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LastPass has been a top password manager for years — but many users are looking for an alternative after recent data breaches and security issues.
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Password managers are one of the most important parts of your cybersecurity toolkit — but not all managers offer the same level of security. While LastPass used to be a go-to option for securing your logins and sensitive information, recent security issues might make you think twice.
LastPass was hit with two massive security breaches at the end of 2022, with security researchers claiming victims have lost upwards of $35 million in stolen cryptocurrencies [*].
According to LastPass’ own research, 62% of people use the same password for different accounts [*]. And with more than 163 million personal records leaked in 2022, this means that your LastPass master password could be available to hackers — giving them access to your entire digital life.
If you’re a current LastPass user, or just looking to set up a new password manager, you should know what options are available to you. In this guide, we’ll explain why you should consider a LastPass alternative, and then cover five of the best password managers in 2024.
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Increasingly, scammers are after your account passwords — even more than your Social Security number (SSN). Password managers safely store your passwords behind military-grade encryption. This means that they’re always on hand for you but protected from hackers.
LastPass is a password manager that can help you generate and store passwords, and then quickly access them using one master password (or the LastPass Authenticator app).
With an affordable price point and a stack of useful features, LastPass has been one of the top options since it launched. However, recent data breaches and security incidents have seen users switching to competitors en masse.
With legitimate security concerns, many people are looking to switch to a different password manager. But which one is right for you?
While LastPass might have been a good choice in the past, many security experts are now recommending that users switch to another tool [*].
Here are five of the best paid and free password managers to choose from in 2024:
Aura is an all-in-one security solution that helps keep you and your entire family safe from online threats.
While Aura is known for its award-winning identity monitoring and fast fraud alerts, every Aura plan also includes powerful digital security tools that can help keep your passwords, accounts, and devices safe from hackers.
Aura’s included password manager works across most major browsers as well as Android and iOS devices. Aura secures your passwords with 256-AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) — the same encryption technology used by major banks and the military.
Aura proactively monitors your passwords online (and on the Dark Web), and will alert you if your credentials have been leaked in a data breach. Plus, with just one click, Aura can automatically update your passwords with stronger options on certain sites.
Aura offers three plans: Individual, Couple, and Family. All three plans include Aura’s suite of premium digital security features (including a secure password manager). The only difference is in the number of supported users and devices.
Here are Aura’s plans and pricing as of January 2024:
Aura’s Family Plan includes additional features such as parental controls, Safe Gaming tools to protect against predators and cyberbullies, and child identity monitoring.
For individuals, couples, and families in the United States you can’t get better, more comprehensive digital security than with Aura. Aura ensures that you and your loved ones are protected from the risks of unsafe passwords and ID theft.
Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that uses AES-256-bit encryption to store passwords. It’s one of the better-known (and affordable) password managers.
Bitwarden has all of the security tools you’d expect in a quality password manager. This includes two-factor authentication (2FA), password security auditing, breach monitoring, and local hosting.
Bitwarden’s code is open-source, which means anyone can check over it. The company also uses a zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption model (making it nearly impossible for your passwords to be leaked).
Bitwarden offers three subscriptions: Free, Premium, and Families.
Here are Bitwarden’s plans and pricing as of January 2024:
Bitwarden also offers business subscriptions for small teams and enterprises.
Bitwarden is a secure and reliable basic password manager that’s available at a great price point.
While it’s less intuitive to use than some of its competitors, Bitwarden makes up for this with solid features that help prevent account takeover fraud. The free version is also one of the best, lightweight, no-cost password managers that you’ll find on the market.
⛳️ Related: What To Do If a Scammer Has Your Email Address →
1Password is one of the most highly-rated password managers on the market thanks to its wide range of security features.
Here are 1password’s plans and pricing as of January 2024:
1Password is a great choice for individuals and businesses that need to protect their privacy at home and abroad. It offers a stack of features and support for all major devices, along with a strong history and good customer reviews. However, the lack of a free plan and other digital security features may turn off some users.
⛳️ Related: What Is Credential Stuffing (and How To Protect Yourself) →
Dashlane packs all of the most important password security features into a user-friendly tool. Dashlane makes it easy to import, generate, and share passwords, activate two-factor authentication (2FA), and check the health and strength of your passwords.
Here are Dashlane’s plans and pricing as of January 2024:
Dashlane also offers plans for business users, providing team and enterprise-level capabilities.
Dashlane is undoubtedly one of the best password managers, but its price can turn off many users. However, if you’re looking for a powerful manager with a few additional security features, Dashlane might be the best choice for you.
⛳️ Related: How To View (and Update) All Of Your Saved Passwords →
KeePass is a free, open-source password manager that provides more transparency than many other companies. However, while security-conscious users will appreciate the transparency, KeePass lacks many of the features that have come to be expected in modern password managers.
With AES-256-bit encryption, local hosting, and open-source code, KeePass can be trusted to securely store unlimited passwords. It should be completely safe from server-level threats (like data breaches).
KeePass is completely free, but offers two versions:
KeePass is a decent choice for tech-savvy users and will offer far better security than LastPass. KeePass has a good track record, and multiple cybersecurity experts have inspected the code, ensuring that it’s safe to install and use. However, other password managers offer more features in easier-to-use software.
⛳️ Related: How To Remember Passwords (and Secure Your Accounts) →
Most password managers let you export your passwords and import them to a new service. If you’re switching from LastPass to another provider, it’s easy to export your passwords in CSV format.
Start by selecting the LastPass icon in your web browser’s toolbar, and then select Log In. Sign in to your account using your LastPass master password and 2FA (if enabled).
Once logged in, navigate to Advanced Options in the left-hand toolbar. Then, under Manage Your Vault, select Export.
Enter your master password, and select Continue. The CSV file will now download automatically.
Note: This is for the latest version of LastPass. In older versions, navigate to Account Options > Advanced > Export > LastPass CSV File.
When you install your new password manager, you’ll be prompted to import previous password information. Simply select the CSV file you’ve downloaded, let the new manager import your data, and you’re all done.
⛳️ Related: How Do Password Managers Work? (Step-by-Step Setup Guide) →
Choosing a password manager comes down to trust and your digital security needs. In terms of online protection, the worst thing you can do is use non-unique passwords and store them in an insecure way.
So, what’s the best LastPass alternative? Here are our final rankings, along with what type of user each password manager will likely best suit:
While password managers are essential tools, you need more than just secure passwords to keep your online accounts safe.
A comprehensive, all-in-one digital security solution can keep your passwords safe — as well as protect your devices from malware, safeguard your identity, and ensure that no one accesses your financial accounts without you knowing.
Aura’s powerful password manager will help store and generate strong passwords. But it’s just a small part of the rich, proactive feature set that makes Aura an award-winning digital security solution.
Editorial note: Our articles provide educational information for you to increase awareness about digital safety. Aura’s services may not provide the exact features we write about, nor may cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat discussed in our articles. Please review our Terms during enrollment or setup for more information. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime.