1Password alternatives like Strongbox and Secrets 4 offer native Mac experiences with Apple ecosystem integration including Face ID, Touch ID, and AutoFill.
Open-source options like Bitwarden and Proton Pass provide transparency and free tiers with unlimited password storage across devices.
Dashlane bundles VPN access with password management, while Keeper focuses on enterprise-grade compliance and auditing.
Apple Passwords works for basic needs but lacks advanced features like file storage, breach monitoring, and cross-platform support.
Instead of purchasing multiple security tools separately, Setapp includes Strongbox and Secrets plus 250+ productivity apps. Try Setapp free for 7 days to create your best security workflow.
While 1Password has long been a trusted solution, it's not the only option. Honestly? I just didn't want to pay $5/month for a subscription. So I analyzed 8 alternatives to 1Password and compiled the main features of each option in this article.
Compare alternatives to 1Password: Features and pricing
Different password managers have different priorities when it comes to security and user-friendliness. Some focus on compliance with corporate policies, others emphasize data protection through open-source transparency, and some integrate additional security tools that go beyond simple password storage.
Now let's analyze each of them to understand which one best aligns with your goals.
Strongbox: Best 1Password alternative with KeePass compatibility
Strongbox brings KeePass database compatibility to macOS with deep Apple ecosystem integration. The app stores passwords, bank details, recovery keys, and private notes in fully encrypted KeePass-format databases, making it interoperable with other KeePass applications across platforms.
For users prioritizing transparency and local control, Strongbox's open-source codebase and one-time purchase model offer an alternative to subscription-based services.
“I’ve been using StrongBox on macOS after finally getting tired of 1Password, and honestly I wish that I’d switched sooner. StrongBox is great. The fact that it just uses a normal KeePass file means I’m not stuck with any company’s cloud or subscription. I dropped the .kdbx in iCloud Drive and it syncs perfectly to my iPhone without any hassle.
The app itself feels really polished. Face ID unlock is instant, AutoFill actually works every time in Safari, and I love that I can keep TOTP codes right in the same database. The Have I Been Pwned check is built in and super handy. Everything is fast, no weird bugs that I’ve noticed. Everything works nicely so far.
It’s exactly what I wanted: simple, private, and does the job better than the big names. Very happy with it so far”, says Dylan, a Setapp user.
Requires understanding of KeePass database structure
Price: Available on Setapp, a subscription platform with 250+ apps. You can try it free for 7 days.
Secrets 4: Best alternative to 1Password for users prioritizing Mac-native design
Secrets 4 delivers password management with an interface designed specifically for macOS. This 1Password alternative supports local vaults and iCloud sync, storing logins, credit cards, bank accounts, software licenses, and secure notes with attached images and documents.
“This application is a good replacement of 1password and a good complement to Apple password. it is pleasant and easy to use”, says Didier Varlot, a Setapp user.
Best features:
Local and iCloud vault creation
Storage for multiple data types: logins, credit cards, bank accounts, licenses, notes
Image and document attachment support
Touch ID and Face ID integration
Pros:
Beautiful, intuitive interface
Fast performance optimized for macOS
Seamless iCloud sync across Apple devices
Cons:
Apple ecosystem only (no Windows, Linux, or Android)
Price: Available on Setapp, a subscription platform with 250+ apps. You can try it free for 7 days.
Apple Passwords: Best for basic password management
Apple Passwords (formerly iCloud Keychain) provides password management built directly into macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18. The app handles password storage, strong password generation, two-factor authentication codes, and synchronization across Apple devices.
For users with simple password requirements who don't need advanced features, Apple Passwords offers a free, built-in solution without third-party software.
“I absolutely love Apple's passwords app for the reasons of 1) I trust Apple over any third party, 2) filling in passwords on websites works so seamlessly, 3) filling in 2fA codes now for apps/sites works great, 4) syncing across all my devices works perfectly, 5) manually looking up passwords or 2fa auth codes is now very simple (vs when you had to look it up through Safari), and lastly 6) passwords now can be autopopulated in Chrome”, shares a Reddit user.
Best features:
Pre-installed on Apple devices
Automatic sync across iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Two-factor authentication code generation
Strong password generation
AutoFill integration with Safari and system-wide
Pros:
Completely free
Zero additional software installation required
Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
Face ID and Touch ID authentication
Regular security updates
Cons:
Limited credit card and bank account storage
No breach monitoring or password health reports
Basic feature set compared to dedicated password managers
Price: Free
Bitwarden: Best alternative to 1Password (free and open-source)
Bitwarden is a leading open-source password manager providing transparency through publicly available code while offering the same functionality as commercial alternatives. The free version includes unlimited password storage on an unlimited number of devices — a key differentiator from competitors.
Users are choosing Bitwarden as one of the alternatives to 1Password, thanks to its high functionality and price (free or Pro features for $19.80 per year).
”1password has a great ui and a great product but cost $36 a year. Bitwarden in my opinion has a less refined up but is functionally the same as 1password”, says a Reddit community member.
Proton Pass: Free password manager with email protection
Unlike other 1Password alternatives, Proton Pass integrates email aliasing through “Hide-my-email” functionality. What does this mean for you as a user? If your account is hacked on one of the websites, hackers won’t get your real email address. And if your email is sold or leaked to third parties, you immediately know about it and can stop the spam.
What's more, Proton Pass doesn't just encrypt the password field but applies end-to-end encryption to all fields, including usernames, web addresses, and all data contained in your encrypted notes.
The main feature that sets Dashlane apart from other alternatives to 1Password is the built-in VPN. So you don't have to search for and pay for two separate solutions — it's convenient and reliable.
In addition, the platform includes comprehensive security features including dark web monitoring, phishing alerts, and password health scoring alongside traditional password management.
Best features:
VPN included
AI-powered phishing alerts and credential risk detection
Password Health score with hygiene insights
Passkey creation, storage, and sync across devices
Zero-knowledge encryption architecture
Pros:
VPN combined with a password manager
Affordable family plans ($7.49 for 10 users)
Includes dark web monitoring
Phishing alert system
Available on multiple platforms
Cons:
No free option
Individual plan more expensive than alternatives ($4.99/month)
Price: From $4.99/month.
Keeper: Best 1Password alternative for enterprise compliance and auditing
For businesses requiring detailed access control reporting, audit trails, and compliance documentation, Keeper is the best alternative to 1Password. It provides infrastructure beyond basic password management including SIEM integrations, SSO (Single Sign-On) support, role-based access controls, detailed audit logs, and team vault sharing with granular permissions.
Best features:
Zero-knowledge encryption model
BreachWatch dark web monitoring
Compliance certifications: SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP
Access control reports and audits
Administrative console for team management
Autofill and password generator
Pros:
Strong reputation
Comprehensive administrative controls
Detailed reporting
Suitable for regulated industries
Cons:
Overkill for personal or small team use
From $2.95/month
NordPass: Best for clean user experience with breach scanning
If you are looking for a password manager with a clean user interface and basic features, take a look at NordPass. It is not overloaded with features — instead, you get straightforward vault organization, built-in authenticator functionality, and proactive breach monitoring.5
Source: NordPass
Best features:
Data Breach Scanner Built-in TOTP authenticator
Passkey storage
XChaCha20 encryption
Password Health monitoring
Pros:
Clean, intuitive user interface
Breach monitoring included
Credit card monitoring in breach databases
Passkey support
Cons:
Less feature-rich than comprehensive alternatives
Price: Free or from $2/month.
To sum up: What is the best alternative to 1Password
Once you've decided to replace 1Password with an alternative, first identify the key features you're looking for in a password manager.
If you're interested in KeePass compatibility and deep Apple ecosystem integration, try Strongbox.
Secrets 4 is also a good choice for the Apple ecosystem and lacks cross-platform complexity, plus it has a user-friendly interface (just like NordSecurity, by the way!).
For basic things like storing and generating passwords, Apple Passwords is a good choice.
A special feature of Dashlane is its VPN add-on, while Proton Pass offers email aliasing. Keeper is best suited for regulated industries and organizations with strict security requirements, while Bitwarden is ideal if you want open-source transparency with unlimited passwords on a free tier.
Setapp provides access to both Strongbox and Secrets alongside 250+ productivity apps for one subscription price. Try it now and create an effective security model for your Mac!
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