer Reviews – I analyzed user feedback from multiple sources to gauge real-world experiences with each password manager, assessing their reliability, customer support, and overall customer satisfaction levels in the context of family use.
- Pricing – I compared the costs and value of each password manager’s family plan, factoring in the number of users, storage allowances, ongoing promotions, and the availability of trials and money-back guarantees.
How to Choose the Best Password Manager for Family Use
Choosing a password manager for your family is an important decision that requires careful consideration. With so many options available, it’s worth evaluating the key features required for your family’s security needs. Here are some crucial factors to keep in mind:
Look for a password manager that offers secure sharing of passwords, notes, and other sensitive information between family members.
Ensure the password manager supports all your family’s devices and platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. See our guide to the best password managers for Android for specific recommendations.
Choose a password manager with a clean, intuitive interface that’s easy for all family members to navigate, regardless of their technical expertise.
For additional recommendations, read our guide to the best password managers for seniors.
Opt for a password manager that offers two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security for your family’s password vault.
Compare the pricing and features of different family plans to find one that offers the best value for your family’s needs. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not be the best if it doesn’t include the features you need.
Why Do I Need a Password Manager for My Family?
This allows everyone to access these accounts without compromising security or resorting to insecure methods of password sharing, such as sending them via unencrypted messages. Many password managers let you set up shared folders to help organize, manage, and store passwords.
Using a password manager encourages good digital habits, particularly for children. By getting them accustomed to using a password manager, they learn the importance of creating strong, unique passwords and not sharing them insecurely.
For older children and teens, a family password manager can provide a safe way to manage their online independence. They can manage their own passwords within the family plan, while their parents can maintain oversight, ensuring a balance between autonomy and security.
In addition to these benefits, having a password manager can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. If a family member becomes incapacitated, having passwords securely stored and accessible to trusted emergency contacts ensures that important accounts can still be accessed.
Can More Than One Person Use the Same Password Manager?
A major benefit is that family members can assist with account recovery if the master password is lost or the individual is incapacitated. Family password managers often also provide features to make password manager sharing between accounts even easier.
One potential downside is that a password manager family plan will generally need an admin. Even if this individual can’t access vaults directly, they’ll likely be able to set up emergency access and guest access.
Because of this, shared password managers are only really suitable where individuals have a high degree of trust in each other, such as in a family or when managing business login details in a work environment.
Safety and Security with the Best Password Managers for Families
The providers included in my shortlist generally provide excellent security. NordPass for example, uses the advanced XChaCha20 encryption algorithm, while providers like 1Password and RoboForm also run independent security audits on their services. You might also consider open-source providers, like Bitwarden, which allow the user community to review and audit their code.
From a user perspective, it’s important to implement robust protection and good practice for your password manager account, using a strong master password, deploying multi-factor authentication, updating passwords for individual accounts, and staying abreast of data breaches and alerts to weak and repeated passwords.
In terms of personal security with a shared password manager account, you should be aware of other account users. For example, you probably wouldn’t want to add personal logins on a business password manager account, and friends would need to have an extremely high degree of trust to share a password manager.
If you want a security solution with parental controls, see our guide to the best antivirus with parental control tools.
The best password manager for families will make it easy to share passwords. 1Password, for example, includes a shared vault for family members with the family plan, so you can share passwords straight away.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to share another vault with a family member in 1Password for Windows and how to add passwords to it.
Manage Access for your vault
Open the Windows 1Password desktop app. Go to the sidebar, and right-click on the vault to be shared, and then click Manage Access.
Add People
Next, select Add People and click on the individuals you want to give access to. When complete, click Next and then Share, and your vault is now shared.
Adding items to a shared vault
If you want to add items to this shared vault, you can drag it in the sidebar in the Windows app. You can also right-click on the item, select Move, then choose a vault to move it to, or you can copy it by instead selecting Duplicate.
You’ll need to make sure you’re in the right account or that you have All Accounts selected in the sidebar.
Here’s how to share a password with someone who’s not a family plan member in 1Password, using the Windows app.
Select the item to share
Go to the 1Password Windows app, navigate to the item to share, select it, and click Share.
Choose how to share and with whom
You can then give your link an expiry date and set who you’ll share it with using Add email.
Send the link
Finally, click Copy Link, and you can send the item to the individuals you want to share it with. No changes you make to the item will be shared with these individuals unless you send them a new link.
Stop sharing
If you want to stop sharing an item, go to the item in the 1Password app. Select it, and click the down arrow, then View History. Next, select the minus symbol and Delete link – and, once clicked, the link will no longer be accessible.
Are There Free Password Managers for Families?
While most password managers designed for families require a subscription, a few offer free plans.
NordPass provides a free plan that allows one user to securely store passwords, sync passwords across devices, and use autofill – but you’ll need to upgrade for password sharing and file attachments.
Similarly, Dashlane offers a free plan – though it’s limited to 25 passwords and one device – as does Keeper, with ten records on one mobile device.
Given this and the fact that free plans are typically only for one user, it’s better to look for an affordable paid plan rather than the best free password manager for families.
Conclusion – What’s the Best Password Manager Family Users Can Find?
Given the range of online threats we face today, it’s extremely important to use strong, unique passwords and to store them securely. As part of a family, it’s also important that your partner and children follow good security practices, of course – you’ll likely end up paying for any weaknesses, after all.
Fortunately, getting a good password manager for your family can ensure that you’re all protected. Based on my testing and research, I rate 1Password as the best family password keeper on the market.
The provider offers excellent security, intuitive mobile apps and browser extensions, and great features for access for multiple users – I recommend it as the best password manager for couples and families. There’s also a 14-day trial, so you can test it out before committing.
FAQs
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References
- NordPass Had Undergone a Comprehensive Security Audit (NordPass)
- RoboForm Security Review (Secfault Security)
- LastPass 12-22-2022: Notice of Security Incident (LastPass)
- 1Password: Certifiably awesome password management (1Password)